Kijiikwewin aji

Abstract

Kijiikwewin-aji means ‘to become a woman now’ in Algonquin and describes the heart of the research.  Sweetgrass stories is part of the research methodology used with traditional Indigenous women.  I formed an Indigenous research methodology called sweetgrass story weaving which focuses on traditional Indigenous women as they share their moontime stories.  I also share information relating to the historical roots and present state of rites of passage with traditional Indigenous women.  You will read traditional Indigenous women’s voices as they look back through lived experiences; hope and determination when looking forward to the future, and the shared theme of wanting their cultural traditions and ceremonies to live on through future generations of Indigenous girls and women, including young men. What is the current state of the Berry Fast, understanding the assimilative nature of colonization and the effects it has had on Indigenous women? How can we continue to honour these rites of passage while living in a world both with traditional Indigenous worldviews and colonial constructs?  Over time, the collective strength and wisdom of traditional Indigenous women will increase which is a step in the decolonized direction of preventative health care which promotes mino bimaadiziwin.