Open Magazine - Index

Open Magazine - magazine - Index

Moon Cycle
—a Teaching from an Elder
by Cynthia A. Moyer
Annie Smith St. Georges is an Algonquin First
Nations Elder who deeply understands her people’s
needs, and in particular, women’s issues. She became an
Elder in her community, not through chance or by right
of age; she was chosen by a group of her peers as someone
who had “earned the right and privilege” to teach, heal
and counsel. Her unique perspective on women’s “moon
cycles,” the fertile time in a woman’s life from her first
period to menopause, is a gift she is happy to share.
Annie was born in Kitiganzibi, a First Nations
band north of Ottawa, and was raised in a traditional
First Nations family with native values. Her family
lived “of the land,” in harmony with nature and other
people. Her father supported the family as a trapper and
made native crafts for sale and trade. Annie indicates