the oolichan dream

Last night, I dreamt of a new cousin, young and handsome, full of life. He came to visit as we were settling down for the night, and he asked if we had any fish for supper. 

In that moment, I remembered my grandfather and his teachings about respecting all spirits. He would share stories with me, always speaking in a way that connected our past to the present. My elders are always there, guiding me with their wisdom, reminding me of our traditions and the importance of our connections.

My grandfather, Auto Moto, always had soup simmering on the stove, and he would feed his huskies first, for they were the protectors of our family. Many think that Aboriginal spirituality requires Fire and Lightning, but the truth is, it is woven into our very being, passed down through generations. It flows in our blood, teaching us to respect all spirits, all forms of life, and especially our Mothers.

I took a moment to reflect, and then I remembered I had oolichans in the freezer. I rushed to get them, but alas, the power had gone out, and the freezer was low. I found only one package, partially thawed, and I worried it might spoil. I turned to my cousin—I’m sorry, I forgot his name—and told him he would be eating right now because I had to fry up all the oolichans. 

Now, I must confess, I’m not the best cook, but as I looked at the fish sizzling in the pan, it still looked good to me. I felt a sense of joy, knowing I was sharing a meal, honoring our traditions, even if it was just a small feast. 

Yet, I awoke before we could eat, leaving that moment hanging in the air, a reminder of the connections we share through food, family, and the teachings of our ancestors. In dreams and in life, we carry their wisdom forward, nourishing our spirits as we honor the past and embrace the present.



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