Treaty 2 Territory – Decolonization of thought requires a conscious shift in what references we use and what we honour.
Take today for example, many of us refer to June 21 as ‘Indigenous Day’ and take the day to be with family and do personal activity. But for our ancestors, today was about honouring the sun and the life it gives us. Today is the when we as humans are closest to the sun, to give thanks and honour the natural rule of life and it’s laws. Across our territory we should be lifting our pipes, feasting and dancing around the fire among each other sharing stories, building relationships, meeting new clan members. In our contemporary organizations, this day should be to support that way of honour and host lodges that will support our people to get back to that way of thought & being.
Humility is a teaching that the sun offers to us, it can make or break the cycle of life; our ancestors referred to the sun as “Mishoom Giizis” in Anishinaabemowin, it is “Grandfather Sun” and recognized it as a relative; one of the Manitous they honoured. As we continue to decolonize, we have to shift what we recognize. Today is not “Indigenous Day,” it’s Summer Solstice, the longest day of the seasons cycles…a day to touch the sun.
Submitted by: Betty Lynxleg, Director LLLHD
Last modified: June 21, 2019
