I’ve sat and had some good conversations with people about learning traditional language, gathering and preparing foods, learning traditional territory, etc. A lot of them have been shamed for not knowing or having the time or energy or even resources to learn all or even part of this vast amount of knowledge. I ask them what their passion is, listen and help them to see and understand what they’re doing to contribute and how just wanting to learn is a great thing.

 

It’s true  that language, territory, traditional boundaries, knowing stories, drumming, singing, weaving, and even knowing the story of one’s lineage is extremely valuable but….in no way, shape or form should we EVER be shaming anyone.

 

Please….just don’t! Everyone is doing the best they can with what is available to them. Don’t berate or belittle anyone because they can’t afford to or don’t know where to start or who to ask or where to turn to.

 

Sometimes I think that just being alive and taking baby steps to figure out what you can is amazing enough. And if you can’t, just BE!

 

WE ARE STILL HERE is a statement in itself!

 

No shaming of our own….