Greetings!
It was disturbing to find out the Province of Manitoba had constructed a road 2.7 kilometres long up the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg on the Hollow Water First Nation’s Traditional area.
The road was constructed out of view of the community and the main access road. It wasn’t until weeks prior to the lot selection that access was granted to see the developed area. Residents of Hollow Water First Nation were shocked, to say the least. An area that had once been home to many species of animals, plant life and various sacred medicines had now been levelled with gravel and sand. Because we choose to leave our Traditional lands dormant - was taken by the Province as consent for development.
Our People are protectors of this land; Creator teaches Respect, Courage, Humility, Wisdom, Kindness, Truth, and Love for all that is bestowed on Mother Earth, protecting sacred medicines, animals, various species of plant life is but one way to spread the teachings. When we speak for future generations it is not to speak for money, but to speak for health, food and resources needed to survive as humans. Who is to say that a new disease may come about that will call for a certain simple little plant to provide the cure? What if it were YOUR child who needed this cure and the plant that once existed was now gone and replaced by someone’s second home, a home that is not even necessary?
A Proverb of our People reads:
“Only when the last tree is cut; only when the last river is polluted; only when the last fish is caught; only then will they realize that you cannot eat money…”
Meegwetch!
Chief Ian Bushie
1 comment:
money wouldn't taste good at all.
Good blog. You'vd done a lot of work.
Northendnorman
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