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Elder Dave Courchene

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Dave Courchene - Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Leading Earth Man)

The Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education and Wellness is a sacred lodge of the Anishinabe Peoples, situated in Sagkeeng First Nation on the Southern tip of Lake Winnipeg, Canada.

The Lodge was built in 2002 in fulfillment of a vision received by Elder Dave Courchene. For the First Peoples of America, visions and dreams have always offered guidance in life. Following our visions has helped us remain connected to the Great Spirit and the land. The turtle for the First Peoples is a symbol of truth, and the Elders believe that Dave’s vision of the lodge can bring healing to people and peace to the world.

The Lodge is internationally recognized as a place for sharing universal and ancient knowledge, for reconnecting to the earth and nature, and for sharing among people of all races and nations. It is founded upon spiritual, land-based teachings that bring balance to life, with the fundamental goal of Mino-Pi-Mati-Si-Win – A Good and Peaceful Way of Life. Mino-Pi-Matisi-Win is about seeing, listening, feeling, speaking, and acting from the heart.

Elder Courchene is an international leader who addresses the climate crisis.

Curated by mokiethecat

A Time of Great Change and Opportunity by Dave Courchene

On 1/9/2013 12:36 PM, Turtle Lodge wrote:
First Nation Anishnabe Elder Dave Courchene of Turtle Lodge made a statement at the Elders Ceremony in Ottawa this morning.  Published on Jan 10, 2013


Known to many as Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Leading Earth Man), Dave Courchene has touched many lives through his teachings. Choosing to leave a successful career, he has devoted himself to learning the knowledge and traditions of Indigenous People. A respected Elder, his work has been seen around the world. Serving as a member of the Wisdom Keepers of the United Nations since 1992, he has acted in an advisory capacity to the UN in areas of spirituality and sustainable environmental approaches. In his efforts to bring message of peace and hope to the world, he founded Turtle Lodge in 2002. The lodge has since earned an international reputation as a place of learning, healing and sharing for all people. In efforts to continue carrying the message of peace across the world, he has most recently shared the stage with the Dalai Lama. From the Indspire Website here.

EarthSayer Dave Couchene

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