GEN7Path

“Canada, keep our home on Native land” is a call to acknowledge truth, honor Indigenous sovereignty, and protect the sacred connection to the land. It urges unity, respect, and collective responsibility for reconciliation and healing.

Elizabeth May's response to Donald Trump wanting Canada to become part of America #asmr #news Elizabeth May's response to Donald Trump wanting Canada to become part of America

The Seventh Generation Principle, rooted in Haudenosaunee teachings, emphasizes making choices today that will positively impact the next seven generations. It focuses on environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and healing intergenerational trauma to ensure a sustainable future for all.

GEN7Path led by Laurie Shaw-Greyeyes, brings this principle to life through music, storytelling, and Truth and Reconciliation events. Their work fosters healing, unity, and cultural connection, ensuring that future generations inherit a world rooted in respect, wisdom, and balance.

“Even when the road gets bloody and tough, we walk it with courage, resilience, and love, knowing every step carries the strength of our ancestors and the hope for future generations.”

National Ribbon Skirt Day is observed annually on January 4 in Canada. This day honors the significance of ribbon skirts in Indigenous cultures, symbolizing identity, resilience, and a deep connection to Mother Earth.

The inception of this day is attributed to Isabella Kulak, a young girl from the Cote First Nation in Saskatchewan. In December 2020, Isabella wore a ribbon skirt to her school’s formal day but was told it wasn’t appropriate attire. This incident sparked a national movement celebrating Indigenous culture and led to the establishment of National Ribbon Skirt Day. 

For the Cree people, ribbon skirts hold profound cultural importance. They are traditionally worn by women during ceremonies and special events, representing womanhood, identity, and a connection to the earth. The colors and designs of the ribbons often convey personal stories, family heritage, or spiritual beliefs. Wearing a ribbon skirt is a testament to the strength and resilience of Cree women, reflecting their enduring cultural heritage. 

In Cree culture, the ribbon skirt is more than just attire; it’s a symbol of survival and adaptation, embodying the stories and experiences of Indigenous women. The practice of wearing ribbon skirts has been revitalized in recent years, serving as a means of cultural expression and pride. 

National Ribbon Skirt Day serves as an opportunity for all Canadians to recognize and respect the traditions and expressions of Indigenous cultures, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their rich heritage. 
Key Cree Words:
• Ribbon Skirt: astotin iskwēw pīsimohkān
• Woman: iskwēw
• Respect: miyowīcihitowin
• Love: sōhkitēh

The ribbon skirt remains a powerful symbol of healing, identity, and cultural resilience.

“Creator, shine your light upon Turtle Island in 2025. Bring restoration to the lands, the waters, and the hearts of all who call this sacred place home. May we walk with compassion, guided by ancestral wisdom, with love for each other and reverence for all our relations. Let unity, truth, and reconciliation flow like mighty rivers, bringing healing to every corner of this land. Aho.”

A Closing Intention for 2025

“As I step into this new year, I honor the resilience and strength of my ancestors. I commit to walking the path of transformation—not just for myself, but for my family, my community, and the generations yet to come. May my spirit soar, my voice inspire, and my heart remain open to both the land and the people around me.”

This deeper reflection invites you to move beyond surface-level transformation into a space of profound, lifelong commitment.

As we welcome this new year, may the spirit of Wâhkôhtowin —“we are all related”—guide us on a path of truth, healing, and reconciliation. May we honor the stories of the past, embrace the courage to face hard truths, and commit to building bridges of understanding and respect between all people.

Let this year be a time for meaningful conversations, deep listening, and shared actions that heal wounds and create lasting change. May our hearts remain open, our spirits strong, and our commitment unwavering as we work together to create a future where every voice is heard, every story valued, and every step forward taken in unity and love.

May this year bring healing, hope, and a renewed commitment to walking this path together.

“Merry Christmas from GEN7Path. May the spirit of the season bring healing, love, and light to your heart and home. As we walk together in the spirit of Wahkotowin— ‘we are all related’ — may our connections grow stronger, our stories be shared, and our traditions honored.”

Laurie Shaw Greyeyes’ vision for 2025 is deeply focused on personal healing and the healing of her people. She is committed to continuing her journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth, embracing the land, traditions, and teachings of her ancestors. Through this personal healing, she seeks to empower her people, creating spaces for reconciliation and the restoration of Indigenous identities.

Her goal for 2025 is to facilitate deeper healing and unity within Indigenous communities, helping them reconnect with their roots, rebuild intergenerational bonds, and heal from past trauma. Laurie envisions creating more opportunities for education, cultural exchange, and healing through GEN7Path, while amplifying Indigenous voices and wisdom. She aims to foster a deep sense of belonging, strength, and resilience, while inspiring collective growth and transformation.

The Winter Solstice is a sacred time of reflection, renewal, and the rebirth of light. For many Indigenous peoples, it marks a deep connection to the cycles of life and a reminder of our shared responsibility to walk in balance with all our relations. The darkness invites us to sit with our truths, honor our ancestors, and seek the wisdom needed to grow.

As the sun begins its return, let it carry a collective prayer for healing in 2025—a wish for Truth and Reconciliation to deepen between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. May this year bring the courage to face hard truths, the humility to listen, and the unity to build a future rooted in respect, understanding, and shared hope for the generations yet to come.

Gen7Path wishes you all a very Merry Christmas on the Road to Truth and Reconciliation.

This Christmas, may we walk with grace,
Together united, in love’s embrace.
On the path of truth, where healing begins,
May peace and understanding grow within.

May the spirit of reconciliation shine bright,
Guiding us forward with wisdom and light.
In each heart, may kindness take its place,
Building bridges across time and space.

As we honor the past and look to the new,
May hope and harmony carry us through.
Merry Christmas to all on this sacred way,
May we journey together, day by day.

Indigenous Peoples play a vital role in protecting the Earth, guided by their deep spiritual connection to creation and a worldview that sees humans as part of an interconnected whole.

Their traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), rooted in thousands of years of living in harmony with the land, offers sustainable approaches to caring for the Earth.

For many, creation stories emphasize the responsibility to protect the land, water, and all living beings as sacred gifts.

These teachings shape practices such as regenerative agriculture, controlled burns, and water guardianship, which are critical for biodiversity and climate resilience. By honoring the Earth as a living entity, Indigenous communities embody a relational approach to environmental stewardship that can guide humanity toward healing and sustainability.

Long ago, the Creator shaped the world with love and balance. First, they breathed life into the land, shaping mountains, rivers, and forests. Then came the animals, each gifted with unique wisdom, followed by the first humans, who were entrusted with the sacred duty to care for the Earth.

The Creator spoke: “You are all connected—what you give to the land, it will give back. Treat all life with respect, and harmony will guide you.”

But one day, humans grew careless, taking more than they needed. The land grew tired, and the animals became scarce. Feeling the pain of the Earth, the Creator sent a gentle wind carrying a message: “Remember my teachings. Walk in balance, and life will flourish again.”

From that day, people began to listen, honoring the Earth and living in harmony, knowing they were part of a greater circle.