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Keynote Presentation Summary
miyopimatisiwin: Community Building through Cultural Reclamation
miyopimatisiwin is a Cree term that describes “the good life,” and is a concept taught by Elders as something we should continually aspire to attain. For nehiyawak (Cree people), miyopimatisiwin is founded on the “nehiyaw Natural Laws” of the Creator that include kindness, sharing, honesty, strength/determination and encompasses all aspects of a human’s development (physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual).
In traditional nehiyaw society, each member of society had established roles and responsibilities which were vital to the survival of that Nation and gave a sense of purpose to each individual. Every person was valued for the gifts they were given by the Creator and could share amongst the community. With the introduction of various federally sanctioned assimilative policies, traditional nehiyaw societies were transformed and many of these roles, responsibilities, and teachings have been forgotten. The unfortunate consequences of such transformations have left many individuals and entire communities wounded and in recovery generations later, in search of their identity and place in society. An exploration of Cree Ceremonies (nehiyaw isihcikewina) and their relation to pride, self-efficacy, the adoption of healthy behaviours, and their ultimate role in the building of communities that are vibrant and self-sustaining societies working towards miyopimatisiwin will be discussed.
Keynote Speaker - James Andrew  Makokis
James Andrew Makokis is 25 years old, was born and raised on the Saddle Lake Cree Nation located in northeastern Alberta where he grew up with his older sister Janice and a large extended family. James attended the University of Alberta and graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science – Nutrition and Food Science. He pursued graduate studies at the University of Toronto and graduated in 2006 with a Master of Health Science – Community Nutrition. Currently James is attending the University of Ottawa’s Medical School and will complete his undergraduate medical training in 2010.
James has been involved in research projects in Indigenous communities that have examined the socio-cultural influences of pediatric overweight in Cree communities of James Bay, the experiences of Indigenous people with HIV/AIDS in the year following their diagnosis, and most recently exploring the effects that dialysis and chronic kidney disease can have on families and on the community of Saddle Lake. During his undergraduate degree, James volunteered with the “Streetworks” program in Edmonton, helping to distribute harm-reduction supplies to Edmonton’s inner city residents. He has been a volunteer contributor and column writer relating to health and wellness issues for “Spirit” magazine. In March 2007, James received the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in the “Youth” category. He is currently the National Spokesperson for the National Aboriginal Achievement Organization’s Youth Role Model Program. An avid runner, James has completed four marathons.
Upon completion of his post-secondary training, James would like to return to his community and assist to improve the health of his community, learn nehiyawewin (Cree language), and practice nehiyawak (Cree) ceremonies on a more regular basis.
Key note Speaker - Dr. Leona Makokis
Leona Makokis is a member of Kehewin Cree Nation and is a former Blue Quills Residential school student. In the mid 1960’s she enrolled in secretarial program at Vermilion Agricultural and Vocational College (Lakeland College) in Vermilion, Alberta. When Blue Quills First Nations College offered a Bachelor of Administration program through Athabasca University, Leona attended and convocated in 1979. Upon graduating with an Administration Degree, Leona was hired as the Executive Director at Blue Quills First Nations College and worked until 1988.
In 1989 with a Bachelor of Education -Majoring in Secondary Business Education from the University of Alberta,- she returned to Blue Quills First Nations College to work as the President. In 1992 she advanced her education by attending a Masters program, majoring in Educational leadership at San Diego State University, and convocating in 1994. In 1995 she was accepted into a Doctoral program at the University of San Diego and defended her dissertation in 2001. Her dissertation title is Teachings from Cree Elders: A Grounded Theory Study of Indigenous Leadership. During her masters and doctoral studies she managed to work full time as the President of Blue Quills First College.
As part of her role at the college, Leona continues to teach in the Leadership and Management Program and in the Cree Language Immersion program. She also co-presents and co-facilitates a variety of workshops with various college team members. Leona presently team leads several research projects.
Leona was awarded honorary degrees from both the University of Alberta and Athabasca University. She also received Educator of the Year Award from the Enoch Cree Nation and recognized as a Woman of Vision by the YWCA, Edmonton.
Leona attributes her success to being a team member and embracing the learning opportunities provided to her by community, elders and ceremonies. She never forgets the legacy left by the true visionaries of the 1970’s who acted on ‘their responsibility to educate their own children’. She believes that it is now our turn to carry on the torch and further the dreams and aspirations of our parents and grandparents. She acknowledges and is deeply grateful for the continued support she receives from the Blue Quills board, staff, students, and thanks her family for always being there.
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