Six Nations Polytechnic recently hosted a meaningful Grief and Loss gathering, bringing together students, staff, and community members to explore healing and understanding through a Haudenosaunee perspective. The event was designed to provide a supportive space, cultural teachings, and practical tools to help individuals and communities navigate loss.
The day began and concluded with opening and closing remarks from Chris Skye, who set a respectful and reflective tone for the gathering. Morning teachings were shared by Haudenosaunee Knowledge Keeper Wendy Hill, followed by afternoon teachings from one of Haudenosaunee Knowledge Guardians, Jock (Leroy) Hill, both of whom spoke from lived experience and cultural knowledge. Their guidance offered attendees deeper insight into the ceremonies, protocols, and teachings that help Haudenosaunee peoples carry themselves and support one another through times of grief.
Participants received giveaway bags containing blankets and culturally symbolic items connected to teachings from Condolence ceremonies, providing tangible reminders of the knowledge shared throughout the day. The event also featured a deer roast and turkey meal, thoughtfully selected to reflect traditional foods that have sustained and carried us, reinforcing the cultural significance and intention behind the gathering.
By centring Haudenosaunee knowledge and ceremony, the event broadened understanding of culturally grounded approaches to grief and reaffirmed Six Nations Polytechnic’s commitment to supporting holistic wellness through traditional teachings and community connection.
“The Student Affairs team was approached by staff and students who expressed a need for Traditional Grief and Loss Teachings due to the number of losses we have had in our community in recent months. This grief could not only be felt within the Six Nations Polytechnic, but within the community as a whole. As a result, we knew we needed to respond in a way that honoured our people, our teachings, and the cultural supports that guide us, by creating a space where healing, understanding, and connection could be shared through Haudenosaunee knowledge.
By coming together through the sharing of traditional knowledge, stories, food and community, we were reminded that healing is a pathway strengthened by our ancestors’ teachings. Our Traditional Grief and Loss Gathering illuminated how our Haudenosaunee knowledge lifts us, carries us, and inspires us to walk forward with compassion, strength, and renewed connection to one another.”
- Nancy Maracle, Director of Student Affairs
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