​Our Traditions, Our Future

Skinning and preparing the Spruce roots.

In 2009, we began a 4-year project entitled Our Traditions Our Future (OTOF). OTOF was an Algonquin/Ojibwe education, hands on training and support project. The project aimed to increase Indigenous capacity to revitalize cultural practices, traditions, and teachings, and to create works of art. These cultural practices included regalia, drum-making, birch bark canoe building, and more. Along with the cultural trainers who taught Indigenous community members, Elders came to Plenty Canada to talk about the 7 sacred teachings, and to conduct ceremonies on a regular basis. OTOF helped approximately 500 families in Algonquin and Ojibwe communities reclaim or improve traditional skills, and access low-cost technology for traditional resource development.

Plenty Canada continued the OTOF program through partnerships with conservation authorities, the Canadian Roots Algonquin Exchange Program, First Nations, local youth groups, and more. The need to expand our reconciliation element occurred with the release of the TRC Calls To Action in June of 2016. Recently, we partnered with the Lanark County Neighbours for Truth and Reconciliation by hosting a series of birch bark canoe building workshops. Through the pipe and big drum ceremonies, we facilitated a discussion about our shared understandings and vision for reconciliation. Storytelling and hands on cultural sharing has ignited an increase of public interest. Requests for our projects have accelerated within mainstream and Indigenous communities alike. Consequently, we have increased our focus on reconciliation discussion, while continuing to prioritize Indigenous capacity building.