Mountain Heritage

Mountain Heritage
I take this opportunity to express my feelings during a journey on the rough road to reality along the river of sorrow

 Although I have survived a deadly ambush and feel like a shipwreck 

I will survive I have hope for a better future

 Images of the Church give me a bad feeling.
They become more intense when I think of the damage that the church has done to our children and our heritage
 They remind me of the lost children and the sickness we endured while at their residential schools.
I think we must have felt like birds in an over crowded cage. So many were taken away in a plane
 So many died at the hands of the religion
I wonder if Jesus would approve
 I like to think that he is an activist and that he actually likes Indians and that he would take a stand even if it meant dying on a cross for us again 
So, I find it in my heart to forgive, but, I will not allow them to forget 
 I look to the fire for warmth and comfort in culture
  It reminds me of the big house dancers and the singers 
The smell makes me hungry for my traditions

 When I see the mountains I see a heritage that is resourceful

The mountains make me feel at peace

They make me feel secure. It makes me feel solid
 When I am with the river as it flows it cleanses me of grief

 I reconnect to my family, my mother, my bother and my very own children
The river gives me hope that I will have the strength to carry on in a peaceful manner
The animals, especially those of the sea world, makes my heart beat happily
 The whales give back my heritage and give me a sense of belonging
When I think of those who are gone from this world and are in the spirit world I feel a sense of loss

 Yet I know that if I allow them to enter my thoughts my body will follow the right path

 I heal myself with colours and dreams of a healthy future for my family