EightH Landing
Reflections
From back to front: Gracie Crafts, Lara Zenhenko, and Julianna Nanibush. Wiigwaas Jiimaanke (birchbark canoe build) at the Georgian Bay Biosphere Canoe Build, 2019. PHOTO BY DELINA RICE. COURTESY GEORGIAN BAY BIOSPHERE RESERVE.
EIGHTH LANDING
Reflections: Where do We Go From Here?
Our virtual canoe journey has taken us to many special places where we met many amazing peoples. We now see that they are part of the environment and have lived here since long before the cottagers arrived.
They have taught us that we all need to respect the land more and that we do not alter it so much that it can no longer be the special place that sustained Indigenous peoples for thousands of years.
Where we go from here is up to all of us.
“Even though you and I are in different boats, you in your boat and we in our canoe, we share the same River of Life. What befalls me, befalls you.”
– Oren Lyons, Onondaga Nation Faithkeeper and member of the Indigenous Peoples of the Human Rights Commission of the United Nations.
LISTEN TO OUR STORIES
Gayadowehs LuAnn Hill-MacDonald, Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, sings The Water Song by Bear Fox, Akwesasne, Mohawk Territory and plays the rattle.
“We could set a canoe in the water and go anywhere in the world. Anywhere in the world.”
– Biidaanakwad Mark Douglas, Chippewas of Rama First Nation
“As the dish with one spoon was proposed, the words that came with that wampum were that all resources should be shared, that we all need access to those resources to sustain ourselves, our families, our communities and our nations.”
– Brian Charles, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation
“We express thanks to creation for the rivers and streams, for the thunders that bring rain, and for the creatures that live on the land, in the sky, and in the water. We are thankful for the great lights above, our elder brother the sun and our grandmother the moon. All of these elements are recognized in an address we call the Ohen:ton Karihwatehkwen (that which comes before all other matters), our Thanksgiving Greeting.”
– Karihwakeron Tim Thompson, Wahta Mohawk Territory
“Indigenous or non-Indigenous, we all have
to acknowledge the fact that everything is alive, the air that we breathe, the rocks, the trees. Everything happens in concert.”
– Vince Chechock, Wasauksing First Nation
Goodbye
ENGLISH
Au revoir
FRENCH
önenh
HURON-WENDAT
Miina kawapamitin
MICHIF
Onen kí wáhi
MOHAWK
Baamaampii
There is no word for goodbye in Anishinaabemowin.
The belief is that we will always see one another again.
Even in the after life. So, we would only say,
“Baamaampii“ (Baw-Mawm-Pea) meaning, “See you later.”
From left to right: Taylor Judge, Dawson Bloor, Kyla Judge, and Gracie Crafts. Wiigwaas Jiimaanke (birchbark canoe build) at the Georgian Bay Biosphere Canoe Build, 2019. PHOTO BY DELINA RICE. COURTESY GEORGIAN BAY BIOSPHERE RESERVE.
“We’re still here, and we’re still surviving. There have been attempts to diminish us, but we are still surviving and we will continue to survive.”
– Myiingan B. Jeff Monague, Beausoleil First Nation
What is Your Role?
The Haudenosaunee say that you can see the faces of the coming generations rising from within the earth. Step carefully so that they can be born into a world that is not only beautiful, but lush with what is necessary to sustain life. We have to learn to walk more softly on the earth. In this way, we all think about our responsibilities to the future generations that will be connected to this place we call Misko-Aki, the Red Earth.
What will YOU do to help protect and respect this place, and the Indigenous peoples who call it home? Share your ideas using the form below:
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