Four Directions Teachings. Com Testimonials

In the short time since its launch, www.fourdirectionsteachings.com has inspired dozens of unsolicited testimonials. A few typical samples of these many testimonials are included below.

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“Four Directions Teachings reflects a wealth of knowledge and depth of understanding in: community based research; working with diverse Indigenous communities; the political issues related to protecting and promoting traditional knowledge; and, the importance of community development as it pertains to creating and disseminating culturally sensitive pedagogical aids…  What I have seen demonstrates a remarkable potential to address a gap for Indigenous communities internationally by introducing innovative cultural educational practices.”

Victoria Tauli-Corpuz
Chairperson, UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Dame Nita Barrow Distinguished Visitor, University of Toronto

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“I absolutely loved the website and the wonderful teachings of our Ojibwe people. Would there be any way I could get this in a DVD format to use for our Ojibwe Classes?  We enjoyed this immensely.  I will be showing our elders this in class after Christmas.  We are in a tiny community with a 99% loss of our language and culture.  We are struggling immensely.  Miigwetch to all of you…”

Giiwegiizhigookwqay Martin, Ketegitigaaning Ojibwe Nation

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I work for Noojmowin Teg Health Centre, which is a health access centre located on Manitoulin Island.  Our staff have reviewed your website and think it’s a great resource.  We would like to add a link to it on our website, www.noojmowin-teg.ca.  Miigwetch.

Lenore Manitowabi

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I have been thoroughly enjoying the 4 directions website… it’s a wonderful resource!   I have already learned so much and I haven’t listened to all the chapters.  I printed off the transcripts and I reread them after I listen to the recordings.  I have also shared the website because I think it is a great example of how Oral Tradition can be maintained and passed onto new generations.

Daniela Rambaldini, Turtle Outreach and Conservation

Ahneen.  Wah-geh-hizhigo-migizi-kwe.  Anishnabekwe.  I just found your beaufiful web site.  I am teaching science and technology in the aboriginal teacher education program at Queens and I will be using your materials with my faculty of ed candidates from Manitoulin, 7 generations in Ft. Frances and Kenora, and also in James Bay… keep up the good work you are doing…. I look forward to seeing more great ideas on your website, and I’ll pass on to you what I have been gathering and working on with my faculty of education candidates.

Eileen (Sam) Conroy

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“Aanii/Hello.  I have only recently ‘discovered’ this excellent resource on the internet and want to offer thanks to the Elders for their sharing and for the Helpers who have made these Teachings available. On behalf of the Circle of Nations Learning Centre I would also like to acknowledge not only the information provided but the excellence of the website itself and the very ‘accessible’ and enjoyable way the information is made available. 

We have shared your web resource with our growing community here, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal and have received several very positive responses. We are in the midst of a series of Teachings on the Medicine Wheel and finding your website has been a great and timely gift for us.  I would like to offer a special and personal Chi Miigwetch to Grandmother Lillian who has been a great inspiration to me on this journey.  With greatest respect and thanks.  All My Relations.”

                                                Willy Bruce- Circle of Nations Learning Centre

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“Wow! All I can say is, this is just the greatest.  I am just a white woman, but I have always loved studying native tradition and culture.  I feel shy or that I am intruding on natives if I ask them questions about their customs.  Thanks for doing this and your kindness.  It is much appreciated.”

Cheryl Johnson

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I have a really special client. We'll call him "Bill". He is Mohawk. He presents as developmentally delayed, though he views it as a disability, not a limitation… He was raised sort of between Mohawk and Catholic traditions but favours his native roots. He's very out as a gay man and participates in the Special Olympics. He is, however, illiterate. I showed him the "Four Directions" site. He thought it was really good and easy to use once I showed him how. It was very affirming for him. He spent about 2 hours going through some of it and will probably spend several more there soon. There are no computers with sound in the house right now so I'll bring in my laptop so he can watch more. I got to see your work hit the perfect audience.  

Gary Bruce Miller, AIDS Hospice Program Director