The Next 150 Years

“Now we begin in a new 150 years... we leave behind the first 150 years…   The ones with one big problem: trying to wipe out our Indigenous people…. .it is time to listen to the stories of the Indigenous, to hear stories about now….   Yours is the first generation in the new and real Canada.   I love you!”  So said Gord Downie to thousands of young change-makers at the WE Day Canada  on July 2, 2017 on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.  Gord was joined by Chanie Wenjack’s sisters Pearl and Daisy. Daisy, Gord and Pearl at WE Day Canada  Gord, Pearl and Daisy were there to usher in the next 150 years as representatives of the Downie-Wenjack Fund   An email I received from this fund went on to say,  “The Downie-Wenjack Fund believes it's time to look ahead to the next 150 years - a new era, with a new opportunity to learn and celebrate the Indigenous history of this land. If we all work together, we can start to build a country where Indigenous culture is woven into the very fabric of our collective Canadian identity. Indigenous oral history says that what we have today, is a product of the seven generations before us and what we do today, will affect the seven generations to come - welcome to the next seven generations!” You can watch the video of Gord speaking to the young people and then Pearl telling some of her story.  Pearl goes on to sing a Cree healing song for everyone.  She repeated the song four times for the black people, the white people, the yellow people and the red people.  The young people at the event were visibly moved by this powerful healing song as were the presenters.  You can watch it here.   You can learn more about the Downie-Wenjack Fund here.  That is just one way to be a part of this new story.