Kokum Rebecca's Story: Holding Space for Cultural Reconnection

Initially, kokum Rebecca was referred to Kun Wang, a Roots and Wings worker from Delton school, as part of our All In for Youth Program to develop parenting skills as she raised her grandchildren. During their time together, three of Rebecca’s family members were deceased and her self-care and loss & grief became the focus. Kun recommended cultural events at The Family Centre (TFC), and Rebecca showed interest.

Kokum Rebecca first came to see Mountain Offering Woman Tracy, our Knowledge Holder at TFC, for smudge teaching and practice. She wanted to be reconnected to ceremony and was very open to learning. From Onion Lake First Nation, Rebecca is a second-generation residential school survivor, as her parents attended residential school. She has been married for 31 years, works, and likes to bake.

Rebecca connected with Tracy as soon as they met and built a close relationship. Tracy made an intentional effort to honour Rebecca, her voice, and her experience throughout their time together. She soon attended smudge kit making, tea and bannock, and the spring equinox pipe ceremony.

Tracy held space for Rebecca to share her stories, and they shared feast ceremony protocol stories together with many others. While getting to know her, Tracy noted Rebecca’s thirst to learn and her positivity.

Rebecca shared about her time together in ceremony with Tracy: “I’m so grateful to have met you and to share the knowledge that we both carry and to pass it on to others.”

Currently, Rebecca is busy raising her grandchildren and just recently moved back to Onion Lake First Nation with them. She shares that she is doing well, will continue to live the teachings, is settling with her three grandchildren in Onion Lake, and will remain connected to Tracy.