creative forces

Blog # 132...August 2022

There's a  wonderful new mural in my neighbourhood, showing some of the beautiful imagery of indigenous culture and involving a spirit of collaboration...that's the indigenous way. 

The mural was conceived and created by 2021 Toronto Arts Foundation Indigenous Artist Award finalist Joseph Sagaj with contributions from artists Denise Aquash, Sonja Clarke, Larry M. Holder, and Mike Rowade aka Ron Wild. Sagaj also consulted with and sought the support of Elder and Knowledge Keeper Jacque Lavallee aka Jacqui Lavalley, Grandmother Donalda Ashkewe aka Winnie Ashkewe, Innu Consultant Naulaq LeDrew, and the AKIWIIDOOKAAGEWIN (Earth Helpers).

So the visit of Pope Francis last week to three sites of residential schools in Canada leaves over 80 recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission still to go. He was welcomed with generosity and warmth - it’s the indigenous way. He responded with his own personal warmth and as much generosity as his office allows. Acknowlegement of the horrors of physical and sexual abuse that occurred in the residential schools and apologies for the actions of “individuals” was a small step, an important beginning - we’re not sure of what yet. 

What was missing, was much mention of the reason for the schools in the first place. The Papal bulls, in particular the one issued in 1493 by Alexandre VI (a Borgia!) dismissed indigenous people as savage and needing to be deprived of their language and culture in order to become “civilized”. Their behavior, in the main, throughout the past few days, the time throughout and since the TRC and even before has shown us what civilized really means. 

Francis did say the word genocide and referred to the cruelty of cultural extinction on the plane ride back to the Vatican, too bad it wasn't in front of the thousands who waited hopefully for that recognition.

I can’t help comparing the grace and sensitivity (mostly)of indigenous people over the past few days as they spoke of deep and long standing cruelty and injustices -  to the self centred  and unfocussed anger of members (again mostly) of the truck convoy that occupied Ottawa last winter.

If by any chance you haven’t been moved by the events of the past few days, try and take a listen to  CBC’s The House, hosted Saturday by Winnipeg journalist Niigaan Sinclair; it includes a great conversation with his father Murray!

It's a miracle that indigenous culture has survived concerted efforts over centuries to eradicate it.  That's hopeful and it's not just important to them, but for us. Elders' relationship with the land is already being consulted by scientists, considered valuable in coping with fires, floods, excessive hear and other climate crises. Their oral history tradition and story telling will survive the next Rogers shut down when our version - podcasts are silent. 

We have a lot to learn from their spiritual practices, and their sense of family, community and nature that sustain and nurture them and their culture. 

Thanks, merci, miigwetch!

Joseph Sagaj

See you in September.