ST. PAUL – The Lakeland Family Resource Network (LFRN), in partnership with Jan Tailfeathers, is bringing Traditional Teachings to the community, with the program set to start this week.
Tailfeathers is the Parent Liaison at the University nuxełhot’įne thaaɁehots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills (UnBQ)
Traditional Teachings is “a lifestyle, our traditional ways that were passed down from generation to generation,” according to Tailfeathers, adding, the traditional teachings are the sacred knowledge of the First Nations people, their cultural beliefs, language, and protocol of teachings.
Tailfeathers said that traditional teachings are how Indigenous people taught their children values, ethics, and the traditional way of life, that is, until “residential schools came. It took all that away.”
She added that traditional teachings are important because they are the foundation of an ethical way of life.
Kim Ouellette, Family Resource Network Coordinator in St. Paul, says she is excited for Tailfeathers to share her knowledge and educate both Indigenous and non-Indigenous families about the culture.
“[Traditional Teachings] is going to be running once a month and next week is our first one,” said Ouellete, last week, encouraging the community to come and check it out.
The first Traditional Teachings with Jan Tailfeathers was scheduled for Sept. 27 at the Lakeland Family Resource Network, which operates through the regional FCSS office in St. Paul.
According to information from LFRN, the Traditional Teachings program will take place monthly and will educate people through “stories, interactive play, and crafts.”
