The Sacred Role of She Who Leads with Buffy Handel

In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller speaks with Buffy, a proud member of the St. Theresa Point First Nation. Buffy shares her unique upbringing in the bush, emphasizing the importance of connection to nature and the cultural values of Indigenous life. She discusses her role as a matriarch, the responsibilities that come with it, and the significance of mentorship in Indigenous culture. The conversation highlights the need for investing in youth and the deep spiritual connection that defines true leadership within the community. In this conversation, Buffy shares her profound experiences as a matriarch, reflecting on the spiritual responsibilities that come with the role. She discusses the importance of leading by example, navigating leadership in challenging environments, and empowering the next generation. The conversation emphasizes the significance of authenticity in love and leadership, highlighting the need for vulnerability and connection within families and communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Buffy's upbringing in the bush shaped her understanding of life.
• Indigenous culture emphasizes connection to all living things.
• Words are medicine; they carry responsibility.
• Being a matriarch is a deep spiritual responsibility.
• Investing in youth is crucial for community growth.
• Cultural practices should not be diluted or misinterpreted.
• Mentorship is essential in Indigenous culture.
• A matriarch leads by example and serves the community.
• Self-awareness is key to personal and communal responsibility.
• True leadership comes from humility and love.
• Being a matriarch involves setting a spiritual tone for the family.
• Ceremony and spiritual practices can aid in healing and connection.
• Authenticity is essential for genuine love and leadership.
• Leadership is about observation and understanding your environment.
• Empowering the next generation is a key responsibility of a matriarch.
• It's important to maintain a balance between giving to others and self-care.
• True matriarchs create space for both men and women to thrive together.
• Engagement with Indigenous communities should be rooted in genuine contribution.
• Listening and observing are crucial in understanding community needs.
• The journey of personal growth is intertwined with family and community responsibilities.

Featured Guest: Buffy Handel

Buffy Handel, a proud member of St. Theresa Point First Nation in Manitoba, is an award-winning entrepreneur, artist, educator, and Executive Director of a thriving non-profit. She is celebrated for her innovative fusion of traditional and contemporary Indigenous performance as founder of the Aboriginal School of Dance, Manitoba’s first professional dance studio dedicated to Indigenous arts. Buffy’s leadership and mentorship have reached thousands of youth, and her work as a businesswoman and cultural custodian has transcended disciplines and borders—from Canada to Germany and beyond.

Buffy’s journey demonstrates the power of blending tradition with modernity, creating a narrative that is both inspiring and essential in today’s pursuit of economic reconciliation and diversity. She is recognized for her commitment to youth development, her holistic approach to mentorship, and her ability to bridge the worlds of business and culture with wisdom rooted in matriarchal teachings.

Host:

Rod Miller — President and COO of the Connect Partnership Group, producers of Forward Summit and Workforce Forward.