Mamow Shkaawin “Coming Together”

Supporting Each Other Through the Fall and Winter Blues

Following Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin “Everyone working together to raise our children,” Tikinagan Child & Family Services promotes coming together and working with one another in all the work we do. Whether you’re a teacher, Kookum, Foster Parent, Auntie or Uncle, we are all part of someone’s circle of care. As for how to practice the Mamow Way, look no further than Mamow Shkaawin “Coming Together.” By supporting and caring for each other, we strive to bring light to anyone going through dark times.

Cathy Fobister is a Cultural Educator who has been helping facilitate Kikendamowin – “Teaching Knowledge”: a 20-minute bi-weekly online learning series for Tikinagan staff to learn and share their knowledge. In her sessions about Traditional Parenting, Fobister said that the 13 holes on the front of a tikinagan where thread is wrapped to protect the baby represent the 13 moons in the Anishinaabe Calendar. With the moon out longer during this time of year, we can turn the darker days around and embrace more time with both the moon and our loved ones. In honour of the 13 moons, here are 13 ways we can embody Mamow Shkaawin and come together this season:

Follow nature and embrace the oncoming Hibernation: Animals mark this time of year as preparing for rest during the wintertime. Follow in their footsteps (or paw prints) and begin to provide nourishment and warmth for loved ones. Embrace the oncoming hibernation by gathering new recipes you want to try, new creative indoor hobbies, make plans to spend time with loved ones, and prepare your den to make winter feel cozy and warm inside while it’s frosty and cold outside.

Volunteer: Nothing warms up our heart and souls more than giving back to our communities. Look for opportunities to volunteer in your community and even make it a group effort; bring some friends and loved ones along.

Tikinagan Fall Feasts: During this time of year, Tikinagan Child & Family Services helps communities come together and prepare a Fall Feast for everyone to come together, eat delicious food, and enjoy each other’s company. To strengthen a relationship with the communities we serve, Fall Feasts bring us together; whether we are coordinating the venue and date, prepping, and serving the food, or meeting and getting to know community members. Fall Feasts remind us that this time of year is important to come together and be present in the moment with our loved ones and make many wonderful memories…and eat tasty food.

Find the Light at Night: It happens every year, but we are still shocked by it: it’s suddenly pitch-black outside at 5PM. The darker days can feel isolating. The world once covered in sunlight is now gone and you’re not ready for bed just yet. Take this time to bring the light to you. Build a fire to embrace quality time with family or friends and use it as an opportunity to cook dinner over an open flame. Or bring it indoors by using candles (real or electric) to create a warm and cozy atmosphere with your loved ones.

Help Our Elders: Elders are one of our 9 values that represent Tikinagan Child & Family Services’ Guiding Principles. Our Elders provide us with wisdom, guidance, direction, and encouragement. It is important that we return the favour and come together to help them during the cold and darker months. Whether it be carrying things for them, helping them around the house, or just providing company, use this time to prioritize coming together to help those who guide us on our journey.

Cozy Winter Hobbies: Come together as family, friends, or community to explore hobbies and traditional arts and crafts. At times, it may be too cold or dark to be outside, so make plans to stay in and have fun. Whether you are drawing, painting, beading, sewing or crafting, using this time to embrace winter hobbies and crafts will keep you connected with yourself and others. You may even discover some hidden artistic talents!

Carve out Connection Time: Mamow Shkaawin is all about connection and support. What better way to create connections with family, friends or loved ones than to make this an intentional part of the day? Whether at the dinner table or just before bed, make time for conversations. Try not to talk over one another or take up more of the room. Give everyone a turn to share and learn what their loved ones are up to.

Virtual Check-In: While it may be easy to chat with loved ones near you, those who live far away may feel even farther during this time of year, either by distance, temperature, too much snow, or a combination of all three. Combat the distance by using technology to your advantage. Whether FaceTime, Zoom, or just a phone call, make a regular occurrence of long-distance hang outs to keep connected.

Quick Check-In: This time of year can be hard, with feelings of isolation and loneliness creeping in with the darker days. Whether through text, in-person or via letter (sending letters is still cool), reach out to those you care about and tell them you just wanted to check in and remind them of how much they mean to you. A little reach can go a long way.

Reach out to Mental Health Resources: A friend’s message can do a lot, but sometimes, we may need a bit more. Share and check out resources if you or your loved ones are going through a difficult time.

Daily Fresh Air: While it may be colder, there is no denying fresh air does wonders for our overall health. Take the extra step (literally) and get together with friends for outdoor walks. Make it a regular occurrence and something you look forward to throughout your day.

Move Your Body: Tackle winter blues by finding a physical winter activity to do by yourself or with loved ones such as skating, sledding, and snowshoeing. If it’s too cold, move it indoors and take up another activity like yoga or have your friends over for an indoor dance party. Whatever gets blood pumping and everyone smiling!

Mamow Shkaawin For You: This time of year is about getting ready for winter hibernation. Your own circle of care within you needs to remember that too. Check in with yourself regularly and see how this colder, slower time of year is affecting you. Whether it’s journalling, talking to a loved one or deep breathing, bring your whole being together to check in and practice self-care.

Use some or all these tips as a starting point to celebrate Mamow Shkaawin “Coming Together” and the arrival of more time with the moon.

-Tikinagan Child & Family Services Staff