Clan Mothers Healing Village, in collaboration with Tracia’s Trust, created a four-part land-based healing video series titled “The Journey of Piyesis.” These videos are available to Tracia’s Trust stakeholders, Authority partners, and northern communities for ongoing use.
Tracia’s Trust is Manitoba’s strategy to prevent sexual exploitation and human trafficking, with a mission to prevent and intervene in the sexual exploitation of children, youth, and adults across the province.
The series follows Piyesis, an Indigenous girl, as she comes to understand her heritage and culture.
EPISODE 1: PIYESIS – MOONTIME CEREMONY
At 12 years old, Piyesis begins her transition into womanhood. Living in a busy group home, she experiences her first Moontime and feels uncertain about the changes in her body. An older roommate supports her through this experience, and together they explore their identity and culture.
EPISODE 2: PIYESIS – LETTING GO CEREMONY
Piyesis reflects on the challenges and painful events of her young life. Living in a city group home with anger and sadness weighing on her, she turns to nature and her ancestors for guidance. The land offers her comfort, leading her to a healing ceremony of letting go.
EPISODE 3: PIYESIS – SWEAT LODGE CEREMONY
Separated from her culture at a young age, Piyesis struggles to reconnect. With guidance from grandmothers and Earth Mother teachings, she begins to grow and learn. She then discovers a sweat lodge, where she learns about the ceremony and takes the next step on her healing journey.
EPISODE 4: PIYESIS – PIPE CEREMONY
Piyesis has participated in more ceremonies, growing more comfortable and discovering her true self. She completes a sweat lodge ceremony, accompanied by a Pipe ceremony, where she is given her spirit name, Piyesis, meaning “bird.”
