The Four Directions
An ORIGIN Publication that features insights into Indigenous culture and traditions from Traditional Knowledge Keepers, community highlights, ORIGIN's engagement with communities, partners, and more!
North Direction, Issue 16
A Message from the President
As always, chi-miigwech for being a part of the ORIGIN community! Our goal with this newsletter is to keep you up-to-date with the latest news and opportunities from our team. Whether it’s our new VR experiences, workshops, or recruitment possibilities, we want to make sure you’re in the loop.
We want The Four Directions to be as relevant and helpful as possible, so if you have any suggestions or new ideas on how we can improve, let us know!
Miigwech for your continued support as we work together toward growth and innovation.
Melissa Hardy-Giles
President and CEO
Connection to the Four Directions
Sweetgrass – Wiingashk
Sweetgrass, or in Ojibwe, Wiingashk is the sacred medicine associated with the North direction. Sweetgrass grows by the water and can look similar to tall grass but has a purple hue close to the root. It also has a distinct smell that it can be identified by.
Wiingashk is considered the hair of Mother Earth. When sweetgrass is braided, it represents the balance of the body, mind, and spirit. Sweetgrass can be used for smudging and provides a calming effect.
Source: Downie Wenjack
COMPANY NEWS
Indigenous Engagement and Training
Wake the Warrior Program in Wikwemkoong
The members of Wikwemkoong were the first to participate in the Wake the Warrior Pre-Employment Program! This engaging series is designed to support participants in building essential skills, boosting confidence, and ensuring they are work ready.
Cannexus 2025
Attending Cannexus 2025, a workforce development conference, was a great opportunity to create new connection and reconnect with some familiar faces! Surrounded by individuals working in the same space gave us new perspectives and ideas to take back to the team.
Production Updates
VR Experience on Gang Prevention
The ImmersiveLink team is working on a project with the City of Thunder Bay to create virtual reality content focused on gang prevention. The VR experience will be used as part of a bigger workshop designed to engage, communicate and educate youth on gang prevention. We will be tackling the complex methods gangs use to recruit and coerce youth in an effort to educate and prevent youth becoming victim to gang activity.
Where you can find us
Think Indigenous Education Conference
April 2nd to 4th
Regina, SK
We’re excited to be presenting at the 2025 Think Indigenous conference, Canada’s largest and only grassroots International Indigenous Education Conference where they highlight Indigenous knowledge and bring together Indigenous thinkers.
Atlantic Native Teachers' Education Conference
May 14th to 16th
Elsipogtog First Nation, NB
Presenting on the ImmersiveLink 7 Ethics course, we look forward to joining ANTEC. This conference features a diverse range of topics designed for all education stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on Indigenous education and the revitalization of Indigenous cultures.
Community Spotlight
Wikwemkoong First Nation
We are excited to spotlight Wikwemkoong, a long-standing partner dedicated to supporting their community with workforce development. They recently hosted us for the Wake the Warrior pre-employment program that equips participants with essential skills for success! Their commitment to their community and bringing in effective programming does not go unnoticed, and we are happy to be a part of this great work. Miigwech Wiki for working with us!
For upcoming opportunities in Wikwemkoong, make sure to visit their site.
Learn More
WebsiteService Highlight
Wake the Warrior Pre-Employment Program
This engaging program is designed to support your clients in building essential skills, boosting confidence, and ensuring they are work-ready. During this program, you can expect:
- Comprehensive work readiness workshops
- Interactive activities and application exercises
- Graduation ceremony for successful participants
Connect with our team to learn more about how this series can fit into your current programming!
Interested in learning more?
Contact us today!