Keeping the flame alive: This Indigenous firekeeper is training the next generation

As a sacred Indigenous firekeeper, it's Mike Hopkins's job to keep the flame alive.

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Whether he does his work at a celebration, a funeral or a public gathering such as this morning's sunrise ceremony at London's Western University for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Hopkins understands the importance of keeping the fire going.

"The fire is the most important part of life," said Hopkins, an Indigenous healing co-ordinator at N'Amerind Friendship Centre. "At any gathering or ceremony, the fire is the life of everything. It's like the fire in our heart, we have our fire that keeps us alive. If I light a fire, I'm responsible for that fire."

Leon Shipman, 40, of Oneida Nation of the Thames is training to beco