Parenting Together

Healing and connection are at the heart of Indigenous cultures, particularly within the Mi’kmaq traditions. Rooted in a deep respect for Mother Earth, the Great Spirit, and the interconnectedness of all living beings, Mi’kmaq spirituality offers profound insights into what it means to heal not just as individuals, but as families and communities. These principles provide a foundation for overcoming trauma, fostering resilience, and building stronger bonds within and beyond our communities.


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1. Healing Begins with the Land

For the Mi’kmaq, the land is not just a resource—it is a teacher, a healer, and a spiritual force. The natural world is viewed as sacred, and every element—trees, rivers, rocks, animals—possesses a spirit. This worldview fosters a deep sense of connection and respect for the environment, which is integral to healing.

Lessons for Healing:

Spend time in nature to reconnect with yourself and find clarity.

Practice gratitude for the natural world, recognizing it as a source of strength and guidance.

Incorporate rituals that honor the earth, such as smudging, offering tobacco, or holding ceremonies in natural spaces.


When we root our healing in the land, we ground ourselves in something greater than our individual struggles, drawing on the strength and wisdom of generations before us.


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2. Connection Is the Path to Healing

In Mi’kmaq culture, connection is seen as both the journey and the destination of healing. This connection extends to family, community, ancestors, and the Great Spirit. Trauma often severs these bonds, but healing requires their restoration.

Fostering Connection:

Within Families: Share stories, honor traditions, and create safe spaces for open dialogue. In my own family, reconnecting with my grandmother’s stories as a survivor of Indian Day School helped me understand our shared resilience.

Within Communities: Engage in collective activities such as feasts, dances, and ceremonies that celebrate unity. These moments remind us that healing is not a solitary act—it’s something we do together.

With Ancestors: Acknowledge the wisdom of those who came before us. This might include learning about traditional practices, songs, and language to honor their legacy.


When I reflect on my grandmother’s strength, I am reminded that our ancestors faced incredible adversity, yet they persevered. This resilience is our inheritance, and it empowers us to heal and thrive.


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3. Language as a Bridge to Healing

The Mi’kmaq language is experiential, meaning it is shaped by lived experiences and conveys deep, meaningful connections. Language is not just a tool for communication—it’s a way of understanding the world and our place within it.

Why Language Matters:

Reconnecting with Indigenous languages can help bridge gaps between generations and restore cultural identity.

Words have power. Speaking and hearing our language reminds us of who we are and where we come from.


In my own journey, learning about the meaning behind my name, Tashena, has been a source of pride and connection. “Her Shawl” and “Little Star Sitting by the River” reflect both a protective spirit and a sense of belonging, tying me to my Mi’kmaq heritage.


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4. Healing Through Community

Indigenous healing emphasizes the importance of community. Strong communities provide a support system where individuals can share burdens, celebrate successes, and find a sense of belonging. However, modern society often prioritizes individualism, creating isolation and barriers to connection.

Building Community:

Recognize that healing is not linear and requires patience, understanding, and mutual support.

Advocate for spaces where people can come together—whether through parenting groups, cultural events, or support circles.

Resist societal pressures that isolate us, like over-reliance on technology, and prioritize face-to-face connections.


When we create environments that encourage connection, we foster resilience not just for ourselves, but for everyone around us.


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5. Breaking Cycles of Trauma

Intergenerational trauma is a painful legacy for many Indigenous families, including my own. The history of colonization, residential schools, and systemic discrimination has left scars that continue to affect families today. However, the Mi’kmaq perspective teaches us that while trauma can be passed down, so can healing.

Breaking the Cycle:

Reflect on harmful patterns inherited from the past and consciously choose to break them.

Incorporate traditional teachings, like the Seven Sacred Teachings (Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and Truth), into daily life.

Share your healing journey with others to inspire and encourage change.


For me, breaking the cycle has meant recognizing the ways intergenerational trauma shaped my own parenting and choosing a different path. By embracing patience, compassion, and traditional values, I strive to give my children a stronger foundation.


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6. The Role of Ceremony and Art in Healing

Mi’kmaq culture has a rich tradition of ceremony, music, and art, all of which play a vital role in healing. Whether it’s through drumming, storytelling, or creating visual art, these practices provide an outlet for emotions and a way to process pain.

Incorporating Creativity into Healing:

Use music, dance, or visual art as a way to express feelings that words cannot capture.

Participate in cultural ceremonies to find peace and connection.

Share these practices with children to foster a sense of pride and belonging.


For me, storytelling has been a powerful tool in both personal and community healing. Sharing my experiences helps others feel less alone and reminds us of our shared strength.


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7. Moving Forward Together

Healing from trauma is not easy, but Indigenous perspectives remind us that we are never alone. Whether it’s through the support of family, the wisdom of elders, or the guidance of the Great Spirit, we are always connected to something greater.

As we move forward, let’s remember the importance of honoring our traditions, protecting our communities, and fostering connections. Healing is not just about mending the wounds of the past—it’s about building a brighter, more connected future for the generations to come.


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By embracing these principles, we can draw strength from the Mi’kmaq teachings and continue the work of healing—for ourselves, our families, and our communities. Let’s walk this path together, hand in hand, grounded in the wisdom of our ancestors and the hope of a better tomorrow.