The Tyee – Who Is Your BC Hero?

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Who Is Your BC Hero?

Let us make a list of our history’s giants.

By Rafe Mair, 9 Jul 2007, TheTyee.ca

Colleen McCrory

Colleen McCrory fought to protect nature.

Canadians have few heroes and no myths.

Unlike our neighbours to the south we have not come up with a George Washington throwing the as yet not minted silver dollar over the Potomac; no Paul Revere; no Abe Lincoln freeing slaves he wouldn’t have freed had he otherwise been able to keep the South from seceding.

In British Columbia we seem to feel that because Europeans came here long after they had colonized Eastern Canada, we should modestly assume that we had no heroes equal to those chosen by Ontario textbooks to be the real Canadian pioneers.

I suggest that Premier Campbell would leave a lasting and important legacy if he were to establish a Ministry of History and Traditions with a mandate to remember those West Coast pioneers who made us what we are.

I refer to all pioneers including Natives and those who came from far away to build our railways and roads and, as importantly, those who laid the cultural base for the vibrant multi-racial society we now enjoy.

A sampling to start

The new Ministry could appoint a broadly representative committee to advise based upon guidelines to be determined.

Here’s where we could make a non-controversial start.

Francis Rattenbury was the architect who designed many of our early buildings: the Parliament Buildings, the Empress Hotel, what is now the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Hotel Vancouver, its predecessor, the old Hotel Vancouver, plus courthouses around the province. He was a brilliant architect. And he was an eccentric -- of which we should, God be praised, have more. No one has had a more lasting impact on British Columbia than this Englishman who, for a time, was a devoted British Columbian.

Rattenbury came to a sticky end, killed by his chauffer who was having an affair with Mrs. Rattenbury. Well known English playwright Terence Rattigan based his last play, “Cause Celebre,” on this murder and I was privileged to see it some years ago starring Glenys Johns. If nothing else, it demonstrated that truth is indeed stranger than fiction. I also knew Rattenbury’s son, John, by his first wife, at St. Georges School during World War II. He was an “older boy” and I can only remember that if there was trouble afoot, “Rats” was likely at the bottom of it. John had an outstanding career as an architect practicing in Los Angeles.

Parliamentary leaders should be honoured on the legislature lawns, which now contain one for Queen Victoria and none other.

John Foster McCreight, our first premier, ought to have a statue, as should Amor De Cosmos (William Smith) who was our second and who founded the Victoria Colonist (now the Times-Colonist). McCreight is noted for little else than he happened to be premier when British Columbia joined Canada (or was it the other way around?) but being first should count for something, don’t you think? De Cosmos was truly a character to be remembered if only because he was such a solid and compelling advocate of union with Canada. What about Sir Richard McBride, John Oliver, T. D. Pattullo and W.A.C. Bennett? I would suggest statues to the Winches, Ernie and Harold, who fought so hard and often successfully for the ordinary people of the province. With a little more time, Dave Barrett, the first socialist premier of the province, and his nemesis Bill Bennett who brought us Expo 86 should be so honoured.

Why it matters

This is not petty stuff I’m talking about here. What we don’t acknowledge as our history, becomes a non event. Perhaps worse, it becomes subject to later distortions by those who would revise history to suit the politics of the day and be able to do so because we as a community forget or don’t care.

I remember sitting in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London one day next to the plaque that indicated where Winston Churchill’s catafalque lay during his funeral. An American man and his teenage son looked at this memorial to the great man and the lad asked, “Who was Winston Churchill, Dad?” The father replied “oh just an English politician”. Jesus wept! Perhaps I’m arguing against myself in the sense that no amount of acknowledgement of the past will penetrate the skulls of people who elect the likes of Richard Nixon and George W. Bush to lead their country and by extension, the western world.

The history committee would have a province wide mandate and in no way would be confined to politicians, although Kamloops would surely and rightly claim that Peter Wing, the first Chinese-Canadian in Canada to be a mayor, was deserving of a statue. He was a very good mayor and loved by all. Kamloops also spawned or corralled some of the best fly fishermen in the world who brought thousands of other devotees of the sport to fish the lakes. I think of Letcher Lambuth, Colley Peacock, Jack Shaw, Barney Rushton, Bill Nation amongst many others. There is nothing tangible marking any of their lives. I talk of Kamloops because I lived there and represented it in the legislature for five years. Each region of our vast province has its own unique traditions and just because you and I don’t know much about them doesn’t mean they don’t exist! Indeed, our ignorance proves my point that we haven’t preserved our historical and political memories.

Saviours of the Skagit River

Speaking of the outdoors, the Skagit River saga comes to mind. By reason of an agreement made in 1941 between the government of B.C. and Seattle Light and Power, the latter planned to raise the dam on the American side of the Skagit River to increase power production. This would have converted the Canadian Skagit from a beautiful fishing and canoe experience to a large lake full of uncut trees.

In 1969, a group called the Run Out Skagit Spoilers (R.O.S.S.) was formed which included, amongst others, Ken Farquison, Bryan Williams, John Fraser, Tom Perry, the late John Massey and others. Their efforts were so compelling and persistent that in 1979 the Bill Bennett government negotiated the saving of the river by transferring some of our power to Seattle to make up for what they lost by giving up their right to dam the river. I happened to be the environment minister who did the negotiations.

Along the east side of the river are car parks named after plants -- Strawberry for one example. When the NDP came to power in 1991 -- was in radio by then -- suggested that these pullouts be named after the people on the R.O.S.S. committee that had worked so tirelessly and so successfully to make salvation of the river the only possibility for any decent politician. The NDP refused and, instead, put up a sign at the entrance to the park making out that their government had something to do with saving the river, where in fact they did absolutely nothing. Incidentally, the R.O.S.S. Committee was non-political, with two of their leaders, Conservative John Fraser and Socialist Dr. Tom Perry Jr., being at opposite ends of the political scale.

What I propose would not be a costly exercise but would help bind British Columbians together and would demonstrate to newcomers just what we’re all about.

I would not confine the new Ministry to just vetting politicians or environmentalists but make their mandate broad and province-wide. We have artists, writers, performers, composers, business and labour leaders and so on who have laid the foundation upon which our wonderful province is built. We should remember them, not necessarily with statues but leave with some permanent memento to show future generations what went before them. Somehow we seem reluctant, embarrassed perhaps, to do so. Yet if we won’t recognize our history no one else will and we won’t have one.

Rest in peace, Colleen McCrory

I close with a sad note. On Canada Day, Colleen McCrory the founder of the Valhalla Wilderness Society, died of a brain tumor only discovered a week or so before. Others in the environmental movement knew Colleen better than I did but I can tell you as a former Environment Minister that Colleen was tough, an indomitable force for the outdoors she loved so well. The Valhalla Society web page says it all: after an intensive eight-year campaign, Valhalla Provincial Park was won.

The registered charity (the Valhalla Preservation Society) became involved in other provincial, national, and international environmental projects. It spearheaded protection of the Khutzeymateen Valley (Canada's first sanctuary for grizzly bears) and Goat Range Provincial Park. Eighteen years ago, the society initiated the campaign to preserve a sanctuary for the white Spirit Bears of Princess Royal Island. This work has made the Spirit Bear and its need for a sanctuary renowned all over the world. In February 2006, the B.C. government and First Nations agreed to protect a large spirit bear sanctuary. Valhalla has spearheaded campaigns that now protect over 1.25 million acres. The society also played a key role in the creation of South Moresby National Park Reserve.”

Those who fight for the preservation of the soul of British Columbia, its wilderness, its rivers, and its wildlife have suffered a huge loss. Indeed, all who love our outdoors share that loss.

May Colleen McRory have peace and may her superb life’s work inspire all who continue her battles. And may we remember.

Who would you like to see on a list of B.C. heroes? Share your views in a comment below.

Rafe Mair writes a Monday column for The Tyee. Mair's website is www.rafeonline.com. His latest book, Over the Mountains, should be at your bookstore.

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biscotti

4 years ago

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George and Norma Ryga

Not only did George write plays that changed the nature of Canadian theatre, he and Norma encouraged many aspiring artists, writers and performers, especially in the years they lived in Summerland.

Crawford

4 years ago

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Among BC heroes...

I'd place Mifflin Gibbs, the leader of the black community that settled in BC in 1858. Apart from being an entrepreneurial live wire, Gibbs was politically engaged from the start. He served as a Victoria city councillor and acting mayor, and took an active part in the Yale Conference that framed the terms for BC's entry into Confederation.

bob the cat

4 years ago

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The Five

Squamish Five..all the way.

bob the cat

4 years ago

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ok ok

Harriet Nahanne...honorable mention to Betty Krawcyk.

FlugelHorn

4 years ago

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Ralph Edwards,and his

Ralph Edwards,and his family. They were pioneeds in the Chilcotin area, and created a homestead at Lonesome Lake.

Their story is told in the book "Crusoe of Lonesome Lake" by Leland Stowe. They saved some trumpeter swans in the area, and were true pioneers.

The son, John Edwards, kept numerous journals of wildlife and backwoods happenings.

Sadly, the homestead by destroyed by a 2004 wildfire, complete with controversy over the BC Forest Service's lack of action in tackling the fire.

The late Ralph Edwards and his family are heroes to me.

SharingIsGood

4 years ago

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Raging Grannies

There is no one. The Raging Grannies, BC Health Care Workers, BC Teachers, unsung volunteers in local communities, people who work for a living and David Suzuki have my vote.

G West

4 years ago

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Tom Berger

deeby

4 years ago

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Another reason to include Amor....

...is that he heralded the beginning of our longstanding tradition of alternating between slightly boring, take-care-of-business premiers, and flamboyant visionaries, e.g. McBride, Bennett Sr., Barrett, the Zalm....

Action and reaction I suppose: for every McCreight a De Cosmos, for every Barrett a Bill Bennett.

Interesting how the cycle of flamboyant vs. business-like doesn't always follow the political pendulum, which seems to swing longer, at least in the modern era. E.g. we have Bill Bennett followed by the Zalm, then Mike Harcourt followed by Glen Clark.

All of which raises the question, who/what could possibly follow Campbell....?

Chris H

4 years ago

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A good idea?

Maybe it would be a good idea. Were there any honourable politicians? I only became aware of politics in the Bill Bennett days. Since then we haven't had one that hasn't been in trouble with the law or resigned in disgrace. From Bill Bennett's inside trading to Gordon Campbell's drunk diving, there's little to look up to. If I researched other BC Premiers I wonder what I'd find. Oh well, I'll make it one of my Summer projects. Hopefully I actually get that one done.

Chris H

4 years ago

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Our First Premier

"By all accounts, McCreight was temperamentally ill-suited to public life. His colleague, Henry Pering Pellew Crease, described the Premier as 'bad tempered and queer...by fits & turns extremely credulous & extremely suspicious...excessively obstinate in the wrong places...close and reserved in his daily life...[and] utterly ignorant of politics'"

And we want a statue of this guy? Anyone know why he left Australia in a hurry?

Chris H

4 years ago

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"Lover of the Universe"

"It was, however, De Cosmos' attempt to alter the terms of union in order to obtain monetary guarantees from the federal government to complete a dry dock at Esquimalt that eventually led to accusations of impropriety, and ended his provincial political career. He speculated heavily in land, and Texada Island Iron mines, which further brought criticism as he was a public official."

Maybe I'd better forget it ... sigh.

D. Cove

4 years ago

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Reverend Al

Rev. Al Tysick of Our Place in Victoria is one of my BC heroes. His letters and essays in the newspapers about the people of Our Place are incredibly honest and direct. I'm sure he has had many offers over the years to run for various politicial parties or join various boards of this and that, but he has not sold his soul to the establishment - politically correct or otherwise. That, combined with the work he does, is a rare combination these days and one I admire immensely.

Grumpy

4 years ago

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R.T. & G. Elliott

These two brothers helped open up BC, to the province we know today.

R.T. was the lawyer who shepherded the E & N railway and his brother operated sawmills in BC. R.T. gave one half of his earned E & N money to his wife Belle (unheard of at the time) and she promptly became one of the largest real-estate types in Victoria.

There is a large plot in Ross Bay Cemetery, devoted to the Elliott Bros.

village

4 years ago

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a sculpture that would create and reflect the kind of memory

like what is to be found at the airport *.. which I suggest is one of the greatest monuments to the memory of the First Nations *..,

to be followed by one that would in effect- and follow in the same tradition as that great very FIRST NATIONS sculpture - which invariably would capture the spirit of LES CANADIENS*. ..,
( COUREURS DE BOIS , VOYAGEURS and eventual offspring's.. called LES MÉTIS* ..) being as they were the resulting meeting of these two cultures..

EUROPEANS and FIRST NATIONS.. across the AMERICA'S ..

Which in effect planted the first seeds of what was to become known eventually
CANADA(*)

village

4 years ago

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Oh yes , and that famous individual who accompanied these

VOYAGEURS.... across the mountains..

and indeed , who wrote , around the Bela Coola area.. the famous lines which still can be seen ...

'' FROM CANADA BY LAND ''... as he stepped into this part of what came to be known also .., and eventually as British Columbia..* ( but not before having been referred to as NEW CALEDONIA).. and many other names prior to these EUROPEAN VISITORS ... tendency to rename everything within their own comprehension and tendencies to wanting to self appropriate .. ( to take ownership ) of said lands...

The greatest monument we should erect should be to the land itself.., without which her spirit would never have enabled us to not only survive but eventually thrive on her bounty and BEAUTY*...

How to harness the power and beauty of NATURE.. and indeed how to create a monument to her memory... , for are we not also in danger of losing our understanding of her contributions to our existence?

village

4 years ago

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and in this '' triology '' I concurr with AMOR DE COSMOS..

LOVER OF THE UNIVERSE .... indeed.. who had enough foresight to offer up a vision and a future memory... of a country to be...

From Sea to Sea.. to northern Sea..

and lastly I vote for the THOUSAND YEAR OLD TREES... who's memories.- to this day- provide us a reminder of the grandeur of NATURE ...

Roots , ladies and gentleman , ROOTS..
PROVIDING FOR A CONNECTION TO NOT ONLY OUR PAST AND PRESENT BUT CLEARLY POINTING TO THE FUTURE* ..

Our and her nature , needing to once again re-connect in our journey.

Then there are the MISSIONARIES , THE SISTERS ( religious orders ).. who not only provided for the social fabric of the settlements that were to become.. but invariably offered to one and all...., relief from the very hardships of PIONEERING itself.., *

The earliest of Archbishops and earliest of missions*... nevertheless laid the foundation for what came to be known as ..
SETTLEMENTS..., that we now take for granted , but could never have taken root without the help of these earliest of religious orders that provided for the sustenance , that provided for the social fabric also..., hence .., a monument needed to remind us of the role of these earliest of settlers and eventual social builders.., COLONISERS... if you will...

Another large sculpture to remind us of the contributions of these builders *... and we will have completed the earliest of the memories so needed to round off our understanding of how we've come to be who we are today..

ONE OF THE PROVINCES OF A COUNTRY CALLED CANADA*..

Right to Bear

4 years ago

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Colleen McCrory is my hero...

Thanks so much Rafe,

I appreciate your article and your honorable and correctly directed energy in suggesting we remember the wonderful "firsts" in the province of B.C. It would be a connecting education, along with a sense of placement, for the generations to come. It would help the youth see where they came from, and learn of the courageous spirits who came before them. It definitely can invest a sense of belonging and perhaps then a sense of commitment to the "cause" that they may too continue. They would also learn of the great courage it takes to be leaders of change. We need to remember these people for so many reasons, but one reason perhaps is to encourage more of this type of leadership and out of the box thinking in our youth...

Who would I suggest be one of these amazing people to remember…Colleen McCrory of course...

I appreciate your kind and true words you wrote of this lady warrior for the earth, as she was all that and more. Colleen was most famous for her key roles in protecting Valhalla Provincial Park and South Moresby National Park Reserve. These parks required many years of fierce battles with the logging industry, and Colleen was in the forefront of these battles, representing the Valhalla Wilderness Society. She also was there to organize and encourage the voice of FN’s people to speak up on injustices done to them and their lands and was sucessful in her endeavors in this area as well.

She indeed was an unrelenting spirit, with nerves of steel and a heart of gold... She will be dearly missed, but we needn’t look far to see the gifts of her spirit. Because of her efforts and her tough team of supporters, these protected areas will remain intacked for all of us as well as for the generations to come... It needs to be said that vigenlence to keep these areas protected however, is in the hands of the people of this province.

Peace Colleen,

Bear

Right to Bear

4 years ago

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Warriors...

I agree bob the cat, Harriet Nahanne, and Betty Krawcyk are two true heros, and for the good of all, need always be remembered...

Peace,

Bear

Chris H

4 years ago

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How ironic

"but could never have taken root without the help of these earliest of religious orders that provided for the sustenance , that provided for the social fabric also..., hence .., a monument needed to remind us of the role of these earliest of settlers and eventual social builders.., COLONISERS... if you will..."

How ironic would it be to make this "monument" a totem pole. The object they so scornfully tore down as it was a blight against their beliefs. Shall we also place a nice placard somewhere for the great work done to our "social fabric" because of residential schools? Don't make me laugh!

E.E. Greengrass

4 years ago

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BC Hero

Ginger Goodwin

murdock

4 years ago

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Ya and lets have an Emperor Norton day too!

Emperor Norton

I'm certain such a person can be found in the 'colourful' BC Past!

Cynic

4 years ago

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Gerald Grattan McGeer "For

Gerald Grattan McGeer

"For almost a century the management of the monetary system has been entrusted in blind faith and absolute confidence to bankers and financiers. Their management has ended in more disastrous failure than those opposed to the English Bank Act of 1844 ever dared to predict.
Necessity now compels us to abandon banker management and to resort to national administration of public credit and national regulation and supervision of the monetary system.
In the restoration of these prerogative powers to responsible government lies the way of establishing Democracy in the place of the oligarchical rule that banker dominion over government and trade now maintains.
By such changes, the elected representatives of the people will become the masters of the “economic blood-stream” of the nation, and responsible government as an expression of Christian Democracy can be maintained.
No one has any right to say that the establishment of such a Democracy cannot or will not produce both progress and prosperity until it has been given the same trial that banker rule by banker management of the monetary system has enjoyed.
Responsible government must now destroy banker rule, or banker mismanagement of public credit will destroy responsible government and the civilization that brought it into being."

GERALD Grattan McGEER.
4812 Belmont Avenue,
Vancouver, B.C.,
Friday, September 8th, 1933.

http://www.yamaguchy.netfirms.com/7897401/mcgeer/mcgeer.html

Just me

4 years ago

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B.C. heros

The late Rev. Jack Shaver, whose service to the United Church took him from UBC's chaplaincy during the years of '60s campus revolt to First United Church's outreach to the Downtown Eastside. Raised in a gospel mission on Winnipeg's north end, little known outside church circles in a now-passing era, uncomfortable in the spotlight, he nonetheless was a quietly commanding voice against self-righteousness and for the most activist, unsentimental love: to love thy neighbour.

Allan Fotheringham, notably called "the greatest cobweb-blower and guff-remover in Canadian journalism,” long ago was the last good reason to actually pay for a copy of the Vancouver Sun. He was the sort of stylist with attitude you didn't have to agree with to enjoy and sometimes admire. The media have sainted Jack Webster -- fair enough -- but Fotheringham always has been more incisive and more persuasive and funnier, not about left versus right but about right versus wrong.

Joe Shithead, who'll never be a pop star, but might make propaganda minister in a people's provisional government, come the revolution.

Mary Steinhauser, social worker at B.C. Pen taken hostage by Andy Bruce, Dwight Lucas and Clair Wilson but killed by prison guards, she was the moral centre of 'Walls,' the play based on the incident.

herbie

4 years ago

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Maybe

Maybe there's nothing wrong with Canadians for not elevating politicians and activists to "hero" status. Douglas, Begbie, Gassy Jack heroic figures? No way.
Terry Fox heroic, yes.

Stump

4 years ago

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My heros

Bob Hunter (RIP) and the Don't Make a Wave Committee. From tiny acorns....

bcfiberals

4 years ago

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relic, nick, jesse, molly...

they taught us all about BC from our living rooms every Sunday night.

Play the theme song mp3 download.

munroe

4 years ago

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Working Class Heroes

Mair's concept is right on. There does seem to be two gaps though that need filling. Where are the trade unionists and northerns? Please alow me to nominate two.

Les Watmough has numerous "hats" he has worn. IWA activist, regional poitician, environmentalist, Les may now be retired but his voice has never silenced. Les continues his good work through letters to the Terrace newspaper.

John Jensen is also a prolific retired letter writer, but his accomplishments over four decades underline why his voice should continue to be heard. JJ is a carpenter, perennial President of the local labour council, enviromental activist and teacher. He has also proven to be a visionary. Thirty years ago, Jensen was one of the major organizers of the Northwest Study Conference which brought together trade unionists, native people, environmentalists and community activists to design a "peoples' agenda", outside of the narrow confines of political parties.

These are but two of the remarkable people in the Northwest who toiled for a better society and future without the type of recognition they so richly deserve.

speedo

4 years ago

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Gene Kiniski and George Bowering

Anyone who can hold a gallon of muddy water in the creases of his face is my hero.

village

4 years ago

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TO Chris H. ... indeed , totem poles and yes the '' residential

SCHOOLS....

All needing to be depicted in a fresco like canvas..., ( or sculpture )...,

This is what I mean by our present , always bridging the past and future*...

You must admit that the earliest of the Missionaries and Religious orders were driven by religious zeal that had these earliest of settlers and settlements endure the hardships that came with the very conditions that existed in those days..

I'm speaking of Archbishop Durieu , and his relations that brought to our province the various religious orders ..such as the SISTERS ... of various sorts who not only created the earliest of schools... but also provided for the sick through what was clearly the earliest of care ... available.., becoming eventually the very HOSPITALS that we take for granted in this day and age..

And though , there was clearly abuse and ignorance displayed as to the CULTURE of THE FIRST NATIONS...it's safe to say that to this very day.., though we claim to have evolved.., one only has to look at the conditions of the reservations and how , for the most part , in the mainstream media .. they- natives- are not only portrayed in a disturbing light.., but they are also .. OUT OF SIGHT AND OUT OF MIND..., as to our great , day to day.., standards of living , and of course.., are treated like second class citizens.. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT !

The jails attest to this , the downtown east side ,and our inability to wrap our COLLECTIVE MINDS... around the root cause of the conditions that exist for the FIRST NATIONS..,

Hence I still want to re-inforce the historical fact that in the very first period of contact.., there existed with the CANADIENS*.. ( VOYAGEURS ) and (* COUREURS DE BOIS ).. a relationship that was to provide the BRIDGE for whatever became of the earliest of .., accomodation that flowed from these earliest of contacts..

THE OFFSPRING'S.., as it were, THE MÉTIS*indeed , the most of the forgotten memory.., which invariably made the rest possible..,

ie.. our having successfully planting our unique EUROPEAN roots.., alongside , those of the FIRST NATIONS.., then obviously outrooting them..,

THOSE MEMORIES AND THE MONUMENTS THAT COULD EXPLAIN AWAY THE TRANSITION FROM ONE TO THE OTHER.., would go a long way in providing for a frame of reference.. ,

to our MEMORY ECOLOGY *..

village

4 years ago

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An unfinished canvas and or SCULPTURE ..

Would go a long way in remind us of the distance to go.. in our coming to terms with our LOSS OF MEMORY itself..,

Individually and collectively speaking we have yet to fully grasp the very roots of how it is we came to be called.. BRITISH COLUMBIA..*.. in this part of what is now - from 1871 - the furthest reach of CANADA on this Pacific Rim and Coast...

We are so out of touch with our MEMORIES that every Canadian needs now to get busy at rebuilding a clear understanding of our ROAD TRAVELLED..., historically speaking , that got us to this moment in time *

Red Autumn

4 years ago

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BC Heroes? Too many to choose

A handful that I can think of include: Dorothy Gretchen Steeves (to have a female presence in the list of politicians); Al King for his work in labour organizing; Vince Ready who came from a labour background and now works to find common ground between workers and employers; Andrew Roddan a minister with First United on Hastings who dedicated himself to those living in the "hobo jungles" during the depression.

Right to Bear

4 years ago

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Bob Hunter...definitely

Amen to Bob Hunter stump... He is a true Earth Hero.

Peace,

Bear

Right to Bear

4 years ago

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The "Zuk"... A real Canadian Hero from B.C.

The "Zuk is a Earth Hero too...

Incidentally, why is it that David Suzuki can be considered by the people of Canada to be in the top 5 Canadian Hero List, but when it comes to the issue of global warming, suddenly he's a liar. Curious thing. Maybe it's true when they say that a desperate species, who is in their final days, will put all their efforts towards maintaining status quo instead of changing.

Ignorance…no more, stubborn… perhaps, short-sighted, paranoid, fearful, and desperate...absolutely.

Anyways, a wee off topic, but just an observation I wanted to share…

Peace,

Bear

Chris H

4 years ago

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village

After actually working with First Nation children and families in the DTES, I would have to say that those religious orders completely destroyed our society's relationship with them. It still lingers today. A hundred years ago is like yesterday for First Nations people. The evil that was perpetrated by these "good" people so many years ago is a huge barrier in teaching any First Nation child today. We don't need anything that glorifies the missionaries or sisters that abused First Nations people in the name of their god. We need to move forward.

Right to Bear

4 years ago

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Truth...

Spot on Chris.

village, there is no "together they settled” talk here... These "good" folks attempted (and still are) to conquer these already settled and civilized people. To this day the truth regarding Colonialism is still not in our history books. I have to say village, it doesn't help to have people like you water down the cruel treachery that has\and still is happening to these FN communities both yesterday and today. For everyone concerned, it is desperately important to be accurate and truthful about what really happened to these people if we\and they, are to ever move on, and even more important, move on with a complete understanding so as to avoid repeating these horrendous acts again in any way in the future...

Peace,

Bear

rockyvoids

4 years ago

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Amen

Amen to that Bear and Chris.
Europeans came to the Americas with a sword/gun in one hand and a bible in the other with greed and ignorance in their collective hearts.
The lack of BC or Canadian "Heros" is the result of a deep sense off shame and need to keep our heads down because of the deeds of our "Christian" forebearers.

bc4me

4 years ago

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My heroes and heroines ...

Here are few people on my list:

* Will Koop, for his tireless efforts to preserve drinking watersheds (footnote to this: I'm also recommending all my friend, neighbours and elected officials on the Sunshine Coast who are presently blockading Western Forest Products in their egregious efforts to nuke our drinking watershed),

* Andrea Morton, for her efforts to preserve marine health and repel efforts by aquaculture interests and successive provincial governments (Gliberals and NDiPPers) to trash our astounding natural marine habitat in search of the buck,

* David Baines, business reporter for the Sun, tirelessly routing out scam artists, liars, frauds and snake oil salesman all working to fleece unsuspecting investors,

* John Clarke, BC's ,John Muir', an extraordinary adventurer, mountain climber, environmentalist.

And I'm saddened to hear about Colleen McCrory's passing. I worked with Colleen on the last provincial election in Adriane Carr's riding on the coast, where she worked tirelessly in Powell River. When Colleen got wind in her sails ... she was very dedicated.

- Michael Maser

village

4 years ago

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To Chris H, Right to Bear and Amen ...

My intentions , in communicating what I had to say..., was to bring about a FRAMEWORK..., so as to begin discussing the First Contact and it's subsequent consequence..

The meeting of these two cultures.: EUROPEAN and FIRST NATIONS..., were indeed very different then what the History Books wrote about..*.., as were all of the books that followed .

What is fascinating is the Oral History and MEMORIES... that are to be found and at times lost within the tribes themselves which speaks of these very FIRST CONTACTS .. which also speaks of the enduring fascination that each of these had for the other*.. ( to the point of hearing about the NOBLE SAVAGE idea..) and many others ... on the EUROPEAN SIDE OF THE LEDGER..

And hearing of the Missionaries feats and courage on the FIRST NATIONS SIDE OF THE LEDGER... ( to the point of being so drawn to their rituals and customs as to adopting some of them.. )..

How , eventually , each of these situations were corrupted by people of influence and power is a totally different question . WHAT I'M TRYING TO BRING OUT IN THE OPEN.., IS THAT FIRST STEP AND EXPERIENCE OF THE UNKNOWN.. that was clearly felt by both sides as they ventured forth..., searching for ''intentions'' of each others leaders..

I do not wish to water down ... anything.
LET US ALL BE CLEAR ABOUT THIS !

It is simply not true.. What I wish for our individual and collective MEMORY... is a complete picture of our trials and tribulations.. * ( A clear picture ... or canvas if you will.. that will acknowledged itself as A WORKS IN PROGRESS..)

One that will not be afraid to acknowledge all of the causes and effects of the FIRST CONTACTS of cultures that eventually would create what we have before our very eyes .. TO THIS DAY..*

( continued in the next post )

village

4 years ago

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To Chris H, Right to Bear and Amen ... ( continued )

(continued from previous post ... )

The very idea of new cultures ever being factored into our BECOMING... is of great interest to me.. * ( For it is from that realisation that we will grow as a CULTURE AND PEOPLE.. in this very 21st CENTURY setting )..

We are continuously experiencing the meeting of the old with the new.. and YES.., there are many stories to be remembered and factored in..., ( fortunate and unfortunate stories..) all needing to be part of our individual and collective memory* ) ,

And this needing to be further factored in our to become memories that is not afraid to face all of the STORIES that may or may not explain away our becoming what we are to this very day..

A PEOPLE IN SEARCH OF AN IDENTITY , IN SEARCH OF HERO'S.., IN SEARCH OF A FOOTING.. in the land we now call
Canada.., and in a province we now call
British Columbia..*

We are babes in the 21st Century woods.., and need to realise the journey ahead of us , as well as acknowledge the ROAD TRAVELLED ..over the past 500 years and more as to the EUROPEANS setting their feet on our soil.., and of the 10,000 years and more prior visitors on this soil, who - so we are told, by their tales and legends ..- travelled across now lost connected continents to call this place their home...

This unfinished canvas , is the one we need to get a handle on..., having the very frame of reference that will ensure that we do not omit any ingredient or color palette... that would invariably skew the actual events that began this great '' NEW WORLD '' experiment.. be it one begun some 10,000 years ago or a more recent one begun some 500 years ( more or less ).. depending on who's book you read.

And so , in that light , can we not take the very first steps in acknowledging the very beginning *...

Each successive chapter will clearly give each of us.., based on our very own understandings of our respective '' communities'' journey , will be able to add to this individual and collective ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF OUR MINDS... MEMORIES , and what have you.

Thanks for your reflections and contributions to these thoughts I had..,
I'm looking forward to hear what you have to say next..

Thanks once again.
Village.

Right to Bear

4 years ago

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Think of it this way villiage...

I think I get what you are saying village is. "Take it all, the good and the ugly, and acknowledge it, in fact learn from it, and then put it towards a sculpture or some form of suggestion that we are a young, indeed, and new species...and damn it, we're learning"

Does this sum it up a wee bud??

Well, fine, but for me, when the wound of a genocidal effort done by many towards a whole and civilized people is still open and festering, and the dressing\responsibility is not being applied, it is difficult for me to acknowledge any “good” (how small it may have been) that existed between the Europeans and the FN people when they first met, or after. Why, because really, it just doesn't matter. It is not significant to the outcome to date. In fact the vulnerability of the FN people in the face of these manipulators was only sad. Think of it this way village, it would be as like acknowledging and giving value to a hug which was given to a child from the very hands that repetitively molests her...

This is the truth of it village in my view.

Peace,

Bear

village

4 years ago

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Some missing dialog ..that I had the good fortune of copying..

in which I felt was opening up the channels of communications..*

I will post the material that I was able to salvage in my files..*

village

Chris H
1 day ago
After actually working with First Nation children and families in the DTES, I would have to say that those religious orders completely destroyed our society's relationship with them. It still lingers today. A hundred years ago is like yesterday for First Nations people. The evil that was perpetrated by these "good" people so many years ago is a huge barrier in teaching any First Nation child today. We don't need anything that glorifies the missionaries or sisters that abused First Nations people in the name of their god. We need to move forward.

(-) Collapse this comment

village

4 years ago

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THERE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM .. with the system here. at the TYEE

Just checking..,

village

4 years ago

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Somehow there was glitch with the FORUM.., part of THE TYEE..

and what was happening is that I was not able to update the page.. thus creating a memory blank.. within my computer of what was actually being communicated at the TYEE'S FORUM...

Seems that the glitch has been repaired..,and so I will attempt in my next post to respond to RIGHT TO BEAR's
query ..,( as to my communications )..

And so here goes..:

The summary of my comments are well summarised by your first observation.

And as to your very last canvas that you painted.., ( very poignant and true..,for whoever suffered such a violation of one's UNIVERSAL CHILD psyche.. ) brings to mind the question of ...DOES EVERY CHILD ,DID EVERY CHILD WITHIN THE FIRST NATIONS CULTURE SUFFER THAT PARTICULAR FATE... ?

And what of the EUROPEAN CULTURE which came here..,were they all , did they all fit in the same category of having...,
hugged and at the same time abused that very same child..?

Of course we know this to not be the case..

And though in modern times..,we have unchallenged documentation that a great many priest did in effect .., abuse their position of moral authority and power...,there is still the larger fact that many more actually .. provided for .. a certain comfort and direction *

And though misguided in their BELIEFS that they held the absolute truth .., they were , like all FIRST NATIONS of that time..,- as we are all today..- simply HUMAN and very fragile.., ( at times strong and courageous..,at times lost in our search for meaning and IDENTITY.. )

I cannot speak for others..,but I truly believe that as we grow and mature..in our CANADA and BRITISH COLUMBIA sense of place , sense of belonging and yes..,
sense of IDENTITY and COMMUNITY.., then I am convinced that the MEMORIES that we've avoided..., out of whatever fears or ignorance.. , that these original MINDSCAPES..,will help the TRANSFORMATIVE VISION of the FUTURE to take hold..

village

4 years ago

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As to looking into a crystal ball..and distilling the ongoing ID

terms of the FUTURE*...

If we are , as I truly believe we are ,
A WORKS IN PROGRESS... then to fully grasp the very beginnings of that particular first contact would invariably offer up the framework of comprehension .., so that within a TRANSFORMATIVE VISION of not only who we be today , or for that matter and mind , who we've been in the past , will ultimately help in OUR BECOMING... from this day forward.

And YES , Right to Bear, you did a very good job in summing up my thinking...

Let's take this a little further , you and I.., and take your example of the CHILD being hugged by the same person who is abusing him or her ..

There is clearly the individual broken spirit , indeed the cracked psyche of THE UNIVERSAL CHILD to deal with.., but I contend that within our collective body politic , that the conditions that exist today , has more to do .., with the fact that we have NO MEMORY OF THOSE EARLIEST OF CONTACTS... then , the ongoing implications that we as a PEOPLE.., as A CULTURE..., * in our 21st Century setting , have not evolved as a people..,as a society.., as a social conscious.

The very fact that the pillars of our society is crumbling - ie.. our complete confidence in our elite - now not only up for questioning.. but clearly up for JUDGEMENT... ( such as the case involving the residential schools..), brings hope for us all.

The Memory of acts..., good and bad.., are very important if we are to grow.. if we are to arrive at an understanding /innerstanding , AND eventual outerstanding of our ROAD TRAVELLED..

Our collective EXPERIENCE .. forever transforming with each additional piece of our individual AND collective MEMORIES.., acknowledged.., recognised.., ( and by that act ) .., ACTUALISED..

In therapy , as my friend reminds me daily , there is that moment where not only is an experience accepted for what it is.., but beyond that acceptance.., is the abundance of release and LIGHT .. that let's in not only the moment and the truth of it all.. BUT ALSO TAKES A DETACHED POSTURING , WHEN LOOKING AT THE CONDITIONS THAT COULD HAVE CREATED THE INJURY ..*...

village

4 years ago

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As to looking into a crystal ball..and distilling the ongoing ID

terms of the FUTURE*...

And YES , Right to Bear, you did a very good job in summing up my thinking...

Let's take this a little further , you and I.., and take your example of the CHILD being hugged by the same person who is abusing him or her ..

The Memory of acts..., good and bad.., are very important if we are to grow.. if we are to arrive at an understanding /innerstanding , AND eventual outerstanding of our ROAD TRAVELLED..

Our collective EXPERIENCE .. forever transforming with each additional piece of our individual AND collective MEMORIES.., acknowledged.., recognised.., ( and by that act ) .., ACTUALISED..

village

4 years ago

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As to looking into a crystal ball..and distilling the ongoing ID

terms of the FUTURE*...

And YES , Right to Bear, you did a very good job in summing up my thinking...

Let's take this a little further , you and I.., and take your example of the CHILD being hugged by the same person who is abusing him or her ..

The Memory of acts..., good and bad.., are very important if we are to grow.. if we are to arrive at an understanding /innerstanding , AND eventual outerstanding of our ROAD TRAVELLED..

Our collective EXPERIENCE .. forever transforming with each additional piece of our individual AND collective MEMORIES.., acknowledged.., recognised.., ( and by that act ) .., ACTUALISED..

( Continued )

village

4 years ago

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Sorry... computer acting up again..

Here's the remaining thought I had regarding your post RIGHT TO BEAR..:

In other words.., the meeting of these two CULTURES.. ( FIRST NATIONS and EUROPEANS ).., - and the untold stories of that period within our shared histories .. - would , I contend , help us through the next step in our growing , in our 21st Century BECOMING..*

There were aspects of that meeting .., that provided for the greatest of communications between any two or more CULTURES meeting for the first time.., AND THIS IS WHERE THE ART OF BARTERING and EXPLORATION , let alone and not forgetting DISCOVERY itself.. , of each other.. that forever etches in the respective Cultures AND Minds.., an outcome ,

NOT PRE-DETERMINED .. BUT RATHER ..,
MUCH LIKE ALL UNKNOWNS .., simply becoming a journey into the unknown..
( As this particular encounter proved itself to be .)

No one really knew what would come of this meeting, until it actually was underway..,

THUS , I WOULD CONTEND THAT WE NEED TO GET AT THESE INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE MEMORIES THAT COULD PROVIDE FOR A CLUE .., TO OUR SITUATION , THAT MAKES MOST OF US .., SEEKING FOR A SOLUTION TO WHAT IS AFTER ALL.., AN IMPASSE..*

Mind of Canada , Mind of British Columbia..,

As a people..in memories.., where are ya?

village

4 years ago

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A heartfull thanks RIGHT TO BEAR..for your thoughts and feelings

on the issues at hand..

'' it is not significant to the outcome to date '' is indeed a prophetic statement ... if we stop there in our reflection of the matter ( and mind ) of it all., however if we take a bold step forword .. we will find that THE TRUTH of that first contact will provide for a way out of our memory blanks and impasse..,

BECAUSE IN FACT WE HAVE FAILED TO LOOK DEEPER INTO THE PRIOR EXPERIENCES THAT EVENTUALLY LED TO THE .., VERY SITUATION YOU SO WELL DESCRIBE..

Indeed , no one will argue that these events you point to have not happened..* ( abuse , genocide and systematic undermining of the FIRST NATIONS culture..,

THANKFULLY , THE VERY TRANSFORMATION OF OUR ON GOING EVER EVOLVING SOCIETY HAS GUARANTEED THAT THESE SITUATIONS WOULD COME TO THE SURFACE..

As I've said earlier , we are a WORKS IN PROGRESS.., and refusing to acknowledge any part of our Memory , simply guarantees the '' festering '' of the untreated wounds..

I go back to my earlier canvas , and once again say , that in our fully understanding / innerstanding / and outerstanding the events from the very first experiences that were clearly
a meeting of two CULTURES.., each having
rituals , beliefs and of course technological tools at their disposal.. WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY DETERMINE MANY OTHER SITUATIONS AND OUTCOMES.. each of these were a factor..,

But clearly , the INTENTIONS of each of the leaders from these two CULTURES .. were what created the first experiences and perhaps ..,

might explain away how two such cultures would have ended up .., not only respecting each other ..- as at one time they clearly did - but would also explain away how LES CANADIENS .., COUREURS DE BOIS and VOYAGEURS.. , went the next step by marrying into the tribes in question , and having children..,

THAT TO THIS DAY.., ARE BARELY ACKNOWLEDGED BY ANY HISTORY BOOKS OR EVEN FOOTNOTES..,

They , ( THE MÉTIS ) I believe hold the key to our understanding of that period when .., EUROPEANS and FIRST NATIONS had reached a certain respect and understanding that later , YES CLEARLY , was somehow tarnished.., and eventually buried.. deep.. within our COLLECTIVE MEMORIES ability to reconnect with what could have been that EXPERIENCE..*

A MEMORY VOID does exist within our collective psyche now..,because within that period of time...when there was a strong relationship.., CHILDREN OF THAT CONTACT PERIOD... are ''out of sight '' and '' out of mind ''to this day, for the very reason that they represented a break from the IDENTITES of each of the respective CULTURES ., ( and this created the need to eradicate that particular memory )...

I'm looking forward to your comments RIGHT TO BEAR.., for they have great value to this ongoing exploration , discovery and eventual solution to our GROWING AS A 21ST CENTURY PEOPLE...

Thanks , once again..
Village.

Right to Bear

4 years ago

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Back at you Villiage :-)

Anyways, back to the subject at hand. Let me clear this up…because these Europeans were white does not mean they ALL were bad, bad people, and that the only good people were FN's people... obviously there were many good people who landed from Europe, that is just a numbers argument. The thought that I have is there is no denying that they choose to dehumanize these civilized people for their own profit, and should be exposed for it. Even if it wasn't how ALL of them started out Village, they choose to disrespect and eventually attempt to kill off a whole society of people, and even a few in their silence...they approved. This is the start of a history of treachery and deceit towards the FN’s people.

In fairness both yesterday as in today there are people (I know many) who are trying to help in the ways they can, FN's people. They stand up for a JUST behavior towards them, and have a good measure as to what that means. Good people didn't just happen overnight Village, they have always been here, this I know. Colleen McCrory was one such person. She cared for the FN's people of this country, and worked hard on their behalf and did so tirelessly. They have always been here Village, what I am saddened by is the fact that the selfish, cold, evil ones who consider little more then themselves, exploited these people without a second thought, and this truth is still not told in our history books as I mentioned before. These people were not settlers, but wreckers; this country was settled already by the FN's people, the animals, and the trees… there was and always has been, order here, at least until Colonialism. Sadly the truth is that the Europeans with bad intent, trumped the efforts of the few good people, and sadly, put their thoughts into action. At this point in our history…same story, different times.

I spend a lot of time (too much) with industry leaders, government officials, and politicians, and what I can say is this; I have heard from these influential people in our society that they STILL want the FN's to assimilate. They will say it carefully, they might even camouflage it, but they will still say it. I guess the thought you might have for these people, is "do they know about the dark history of what these people have gone though"?? Some do, and don't care; some don't and don't care...today. They need to care to learn and then maybe they will care to preserve and protect both the lands and the people that have lived there for a millennium. I can hope... Yes Village, in this I do hope...There Village, how do we put THAT in a sculpture??

Thanks again for your time :-),

Peace Village,

Bear

Right to Bear

4 years ago

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Opening paragraph for the above post...Bear

Thanks for you time and thoughtfulness you have taken in discussing this subject Village. I feel your intentions are good indeed. Interestingly, I have a fine friend that is very similar in his understandings to yours on this subject, and he is a brilliant man.

DPL

4 years ago

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Rafe has a good idea. But

Rafe has a good idea. But with just a few postings here we find many great BC personalities and we have hardly scratched the surface. My concern would be a overabundance of elected officials on the list. There are a very large number of folks who don't run for elected positions but in their sometimes quiet, sometimes noisy way, get things done. So we are sort of stuck between a rock and a hard place. Either we just talk about the heros of the provicne or we get one very huge display case. My preference has always been to see the names on street signs. Way back when I first joined the service, there was a very short street not far from the airport in Winnipeg. Valour Road in memory of folks who did their all for their country.

village

4 years ago

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The Extascy of Rita Joe.., comes to MIND.. as a sound sculpture

Perhaps .., I'm going too far out on a limb in suggesting this particular tale.., but for the EUROPEAN MIND..,* this is the one.., that tells it like it was.., like it still is.., in so many ways..

I haven't heard the Album for many decades but it still rings deeply within my soul..

Thanks Bear.., ( here's to you and me )..
and many more like us.

SOUND SCULPTURE indeed.., I've always wondered why this was never done.., in a full fledge film*..

Reminds me of another very mythical legend from my neck of the woods..
that of ÉVANGELINE *...which though written by an American writer , was adopted by the ACADIANS.. ( LES ACADIENS) , making her ( Évangeline and Gabriel - though mythical figures - in their own right.)., making them /adopting them also..,CHARACTERS in this story, becoming eventually the very iconic symbol of a PEOPLE. , from Acadia..

Perhaps RITA JOE.., and her lover in the fields *(Jamie )...., could also express the power and the hurt and the beauty all at the same time of the FIRST NATIONS.., hence

The dragon fly...*.. still ringing in the deepest part of my soul.., as Chief Dan George .., communicates the power of that song..,

The power also of the full story itself..which needs to be retold..,

Take Care.., Right to Bear , and Thanks , once again ,

for being ......, as little big man ...(* another image and sound sculpture in it's own right. ..)
so well depicted..

A HUMAN BEING.*

We could go into production.., by approaching the playright owners and look into making this the ultimate SOUND AND IMAGE SCULPTURE.. for generations to come..,

Providing for the FIRST NATIONS a mythical story that goes a long way in describing the Human Conditions of the FIRST PEOPLE's of CANADA..

Who knows where this correspondence can take us RIGHT TO BEAR..,

A step into a wonderful adventure of the mind..*..

When I look at what came out as the first suggestion of a BC HERO.. well
GEORGE AND NORMA RYGA..,

Having said all I've said so far.., I would like to second that idea.., of recognising this specific writer and all those that contributed in making '' THE ECSTASY OF RITA JOE... '' a reality .

and an EXPERIENCE..., this is how the deeper MEMORIES are awakened..,

Through the ARTS , through CULTURAL endeavours.., and Yes through our working on that very SCULPTURE you suggest
Right to Bear.!

village

4 years ago

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The interesting about '' Little BIG man ''- the MOVIE.- is that

this was another time when CHIEF DAN GEORGE made an appearance... Just as he did with the Ecstasy of Rita Joe..

Somehow he put his stamp and SIGNATURE... on these two STORIES , that clearly were breaking new ground...* In attempting to correct the way EUROPEANS viewed the FIRST NATIONS..

Therefore I would like to nominate CHIEF DAN GEORGE as a BC HERO..., who carefully
crafted his ART.... for the good of his people..

I would strongly recommend anyone who has not seen the film.. LITTLE BIG MAN.. or for that matter WHO HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THE MUSIC NOR THE PLAY ENTITLED..: '' THE ECSTASY OF RITA JOE '' to look these up , to hear , listen and better understand the journey travelled of the FIRST NATIONS..,

And both stand , there , as a testimony of CHIEF DAN GEORGE'S ACTING CRAFT .. and his undying commitment to His PEOPLE..

The last thought I would like to add to these reflections is that of another film.., entitled.., QUEST FOR FIRE..., filmed here in parts of ALBERTA, CANADA.., but meant to represent our earliest of ancestors and how they fared.., in their quest not only for fire itself..,but their EVOLUTIONARY phases which hints at our very core intuitive sense of our deepest notions of our individual AND collective IDENTITIES..*

Homo Sapiens.., *( the creation of the HUMAN BEING as we've come to think of ourselves..,

And we all know where that leads us to..,
* I think , therefore I am * Kind of
MIND CONSTRUCT..,

Peace to you too , BEAR.
Village .

village

4 years ago

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A totem pole to the memory of CHIEF DAN GEORGE ..

A wooden sculpture with a reminder to view his two achievements..( there probably was more.. ) but these are the two that stand out in MY MEMORY*..

THE ECSTACY OF RITA JOE.., and LITTLE BIG MAN.., somehow incorporated and remembered along with a sculpture capturing the great power of this man.., having the beautifull face of an elder and true Warrior.

Yes , the more I think about it , the more I truly believe that he played a very important role as a COMMUNICATOR*..,
as a bridge builder between the two CULTURES..,

What do you say Bear , do you think that somebody could take on such a bold venture.. ?

Right to Bear

4 years ago

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What kind of sculpture than Village??

Hmmmmmmmm definitely, imo, one effective medium to educate both young and old minds alike, is through the Arts. It can awaken or implement an understanding of the struggles and the cause of the struggles of the FN's people of our country. George Ryga did it through "The Ecstasy of Rita Joe", others can too. I prefer the FN's people to do this themselves, but just that the truth be told in any medium possible, is the higher achievement.

Hmmmmmmmmm, yeah, interesting visit Village. I think you explained yourself very well...

Anyways, a good thought is to continue hoping for a better world with a higher understanding when it comes to “Love”… If this was to happen, there would possibly be no repeat of the fatal error made\being made towards the FN’s people here in our country today and yesterday.

Just a thought: Really, all the missionaries\Christians had to do was look up in Corinthians the true meaning of “Love” and implement it in their lives. You know, “Practice what they preached”. If they did this, the efforts towards change and eradication of a people would never have happened. What kind of sculpture would it be than Village? …

Peace to you bud :-),

Bear

Right to Bear

4 years ago

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Peace....

Interesting timing on our post Village :-)

I LOVE Chief Dan George, and I agree, he was beautiful, and had a warrior spirit. He did bridge the gap I believe between the two cultures methinks, and is a wonderfully presented Earth education way. He helped people see they are not separate, but a part of the Earth community, and I loved that. It is the understanding that is most missing today... On the back of my business cards is his "Talk to the Animals" poem.

Quote:

Talk to the animals and they will talk to you, and you will know them,

If you do not talk to them, you will not know them,

What you do not know, you will fear,

What one fears, one destroys...

Chief Dan George.

I think a totem pole would be the decision of his FN family, not us. But one could be done in bronze and placed in areas of influence such as schools eh?? I think we should also be teaching our children about "Peace" with other cultures. It should actually be a course...

Anyways, thanks for the visit Village :-)

Peace bro,

Bear

Right to Bear

4 years ago

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Crazy Horse...

By the way Village, "Little Big Man" was a dude that turned in his "friend" Crazy Horse. I know what you are saying, but when you bring up his name I think of one who betrayed Crazy Horse and his people...

Just a point,

Bear

village

4 years ago

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I thought another film also attempted to BREAK NEW GROUND...

It was called MISSION and with Robert Deniro it left a very powerful impression on the Viewer..*..,

Leading me to compare your thoughts on the MATTER and MIND of the canvas you paint above.., ( as to those that practise what they preached and those that didn't )..

In Canada the Algonquin's ', I believed ,suffered some parallel fate..
( and faith ) as those that were further South ... - as depicted in MISSION .

It would be interesting to hear what the FAMILY of CHIEF DAN GEORGE would say...,

Me thinks at times that the recognition first comes from '' the outside looking in'', and due to the FOREST AND TREES conundrum..., there is the sense that the CORE ROOT of any and all problems.. is hidden deep in the earth.., OUT OF SIGHT and OUT OF MIND..

The very roots themselves..,feeding the forest and trees.., and the trees and leaves feeding , once again , the ROOTS..*

I LIKE TO THINK THAT I SPEAK TO TREES , at times., and that they express the greatest strength of resilience that I've ever witnessed.., and more..at a deeper level.. EXPERIENCED THEM !

To grow, to eventually know within one's very essence .., not only the MEMORY itself , but also the moment ., and the future dreams that flow from that experience... That , my freind is the experience of life itself..

Right to Bear, I do not know much about LITTLE BIG MAN himself.., but the FILM*.., was and is..., the ingredient and the instrument that was BREAKING NEW GROUND..

Ie.. COMMUNICATING HISTORICAL SETTINGS and EVENTS , FROM A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT OPTIC AND POINT OF VIEW..* ( And this , I thought offered some hope and insight .., ) as to the '' STORY TELLING '' options that are available to one and all.., when their HEART IS IN THE RIGHT PLACE..,

I would like us to meet some time.., and explore further each others point of view and see where we could take this..,

Are you by any chance .., living in the LOWER MAINLAND of this Province?

village

4 years ago

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The use of the CHARACTER within LITTLE BIG MAN.. when on his

death bed.., in the opening scene.., provides as a sort of attempt at REDEMPTION*.., by the film makers and all,

providing in the NARRATIVE a brilliant excuse to retell an event from another angle , vision and optic...,

The film maker , director.., script writer and all, were breaking new ground by the very fact that they were able to harness the CHARACTER called LITTLE BIG MAN.., and build around this .., EVENTS and explanations that opened up many eyes as to the NATIVE struggle..,*( here of course we speak of FIRST NATIONS , and this depicts well.., how we differ from those who live south of the 49th parallel..)

And of course , we all know that the very sense of territory , and LAND* .., takes on a totally different meaning , when the EUROPEANS and FIRST NATIONS sense of place , sense of belonging and sense of IDENTITY itself..,are EXPLORED, are DISCOVERED .

Exploration and Discovery of our respective individual and collective MINDS.., are in order here , if we are to get at the bed rock foundation of settlement..., of reaching an understanding/ innerstanding AND , yes.., OUTERSTANDING*.. (Words that I've gradually added to my very own dictionary.. ) since I could not find them in any known form.., I simply reached deep inside my inner voice and came up with what I feel is a great formula to break the logjam.., ) so to speak.., of our deeper needs and intentions..* as individuals and as collective beings..

And as the online version of communicating evolves , I sense that our respective logs..,permits us.., reflections .. AS TO EVEN TREES.. having a VOICE !

My way of attempting to bridge meanings and reality itself..*

LIKE WISE '' RIGHT TO BEAR '' thanks for the visit .

Right to Bear

4 years ago

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Peace Village...Bear

Hey Village,

I looked up some dialogue in the Little Big Man movie... That was fun. It was a brilliant film Village. Movies are a great canvas to paint a picture on eh?? Wonderful way to comunicate Truths...

I love what you said about the TREES...I get that, as I feel too when you talk to them, or animals, it puts them on an equal plane as you, which is where they should be; Set up by the Earth Mother for neither to exploit the other...

Be well, and thank you for you heart, effort, dreams and ideas that you so bravely put forth in our visit.

I do not live in lower mainland, but the Koots and CC is where I hang mostly...

Peace Village,

Bear

Tom Lal

4 years ago

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Heros and great BC folks

Seeing as Dan George has been mentioned and so he should have been.
I propose
Emery Barnes. Former BC Lions player. First Black MLA and speaker of the Legislature I believe. Never have I every met a warmer and more caring Human being anywhere. A man driven by his devotion for fairness and equity for all people.
Harry Rankin. certainly outspoken and committed to his beliefs. Jack Webster, the Oatmeal savage. Valdy, not a homegrown Singer but a true BC singer who wears his heart in his wonderful music. Long John Baldry another transplanted musician but who became a vibrant part of Vancouver. Marget Mitchel the Mp for Vancouver east who sits up with Emery Barnes in her commitment to all things good and fair in this world. Gordon Gibson who speaks his mind in such clear and passionate ways. Mr Peanut for giving us all a chuckle when we needed it.

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