by Robert HortonSeptember 8-14, 2008 in Elsipogtog First Nation, NB
Dear Youth, Families, Elders, and Administration of Elsipogtog First Nation
First and foremost, let me extend my most heartfelt conviction of sincere appreciation for your hospitality and welcome during every single day we, NAHO and your visiting youth representatives from across Canada, were guests on your traditional homeland.
The history of the homelands, as well as the dynamic and rich culture that remains so intact and alive, is not only acknowledged but is looked upon with full respect, adoration, and humbled reverence from these eyes and heart that is behind these words, I am writing to you all.
There are no words to describe what, I believe, we all witnessed over the past week. Even moving beyond, but certainly not discounting, the incredible and integral demonstration that the indigenous peoples of Turtle Island’s culture is revitalizing and growing with light and life by means of the shaking tents and lodges, something else at the heart of the gathering swelled and began to glow with more and more time spent in your community since last Tuesday.
What was it? I will tell you what I perceived. Hope. Belief.
Even moving beyond our ceremonies and the revitalization of our languages which define who we are as we continue creating our history and choosing to decide our future as Indigenous peoples of this land. Think of how monumental it is to see our youth walking and living with pride when so many of us have inherited the histories bestowed.
Think of how significant it is to see the flames of hope growing in the eyes of our elders who have seen the most, out of all of us, during their lifetimes on this Earth.
Think of how incredible it is when a child tells a worker in any community or calls them at home to tell them, “I want to know my language, I want to know my history, I want to know!” Imagine two youths saying this. Now imagine eight or ten. Monumental and huge phenomenon continued to occur in your beautiful community all week.
It is a miracle when these things happen as words like Hope and Belief are things many of us strive towards, but even more wonder if we will reach and grasp these things. Belief in the Creator, ourselves, and each other…and hope for tomorrow and a tomorrow of substance, integrity and life, lived fully, as who we are as a People across Turtle Island.
My friends, these things have been reached this week and grasped with respect and appreciation, hope and a solidified belief, not only in the many pairs of eyes I was fortunate enough to see, but in the life of the humble author who is writing this letter.
Thank you all for reminding me of the standard, the integrity, the conviction, the hope, and the belief of this road that I have dedicated every remaining day of my life towards. I thank you for reminding me why I became an activist and an advocate in the beginning.
In these times of change…don’t give up. Don’t despair. There are SO many people who are counting on us (those that came before, those who walk this Earth, and those that still have yet to join us). We have to keep fighting for our youth and future across Turtle Island. Lets do more than honor and miss our Elders and teachers and leaders who have come before us. Lets vow to stick together, pick up their standard and vision, and continue their work.
Again, thank you for your welcoming hospitality and for reminding this activist the importance of this continued work. Keep in touch.
May we acknowledge, may we understand, and may fully believe; that the seventh generation is here.
In sincerity and solidarity,
Robert Animikii Horton
“Bebaamoyaash”
2008 NAHO National Aboriginal Role Model
For more on the Traditional Knowledge Gathering visit the blog Promoting Aboriginal Health.
