Our Stories and Oral History

Indigenous law is founded in Indigenous stories. They outline the principles by which we work and live. Our oral history is extremely valuable and holds key lessons that everyone can learn from. For example, key First Nations values are sharing and reciprocity, as illustrated by the story* of the squirrel leaving something behind for the moose. This value informs our way of life. It is also important to reference crow stories, as Crow was considered by many responsible for the world taking on its present form. Crow was the creator, the trickster, the transformer. Crow stories will help to engage and “wake up” elders, who in turn will engage their families and communities.

~ Dianne Smith, KDFN Elder

In developing methodology for Indigenous Land Relationship Planning, we will consider all aspects of the land and water, including the dwellers that inhabit these spaces. Our relationship with the land and water spans generations, rooted in history and reciprocity. It is that relationship rather than a suite of resources that we honour, protect and pass on to future generations so that they, too, can learn to walk with the land and water in a positive way.

“The Elders are important and hold the knowledge base. Language and culture is an important and valued resource”.

~ Elder attending Southern Lakes Elders Visioning, May 10, 2017 Helen’s Fish Camp

“We’re not here to serve ourselves - Dikee Aankaawu (creator) made everything for a purpose and that purpose is to serve others, - like the moose serves us, the wolves, bears, even the plants in both its life and death - all things, all of nature same thing - it is about serving others - we do so in life and in death”.

~ Pete Sidney, C/TFN Elder