Odagahodhes

Reflecting on Our Journeys

Gae Ho Hwako Norma Jacobs, The Circles of Odagahodhes, Timothy B. Leduc

• Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press
• Year: 2022
• Print ISBN: 9780228011972
• eBook ISBN: 9780228012955
• Topic: Social Sciences
• Subtopic: Sociology
• Index: Social Sciences

In the words of Cayuga Elder Gae Ho Hwako Norma Jacobs: "We have forgotten about that sacred meeting space between the Settler ship and the Indigenous canoe, odagahodhes, where we originally agreed on the Two Row, and where today we need to return to talk about the impacts of its violation."

Odagahodhes highlights the Indigenous values that brought us to the sacred meeting place in the original treaties of Turtle Island, particularly the Two Row Wampum, and the sharing process that was meant to foster good relations from the beginning of the colonial era. The book follows a series of Indigenous sharing circles, relaying teachings by Gae Ho Hwako and the responses of participants – scholars, authors, and community activists – who bring their diverse experiences and knowledge into reflective relation with the teachings. Through this practice, the book itself resembles a teaching circle and illustrates the important ways tradition and culture are passed down by Elders and Knowledge Keepers. The aim of this process is to bring clarity to the challenges of truth and reconciliation. Each circle ends by inviting the reader into this sacred space of Odagahodhes to reflect on personal experiences, stories, knowledge, gifts, and responsibilities.

By renewing our place in the network of spiritual obligations of these lands, Odagahodhes invites transformations in how we live to enrich our communities, nations, planet, and future generations.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Ganǫhǫnyǫhk (Thanksgiving Address, or “Words before All Else”)
• Ǫ da gaho dḛ:s: An Introduction
• Ge’ gyo kwa (The People)
• E tinoha ongwesidage’dra gwe’ (Mother Earth)
• Geihnyenoh de yo ki ye’nya dohn (Spiritual Helpers) and Shogwaeyadisho’ (the Creator)
• Closing the Circle
• Acknowledgments
• Glossary of Indigenous Terms
• Suggested Further Reading
• Notes
• Bibliography
• Contributors
• Index