In this session, Cree Knowledge Keeper Marilyn Dykstra invites visitors who have completed the two years of Full Moon teachings to rejoin again to continue their commitment.

New Goose Moon teachings in May signal renewal, provision, and movement across the land. When this new moon arrives, its darkness carries teachings that begin from stillness and intention setting while listening closely to the rhythms of the earth. The returning geese embody lessons that are guided by instinct and timing while trusting unseen pathways. In the quiet of the new moon, generosity begins as an inward commitment before it becomes outward action, reminding us that sharing is first rooted in our own commitment to a life of gratitude.

As the crescent grows, so too can our intentions to give. The Goose Moon historically meant fresh iron enriched food after the winter and creating opportunities to practice generosity as a responsibility rather than an individual choice. Under new moon teachings, happiness is cultivated through reciprocal relationships with the land, with one another, and with spirit. When we set intentions to practice generosity during the New Moon, we plant seeds of joy that expand with the light. Like the geese who return each spring, generosity follows cycles; what we offer to others eventually circles back, renewing both community and heart.

Method of teaching

The method of teaching will utilize Indigenous pedagogy as well as incorporate a traditional tea. Participants will discover their relatedness and interconnection with human rights and balance.

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 Inninewak (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.

Traditional Helper Peyton will support the teachings while she continues her learning journey within Wahkowtowin.

Marilyn Dykstra is a status Bill C31 First Nations woman from northern Manitoba. She has been immersed in a working matriarchal system that practised Indigenous ways of thinking and being since she was born. Alongside her family, she has participated in many peaceful social justice movements.

Marilyn uses her matriarchal knowledge as a foundation for her work in the Indigenous community, which has been ongoing for over thirty years. She still follows her matriarchal teachings, but she has also spent her life learning traditional knowledge and passing the teachings on.

She is a pow wow dancer, knowledge keeper, and she carries the responsibility of a bundle. She happily participates in naming ceremonies, sweats, pipe ceremonies, moon teachings and more.