Remembrance Day, known as Armistice Day or Veterans Day in some countries, was established after the First World War. On November 11, 1918, at 11:00 a.m., an armistice was signed, marking the end of hostilities on the Western Front. The "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" became a symbol of peace and respect for those who had served and those who had fallen. By 1919, several countries began commemorating this day, recognizing the massive loss of life and the enduring impact of war on families and communities. Did You Know? Nearly 20 million people lost their lives in WWI, and the effects were felt worldwide. Remembrance Day initially honored these victims but has since expanded to include all who served in subsequent conflicts.

"Every Child Matters" is more than just a slogan; it is a powerful reminder of a painful history and an urgent call to action for truth, healing, and respect. In Canada and other countries with Indigenous populations, "Every Child Matters" is part of the more significant movement for reconciliation, aiming to honour the lives lost in residential schools, acknowledge the trauma inflicted on Indigenous families, and support the well-being of current and future generations. The significance of this movement resonates deeply within Indigenous communities as they seek to heal from the past and protect their children's future! A Brief History of Residential Schools Between the late 19th century and 1996, more than 150,000 Indigenous children in Canada were forcibly removed from their families and placed in residential schools. The goal of these schools, primarily run by the Canadian government and various churches, was to assimilate Indigenous children into Western culture. This often involved banning Indigenous languages, practices, and beliefs while subjecting children to harsh discipline, neglect, and, in many cases, physical and emotional abuse. The impact was profound. Not only were these children stripped of their culture and family ties, but they were also robbed of their childhoods, with many enduring severe trauma. Thousands of children never returned home, and their families were left with unhealed wounds that continue to affect Indigenous communities to this day. The discovery of unmarked graves at former residential school sites has brought the harsh reality of this history back into the spotlight, underscoring the need for acknowledgment, education, and healing. What "Every Child Matters" Means Today "Every Child Matters" was first popularized through Orange Shirt Day, an annual event that began in 2013. Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor, shared her story of having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at a residential school, symbolizing the loss of identity and dignity experienced by so many Indigenous children. Today, the orange shirt symbolizes resilience, and "Every Child Matters" has evolved into a rallying cry for justice, remembrance, and action.

In today's world, we've drifted far from what's accurate and true! We're surrounded by rules, ownership, and restrictions on things that, by nature, should be free: the land, the air, the water, and the very Earth beneath our feet, but these weren't meant to come with price tags. But here we are, living in a world where the essentials of life are often treated as commodities. No One Owns the Land, Water, Air, or Earth! From an Indigenous perspective, these elements are sacred. Our ancestors have lived in harmony with the Earth for generations, recognizing that no one can truly own the land. The world doesn't belong to us, but we belong to it. Yet today, corporate interests, governments, and powerful entities act as though they hold the deed to nature itself. They place borders around water sources, pollute the air we breathe, and dig up the land with little regard for its sanctity. According to Algonquin and many other Indigenous teachings, our Creator has provided these gifts — land, water, air, Earth — as resources to be shared, protected, and honoured. They're free, just as they were intended to be. There's a deep sense of responsibility embedded in this belief. It's not about taking but about stewarding what was entrusted to us. So why does the Earth require a fee? The answer is simple: greed. Greed has placed a price on what was meant to be free. Fueled by profit, corporate interests have set the price for clean water, fresh air, and fertile land. They turn these gifts into resources only accessible to those who can pay. But Indigenous wisdom teaches us that these resources should not — and cannot — be limited to the wealthy. They are human rights, not privileges. The Power of Respecting Nature's Gifts 1. History of Indigenous Respect for Nature Indigenous cultures have a long history of respecting and nurturing the land. To the Algonquin people and other Indigenous nations, every tree, river, and mountain has a spirit. It's not just a resource; it's a living, breathing part of our shared world. In ancient times, there were no borders or fences because the concept of owning land didn't exist. Communities worked in harmony with nature, taking only what was necessary and giving back whenever possible.

For generations, the First Nation Algonquin people have revered the birch tree not only as a symbol of resilience and renewal but also as nature’s pharmacy! This sacred tree holds potent healing properties that our ancestors harnessed to treat a variety of ailments. Want to know how the birch can be a natural remedy? Birch Bark – Nature’s Anti-Inflammatory The inner bark of the birch tree was often used in teas to relieve pain and inflammation. Rich in salicylates (the natural compound that inspired aspirin), birch tea has been used to ease headaches, muscle pain, and even arthritis. For centuries, this tea was sipped to keep ailments at bay and restore vitality. Birch Sap – The Native Superfood Harvested each spring, birch sap is a nourishing drink packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It supports kidney health, hydrates, and is a natural detoxifier. Birch sap was traditionally drunk to welcome spring and cleanse the body after long winters. Birch Leaves – Skin & Respiratory Health Fresh birch leaves, used in poultices or boiled for steam inhalation, were applied to soothe skin conditions, like eczema, or to relieve respiratory issues. Their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties made them invaluable for healing. Honoring Our Heritage Each part of the birch tree has a purpose, and in Algonquin culture, we learned to harvest with respect! This practice ensures that we honour and preserve the natural world, maintaining balance and gratitude for the gifts the Creator has provided! Imagine the wisdom and power contained in a single tree and knowledge passed down, rooted in our connection to Mother Earth! The next time you see a birch tree, remember that it’s not just wood and leaves, but a healer and protector, a symbol of Algonquin resilience and respect for the land!

When you think of survival skills, what comes to mind? Building a shelter? Starting a fire? Foraging for food? While all these skills are crucial, one often overlooked element can be the real game changer in your survival toolkit: the sun. Imagine a world where you harness the power of sunlight! The Life-Giving Power of the Sun The sun is more than just a bright ball of light in the sky, but a source of energy that sustains life on Earth. From the tiniest plants to the largest mammals, everything depends on solar energy. In survival situations, understanding how to utilize this natural resource can mean the difference between life and death! Solar Energy: Your Best Friend In a survival scenario, the sun can provide you with crucial resources: Water Purification: Need clean drinking water? The sun can help! By using the solar still method, you can purify water by creating a mini-evaporation system. Simply dig a hole, place a container in the center, fill the surrounding area with brackish water, cover it with plastic, and let the sun do the work. The heat will evaporate the water, which then condenses on the plastic and drips into your container, giving you fresh water. Cooking with Solar Power: Forget about carrying heavy stoves or fuel. A solar cooker can be made from a simple cardboard box lined with aluminum foil. With the sun’s rays focused inside, you can cook meals using the sun’s energy. It’s eco-friendly and can save you precious resources. Navigation and Timekeeping Ever found yourself lost in the wilderness? The sun can be your guiding star! Using the Sun for Navigation: If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. By understanding the sun's path, you can orient yourself. The sun is at its highest point at noon, pointing south. Use this knowledge to navigate back to safety. Timekeeping: The position of the sun can help you keep track of time. If you have a watch, you can adjust it according to the sun’s position to ensure you’re staying on schedule during your survival journey.