The Legend of Quanja Lake – Truth and Reconciliation Week

Topic: The Legend of Quanja Lake

Louie Francis explores the origins of the tales of the great serpent that is rumoured to live under Quanja Lake. Elders reveal to him that the people of Wiikwemkoong have always believed in this serpent and that it is, in fact, a water spirit, not a malevolent monster. Ogimaa Duke Peltier, joins Louie on a canoe trip and explains that we need to respect these beliefs, as they are a part of Ojibwe culture and ancestry.

Provided By Wapikoni

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Video duration: 5:44

Partner Videos, First Nations, English, 2026

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NCTR's spirit name - bezhig miigwan, meaning "one feather".

Bezhig miigwan calls upon us to see each Survivor coming to the NCTR as a single eagle feather and to show those Survivors the same respect and attention an eagle feather deserves. It also teaches we are all in this together — we are all one, connected, and it is vital to work together to achieve reconciliation.