3 Indigenous Fathers Keeping Their Culture Alive

There's a wonderful article in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix that highlights the lives of three Indigenous dads who are making sure their children will be passing on traditions and cultural teachings to the next generation.

TJ Warren (Diné): “I want my daughters to continue on the compassion that we have as First Nations people to not only ourselves but the world,” he said. “And to never sell ourselves short, understanding who we are and what we can achieve as First Nations people.”

Warren is a champion chicken dancer and his wife Dabney is a jingle dress dancer from Big River First Nation

Randy Morin (Big River First Nation): “I want them to be proud. They see me and their mom proud. We walk with our heads high wherever we go,” he said. “We raise our voices when we see injustice. I want them to follow their own path, but to know who they are and be stronger.”

Morin teaches in the Department of Indigenous Studies at the University of Saskatchewan.

Ace Lafond (Muskeg Lake Cree Nation): “We didn’t have written teachings. It was more verbally taught,” he said. “It was all about taking something, learning something, making it your own and that’s what you pass to your children.”

Lafond grew up in urban areas so he didn’t have a strong connection to his traditions until he had children. So they're all learning together as a family!

Definitely check out the full article if you can, a really great and inspiring read!