Indigenous knowledge keepers educate top Canadian air security officials on sacred bundles at Turtle Lodge

Elder Dave Courchene (leaning forward) and former Manitoba Chiefs’ Grand Chief, Derek Nepinak speaking with Canadian Air Transport Security Authority on February 5

Staff

On February 5, 2019, respected Indigenous Knowledge Keepers from Manitoba met with senior representatives of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) at Turtle Lodge.They discussed respectful ways of screening Indigenous sacred bundles at Canadian airports and customs entry points.

A sacred bundle or a medicine bundle is a wrapped collection of sacred items, held by a designated carrier, used in Indigenous ceremonies.

This first meeting was initiated by former Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs’ Grand Chief, Derek Nepinak (second from left).