This spring from June 16-18, the Anishinabek Educational Institute hosted its annual Spring Medicine Camp, bringing together students, staff, instructors, on-campus Grandmothers, and Knowledge Keepers for three days of land-based learning, traditional teachings, and cultural revitalization.

Rooted in Anishinaabe knowledge systems, the camp offered hands-on workshops, outdoor activities, and ceremony, creating space for wellness, intergenerational learning, and connection to the land.

DAY ONE: OPENING TEACHINGS AND CEREMONY

The camp began with Gokomis Glenna Beaucage, who shared teachings on the 13 Moon Governance System and Natural Law, helping participants ground themselves in Indigenous ways of knowing.

Workshops that day included the making of liquid smudge, soothing cedar footbaths, and a Medicine Walk with Norm Dokis. These activities invited participants to reconnect with plant medicines, mindfulness, and the natural world.

The day concluded with a Strawberry Medicine Pouch Workshop, where participants created sensory pouches using felt, beads, and traditional medicines, honouring Miin Giizis – Berry Moon and the connection between art, wellness, and cultural knowledge.

DAY TWO: WOMEN’S WELLNESS, CULTURAL CRAFTS, AND SACRED TOOLS

Day Two offered a full schedule of workshops centered on women’s health, cultural arts, and personal reflection.

Sam Stevens led a sewing session where participants created placemats for their feast bundles combining utility with meaning. Meanwhile, Norm Dokis returned to guide a Cedar Paddle Carving Workshop, encouraging participants to reflect on the teaching: “Who will you bring in your canoe?”

Megan Stevens, AEI’s Student Wellness Coordinator, facilitated a Bear Painting Workshop in the Ojibway Woodland Floral style, using visual art to explore Medicine Bear teachings.

Gokomis Glenna Beaucage continued her teachings with two powerful workshops:

• A Water Necklace Workshop, featuring copper cups to honour the sacred responsibility of women as water carriers.
• A Women’s Medicine (Mkwemshkiki) Workshop, where participants prepared tea using red willow, white ash, tamarack, high bush cranberry, and blue cohosh—traditional medicines used to support women’s reproductive health and balance.

DAY THREE: FOOD SOVEREIGNTY AND CLOSING CELEBRATION

The final day focused on Food Sovereignty, traditional food preparation, and celebration. Gokomis Glenna Beaucage prepared a nourishing meal of moose stew, wild rice and berry salad, deer meatballs, and wild mushroom soup, along with an appetizer tasting of wild jams including cedar jam, elderberry, crab apple jelly, red currant, and saskatoonberry.

Tory Fisher led a Traditional Fish Fry Workshop, showing participants two fire-cooking methods: slow-cooked whitefish wrapped in foil with seasonings, and hand-battered walleye fried in a cast iron pan. Participants shared stories and memories around the fire, connecting through food and family teachings.

Brenda Roberts led a Traditional Teas Workshop, highlighting the health benefits of burdock, red clover, milk thistle, and stinging nettle, while offering guidance on harvesting and preparation.

The camp concluded with a Drum Social led by the Juniper Drummers, who gathered around their grandfather drum to share songs, stories, and teachings. As the songs echoed through the trees, participants danced in the round closing the camp in celebration, gratitude, and community spirit.

MAAMWI GIKENDAASOMIN – WE LEARN TOGETHER

The 2025 Spring Medicine Camp served as a beautiful reminder of the strength inherent in Anishinaabe learning traditions. Through ceremonies, storytelling, carving, and cooking, every activity deepened our connection to our culture, the land, and each other. Participants of the AEI Spring Medicine Camp take home a copy of our Spring Medicine Camp Knowledge Collection filled with their newfound knowledge and fresh perspectives on how to uphold these teachings.

Chi-miigwech to all the facilitators, Elders, students, and staff who contributed to making this gathering a success. We eagerly anticipate carrying these teachings into the upcoming seasons.