JUNE 21: NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY
The first day of summer was the day chosen to be National Indigenous Peoples’ day and many have decided that June can be celebrated as Indigenous History month. Indigenous Peoples of Canada waited for a long time to be celebrated on Turtle Island, their home. They celebrate warmer longer days and evenings with pow wows and other rituals. Now they invite us to celebrate with them.
Recently I facilitated a Blanket Exercise in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In preparation, I re-read the script over and over. The script begins by explaining how the Indigenous Peoples welcomed the newcomers to the land by greeting them on shore and bringing them gifts. In Christopher Columbus’ journal entry it states:
“They […] brought us parrots and balls of cotton and spears and many other things, which they exchanged for the glass beads and hawk’s bells. They willingly traded everything they owned… They were well-built, with good bodies and handsome features… They do not bear arms, and do not know them, for I showed them a sword, they took it by the edge and cut themselves out of ignorance. They have no iron. Their spears are made of cane… They would make fine servants… With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want.” Kairos Blanket Exercise script for USA.
What was in the colonial mindset that moved so easily to subjugation? Can we see the giftedness of these people and imitate their generosity and goodness?
Let us pray:
Creator, you made us all in your image and likeness.
May we find ways to celebrate with Indigenous Peoples everyday.
May we thank you frequently throughout the day.
May we laugh easily, live joyfully and mindfully.
May we care for the earth as its true stewards.
May truth and reconciliation become a reality in our common home of Canada.
Amen.
Pat Carter, CSJ is a disciple, a teacher and an advocate for the poor. She has been a Sister of St. Joseph for more than half of her life and loves to use words to inspire faith and laughter. She is a cantor at her parish of St. Jerome’s in Sault Ste. Marie.
