Can we live and survive the same way our ancestors did in this modern world?
New awards and initiatives unveiled at Cree Annual General Assembly
Voices
ᐋ ᐄᔮᔨᐧᒫᓂᐧᐃᒡ
It’s up to us to save democracy
What is it with all the hate circulating these days? If anyone knows anything about being oppressed or hated it has to be Indigenous people like me. I grew up feeling discriminated against, and I had to push myself to leave my remote First Nation and venture out into the greater world for school at first and then later to work at writing.
My royal thoughts
A long time ago, we had to stand up in class every morning for the “Oh Canada” national anthem, followed by a round of “God Save the Queen”. Over a half century later, the new chant of “Long live the King” resounded quickly and somewhat quietly, as the United Kingdom announced that Queen Elizabeth II had passed on to the afterlife. Now, the Queen was someone who seemed to be around everywhere and was quite noticeable in my pre-teen years.
Truth or….
The second annual Truth and Reconciliation Day arrives September 30. While the new event is a statutory holiday for all federal workers and most First Nations, not all provinces are willing to deal with having to reflect on the atrocities Canada committed against its Indigenous population.
The simple life seems to win
Our home is oddly empty… the school bus came by and took those happy children to their first day of school. It’s sunny today and the clouds whisk by on a warm south wind, as if a tropical storm had passed and kept everything green. Though September is upon us, the hint of fall seems distant.
Say meegwetch for public health
Covid-19 is still a prominent part of our lives. As much as we would like to think that this pandemic is coming to an end, it is still a very dangerous period for many people.
Watch your tongue
Every four years politicians must bend the knee and pretend they are servants to the communities they represent. Of course, when the voting is over a newly elected party usually enjoys a honeymoon period when they are not judged too harshly… in most cases.
To sobriety
Against all odds, I celebrated four years of sobriety at the end of July.
Summer’s nearly a wrap
Finally, the skies clear and an early Indian summer sets in. I use the term because that’s what it’s commonly referred to, but I would suggest harvesting season is nearing. Hungry geese are impacting the berry crop on the offshore islands, but it’s been an early season for berries and a bountiful one at that. No use letting all that good fruit go to waste unless you like very juicy berries that are a bit sour – the kind to make wine with.
The heart of home
It was a last-minute decision to take a needed vacation. My brother Donny called to say he was heading back to Mistissini for the week. Would my son Declan and I want to come?