The Living Circle: Seven Grandfather Teachings
Indigenous Teachings & Drumming
Duration: 60–90 minutes Description: This immersive, culture-based session connects fundamental Indigenous ways of knowing with direct group experience, making it an excellent choice for a powerful team-building or cultural literacy event. Drawing on my Dakota and Ojibwe heritage…
Communication Skills Practice
Dancing / Expressive Movement
Group Activity
Group Synchrony & Harmonisation
Journalling & Reflection
Playing Instruments
Workshop
Description
Duration: 60–90 minutes
Description:
This immersive, culture-based session connects fundamental Indigenous ways of knowing with direct group experience, making it an excellent choice for a powerful team-building or cultural literacy event. Drawing on my Dakota and Ojibwe heritage and experience as a performer and educator, I guide the group through a learning journey that focuses on universal ethical principles and the power of collective harmony.
Exactly What I Will Offer (Session Flow):
| Time (Approx.) | Activity Segment | Description |
| 5–10 minutes | Introduction & Cultural Framing | I will introduce myself as a Professor of Indigenous Studies and a Dakota person, establishing a safe, respectful space. The segment sets the context of the drum as the heartbeat of the people and frames the session as a teaching in Indigenous Identity and community building. |
| 20–30 minutes | The Seven Grandfathers Teachings | A presentation and interactive discussion on the Seven Grandfathers Teachings (wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth). I will connect each teaching to modern group dynamics, ethical decision-making, and leadership, inviting brief group reflection on how the teachings apply to team values. |
| 25–40 minutes | Rhythm and Belonging Workshop | This is the core interactive component. Drawing from my experience with the Red Spirits Singers and Dancers, I will demonstrate the basic protocol and significance of the hand drum. Guide participants in learning a simple, collective hand drum rhythm to experience immediate synchronization and collective harmony. (Drums can be provided or simulated if necessary. Teach participants a simple social dance (such as a round dance steps) and explain its meaning as a demonstration of unity and relationship-building. |
| 5 minutes | Closing Reflection | A final moment of reflection on how the rhythms and teachings underscore the importance of collective identity and mutual respect, tying the cultural experience back to the initial goals of team cohesion and cultural literacy. |
Benefits
The Living Circle: Seven Teachings, Rhythm, and Belonging
Summary of Benefits:
- Powerful Cultural Immersion
- Attendees move beyond passive listening to actively experience Indigenous music, rhythm, and dance protocol, creating a more memorable and respectful form of cultural literacy.
- Strengthens Ethical Leadership and Values
- The session provides a foundational framework through the Seven Grandfathers Teachings, which can be immediately applied to reinforce ethical decision-making and shared team values.
- Enhances Team Cohesion and Relationship-Building
- The collective act of learning and sharing the song and dance teaching promotes synchronization and non-verbal communication, leading to genuine feelings of collective harmony and cohesion.
- Fosters Perspective and Empathy
- Learning principles of Indigenous ways of knowing directly from a Professor and survivor promotes a deeper perspective on worldviews, which is essential for developing empathy and supportive relationships in the workplace.
- Increases Engagement and Confidence
- The interactive, accessible nature of the rhythm and dance segment encourages active engagement from all participants, regardless of background, and boosts confidence in participating in future cultural settings.
Additional Experience Info
A fee of up to $5,000 CAD is justified for the seminar, because it is delivered by a highly accredited professional: an MSW and Professor of Indigenous Studies with 20 years of practice. The content offers unmatched value as it integrates my personal narrative as a Sixties Scoop survivor with specialized knowledge of Indigenous child welfare and social work perspectives. This specialized training provides essential ethical competency and risk mitigation for organizations seeking to improve their practices and commit to reconciliation.
Hosted by jay Lomax
About the Host
I am a proud Sixties Scoop survivor from Dakota Tipi First Nation. Drawing from my profound lived experiences in colonial foster care and adoption, I have dedicated my life to community healing. I am a Professor of Indigenous Studies and an Instructor in the Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work (BISW) Program at First Nations Technical Institute on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. I have taught Indigenous culture at several Ontario colleges and universities for over eight years. This follows a 20-year career that included work as a social worker and adoption worker serving the Indigenous population in downtown Toronto. I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW). I am also an established cultural performer and educator who shares a broad range of knowledge, including Birch Bark Teachings, Indigenous ways of knowing, Cultural practices, Song and Dance teachings, and perspectives on Mental Health and Social work practices. I also present extensively on personal topics, such as Sixties Scoop Survivor skills and Indigenous identity. Over the last 25 years, I have delivered hundreds of cultural talks and presentations, including for a crowd of 65,000 at the World AIDS Conference in Toronto, sharing Dakota and Ojibwe dance and drumming as a long-time member of the Red Spirits Singers and Dancers. My story highlights the vital role of Indigenous social workers in fostering healing and belonging, inspiring us all to continue supporting communities and traditions.
Travel Locations
I would like to travel to England, Greece, Spain, Germany, Japan and Korea, Italy, France, Croatia, Czechia, Austria, Netherlands, Budapest, Barcelona, Portugal, Dublin Ireland, Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, Estonia, Montenegro, Belgium, Finland, Poland,
Focus Areas
Creative/CultureWell-being/Health
Location
Max Tanenbaum Courtyard Garden, 227 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1E8, Canada
Languages
English
Corporate Experience
Moderate
Session Types Offered
Passive/performative (eg. music, meditation, artist etc.)
Past Experience Doing Sessions
Yes - Performing
Client Requirements
Microphone, video screen, access to HDMI for laptop.
Past Clients
CIBC, BMO, TD, TDSB, TMU, FNTI,
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