Love is a critical part of our spiritual existence—but how do we love when life is so turbulent? According to Knowledge Keeper Marilyn Dykstra, love is vital to upholding the foundation of the Cree ways of being. The path is easy she says, if we are mindful that love should help our spirit grow and provide empowerment.

In May, frogs are singing their love songs during this moon. Join Marilyn for this Cree Teachings workshop to learn about love and the Frog Moon. 

“We need to surround ourselves with people who support our sacredness,” Marilyn explains, “because the human spirit is sacred all the time.”

Marilyn will share how all the natural elements live within us and around us, and how they continuously show us love by supporting our existence. Mother Earth shows her love when she grows our plants and medicines for our wellbeing. Father Sky provides the home for our ancestors to dance with us in the aurora borealis, and offers the precipitation that supports all life. 

Grandmother Moon controls the water that nourishes all creation. Grandfather sun provides the spirit and fire to keep our homes hospitable. He also reminds us that no matter how hard things can become, we have the spirit to overcome.

Just as the frogs sing their love songs during this moon, let’s metaphorically sing our love songs too while we learn how to move back into creating supportive relationships and empowerment.

Workshop

This workshop is part of a monthly Wahkowtowin and Ways of Being series led by Knowledge Keeper Marilyn Dykstra. Each month, we will explore a variety of moon, pole and tea teachings in the Cree tradition.

Wahkowtowin – which translates to kinship – highlights how relationships, communities and the natural world are all interconnected.

Participants will discover and reflect on their connections with each other, with balance and with human rights through teachings and a traditional tea.