| Bernadette Rebienot | |
|---|---|
Grandmothers Bernadette, Margaret & Agnes in conference. Bernadette Rebienot (left) |
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| Religion | Bwiti |
| Personal | |
| Nationality | Gabonese |
| Born | January 1, 1934 Libreville, Gabon |
| Senior posting | |
| Based in | Omyene linguistic community, Gabon |
Bernadette was born in Libreville, Gabon Bernadette Rebienot is a spiritual leader. Through her work as an indigenous elder stateswoman, Bernadette gained international recognition as a member of the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers - a group of spiritual elders, medicine women and wisdom keepers since its founding in 2004.[1]
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Bernadette's mother died when Bernadette was 5 years old.[2] Bernadette was taught by her grandmother who was a traditional healer and specialist midwife and Bernadette's father. At an early age Bernadette began receiving visions. Her first vision foresaw her father's friend die through drowning. Her father's reaction to hearing her vision led Bernadette to become reserved about telling people about her gift. Later, Bernadette was sent to a convent to learn.[3][4]
Whilst Bernadette lived in a boarding school, which was run by catholic nuns, she again started to share her visions, this time with her friends. However, whilst still living at the school, she became seriously ill with terrible pain and having the right side of her face affected.[5]
Bernadette has been healing people since the age of 40. She has been a traditional African doctor and therapist, and is a master of several rites including the Iboga Bwiti ritual.[6] Bernadette feels that one needs humility and a love of the profession in order to be a traditional doctor.[7]
In 2004, Bernadette was approached by The Center for Sacred Studies to serve on the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers. These thirteen Grandmothers are internationally known Keepers of Wisdom, Medicine Women and Shaman and come from all four directions of the world.[8]
The Council has been active in protecting indigenous rights and medicines, promoting ancient wisdom. The Grandmothers have also petitioned the Roman Catholic Church to revoke a 15th Century Papal bull and related edicts which brought about a culture of 'rape and run' culture when new lands have been discovered. The Grandmothers have visited the Vatican City in order to hand-deliver their request. However, these medieval decrees still yet to be revoked.[9]
Bernadette sees that the Council is greatly needed in order to produce a "reconciliation with nature" and to, "fight to create a bridge between many communities".[10]
Bernadette has great regard for the grandmothers that have gone before her, what Bernadette calls the pioneers, stating that, "Grandmothers are the root of all nations"[11]