I was in Istanbul, Turkey this past winter and I had the pleasure to walk in Taksim Square. I was impressed with the city in general as compared to major centres in Morocco and Egypt I have seen. The ancient city, once known as Constantinople for the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, was modern, clean, well organized and generally safe.
Everyone who has lost a father or mother understands what a terrible hole that makes in one’s life. It seemed that those people who were so much a part of our earliest years would always be around. In fact in talking with friends recently it dawned on us that most of the people we know are not even making it to their mid or late 70s. This seems more the case in First Nations where people are just not living as long as they should as a result of hard lives in remote communities. We are losing our Elders far too early because of diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
If First Nations across this country are going to change for the better, it will be as a result of the efforts of our young people. They will become our leaders, our teachers, our bureaucrats, our medical people and our community builders. The attention, opportunities and education and training that we provide to these young Native people now will pay off for everyone in the future.
A lot of my non-Native friends are surprised when I tell them that fishing is not a big part of my cultural background and experience. Most Cree people up the James Bay coast were hunters and gatherers predominantly interested in hunting geese, moose and caribou.
Cellphones are a big part of our lives these days.
I love wood or Mistik. I must be part Beaver or Amisk because I am always wrapped up in projects where wood is the main ingredient.
Trees of course are an enormous contributor to our life on this planet and my people have great respect for these tough and often towering giants on the land. From the dawn of time trees have provided humans with warmth though fire and comfort and protection from the elements.
I am always thrilled at the sight of the first snowfall. A few days ago I awoke to my day and was pleasantly surprised to see outside my window that there was a soft fresh blanket of snow covering the pines and forest floor. In my remote cottage near the great James Bay, winter comes early and this first snow provides a reality check that freezing temperatures and icy roads are on the way.
There are a lot of great Aboriginal artists past and present in Canada. I am amazed at the natural talent we Native Canadians have when it comes to creativity. One of my favourite artists is Norval Morrisseau. He has a special place in my heart because his paintings are so powerful and connected to the land and the creatures of Mother Earth.
Here in the wilderness, near the lake under a sea of sparkling stars, I have such peace as I watch the flames dance from my campfire.
Peace is something we take for granted but in fact each and every one of us owes many young men and women through the ages our gratitude for doing their best to fight for freedom, democracy and fairness in this world. In most cases they fought wars that did not have to happen and that were staged around deception.
I can’t seem to get comfortable with the change of season this year from fall to winter.
There is a good reason for this as the weather is up and down like a yo-yo. I have seen snow come and go several times now and in huge storms with very high winds. Then I have seen torrential downpours of rain with the rapid departure of snow on the ground, roofs and lake.
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