NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY
How important is a land acknowledgement? It may seem like a trite and pointless exercise, a trivial response to the injustices of colonialism. However, imagine a new generation of Canadians who understand the history of this land from the perspective of its original people. This is a possibility if we continue to ensure that our children learn differently. A land acknowledgement can be the first, small step.
I was in a kindergarten class recently. They say a land acknowledgement together, every morning, before prayer. It is memorized. I saw something new this time. They touch the ground as they say it. So beautiful! Every parish across the country should invite their congregations to read a land acknowledgement before mass and touching the ground wouldn’t hurt.
Today is a day to reflect on the importance of Truth and Reconciliation. It is a time to consider how history has been tainted. It is also an opportunity to learn and to celebrate the wonderful cultures that welcomed our ancestors onto their land. These cultures continue to thrive and grow today. If we want to go beyond a land acknowledgement, we can read accounts from Indigenous writers and become familiar with Indigenous artists. We can attend pow wows, watch the Indspire Awards and perhaps visit a community. With learning and cultural experiences, we can attempt to let go of some of our colonial perspectives that have brought about so much injustice and oppression.
National Indigenous Peoples Day began more than twenty years ago. This day takes on so much significance now as we reflect on last year’s visit of Pope Francis. Reconciliation requires that we learn, understand and listen just as Pope Francis did. We are called to know more about the First Nations, Metis and Inuit. As we experience the devastation that climate change is having in our country, it would help if we embraced an appreciation for Turtle Island modeled for us by the Anishinaabe people or how the Inuit can interpret changes in the environment.
Take the time today to celebrate the blessings of the cultures of the Indigenous Peoples of North America. Touch the ground and say a prayer for all those who walked upon it since time began.
Jan Bentham is a retired Religion Coordinator with the Ottawa Catholic School Board. She is a musician, serving in music ministry at St. Ignatius Parish in Ottawa. She currently works at St. Paul’s University with the Catholic Women’s Leadership Program.
