Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2009Of Legends and Leaders
OF LEGENDS from our region:
The mountain ash berry legend is closely connected to Northwestern Ontario. The legend is that the more berries on the tree, the more severe the winter will be.
Many years ago during a harsh winter, even before the land became known as Canada, birds and animals lay dying in the snow. Ojibwa hunters realized that this could also happen to their peoples, so they offered prayers to the great Manitou. The Great Spirit answered them. They were instructed to take one drop of blood from every dead bird and small animal; they were to smear the blood on a tree that meant life and death to the people. As the Mountain Ash was the tree that was used to make their bows and arrows, they chose it and began to follow the advice of the Great Spirit.
In the morning, the trees were heavy with red berries. The birds and animals that had survived were happily feeding themselves. The Indians danced into the night, giving thanks to Manitou.
Manitou, in return, gave his promise that he would create abundance with the mountain ash berries whenever winter burdened the lives of any creatures.
Source: www.firstpeople.us
OF LEADERS for our region:
Fontaine wants $3 billion for First Nations
By Jim Brown And Sue Bailursday, January 15, 2009
OTTAWA - Native leader Phil Fontaine is calling for $3 billion from the federal government for aboriginal communities as he heads into pre-budget talks with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the premiers.The head of the Assembly of First Nations envisions the money being spread over five years on housing, education, safe drinking water and a range of other projects.
The AFN says First Nations across the country are in need of 87,000 new housing units, and another 44,000 need repairs. Some 40 communities have no schools, and many more need their schools updated. More than 80 communities have no access to safe drinking water.
Native leaders, like the premiers, have repeatedly called for focused job training and so-called "shovel ready" projects like new houses and schools. Fontaine noted Thursday that the government has signalled its stimulus package on Jan. 27 will be a two-year plan. Given that time frame, the AFN chief said he’d be satisfied with an initial instalment of about $2 billion for investment in aboriginal projects.
Source: www.kelownadailycourier.com and www.chroniclejournal.com
For you to think about:
Which Northwestern Ontario legends are the most famous?
Which aboriginal leaders are shaping the way?
We "know" but do we really know? What is the legend of the sleeping giant Nanibijou? What do our native organizations stand for?
Spend time researching legends and leaders this week...and get outside to where the mountain ash berries grow.
Enjoy!
- Maggie
PS! The readings for February 12 are posted (top right corner) on the blog. Go to http://www.xhowhat.blogspot.com/
Theme: Aboriginal Insights
Key Leadership Skill: Decision Making
PS! Stewart Kallio sends this as a follow-up to our "Ireland" discussion:
"I found these two great videos that speak to the Irish situation that Brad addressed. Hope they're helpful (and openable)..."
Sunday, Bloody Sunday
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=cLZhNs7M1oE
Luck of the Irish
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=bVp7lkH10Gc&feature=related
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