Kisika Pimotew (Daywalker), Patrick Buffalo, is a wellness facilitator, public speaker and Indigneous teacher from Maskwacis, Alberta. I had the privilege of meeting Patrick at Blue Quills University, during the Indigenous Thought Conference. Patrick is passionate about uniting indigenous and non-indigenous people using Nehiyew (Cree) teachings. He explained the Cree terms Nehiyew and Moniyaw. His teaching differs from what is usually taught about these words. The words are generally used to delineate ethnicity. Moniyaw – white person; Nehiyew – Cree or native person. He teaches when these words are broken down into their component parts, the meaning is Nehiyew – a person who lives by the laws of the heart (Creator’s Law), or Moniyaw -meaning not like me, or person who lives in their head space. He teaches that we have two brains. One in our head and one in our heart. Historically, we have differentiated ourselves by ethnicity. In reality we are all one people, all the same according to the universal natural laws of Wahkohtowin. Our thinking is what causes division between us.

Recently, Patrick and I reconnected to talk about the development of his documentary, Breaking Stigmas. He worked with a producer from El Salvador to create the informational film. The film explains how a disconnect in personal identity can impact mental health, in a psychological phenomenon called identity diffusion. The film highlights how generational traumas, no matter the ethnicity, can be healed. Patrick uses horses and the horse spirit, to support people on their healing journeys.

Daywalker developed the Mostosomay Wellness Village, at his home in Maskwacis Alberta. People of all ethnicities visit the village to learn and heal. Patrick is excited about the possibilities of his documentary. There will be a screening of the documentary hosted at the Maskwacis theatre, accompanied by a panel discussion. The discussion will focus on healing generational trauma, moving forward from the effects of Residential School.

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