Dear Editor
I am up early, reading my Twitter, wondering what this big beautiful world is up to...
*gasp*
I spit out my coffee and am transported back to 1884 where an amendment to the Indian Act called for a ban on spiritual practice among the Nations of Treaty 6 territory:
“The tall green grass sways in a northernly breeze.
The blue and cloudless skies reach as far as the eye can see.
But there. Right there where the river splits in two.
An Indian agent stands with gun by his side. In full regalia. A military sort.
He runs his callous fingers across the bushy hair of his face.
‘Just following orders.’ He barks as he points to a yellowing paper.
Small voices from the nearby creek whisper, ‘They kill the eyes in the face of the skies.’”
*wooosh*
Back to 2019: Battlefords Housing Authority in conjuction with orders from the provincial government state: special permission is required to “smudge” in government housing.
A regressive and dangerous policy that violates both national and international mandates and laws, including Canada’s Charter of Rights and the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
I implore Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, atheists, pagans and all the great-great-granddaughters of the witches they tried to burn (and if I missed anyone, I’m sorry, I welcome you. too).
Talk to your priests and fellow parishioners. Speak up at church, at the bus stop, on coffee row.
Regressive religious persecution such as this must not be tolerated.
If the government is allowed to criminalize this form of worship, what’s stopping them from criminalizing the way you pray?
Step up for love.
-And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13, NKJV)
Brandie Carignan
Treaty 6 North Battleford
