Always, a tragic event in a community needs to be dealt with by leaders with empathy, wisdom, compassion and with a heart of much kindness. It is only normal for people to feel that their Nation has endured a crucifixion when the most horrid of things arrives in their midst. We do what we can to assist in a healing process. We don’t condemn, we don’t judge, what we do is support and extend a loving hand to the ones in great pain.
My first teacher (elder) after my sobriety began, said: “In the entire history of the world there never was a time when human beings didn’t need encouragement during varying stages of their existence. Life, when it is unfair, brings depression, misery and anguish into the family circle. At times, a tragedy can be so severe, it can crush the emotional health of all members of a Nation. Standing before the force of such great suffering, the people in the past called on spirit to bring something to them, to embrace and assure the survival of the family and community. Creator is merciful. A song came to the people at a time when one of their elders was at a place of ceremony. The song was empowered with the ability to refresh the energies of human beings whose hearts were broken, so they would have the strength to carry on.”
The words of the song are: “My friend, never give up.” It’s an ancient chanting song given to the Plains Cree many thousands of years ago. I am so honoured and privileged to have it now as part of my bundle.
When I think of healing and the purity of it, I feel that for me at least, it is best to express the request for it where trees grow and water flows. Spirit, ever present around us is more active in those special, sacred places.
All human beings have the ability to get a sense of how greatly others of their family or community are suffering. We suffer alongside those who are stricken with grief and sorrow. We feel the pain greatly and offer our true words of support and love to the family overcome with grief. We sing the Encouragement Song, in our own way, expressing it with the same passion as the singer thousands of years ago.
It is a fact that some people have been living in a constant state of emotional agony for many years. To call out for help was not an option, so they believed. Pain, the kind living in a human heart eventually works its way to the mind. And when that happens, danger of self harm is likely to follow.
For me, I will continue to pray each morning for the healing of my Nation. I will make a daily request to Creator that the leadership will be blessed with the wisdom to make the right decisions. We are all in this together. This is no ‘odd man out’.
Keep the Circle Strong,
South Wind (Albert Dumont)
