NortheasternOntario-TravelMag2023 - Flipbook - Page 33
their can of salmon came from.
We
go
to
pharmacies
when
we have natural medicine in
our backyards. We waste more
food than we consume. And
all this goes back to the lack of
connection, not only with one
another but to the natural world
around us.
For
thousands
of
years
my
ancestors lived off the land—
Wikwemikong First Nation Pow Wow Grounds
fishing, hunting, trapping. They
knew the waterways, the plants
and medicines. It was important to
keep that connection, and that did
make it hard to hunt, trap and fish,
as taking a life is never supposed to
be easy. To kill something for means
of nutrition was a regular part of
life, but the difference is that this
animal’s life was taken for a specific
reason and that every part of the
animal that could be used would
be. Bones for tools and weapons,
tendons for ropes, hide for shelter
and clothing, and so on.
Many of our youth are now relearning
these
ways,
and
beginning
to
practice and live the way of our
original
people.
However,
the
Allison Beaulieu
challenge now is to live in two
modern lifestyle, it is important
worlds.
to ask the questions of where our
food came from, what our clothes
One where we can go to the grocery
are made of, what types of trees
store and practically get anything
grow around us. It is by asking
we want without having to think
these questions that we begin to
of where it came from, or what its
watch, listen, and learn. It is through
purpose was. And one where we slow
slowing down and paying attention
down, pay attention, give thanks to
that connections are made, not only
mother earth, for allowing us all to
with nature but with one another as
live here. It creates a different way to
well.
look at food, to experience hunting
and fishing: when you know you
Next time you go for that steak,
took an animal’s life in the best way
or chicken, ask yourself if you
you could, not allowing it to suffer,
could have taken that life, and see
to feed your family/community, and
how you feel. When you eat your
ensuring that none of that animal is
next fruit, ask yourself where does
wasted.
it actually grow? What vitamins
does it contain? Rebuilding these
Although it is easy to fall into a
connections is what we need as a
people. Through connections and
coming together we are stronger,
healthier and happier.
Chi-Miigwetch to the Indigenous
People of Turtle Island for taking
care of this land and all it holds in
pristine condition for thousands
Indigenous beadwork created by Dean Couchie from Nipissing First Nation.
Featuring the Seven Grandfather teachings.
of years.
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