PURPOSE

PURPOSE : Statement Of Purpose For The Turtle Lodge - Turtle Lodge Council Of Elders, 2003

The Turtle Lodge is a land-based centre for the training of tomorrow's leaders.
Our vision is to inspire and support the development of strong, healthy and loving human beings.
The Turtle Lodge has been built for our children - the centre of our lives.
We offer a peaceful environment where young people of all cultures and racial or religious backgrounds can receive support, mentorship and wisdom from Elders of all cultures.

The Turtle Lodge is led by First Nations people, open to people all over the world, and is located in Sagkeeng, Manitoba, Canada.
Our programs are based upon the Seven Teachings Of Inspiration - the ancient values and healing principles of First Nations people.

The Turtle Lodge offers our future leaders an environment where we can love them, nurture their gifts and honour their distinctiveness.
At The Turtle Lodge we understand what it means to be a true leader.
A true leader is a person who, by living their spirit and walking with balanced mind, body, spirit and emotion, offers an example and inspiration to others.

A true leader is a peacemaker.
A true leader is one who knows how to love.
A true leader understands the secret to life - giving unconditionally to others.
A true leader respects the sacredness of life, represented by the children.
A true leader has the courage to follow his or her heart and vision.
A true leader is honest.
A true leader leads by example, and enable others to exercise freewill
A true leader uses his or her gifts to work for the children.
A true leader lights the way by inspiring others to find their own light.
A true leader recognizes the leadership in each person.
A true leader recognises that each of us has a part to play in the great web of life.
A true leader is happy when others find their strength and leadership.
A true leader stands for the truth, carrying the torch no matter what the obstacles.

At The Turtle Lodge, we understand that once one is able to become a leader in one's own life
- able to govern oneself and become sovereign - one becomes able to contribute to society.
Then one begins to help inspire others to become leaders in their own right.
The result is a society of leaders.
We begin training our leaders by returning to the past and to the land.
We return to our Ancestral Teachings, to our Spiritual Knowledge, and to our Mother the Earth who has always offered us the nourishment and teachings we need to survive.