Ep 14: Managing Grief and Loss Through Culture and Ceremony with Wes Whetung

"Whatever you are suffering with, don't give up. Hang in there. There's a lot of people who've suffered. Just look back at the history of our peoples, the things we've survived and come through. Don't give up. There is help and you will find your way."

We're thrilled to have Wes Whetung on the podcast for this episode on the importance of ceremony and culture to manage grief, loss and many other challenges First Nations people are facing today.

This conversation was sparked by the recent Thunderbird Survey on Grief and Loss Among First Nations People. And the number one thing respondents to the survey wanted was to better understand grief and loss through the lense of culture. Which is why we turned to Wes. He is a ceremony maker, Knowledge Keeper, teacher, and helper. He originates from the First Nation community of Curve Lake Ontario and resides in the community of Mississauga number 8.

His training is extensive, but he says his most valuable skills are derived from the Sacred Teachings, and ceremonial healing practises of the Anishinabe Midewin. 

He has actively supported the Three Fires Society Midewin Lodge for over 40 years. And is currently working with Indigenous inmates at the Beaver Creek Institution in Gravenhurst, Ontario. 

In this smart and thoughtful conversation, Wes and Carol talk about the historical impact of the loss of land, language, identity among First Nations people, caused by Residential Schools and other forms of systemic racism.

They discuss how a connection to culture helps us to move through grief and the experiences of loss. And the remedy through ceremony. What works best and what resources are available.

This conversation was sparked by the recent Thunderbird Survey on Grief and Loss among First Nations People. And the number one thing respondents to the survey wanted was to better understand grief and loss through the lense of culture.

For more on the work of Thunderbird Partnership Foundation, please visit our website at www.thunderbirdpf.org

You can find us on social media by searching for ThunderbirdPF  

Mino Bimaadiziwin is produced by Thunderbird and David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions.

Our theme music is by Courtney Riley, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.