Page 27 - Restorative Journey: Indigenous Educational Wellness

Voice Perspective
When held vertically (Figure 11), this belt captures a different perspective. It reminds us of when our ancestors launched our canoe in the water hundreds of years ago. At that time, they did it for the benefit of us, the “coming faces.” This agreement will be honoured on behalf of the ancestors and will continue for our grandchildren and their grandchildren and their grandchildren...
The ancestors pictured us in that canoe on that river. They identified things that each generation would be responsible for, to protect and to pass to the next generation. The ancestors created a foundation for
us to remain dissimilated and distinct in our homelands.
Today, Indigenous peoples have the power to honour this treaty. The eternal peace and friendship was violated by the Europeans. There were attempts to place shame on our people, many of whom are still recovering from the historic trauma that may now manifest as intergenerational trauma that continues to plague our communities.
Over time, the origins of our historically inflicted trauma and shaming became obscured and intentionally almost forgotten. Whole communities were colonized and deprived of being naturally entrenched in the rich cultural teachings, languages and laws of their families, clans, nations, and ancestors.
Elizabeth Doxtater
We come from a time in history when it
was indoctrinated to be silenced. Many remained silent. The shame and trauma can still be seen and might manifest as violence where we shame each other.
We might come from a family that has experienced generations of extreme poverty, or from a family that has
struggled with addictive mind-changers resulting in dependency on alcohol, drugs, or gambling. Or from a family that has difficulties forming and maintaining healthy relationships. Or from a whole community that constantly deals with ongoing trauma.
We might carry these burdens and with them a sense of shame. However, we need to remember who we are. Hundreds of years later, we represent our ancestors and the love they had for us when they launched our canoe.
Commemoration • Education • Healing/Wellness 19