Elder teachings

Reflection by Susie McPherson-Derendy

Circles

“I am one who has been involved in a circle of learning for over 43 years now. The first half of those years was in recovery circles where I learned from many people about life and taking care of myself. In my story, I often want people to know I grew up there as I became a part of those conversations just one month after my 21st birthday. In the beginning, back then I went every day.

In Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book Braiding Sweetgrass, she says, “The Elders tell us that ceremony reminds us to remember to remember”. For me, I know that all of life is ceremony, but recovery circles, talking/sharing circles, learning circles, and ongoing conversations like the ones at Brandon University Indigenous Education Initiatives have contributed deeply to my own learning and many others that I know.

For the past several years, I have co-facilitated Blanket Exercises with my settler friend Debby. I think we have over the years done over 100 Blanket Exercises. As a part of the exercise that tells the story of the history of the relationship between Canada and Indigenous Peoples from an Indigenous perspective, I have sat as the Elder, leading the conversation in the circle intended for reflection, debriefing, and processing of our learning and awareness after each exercise.

The deep learning that I have gained from sitting with and listening to participants has been invaluable, and I never tire of hearing the stories from the Blanket Exercise and the stories of the people. It has contributed greatly to my learning and my teaching in the many opportunities I have to share my experience and knowledge with others.“