As I was in Saskatchewan last week, I learned a
lot about the need for Truth and Reconciliation between Indigenous Peoples and
Settlers. It is required to restore integrity in our nation, to have peaceful
relations and to integrate the cultures in a way that respects and honours each
other. The truth is that Settlers betrayed our agreement with Indigenous
Communities even though we signed various Treaties. It was trickery and an
absolute betrayal. Many Settler communities have no idea how to right
these wrongs. We are at a loss for what can help versus what will add to the
problems.
I believe the first step is to just get honest. Our ancestors betrayed Indigenous Peoples and those of us who are living in a modern and urban world are benefitting from that through our lifestyle and privileges, while many First Nations Reservations are living in abject conditions. Guilt and Shame are not helpful.
When you think about times when you know that someone hasn't owned their hurt or betrayal of you, doesn't it feel great when they finally acknowledge it?
Now, I'm not talking about radical honesty. Honesty is meant to be shared with wisdom and right timing. Honesty can sometimes make it worse for everyone and everything if done without sensitivity or higher awareness of whether it's safe to do so. If you feel there is going to be harm to yourself or others because of your honesty, then it is best to stay quiet and only confide in those you know would be safe, compassionate and understanding.
Honesty requires us to know ourselves intimately. We need to ask ourselves deeper questions about what we like and don't like, who we really are, and what we truly care about. When we are honest with ourselves, then we can honest with others and have real relationships.
If we try to be something we are not, or to degrade ourselves, it is considered to be a sacred betrayal.
We are here to accept who we are and to share that with others. Then doors of friendship can open. When we compare ourselves to others, we hurt our hearts. When we stay in false relationships, our soul dies. When we live a pretend life, we cause destruction through our addictions or bad habits.
What do you have to get honest about in yourself and your life?
Honesty is what allows for the dialogue to open
up. Owning our ancestors' part so we can take responsibility and move forward
with a sense of humility and maturity adds so much to creating bridges,
possibilities, fairness and a peaceful society. Without it, the tensions
increase and the guilt and denial becomes too much to bear.
