About

In the early 2000s the Tribal Court adopted the Peacemaking Program, the title of that Peacemaking Program was “Gda Dwendaagnananik” In 2007 I became the new supervisor of the Department, my first steps were to learn about Peacemaking and update the program.  I attended an ADR Training, at the National Judicial College in Reno NV. This is where I was introduced to the concept of Peacemaking. What I discovered by attending that Peacemaking trainings was I had already been conducting Peacemaking. As a Spiritual Leader I had been doing talking circles to heal and bring about balance to the people. The talking circle is the approach that used in our Peacemaking sessions. When I made that connection the Peacemaking Program took shape. I now had the direction to create the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians own program. In creating the Peacemaking Policy and Procedures, I included two important goals to the department’s policy.

(a.) To help all member of the tribal community, children and adults, tribal employees, both tribal members and non-tribal.

(b.) To provide education and teachings to all communities about

Peacemaking and Anishinabek culture.

Those two program goals changed the focus of the program expanding the vision of the newly created program. In 2008 the expanded Peacemaking Program became known as “Odenaang Enjinoojimoying’ ‘A Place of Healing Many Hearts”

Two new programs were developed from this new direction, The first one being a three-day youth camp, teaching about our tribal customs, we also spoke about how peacemaking was part our culture.

Second, I planned, coordinated, and hosted, an annual Peacemaking Conference. The Department also taught an Advanced Peacemaker Trainings.

our on going goals are recruitment, and program development.