Working for Tomorrow
Supporting Conscious Change in Professional Environments
Grandfather T8aminik Rankin and Marie-Josée Tardif
In a constantly evolving world, Grandfather T8aminik Rankin and Marie-Josée Tardif are committed to working for tomorrow by offering inspiring talks and workshops aimed at supporting a shift in consciousness within professional environments, especially among emerging leaders. Their recognized expertise spans various sectors, from public service to private enterprises and academia. Their innovative approach inspires and guides individuals and organizations toward a more promising and sustainable future. Whether in-person or online, their presentations are always experiential, leaving a lasting impression on participants.
Here are the themes we can offer:
Okima
Leadership and Well-Being
Indigenous Perspective on Leadership
“My father passed on medicine to me, not power. That’s very different. In our culture, Okima, the true leader, understands that we are all interdependent. Okima does not speak with a political voice. They act for the common good. They speak the language of nature.”
In the teachings of Grandfather T8aminik Rankin and Marie-Josée Tardif, this quote reflects the spirit with which they guide leaders around the world. In the Indigenous view, leadership is not limited to men; women have always held central roles within Indigenous communities and organizations. They are regarded as equals and complementary partners, embodying the voice of the Earth and feminine wisdom. This highlights the importance of introspection, listening, silence, reflection, and emotional intelligence—elements that the modern world must rediscover to restore balance.
Anicinape
Awareness of Indigenous Realities
Immersion in the World of First Peoples
This workshop generates significant interest in professional settings, captivating and moving participants from the very first moments. Providing a reflective pause, it invites us to explore the ancestral wisdom of Indigenous peoples, allowing us to reconnect with our own essence. Equally powerful and gentle, the workshop raises awareness among participants about the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples following colonization while revealing the profound richness of a culture that remains relevant in today’s world.
The Anicinape workshop is offered in a one-day or half-day format. It begins with a powerful exercise: “the Circles Exercise,” followed by Grandfather T8aminik’s personal testimony about his experience in residential schools and his remarkable journey toward acceptance and reconciliation. The impact of the Circles Exercise combined with Grandfather T8aminik’s narrative leaves no one indifferent, prompting deep reflections on harmonious coexistence and a return to more humane values in our daily actions.
They Called Us Savages
A Vibrant Testimony on Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Inspiring Talk Related to ” They Called Us Savages”
During this talk connected to ” They Called Us Savages,” written by Marie-Josée Tardif, Grandfather T8aminik generously shares both the brightest and the darkest pages of his life journey. After experiencing the beauty of his ancestors’ nomadic life and surviving the heartbreaking trials of residential schools, he conveys a powerful message of reconciliation. His narrative sheds light on the concepts of acceptance, forgiveness, and healing, drawing on the invaluable teachings of the medicine wheel. This testimony is invaluable in an era when humanity faces a crucial choice between two paths: reconnecting with our inner world or self-destructing in a frenzied race toward technological development.
Mino Matisiwin
A Philosophy of Well-Being: Mino Matisiwin
Talk on the Foundations of the Medicine Wheel and the Seven Teachings
The expression Mino Matisiwin, from the Anicinape language, refers to well-being and well-living, characteristics of this First Nation once known as the Algonquin.
In this talk, Marie-Josée and Grandfather T8aminik invite us to discover the fundamental principles of the medicine wheel and the Seven Teachings to achieve this state of well-being.
Join them on a journey into the heart of the boreal forest, imbued with songs and words of wisdom inherited from a millennia-old tradition. This philosophical teaching, both accessible and profound, helps us better understand and accept life’s challenges while seeking harmony with nature and our true essence.
Nitakinan
Advocacy for Mother Earth
The Deep Meaning of Nitakinan
When the Anicinape people refer to the land they inhabit, they call it Nitakinan, literally meaning “our land.” However, this translation does not fully capture the concept of Nitakinan, as for Indigenous peoples, the Earth is viewed as our mother. It cannot belong to us; rather, it is we who belong to her. Grandfather T8aminik and Marie-Josée emphasize this intimate interaction with the living world, highlighting the crucial importance of transforming our own being to truly heal the Earth. According to them, all climate change must first and foremost take place in the heart and mind of humanity.
Testimonials
“I joined Dominique and Marie-Josée for the last hour of the web conference. I’m overwhelmed with happiness and joy. It’s so beautiful and inspiring! What a beautiful call to life, to self-fulfillment. I feel so privileged and at the same time so small when I look at all I have to aspire to! Thank you for giving us access to such teachings. It was the first time I met them, and I so hope it’s not the last.“
Valérie Lavoie
President and Chief Operating Officer
Desjardins General Insurance Group
“The Anicinape workshop exceeded all my expectations. There are no words to describe the experience. As soon as we walked into the room, we were welcomed like family (maybe even better than some families!) and I could feel the air transforming around me. We were no longer where we thought we were. We were where we were meant to be. There was so much energy all around! My tears flowed without restraint from the moment I entered the room, until the moment I left.“
Patricia Falls
Occupational Health and Safety Officer
Canadian Space Agency
“We surveyed the members of our Parcours Relève to find out how much they appreciated the program. Once again this year, you are among our participants’ favorites. You’ve made a big impact and been so transformative for all these young leaders. For that, we want to say thank you thank you thank you for being our FRIENDS !”
Michelle Alarie
La Maison des Leaders
”What a beautiful, touching, inspiring and moving conference… I loved it. I had seen reports on the subject before, but not all the human aspects behind the character, the suffering of a people. What an inspiration! The process of mental healing and forgiveness. The way of seeing life’s obstacles, time, work, fellow human beings… Thank you so much for sharing!”
Participant in an online conference
I.A. Financial Groupe
“The links we forge are enriched, and the work we’ll have to do in the Gendarmerie institution will in turn be enriched, in ways we don’t yet realize. Your presence and your contribution are infinitely precious.”
Nicolas Chapard
Psychologist, Gendarmerie nationale – France
“Your session was a real success. Your words and messages resonated throughout the week, during the training session you kicked off. Know that you had a great impact on a whole community of human beings!“
Diane Houle-Rutherford, MA
Department of Justice Leadership Program, Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa
“We are truly so grateful for your workshop and support on the last Moose Hide Campaign Day. We received a lot of positive feedback and, as always, your teachings and support were the highlight of the day. Thank you so much!“
David Stevenson
Executive Director, Moose Hide Campaign
“A great gift of yesterday’s meeting was leading many into their hearts and out of the intellect. You could see it in the energy of the participants and in the exchanges that followed… So precious and necessary!“
Martin Calvé
Intergénérations Québec
“Once again, I’d like to thank you so much for coming to do the training this week. The cadets told us this morning that they really appreciated your warmth, your perspective and your honesty. They really enjoyed the session! “
Katherine Robertson
Senior Program Officer
Aboriginal Program Awareness
Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada
Contact us for a session in your organization
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