On National Indigenous Peoples Day, I has honoured to be part of the opening of a new exhibit at the Sidney Museum featuring the life of the legendary Tsleil-Waututh leader Chief Dan George. The exhibition runs until September 30th.
Chief George is one of those iconic figures in Canadian history perhaps best known for his work in Hollywood movies like Little Big Man and The Outlaw Josey Wales. However, he was a multi-talented, community leader, author and activist. Looking back from our vantage point nearly 40 years after his passing, his wise words are prophetic.
Sharing wise words
There are special people who seem to be able to grab hold of you by the way they articulate their enlightened perspective. They need just a few simple words. They come from all walks of life and all fields of work. Whether they are the ancient proverbs of Lao Tzu or the gridiron gospel of Vince Lombardi, their echoing foresight reverberates long after their passing. Chief Dan George is one of those people.
In preparing for speaking at the opening of the exhibit, I did a web search for his famous quotes and each one spoke to its own aspect of my work as a community leader and legislator. I feel as if our SI¸ÁM, our honoured elder, was speaking directly to me. He was speaking to each one of us. What will we do now we have heard his wisdom?
“The time will soon be here when my grandchild will long for the cry of a loon, the flash of a salmon, the whisper of spruce needles, or the screech of an eagle. But he will not make friends with any of these creatures and when his heart aches with longing, he will curse me. Have I done all to keep the air fresh? Have I cared enough about the water? Have I left the eagle to soar in freedom? Have I done everything I could to earn my grandchild’s fondness?” Chief Dan George
Poinient way to reflect on ones life