Mino Ode Kwewak N’gamowak (Good Hearted Women Singers) are an Indigenous and non-Indigenous women’s drum circle following the teachings of Community Elder Jean Becker, who began this group in 2003. We have been taught to follow the teachings of the Seven Grandfathers. These are the values of: Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, Truth and Wisdom. These teachings guide us in our relationships with ourselves and each other, and they help guide us towards living our lives in balanced ways.
Our outreach and singing in public has much to do with building more positive relations with Settler peoples. This is an important time in Canada’s history for Indigenous and Settler peoples. With over 150,000 stories of Indian Residential School Survivors having been told and the federal government having offered public apology for the atrocities that many Indigenous peoples experienced in those schools, Canadians are in a time of reconciling this devastating past. Not everything is in the past however. Colonization and assimilation policies still permeate the lives of many Indigenous peoples today. Our land, water and environment need our collective help! As told so many times before: Relationships are the answer. When Indigenous and Settler peoples get to know one another, Imagine the world that could be!
The Good Hearted Women Singers are committed to reaching out to all peoples and coming together in Song. Real change requires relationships. We need to get to know each other. When we know each other, we may begin to care about one another and our mutual concerns.
Collaborative partners with Truth and Reconciliation Response Projects, Mino Ode Kwewak N'Gamowak are sharing performances this summer and fall 2016. Everyone is welcome.
