I Vow to Protect Asinabka
The Flower Moon has arrived! Once again it is at that special time of the spring season when the rooster partridge drums while clinging to the moss of a long fallen pine and Mother Earth sends forth pretty flowers to surround the trees growing over the rocky landscapes of our forests. It is a good time for a human being to make a vow. Making a vow is something only human beings possess the physical ability to do. The birds, fish and animals and plant life of our territories have spiritually done so long before they even appeared here to help us, the people, live out our lives.
I say to Creator, hear my vow. I promise, with all the strength of my heart to stand in defence of Asinabka. I will do this so our sacred site will never be defiled by development or by the touch of any person who believes that the power of money is greater than the power of Creator. I will stand with the Grandmothers. They will lead and I will follow. Please join me in this vow. On June 17th (note the change from May 30th), let us walk in solidarity with the Grandmothers. For more information, please see http://www.itissacred.ca, and you can request to join the Facebook group by clicking here.
Note the new date for the Walk is 17 June!
The Eagle Feather
To me, the editorial cartoon (Ottawa Citizen, Wednesday, April 13, 2016) was clear in its negative message to the newspaper’s readers. The illustration portrayed an eagle feather, apparently decaying, its power slowly slipping away and falling into oblivion. The word ‘Legacy’ was scribbled above what remained of the once highly regarded plume. The commentary just to the left of the artwork told of the misery and despair occurring in Attawapiskat.
The artist who created the cartoon would have us believe that the eagle feather is responsible for what is happening in many of the First Nations communities in the North. The cold hard truth is, what is happening in Attawapiskat is not the legacy of the eagle feather but is that of the Residential Schools. It is the legacy of Prime Minister Sir John A. MacDonald and of whoever else it was who stole away our languages and traditional spiritual beliefs. The blood of any child, dead now because of an act of suicide is on the hands of the politicians who acted to oppress the First Nations of this land in the past and even to this very day. The eagle feather and its power must return to our communities. When it is again held up as a symbol of our spirituality, the misery and despair will cease to occur.
My eagle feather has repaired what was broken in me both emotionally and spiritually. The eagle feather symbolizes truth, peace and healing. I will hold it close to me now and forevermore.
Of Further Concern
A few months ago a young woman living in an apartment with her three children lost all of her belongings due to the misfortune of a fire engulfing her home. Since then she has lived in a motel room with her children. She is trying to rebuild her life as best she can. She is a proud young Anishinabe Kwe who would not ask for help. When the Wabano Centre was made aware of this young woman’s plight, they suggested the idea of an Indian Taco lunch as a fundraiser. It will be held at the Wabano Centre on Friday, April 29th, 12pm to 5:30pm, and see below or click here for the poster you can share on Facebook. If you can make it, please do! If you cannot, send a card or drop it off, with a donation to help the young woman and her children to rebuild. Even a $5 donation would be greatly appreciated. Send your card with your good wishes to Wabano care of Cindy Peltier (staff worker) at 299 Montreal Rd. Ottawa, ON K1L 6B8. For more information, call Cindy at 613-748-0657 ext. 214.
Migwech for your generosity,
South Wind.
