Truth + The Best Disinfectant + Like Fine Wine
Good Morning from Warren Grove, Prince Edward Island
Thank you for being here with me today.
This week on September 30, 2021, was the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation for Canada.
The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is vital for the reconciliation process.
The creation of this federal statutory holiday was through legislative amendments made by Parliament. On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) received Royal Assent.
The Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action Report
Bruce Cockburn is one of Canada’s greatest lyricists and guitar players wrote a poignant song in January 1990.
Indian Wars
Out in the desert where the wind never stops
A few simple people try to grow a few crops
Trying to maintain a life and a home
On land that was theirs before the Romans thought of Rome
A few simple people try to grow a few crops
Trying to maintain a life and a home
On land that was theirs before the Romans thought of Rome
A few dozen survivors, ragged but proud
With a few woolly sheep, under gathering cloud
It's never been easy or free from strife
But the pulse of the land is the pulse of their life
With a few woolly sheep, under gathering cloud
It's never been easy or free from strife
But the pulse of the land is the pulse of their life
You thought it was over but it's just like before
Will there never be an end to the Indian wars?
Will there never be an end to the Indian wars?
You thought it was over but it's just like before
Will there never be an end to the Indian wars?
Will there never be an end to the Indian wars?
It's not breech-loading rifles and wholesale slaughter
It's kickbacks and thugs and diverted water
Treaties get signed and the papers change hands
But they might as well draft these agreements in sand
It's kickbacks and thugs and diverted water
Treaties get signed and the papers change hands
But they might as well draft these agreements in sand
Noble Savage on the cinema screen
An Indian's good when he cannot be seen
And the so-called white so-called race
Digs for itself a pit of disgrace
An Indian's good when he cannot be seen
And the so-called white so-called race
Digs for itself a pit of disgrace
You thought it was over but it's just like before
Will there never be an end to the Indian wars?
Will there never be an end to the Indian wars?
You thought it was over but it's just like before
Will there never be an end to the Indian wars?
Will there never be an end to the Indian wars?
Will there never be an end to the Indian wars?
Thirty-one years after Bruce wrote this song, hope has arrived with the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
It has been said the best disinfectant is sunshine; the stories which have been in the dark corners of our history will now have a chance to be free and heal a peoples and a country.
“My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.
And we’ll change the world.” Jack Layton, 2011
Desiderata
~ Max Ehrmann
(Latin for "Things to be Desired”)
GO PLACIDLY amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for
high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and
disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labours and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Now let’s dance!
Joy is an inside job. – Lorraine Weiss
Have a wonderful weekend.
Take care of each other.
With love from Prince Edward Island.
Bruce + Millie
ps. Your Morning Smile
I overheard...
Men are like fine wine...
They start out like grapes, and it's our job to stomp on them and keep them in the dark until they mature into something you'd like to have dinner with.
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