Gifts of the moon: Following Our Teachings with Birdie Lyons

Indigenae Podcast

Birdie Lyons, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, was seven years old when she was taken away from her family. Not long after, she escaped from boarding school to return to her community and grow up immersed in Ojibwe culture. During the ceremonies to mark her First and Final Moons, Birdie received assignments and teachings that have guided her on her path to becoming a cultural practitioner, a matriarch, and a community leader. In this episode of Indigenae, Birdie shares teachings she learned throughout her life: about honoring ourselves, each other, and the gifts and responsibilities bestowed on every one of us.
Birdie Lyons has been a practical nurse for 38 years. She has served as a Headstart nurse, W.I.C. Director, Clinic Manager, LPN Float nurse, and a community educator. Alongside her Supervisor and the Education Director, Birdie started the Leech Lake Band of Public Health Nursing program. She also worked with the Indian Health Services prior to returning to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe W.I.C. program at the Chairman’s request. In 1998, Birdie became the manager of six clinics located throughout the reservation. She then worked as the Administrative Lead Nurse for the Archdeacon Gillfilan Center, where she helped the facility to learn and use Native American traditions and values to help heal the youth. Birdie returned to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in 2009, where she currently works as Public Health LPN. She also serves as Program Supervisor for Family Spirit, a home visiting program that supports young families.
---
Indigenae theme song: “Nothing Can Kill My Love For You” by Semiah
Instagram: @semiah.smith
Find her on Youtube, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music.