by Norman Yakeleya
In Matthew 7-7-8 in the Holy Bible, there is verse that start off with “Ask and it will be given to you ...” as it goes on, you can look it up and get the exact wording.
The point I want to express is that all we have to do is ask of our creator and it shall be given, seek and he shall find and knock and it shall be open unto you.
That is the secret of life, open to all people. That is probably why Elders and parents tell us be careful what you pray for.
So where is this going? Well with so many challenges in the North and our life, we must strengthen our minds and be willing to stand firm and weather the storm and keeping moving forward.
We need some sense of certainty with the current impacts of “no work that can sustain our economic well-being”. This seems to be a wake call for our young generation, that responsibilities and how we take care of our land with the tools available within our land claims and existing treaties.
Even at the international and national level there is an appetite to re-commit to continuing how these relationships can be carved out to meet the needs of the Aboriginal peoples and deepen their foot in the constituency of Canada.
The North was built by the Aboriginal people and proper acknowledgment was never given to the people. Period!
If is wasn’t for the Dene leading explorers through our land, ensuring their protection, they never would have reached the gold and oil of the North. And the attitude of the Europeans making payment with low wages and trickery thought this was appropriate payment to the Dene.
If wasn’t for the Dene peoples, our land claims agreement wouldn't even be supported by governments and the governments would have continually to rule without the proper owners in the driver’s seat or our hands on the wheel, and how difficult it is to tell the government to let go and we'll take over based on our values, beliefs and way.
I spoke at a conference hosted by the Hotii Ts'eeda this week and change is coming and it's exciting and risk taking. However to be the leader we have to get off the benches and get on the court!
All we have to do is ask and we shall receive ... that is all the creator is asking and let him do the work, our job is to pay attention and watch for the opportunities.
Summer is coming and be safe on the land and water and pay the water when you go out on the lake or river.
Prayers for the loved ones who will be missed.
All my relations.