Safe trip to Toronto for Sam

On Saturday we had the opportunity to drive out to Kenora Ontario. Our friend Chickadee wanted to go and give her boy a ride home. It was a nice chance for us to visit and see the Ontario bush. Along the way we picked a hitchhiker named Sam.
Sam was very grateful for the ride, it was pretty hot out. Along the way we got to visit with Sam and learn of his journey back to Toronto. Sam is from Toronto. As we reached the outskirts of Kenora we came across the Walkers. "Leo Baskatawang's March 4 Justice, in which he is walking from Vancouver to Ottawa with a copy of the Indian Act chained to him, arrived in Winnipeg on Sunday." It was nice chance for Chickadee to stop and visit with the Walkers again. Chickadee hosted Walkers at her home in Winnipeg. So seeing the young men was a chance for her to stop and give encouragement and give hugs and good wishes. It is impressive to see such strong Spirits in those young men. I think a lot of people are strong like that; strong in their beliefs and convictions.

Getting back to Sam. It was a nice visit with Sam that we had. Sam is Indian. Not our kind of Indian but from Asia. He like many new people to the country believed that Canada's Indians get a lot of free stuff. That message is out there for sure. In any case we presented our views. Although we did temper our views on the actions of Canada towards the Indians here. We just told him about outstanding issues and the breaking of Treaties. In any case the story here is about Sam and his 'story'. Sam is a highway truck driver, you know, the big trucks. He has been on the road for some time and has not been routed back to Toronto. That is where the company, that employs him, is from and that is where Sam's family is living. Sam had no money and had not eaten in 3 days. He had not been paid for some time. The travel routes he was given were between cities in the western provinces and he had not gone home for some time, weeks I think. He stopped in Winnipeg to get the company to at least deposit some pay into his account. The company had told him days ago that it had done that. Sam tried to get some food for six dollars at some store and had no money in his account. The company said it was his bank's fault. Sam told the company he was not driving anymore, so the company called the cops and fired him. The cops came and took the keys for the truck. So Sam was hitchhiking home.

We had lots of advice to give to Sam; go to labour board, don't let those bastards get away with not paying you. Sam listened politely and told us what the situation was like. Sam is a landed immigrant and the company can make things hard on the immigrant. I asked him who the company was and Sam said "Indians" like him. The company does not pay properly. It will deposit pay and than put stop payment on cheques, according to Sam. If you complain they will call the police and say that you stole from the company and damaged property. You will lose the chance to work or lose chance to get citizenship, according to Sam.
We gave Sam a few bucks and wished him the best.

Feel bad for Sam. Hope he gets another job. Sam says he can speak seven languages is a heavy equipment mechanic and no longer likes Canada. His wife and daugther want him to stay in Canada. Sam is fed up with how employers treat workers. If you complain you get thrown in jail.

You know what happened to us in Kenora? I rear-ended a van. Yup, slid into the van at a stop light. The road was wet and a little downhill and I was driving too fast. I heard a scream as we bumped the van. Not sure who screamed. It might have been me, but not sure. The van driver was very good. He did not mind that there were two little screw dents on his bumper, caused from my license plate nuts. He said lets deal with it here. I asked Sam for a few bucks and gave to the van guy. Sam gave back half the money we had given him. I know Indian givers. So we took Sam for a cheap meal at Rotten Ronnies. Sam thanked us and the last we seen of Sam, he was standing on Highway 17 east of Kenora.

Cross Country Walker, Leo Baskatawang

Sam and Leo remind of us of a couple of things: it's hard out there & people do what they must for others. Both have a journey and both have reasons for their journey's. Sam wants to feed his family. Leo wants to free his family.

Sundance June 2012

Had the opportunity to go out to a Sundance in Manitoba this June. It was a good thing to go out and listen to the Whistles, the Singers and to see Kindness and sacrifice. This is a Sundance hosted by the Blacksmith family. David and Sherryl have been hosting this Ceremony for over 10 years. David became a Sundance Chief under the tutelage of Ojibway Elder Joe Esquash of Swan Lake First Nation.

It was a nice little trip out to the Sundance site in western Manitoba. The Sundance was held at the edge of the Swan Lake Reserve in the Spruce Woods park area.

It was nice to see Elder Joe and all the Dancers. I went out with my nephew Dan. He is more interested in helping out at the Ceremonies. It was nice that David put him to work when we got out there. I didn't get the opportunity to visit much with people as everyone is busy at the Sundance. People are sacrificing for others and you don't go wasting their time or interrupt their fasting.

Being at the Sundance brought out many feelings for me. I remember when we made the pledge and first danced those years ago. My wife and I were sitting in the kitchen, our baby was there, being so cute and us feeling all awestruck to have her in our life. This was not too long after we took part in Ceremony and took the pledge of the Ogichidaa.We were sitting there thinking about how much we loved that Child. It was there that we decided that we could give our life for her. It was there that we would Dance for our Child and our Relatives. I remember how excited we were. When the Dance came, the songs of the Drum and the Whistles. To take part in the Dance is an experience that you would never forget. And to hear those familiar sounds and to see the people Dancing; Dancing for Life. I really felt good. At the same time there was longing in my Heart. I longed for Days that have since past.

My son was at the First Dance that David had in Spruce Woods. My cousin Frankie was there as well. It is those moments that I also miss.

This weekend there is another Sundance at my Cousins Adolph's place. It starts tomorrow. I hope to go out and visit with him for a while this Friday. Listen to the Whistles blow as the Dance goes on. 

Drag those Skulls for life

David

Sweat Lodges

Sundance is the ceremony of ceremonies

• Windspeaker

Author: 

By Jennifer Ashawasegai Windspeaker Contributor CHISASIBI, Que.

Volume: 

30

Issue: 

6

Year: 

2012

“Wheee… wheee … wheee….” The sound of eagles whistles is heard over the sound of the drum while 63 pairs of eyes are fixed on a poplar tree laden with colourful cloth in the middle of a lodge while the 63 people danced. The Sundancers were participating in an ancient rite.
This four-day ceremony took place in the northern part of Quebec in Chisasibi, the land of black spruce and tamarack. The House family hosted the Sundance, and Lawrence House was the Sundance Chief, the caretaker of the ceremony.
“If there were a hierarchy of ceremonies, the Sundance would be at the pinnacle,” he said. “It’s the ceremony of ceremonies.”
That’s because the Sundance involves a sacrifice of self to give something to the Creator in order to have prayers answered, House said. While participating in this rite, people fast. That means no food or drink, for several days.
“You show reverence, make an offering of the only thing that you have – your body,” said House.
“It’s about giving thanks for the life you’re given or to ask for blessings for certain situations that you may be going through in your life, or your family.”
People attend Sundance for a variety of reasons. One man, a drummer at the Sundance, said the ceremony was where he got help for his drug addiction, and it is the Sundance, and a traditional lifestyle, that has kept him clean for many years.
Nearly 2,000 km west, another Sundance was held, this one hosted by a Dakota community. It’s where Jodi Baker from Wasauksing First Nation, Ont., sundanced for her first time.
“I danced for my kids,” Baker said. “They’re my everything. I danced for them so they’ll learn. I also danced for my community and my partner.”
Baker’s enthusiasm is contagious when she talks about what she went through while she danced in the long, hot days in southern Saskatchewan. She laughed and said, “there were some moments that were so emotional.”
“I never really got hungry; just thirsty on the third day.”
She also delighted in the afterglow. When she ate at the feast on the last day of the Sundance, “everything was just so good,” Baker said.
Once the Sundance was all said and done, Baker said there was no feeling to compare it to.
“It was the hardest thing other than childbirth, and it was also the most satisfying and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”
Participating in the ceremony can bring about a deep sense of peace. Harry Snowboy is a Cree healer, and he and his wife attended the Sundance in Chisasibi.
Seasoned Sundancers themselves, the couple has been attending as healers over the past seven years.
“Our role is to help support the Sundance Chief and help out in the lodge… and if the dancers need healing, we’re here for that as well,” said Snowboy.
“I also take part in the Buffalo dance,” he said. The Buffalo dance is held on the fourth day. It is, without a doubt, the most emotional part of the Sundance.
Four men in Buffalo regalia and four women carrying buffalo skulls dance around the perimeter of the Sundance lodge, and then enter it. While they are dancing around, people are wailing, sobbing, and placing blue and white ribbons on the horns.
“We believe that buffalos can help the spirits that are lost or stuck, like the souls of people who committed suicide,” said Snowboy.
It’s a powerful dance that helps soothe the hearts of family members who have been left behind when someone commits suicide. Looking around the Sundance in Chisasibi, it seemed nearly all of the Cree there had been touched by that kind of tragedy.
Two women dancers sobbed into each other’s arms, consoling one another on the loss of a common cousin.  Suicide, we know, is an epidemic in some First Nation communities. Suicide rates are five to seven times higher in First Nation and Inuit populations.
Once the Buffalo dance has ended, it’s like the sun is out after a storm. People are smiling again soon after, like a great weight has been lifted from their shoulders.
Sundances held throughout Indian Country are not all the same, and can follow similar, yet different protocols.
For example, in the two Sundances referred to in this story, dancers are required to fast, without food or water for the duration of a dancer’s commitment. In one Sundance, women are not allowed to pierce, in the other, they can. The act of piercing, according to House, “intensifies the sacrifice and it amplifies the prayer.”
In House’s Sundance, another interesting aspect is the Home Fire ceremony. In that ceremony, four men talk about what fire has meant for them in their life. Once done talking, the men place wood onto a pile of kindling, which will be burned once the men are done talking. The pieces of wood the men offer are donated from every family at the ceremony, who collect it from their own homeland.
“Everyone has an experience about fire,” said Snowboy. “Even myself when out hunting. I remember how a fire made me feel, after it boiled my tea, cooked my food.”
“It’s more than a physical warmth. It does something for the spirit. It’s important to keep that going, the fire in our home, the fire in our heart,” said Snowboy.

ohh child things are going get easier

It is one of those days. Hope you all have some care and kindness around you.

But today it's like this...  Christopher Walken...



...you can go with this, or you can go with that...

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0uvVZg4Tw4&feature=related

Lot of Cruelty out there Folks.

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1214780--video-of-bus-monitor-bullied-by-students-goes-viral



 Sometimes words can't describe how you feel about something. "You're kids committed suicide to get away from you"... this is what was said to that Grandmother.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0-IFrk_KSo (Dad apologizes for son's actions)
I do think the Dad of one of the boys was very brave in going on camera and expressing his sorrow for what his son did to that Elderly lady.

I think there is a lot of cruelty in the world. Of course there are much worse cruelties going on in the world that we can't even imagine. This bus incident may seem minor in comparison and that is true. But we can't ignore cruelty in any form. I guess with the video it shows cruelty in your backyard. The video brings it into your home and that is what gets people.

This is a cruelty that comes from children?

Suicide Surviors Gathering opens my eyes

We had our Circle of Life Gathering this past week. The Gathering was held for the third year. We are trying to hold it for four years. The Gathering is a place for people to come and speak about the consequences of suicide; the promise of some healing; and the loss we mourn.

You know its something to be a part of an event like the Gathering. We talk to people, we ask for help and we do many things to make sure we can feed people, have people to listen to and have some Ceremony for good feelings.

I have trouble in my head at the Gatherings. I am not sure why. I get upset, angry and have to really control my thinking. Try to just get through the day. Last year it was cups on the floor that got me upset. I swore at people to "pick up a fucking cup". This year Don and David told me not go and swear at anyone. I did good and did not get upset with anyone. Only some guy was taking a pee on the side of Thunderbird House. I was outside visiting my cousin Debbie and she saw him and she was upset at that. So I started yelling at the guy, "what the heck you doing?" He just walked away. To me that is a big symbol of what is wrong with our people sometimes. We literally shit and piss on ourselves. I know the building is just a building. Really it is not. It is a symbol as well. It is a symbol of what we need to embrace. We need to be happy and proud of our heritage. We need a place like Thunderbird House. It houses our people when we send them on Their way. Wakes are held at the Thunderbird House. We have the building and it is there so we can go and pray there, have Ceremony there. And than we come along and piss on it. What does that say about us? I told the story before about how this one guy in our Reserve took a shit at the base of the Sun Dance Tree. We literally shit on ourselves. Last week I saw pictures on the internet of this Sweat Lodge that got burned up by people in a community/Reserve that was opposed to prayer. At least that kind of prayer. We don't see people going around burning the Churches in the communities. So what gives? How can a Sweat Lodge threaten the Christian community in the Reserve? I would never ever go pee on the side of a Church building, not because I hold it in reverence, but because it is just not right. Same thing with burning down a Sweat Lodge our peeing on Thunderbird House, its just not right. The Thunderbird House is located at the intersection of Main Street and Higgins Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This area is the start of the North End of the city. Not a very rich neighbourhood. Lot of poor people and home to many Natives. The ground area of the Thunderbird House is a regular drinking place for people.

I was thinking about these things because I was upset at the Gathering and I wasn't sure why. My brother told me to just accept things. "People who need to be at the Gathering will be there". Not to worry about who comes and who does not. I was upset that no one from our Reserve came to the Gathering other than a few of my close relatives. My cousins that live in the City came out to the Gathering. Three of my cousins came to the  Gathering; Ernest, Frank and Sheryl Daniels (now Blacksmith). Ernest was cool. He is recovering from heart surgery. He came and spoke to the people. He said "you have to be genuine, not be phoney, people don't like that kind of shit". He was referring to when you work for the people. He made me smile. Frankie came and donated items from him & Chantal for the Give Away Ceremony. Sheryl was there to speak and to run the Give Away Ceremony. So why the heck was I upset? We have had our share off suicides in the Reserve. Seems that it happens and than what? I guess there is nothing that can be done or its accepted?

Don asked me again to think about the Why, why do we do the Gathering? I thought about it and came to the realization about the why. You see if we know the why than we can go about and do it. I really had to think about it, why the Gathering? Is it to help people? Is it to educate the uneducated about suicide? Good reasons, but don't think that is the why.

It is not altruistic reasons. I know I have been pretty selfish in my thinking. I want people to understand my pain. I want people to know my Boy. That's what I want. I want him to matter. That's the why. I want my Boy alive. And I want people to know that I love him.

But you know what I know. I know we are surrounded by good people. My wife and her family supported so much. Suz's friends continue to show their love for her. They take time off work to come out and help. Annette's Dad was taken to hospital that first night. She was up all night, and still come to drop off some food the next day and back to the hospital. So all the people, my wife, my in-laws, my family, my cousins and our friends were there for us. That is what the Gathering is about. Meeting new friends and seeing old friends. Keeping our Boy alive.

But you know it does make me feel bad as well. With the Gathering we put burden (even if they think not) on our family and friends. They come out and work hard, Give their time, loss pay from work, and many times do not get the thanks they should be getting. We burden the community with asking them to support with donations of food, cash or tobacco. It is something to think about if we are thinking of continuing that journey of one more year.





We could not do the Gathering without help and this year we got a lot of support:

Circle of Life Gathering: Healing Our Grief – Survivors of Suicide 2012

Kitchi-Miigwich to Our Supporters. A very big Thank you for your support and kindness.

We are very grateful for the people that are helping us. Without you, we would not be successful in reaching out through the Gathering. We know that there is a great demand for support from many people out there. We are sincerely honoured that you have given us your support. There are many worthwhile and well established causes and organizations out there with proven records of assisting others. It would be understandable that support should be lent to those with broader experience. Thank you for putting your faith in us to do right and work for the people. We  see that people are generous and are always giving, but we realize that there could be donation fatigue, due to the enormous need and requests of help. You decided to help our cause and we cannot express enough how much that means to us. We will do right by you and for the people.

Thank you:

Penner Oil:  “Penner Oil (Larry Penner Enterprises Inc.) has been in business for over 20 years as a wholesale distributor of petroleum products. The primary business of the company is sales and distribution of gasoline & diesel fuel and oil products in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and northwestern Ontario. Our customers are mostly rural, and range from service stations, bulk fuel dealers and farmers, to First Nation gasoline stations on outlying reserves as well as urban reserve stations.”

MPI: Manitoba Public Insurance: Manitoba Public Insurance is a non-profit Crown Corporation that has provided basic automobile coverage since 1971. Our services are available throughout Manitoba in claim centres and Customer Service centres.

Hugh Munroe Construction: 

Founded in 1959, the Munro Group of Companies (MGC) provides excavation and heavy construction services. MGC operates as a heavy construction contractor… Hugh Munro - Founder
1959 – 2008 As a young man Hugh Munro started his business in 1959, the year his daughter was born. He operated his one piece of equipment by himself. Each year the company progressed until, in 1979, Hugh incorporated his business.

Arboc Smoke Shop & Gas Bar is a full service gas bar and convenience store in Headingley Manitoba. We are 100% Aboriginal owned and operated, and have been in business since November 2006. We are located on Swan Lake First Nation land.  We offer an 11.5¢ per litre discount on gas to registered customers with treaty status. Registered First Nations customers do not pay GST or PST on their purchases at the store.

Circle of Life - Thunderbird House: Stephanie Eyolfson Executive Director: “We believe in the seven sacred teachings as the path to leading a good life: respect, love, courage, humility,

honesty, wisdom and truth.”

CTV News, On Nov. 12, 1960, CTV Winnipeg launched under the call sign CJAY-TV.  In 1961, CJAY formed an alliance with other television stations across Canada to become part owner of the newly created CTV Network, a national system offering a broader spectrum of programming and news opportunities for Canada. The first privately owned television station in Winnipeg, CTV Winnipeg now provides service to more than 95 per cent of Manitoba and offers viewers the most-watched newscasts in the province and top-rated entertainment and sports programming…

Manitoba Hydro: At Manitoba Hydro, serving the communities where we live and work is a strong part of our corporate culture and history. Our historical community roots are built on a legacy of over 50 years of providing a highly reliable, efficient and renewable hydroelectric generating system to serve Manitobans. In this section, find out what local programs we offer to help your community, our unique partnership with Aboriginal communities and our programs to support education in the province.


Here are a few more individuals that have and continue to support the Circle of Life Gatherings.

David & Sheryl Blacksmith: Edwin Twoheart: Corrine Kennedy: Arlene Patzer: Al & Rita Spence: Annette & Lauran & Leslie Dugas: Susan Courchene: Barb Nicole: April Kakapetum: Cheryl James: Teekcas Aboriginal Boutique, Native Addictions Council of Manitoba, Don Courchene, Peter Kinew, Steve Courchene, Larry Solider, Larry Penner, Sally & Ron McDonald: Mitch Boubennier Denise Everett,  Heather Dobson Connie Buck: Margaret and Jules Lavalle, Jessica Burton, Compassionate Friends of Winnipeg, Chickadee Richards, Stephanie Eyolfson, Nation Talk, CTV News, Billie Schibler, Oliver Boulette, Laura Sanderson, Gerald Folster, Don Robson, JT Turner, Ernest Daniels Sr & Jr. Bertha Fontaine, Barry Fontaine: Frank & Chantal Daniels: And many more.

Sorry we did not list you all, but you know we appreciate your support and help.

80 means it is my lucky day

Thank you. I have Eighty (80) people that have signed up to follow the blog. That is awesome. I was watching, waiting, ready for when you would join, the enlightened 79. So welcome.
You are most sincerely appreciated.
I talk to express what is going on in my head. Sometimes it is boring. I mean real boring. But it is coming from my head (mostly). Sometimes I steal from other sites and post them here.
In any case welcome. 

You are my hero. :)

Roger Waters In Winnipeg

Holy Heck! Now that was a concert. Read this link and you will know what took place. I could not describe it any better.

It was a moving concert in ways that I could not really describe. Yes it is only a concert, but for whatever reason it made feel so lucky. The tickets were xmas gift from the wife. We were up in the 8th row to the right side of the stage. We were next to the wall section of the stage. We could see Waters as close as just about anyone. It was pretty good feeling.
I thought of the songs and sang along. The whole arena crowd drowned out  any other sounds. The singing of Waters did not disappoint.
I went back in time to when I was 19 years old. Experiencing the sensations of being that naive and young. I thought a lot about my Boy. He was a fan. He grew up listening to what I listened to and had an appreciation for Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, the Pogues. I love my Boy.
When Comfortable Numb came on, I teared up thinking of my Boy. "The boy is grown, the dream is gone..." That line used to sound like the boy is gone, the dream is gone. Still the song takes me to a place where my Boy is in my head.

I was happy to have experienced the concert. My wife has been taking me to music venues and I have been enjoying them. Was never that much a big fan of concerts. Too much drunks and rowdies. That has no bearing on my enjoyment any longer. I realize that I have no control over anything.

A great concert and some wonderful memories.

Thank you Sue. I do love you.