Joseph Naytowhow: waniskâ “Wake up!” to Wholeness through nêhiyawîhtwâwin

Abstract

In this article, the authors present the teachings of nēhiyaw (Cree) Emerging Elder and Knowledge Keeper Joseph Naytowhow. In a celebrated nēhiyaw (Cree) fashion, storytelling and language are used as examples of a non-linear and sometimes complicated journey back to self, culture, nature and healing. Against the background of being kidnapped, imprisoned in a religious institution, and robbed of all-things nēhiyaw (Cree), this article offers a sense of Joseph Naytowhow’s journey back to intimacy, love, and affection which aids in one’s search for emotional safety. Joseph utilizes nîhiyawiwin knowledge tools such as dreaming to aid in his journey back to nîhiyawiwin (Cree culture) and nehiyawewin/Cree language. From a residential school internee to a leader and Emerging Elder, he notes the importance of mentors in a relational approach to healing. This article provides an invitation through “the sunrise song” to “Wake up!” and create a more respectful and reciprocal world of internal wholeness.

Vicky Boldo/kisêwâtisiwinyôtin:iskwew (Gentle Wind Woman): From Individual to Intergenerational Healing

“…kisêwâtisiwinyôtin:iskwew's statement aligns with collective sentiments from survivors of colonial abuse who note that there is an experience of longing. This is akin to Joseph Naytowhow (featured in this special edition of Genealogy) who contends that due to the conditions of state-instituted residential schools, he "must have wondered about love and affection because deep in some cavern of [his] mind and heart, [he] had an idea there was something missing" (Naytowhow and Kephart 2021). This recurring symbol of a gap, "hole" or part of one's being that is "missing" provides insight into how one's despair points to what they long for (Todd and Wade 1994;Wade 1997; Richardson and Wade 2008;Carriere and Richardson 2009;Richardson and Wade 2010).…”