Level: National/International — Pillar: Cross-Cultural Understanding

This week’s featured story came in from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada:

My grandmother shared a story with me when I was a young girl. She said: “This beautiful land that we live on is Turtle Island. When the Europeans arrived, we accepted them with open arms. We helped the first Europeans survive their first winter by teaching them what to plant in this land. They brought with them the diseases of the millennium. These diseases destroyed 80% of our people; then they took our land and claimed it for themselves. We owe Mother Earth our life. Always remember that you were first born into the human race, then into your culture, and finally into the woman’s race.”

I ask on this day that we all remember that Peace and only Peace will bring us together to respect each other for the gifts we have to give to each other.

In recognition of Indigenous People’s Day, celebrated each year on October 12 , learn more about the history of indigenous people in your country.
Below are some recommendations for those of you in North America:
Book: The Native Americans: An Illustrated History by David Hurst Thomas
Video: How the West Was Lost

Brenda Combs
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada

Please use the comments section to share your thoughts on indigenous people’s history.