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Kookum, the Medicine Keeper

11/15/2019

3 Comments

 
Before the introduction of modern medicine, the Kookums (Grandmothers) were the traditional keepers of knowledge of herbal plant remedies. They were midwives for the Anishinaabe community and had an understanding of a whole range of medicines that could cure illness that their families might encounter. This knowledge was not exclusive, but was something that was shared between First Nations women and their children, including the Métis. 

This is why we must honor our grandmothers and our mothers, for they hold the wisdom and knowledge of generations of mothers and grandmothers before them.
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3 Comments
Gaston Lavoie link
11/16/2019 05:09:01 am

Thank you

Reply
Wau'e'ashta'
11/16/2019 06:26:49 am

My grandmother was the same that you speak of, she was born in 1895 and she passed in 1991. When she was a child the tribe was forcefully removed from Nebraska to Oklahoma. She helped many people in her lifetime. When I was young, she would take me to pick herbs, she told me what they were used for and how they would help. Today I help people when they ask me, if I can.

Reply
Dolly Potts
11/16/2019 08:34:43 am

Along with the physical the helper also takes care of the spiritual, mental and emotional healing. These make us a whole human being. In a good way we help each other.




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    Kade M. Ferris, MSc

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  • Home
  • The Turtle Mountains
    • The Leaders
    • The Ojibwe people
    • The Metis People
    • Native Hall of Honor
  • Our Culture
    • The Pow Wow
    • Metis Music/Dance
    • Local Foodways
    • Local Music
    • Local Artists
  • Heritage Blog