Learning never ceases as Indigenous culture and teachings are important topics to discuss all-year round and one St. Marys group’s mission is to do just that.
The Kaswentha Two Row Now, a Huron-Perth organization of Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members, hosts learning circles for people to learn more about indigeneity.
The next 13 Grandmother Moons Learning Circle will be held on Oct. 12, discovering the topic of Yutekhway^he, which means storing food.
The events are done in partnership with United Way Perth-Huron, and takes place at The Local Community Food Centre in Stratford from 10 a.m. to noon.
Learning Circles are hosted by Oneida First Nation elder and a member of the Turtle Clan, Patsy Day. Day spoke with My Stratford Now to explain the heritage and history behind the Two Row Now group.
Day said the Haudenosaunee, or people of the Longhouse, have been on this part of Turtle Island, or southwestern Ontario for over 13,000 years.
A Wampum is a physical contract or agreement made of seashells put in a specific pattern.
The Two Row Wampum is comprised of three white rows with two purple lines separating them. The first white row represents respect.
Next, the purple row portrays the canoe going down the “river of life”, meaning Indigenous people and their own beliefs and ways of living.
The second white row represents trust. The other purple row represents European ships and the Dutch or European beliefs and ways of living.
The final white row represents the friendship that is created on the foundation of respect and trust.
The Two Row Wampum was established hundreds of years ago and the Kaswentha Two Row Now group is working to re-establish it.
Day explained the importance of teaching these lessons in schools, as children are the most “precious” part of society.
“So our children are going to carry this forward, and when we talk about reconciliation they’ll be the ones that will really do it right,” said Day.
To learn more about the Kaswentha Two Row Now group, visit their website.
