The Heart Grows

We must reckon with Land. In the journey of decolonization, capital 'L' Land is a vital connection. We must understand treaties and obligations. We must acknowledge and begin to walk in a Good Way with the indigenous people of the Land. We need to rethink our understandings of relationship with Land.  As settlers, we owe the Land. We do not own the Land.  Some of us may participate in the colonial system of 'owning Land.' I really think that is an imaginary fiction that does not produce a healthy paradigm nor reflect the actual relationship. We purchased a house several years ago. For me, that was an agreement with the Land itself. I think the Land, if anything, owns me. The Land has been here much longer and will be here much longer than I. The Land gives food and shelter and all sorts of Good Medicine.  We are in a climate crisis. Let us be clear. The Land will ultimately be fine. It is humanity that is truly in danger. If we do not get into a g...

Here is the thing, I have read a lot of books on this journey. It is important to once again, situate my context of knowing and learning. I am settler-Acadian. I grew up along the Wolastoq and now live in Mi'kma'ki, the part now currently known as Nova Scotia. I am a treaty person with the Peace and Friendship Treaties of 1725 forward. This journey is impossible without reading. I spent a lot of years reading almost exclusively from the voice of straight, white, men. I needed to spend a long time listening to different voices... decentering whiteness. Read indigenous authors. Read women authors.  In an effort for manageability, I have put some of these books in different pots. It doesn't mean they should always stay there. Also, this is not an exhaustive list. I am not sure if I could pinpoint the reason I chose these other than they are my regular "you may want to start with some of these" books when I am asked about reading lists. I haven't even mentioned th...

Last night, while we were having a little fire in our back garden, my son and I were walking our fence line. Several years ago, I was given 3 grapevine cuttings to propagate. Only one took. You see, when we moved in to this place, there was already a lush Concord vine growing. I have had to protect this from careless developers on the other side of our fence who have reached over the fence and cut this vine.  When given the opportunity to grow another variety, I said yes. My mother-in-law helped me quite a bit. The kids have cared for this growing vine over the past few years. It has now creeped up our fence and is taller than my 6 feet. Last night, as I gave up at this vine with the tiny green and growing grapes on it, I was overcome with the desire to kiss the vine. I pushed it down as silly. Then I relented and dove deeply into that feeling. I gently brushed my lips against this vine. "I am so glad you are growing and doing well friend. You are a sight to behold." My son w...