Thinking on war, peace, and the future on July 4th
Category: Ojibwe
Children in Boxes
Reading an NPR story earlier this week, I learned about a school district in New York State where children with disabilities were being confined to wooden boxes. The story made me sick and hurt even more when I read that many of the children who’ve … Continue reading Children in Boxes
Powerful Fish
Walleye and muskies, vital fish species, face declining populations in the Lac du Flambeau reservation, prompting tribal officials to restrict fishing on 19 lakes. Tribal members are regulated to ensure sustainable practices. The need for management is crucial amid overconsumption, highlighting the importance of sovereignty and collaboration between Native and non-Native communities in conservation efforts.
Stormy Thoughts for Earth Day
On Earth Day, the author reflects on recent extreme weather in Wisconsin, including 25 tornadoes and significant flooding that displaced communities. Emphasizing the urgency for environmental change, the author recalls a friend’s words and considers how we need to change our relationship with the earth.
Meeting the Moment and Inspirations To Act
The author reflects on their journey as an activist, highlighting impactful moments and mentors. Memories of witnessing hardship in their community, including barn fires and cancer’s toll, shaped their passion for change. Influential figures, such as Walt Bresette and Frannie VanZile, inspired them to advocate for future generations and empower communities.
The Time to Remember: Thinking About the Seventh Fire
The author reflects on Robin Wall Kimmerer’s “Braiding Sweetgrass,” emphasizing the significance of the seventh fire in Anishanaabe prophecy. As spring unfolds, they stress the need for both introspection and forward movement, advocating for connection with nature and the wisdom it offers. This journey aims to inspire positive change in the world.
What Happened Here? Time to Listen to the Elders
Protests continue and activism is growing in the US today. We struggle against a great deal. What are we struggling for? What might we learn from our elders and history?
Reaching Out In Peace
Like millions of others around the world and thousands here in Madison, I stood holding a candle last night to honor the passing of Renee Nicole Good and the far too many others who have been murdered along with her by ICE. Standing there in the cold I found myself thinking about the past 30+ years that I’ve spent standing on those capitol steps at rallies and vigils, working toward justice and peace, and recognizing the connection of my years to the those of others. We’ve stood for so long and each time the crowds are larger and stronger.
I thought about the Anishanaabe prophecies of the eight fires and wondered if we are indeed at that place spoken of in the seventh fire where we are facing that critical choice between destruction and balance. I believe we are and we must seek that balance both internally and as a whole if we are to find peace. Afterall, peace doesn’t come through war. I wish I had some answers. All I know right now is that we must reach out in peace. We must find those seeds of joy admist the chaos and nuture them, help them grow into the trees of celebration that they are meant to become.
In this moment I am just reaching out to all of you, my brothers and sisters in the struggle and sharing this electronic hug and wishing you love in your lives.
Reflections on My Travels 2023- The Alps
I’ve loved mountains since I was a little girl living among the tiny waves of the glaciated region of Wisconsin. Hills tell us so much. They are the home of our ancestors, those giant stones that tell the stories of our past and the trees … Continue reading Reflections on My Travels 2023- The Alps
Blue Eyes Flashing and other words
I’ve been continuing to face an ongoing struggle with writer’s block. I strongly suspect a sort of fear of writing, a fear of what I might learn if I go to deep, but I have no choice. There are words that I need to share and they’ll be there inside me until I let them out. So, I am continuing to work on letting them out. Today I’m going back through old journals and finding bits and pieces to revise and share more publicly. The first piece has no title yet, but maybe I’ll call it Boots. It was written on 7-6-2000 on the shores of Lake Superior while on a walk around the big lake to protect the waters.
I am standing here
on a precipice
looking out
afraid to fly
wanting so badly to walk away
to not
defend
my people
or
my place
but my boots
will not walk backward
like the staff
my being is feathered
and I will
fly
Another story that I found came from a few years earlier. It is called Blue Eyes Flashing and is dedicated to my great aunt Sr. Christine Mondloch. Sr. Christine was born in 1898. She served as a School Sister of Notre Dame, teaching school for many years before retiring. She lived out her final years in Elm Grove, Wisconsin in a tiny blue room in her convent. She was an inspiration to me. She found such joy and meaning in the simplest life.
Blue Eyes Flashing
(a revision of the 3-4-96 version dedicated to Sr. Christine Mondloch who walked on 2-24-96)
Blue eyes flashing
From behind the clouds
Not recognizing a brother
Only crying out
In fear
Imagining your smile
Wishing for you the great beyond
Remembering the cardboard cutouts
Stored away in my parent’s basement
And wondering how the demons
Caught your spirit, stole your soul
All my life you gave me cardboard boxes,
Toothpick flags, and empty suitcases
All your treasures in the world
I think of you of your autobiography
98 years written on one page
I remember the tiny blue room
Charity called your home
I walk the halls and feel your footsteps
In time with mine
Sustainable Life In Action 