This stencil was made by hazel for Reconciliation In Action event held at Brittania Community Services Centre, in Vancouver.

The moons on Grandmother Turtle's back are the 13 moons of her Anishinaabek Ancestors.

Indigenous peoples the world over have traditionally mapped the moon’s movements and appearance, which complete its cycle 13 times through the year, every 28 days. Each moon corresponds to the seasonal changes taking place in the land, which means that people in different parts of the world have different moons. What is common to all, is that the moons orient them to the passage of time, the changing seasons, animal migrations, and plant life cycles, and as a result each moon cycle carries with it spiritual and moral teachings.

1. Mnido Giizis - Spirit Moon (January)
2. Mkwa Giizis - Bear Moon (February)
3. Ziissbaakdoke Giizis -Sugar Moon (March)
4. Namebine Giizis – Sucker Moon (April)
5. Waawaaskone Giizis – Flower Moon (May)
6. Ode’miin Giizis – Strawberry Moon (June)
7. Mskomini Giizis - Raspberry Moon (July)
8. Datkaagmin - Blackberry or Thimbleberry Moon (the 8th moon can fall in either July or August)
9. Mdaamiin Giizis - Corn Moon (August)
10. Biinaakwe Giizis – Falling Leaves Moon (September)
11. Mshkawji Giizis - Freezing Moon (October)
12. Mnidoons Giizis Oonhg – Little Spirit Moon (November)
13. Mnidoons Giizis – Blue Moon or Big Spirit Moon (December)

Birth: May-June 2016, Britannia Community Services RIA