Treaty 2 Territory- December 15th was a special day for us at MTNLive. We were treated with an honourable guest who joined us virtually from her home in the Ebb and Flow First Nation; Mrs. Mary Houle (widow of Late Elder Percy Houle).
Mary is a cherished Knowledge Keeper who has prayed with us, guided us, and has supported the formation of the Government of First Nations in Treaty Territory since the very early stages. Along with her late husband Percy, Mary has shared immense wisdom and teachings with people from all walks of life, for decades.
Using the internet, Mary graciously joined our live broadcast on Tuesday morning. Mary shared her story of how she is coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic, and the strict Code Red Restrictions. With so much faith, and resiliency, Mary shared how she keeps her immune system strong with Traditional medicines such as Sage, Cedar, and Wiikeh. She shared that her family clan consists of her children who live close by, as well as 145 grandchildren. Mary, like so many others, shared that she and her family struggle with the Code Red measures; especially with gatherings limited to 5, however, she stressed the importance of listening to Chief Wayne Desjarlais, and his plea for families to cooperate. Her husband always stressed how important it was to listen to the Chief.
Mary shared some unique moments of this unusual Christmas Season. She participated in a Virtual Christmas Pow Wow and won the Golden Age in the Jingle Category. Mary shared how she prays before she dances, as the Jingle Dress Dance is one of healing. Congratulations Mary! We are grateful for your prayers.
Mary spoke of the many online contests being held in the Nation, and commended the organizations for making these contests possible. She is truly enjoying it!
With Elders Gatherings, Christmas Concerts etc, being cancelled this year, it is heartwarming to see Elders like Mary being active, and enjoying the virtual entertainment. Congratulations to the organizations in Ebb & Flow for your efforts to entertain our Elders, and families online.
Corey “the Coyote” Whitford and Mary had a very enjoyable visit while live on Facebook. So many of Mary’s friends, relatives, and her Sundance family enjoyed seeing her online.
Mary has willingly agreed to join us again in the new year. We look forward to her beautiful and inspiring words, and teachings.
Miigwech Mary for making time for us, and for believing in the work we are doing. Thank you for sharing in Anishinaabemowin; as it inspires and teaches others to learn.
Mary, behalf of the Government of First Nations in Treaty 2 Territory, we wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas with special memories of Percy. We all miss him.
Miigwech. Gi-zaagi’in.
Submitted by:
Marlene Davis,
Communications Keeper
Last modified: December 19, 2020
