Building Strength for a Healthy Future

Sawano Pinesiwan (South Wind Thunder) is an Indigenous owned and operated company since 2005. We provide culturally appropriate Indigenous Education and Life Skills Training rooted in the philosophy of the Medicine Wheel and the Seven Grandfathers Teachings. By honouring the vision and goals of the people, companies and communities we support, we are able to customize our programs to meet their unique needs.

biographies

Ruth Murdock (Blue Rattle Woman)

Ruth is the Founder of Sawano Pinesiwan and a proud member of the Fisher River Cree Nation. She has a wealth of experience as an adult educator, guest speaker, curriculum writer and facilitator in holistic Indigenous training. For over 30 years, Ruth has been facilitating Life Skills training, Life Skills Coach training and Trauma training across Manitoba and Turtle Island.

One of Sawano Pinesiwan’s greatest assets, is Ruth’s ability to effectively combine the traditional Medicine Wheel teachings, the Seven Grandfathers teachings and modern methodologies, taking a completely holistic approach to her training. This supports the balance of spiritual, physical, mental and emotional well-being.

As a second-generation survivor of the residential school system, Ruth is committed to educating both Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members on the legacy of residential schools, the effects of colonization and the path to reclamation. She has done so with great empathy, compassion and support for the communities and many companies she had the honour of working with, including:

• Keeseekoowenan First Nations

• Sagkeeng First Nations

• Island Lake Child and Family Services

• Community Education Development Association

• Peguis First Nations, Post-Secondary Education Transition Program

 A few examples of the curriculum Ruth has developed and implemented:

• In partnership with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Ruth wrote Gaagigekana - The Never Ending Road. A complete curriculum (23 lesson plans) designed to promote healing and reconciliation amongst youth and inter-generational survivors

• As the former Co-Director of a pre-employment training and job placement center, Ruth developed the Life Skills and Indigenous Studies curriculum; accredited by the Provincial Manitoba Education and Training Authority.

• Ruth co-wrote the curriculum in partnership with West Region Child and Family Services; accredited by Red River College where she also instructs on an as needed basis.

A message from Ruth:

As a result of the intergenerational impacts of the residential schools, many of our people have suffered. Indigenous people are a beautiful and strong nation which has survived and is thriving. It is our connection to Creator, to each other and to the land which has sustained us.

The Elders tell us this is the time to support the whole person: spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally. Our goal is that through education, we will stir and nurture the spirit of our people and the communities around us so that we may warm their hearts, enliven their bodies and open their minds.

 We have learned from the past. My dream is that we can collectively make a difference for our people today and for our future leaders of tomorrow. May we bring unity among all Canadians.

Ekosi.

All My Relations,

Ruth Murdock, Blue Rattle Woman

Greg Murdock (Good Running Bear)

Greg, Co-Founder of Sawano Pinesiwan, comes with a wealth of experience as a facilitator, sessional lecturer, businessman, motivational speaker, community leader, counselor, and planning and development coordinator. His participation in cultural ceremonies and traditional teachings give him a unique perspective on Indigenous philosophies and lifestyles which he incorporates in his workshops and seminars. Greg has extensive training and experience as an addictions and recovery counsellor as well as an individual counsellor. His training also includes Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Focusing.

the origin of our Name

The name came after tobacco was passed in a ceremony conducted by Dr. Stella Blackbird – a Cree Elder originally from Duck Lake, Saskatchewan who now resides in Keeseekoowenin, Manitoba. The name Sawano Pinesiwan represents the gentle spirits that Ruth and Greg possess. Sawano means south wind. Pinesiwan means rolling thunder – when the thunder is rolling, the spirits start to move. When Ruth and Greg do their work, people start to move, paradigms shift and that indicates the beginning of change.

The message within our logo

The teachings for our logo came from a ceremony that was combined with a teaching from Simon Kytwayhat (Rising Sun) – a Cree Elder from Saskatchewan. The circle represent the four races of humanity. The surrounding green represents Mother Earth and the centre blue circle represents the universe. One feather represents the great spirit Keesee Manitou, in which everything rests. The second feather represents the spirits of Ruth and Greg.