Eniethi’nikonhraiéntho’: “We’ll plant a seed in their minds” – McGill

March 6, 2018

The fragrance of sage hung in the air and the sound of drumming and singing was heard at the Faculty Club on March 1, from 4–7 p.m. for the official launch of the Indigenous Health Professions Program (IHPP).

“We welcome you to this ceremony, elders, Chiefs, change-makers, activists, students, educators, health professionals and allies. For us this is a ceremony,” IHPP Program Manager, Jessica Barudin, Kwakwaka’wakw, from the Namgis First Nation in British Columbia, told the group. “We are grateful to gather on this suburb of Kahnawake – we are in Mohawk territory. And as my elder always tells me, you know it will be a good ceremony when you have an elder and a baby.

“Elders? Check. Baby? Check,” Barudin smiled, referring to her own 10-month old daughter in her father’s arms.

Dr. Ojistoh Horn, a Mohawk physician and a McGill grad and obstetrician, shared traditional protocol, offering “Words before all else” in the Mohawk language. This is part of a protocol and ceremony never before experienced at the McGill Faculty Club.

Read More: http://publications.mcgill.ca/reporter/2018/03/eniethinikonhraientho-well-plant-a-seed-in-their-minds/