Elder David Daniels, known for his medicine walks, is a well-respected Anishinaabe knowledge keeper and Elder with deep land-based knowledge and experience in Indigenous food and medicine systems of Turtle Island and other parts of the world.
Earlier this month, Elder Daniels gave a public talk at UWinnipeg where he generously weaved valuable Indigenous knowledge-based insights from all over the world with Anishinaabe teachings and scientific knowledge.
Elder Daniels has the ability to share his Indigenous wisdom with kindness and humour, and is always willing to help everyone with utmost humility.
Shailesh Shukla
He made a convincing case for how Indigenous food systems can bring hope for the health and well-being of humans and all other living beings. He also spoke about how food systems from around the world are interconnected with climate change, food security and sovereignty.
“Elder Daniels has the ability to share his Indigenous wisdom with kindness and humour, and is always willing to help everyone with utmost humility,” said Dr. Shailesh Shukla, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Indigenous Studies. “As Indigenous food systems are increasingly being well-recognized by the worlds’ food and nutrition scholars and agencies like the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Elder Daniels’ Anishinaabe teachings and rich knowledge on Indigenous food systems are very important, particularly when the humanities face unforeseen challenges to current and the future health of the planet that we are part of.”
This talk was supported by the Department of Indigenous Studies Harry Daniels Funding and Shukla’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Grant.
Born on Long Plain First Nation, Elder Daniels is a Residential School Survivor. He attended public schools and graduated from a private school before attending UManitoba and Brandon University.
Elder Daniels is a traditional knowledge holder, ritual leader in ceremonies, storyteller, and stargazer. He is a land-based educator who has mentored graduate students and has guest lectured at several universities across North America. Elder Daniels shares his teachings on traditional use of plants, healing practices, and the cultural relevance of Indigenous sacred laws on Canadian and international platforms.
