I am an aboriginal youth and recently graduated June 17 from Howe Sound Secondary as co-valedictorian with a great friend, and metres away from the Squamish Yekwapsum Village. I am compelled to respond to a letter to the editor concerning the blessing given to this year’s graduating class by a local Squamish elder. Respecting freedom of speech, I believe as citizens, we have a responsibility to critically process what we hear and what we say, and to consider the context of what we hear and say.
Our graduation ceremony was held on Squamish territory. And so it was appropriate that a Squamish elder offer us a blessing. Although the graduating class represents diverse beliefs, we cannot assume the meaning of a single prayer. One person’s “lord” may differ from another’s. It is the elder’s generous and loving act of sending wishes from a higher power that should be acknowledged.
Had the writer been to a Squamish Nation ceremony, potluck or gathering, she would know this same elder often says in her blessing, “Pray in your own way.” This, in my understanding, means pray to whomever/whatever you want or nothing at all. This elder is respectful and inclusive of others’ beliefs. Historical events aside, many indigenous people are welcoming, offering guidance to others regardless of religion/beliefs. She took time to bless us all, wishing us luck with our futures and goals. In sharing her letter on Facebook, the writer compared the elder to a Roman Catholic priest. It was not until 1960 that we were given the right to vote federally, recognized as people in Canada. Not to mention the ongoing history of territory corruption, systematic abuse and neglect with government systems. Fatal flaws in the Indian Act have oppressed the sovereignty of our people for hundreds of years. (Duncan Scott quote: “We must kill the Indian in the child.”) When disease increased in residential schools, he referred to this as a “final solution of our Indian problem.” Comparing a Squamish elder to a Catholic priest is not only disrespectful, but inaccurate. Squamish people sang a Journey Song, and blessed us at our community graduation ceremony; this is important progress in the reconciliation process.
My bottom line: Do not tread on our traditions. Having an open heart is pretty cool. If people had more gratitude towards other’s kind gestures regardless of their own beliefs, the world might have a bit less conflict.
Ashleigh Giffen
Squamish
