Energy



Oct 13, 2018

The last dream I experienced this morning felt like a true gift.


I found myself at work in our new office, which resembled a store. Our role there was to serve as legal advocates. I was a bit puzzled by the store's native aesthetic, but it was charming to witness everyone bustling about, preparing for the grand opening and showcasing beautifully crafted indigenous items.


Despite knowing Conan was safe, I couldn't shake off the anxiety that he might be trying to reach me due to some emergency. I had stored my jacket in a cubby, which contained my phone, but when I returned to check on it, I was unable to locate my cell amidst the jumble of coats that had accumulated.


As the office filled with people for the opening, it became impossible to retrieve my phone. Traditional community members began to arrive, and when introduced, they would perform songs and dances as they entered. The guests, adorned in their full regalia, were led by women singing a blessing.


I found myself in line, surrounded by others, as we gathered around the performers. The crowd was tightly packed, and I struggled to find my rhythm. In that moment, I decided to let go of my worries and entrust them to a higher power. I connected with the dancers around me, channeling our collective energy to foster healing as we swayed to the drum’s beat.


As more people joined in on my left, I could feel the energy shifting and growing stronger.


Upon waking, I realized that many of those present in my dream were individuals who had already passed away.


It was a beautiful experience to see everyone again and share in prayer—it was incredibly powerful.

Popular posts from this blog

Bear with hanging tongue

Image
The bear with the tongue hanging out of its mouth is not what you think.  Gather around, and let me share a story that carries the weight of our history, a tale that speaks of resilience and survival. Many people do not understand the significance of the tongue, often mistaking it as merely a feature of the bear. But there is much more to this story, one that we must keep alive as our Aboriginal stories, culture, and beliefs are too often appropriated for the profit of others. In our tradition, totem poles are read from the bottom up, with the tribe usually depicted at the base. It is important to note that the Gitxsan do not have a bear tribe. Instead, the bear symbolizes Russia, a powerful force that once threatened our lands. Long ago, the West Coast nations—including the Gitxsan, Nisga'a, Haida, and others—joined together to stand against Russia when they began to claim our traditional territories and take our people as slaves. Among those who suffered was a woman from th...
Read more

When the food drops

Image
I learned a lot from my grandfather and my parents just by watching them every day. We didn’t talk much about spirituality; we just lived it. Spirituality runs deep in our upbringing; it’s something that flows through our blood and is passed down by our ancestors who have gone before us. Our beliefs aren’t fancy or dramatic—there's no fire and lightning, just the spirit. We used to respect all of life, knowing that spirits are present in everything, including ourselves. God is within us and beside us; every thought we have is a prayer. I should mention that medicine can be used for harm too. Thoughts filled with hatred can be prayers as well. Some people who mix their medicine with bad intentions are called Hel'dow'gwit, or witchcraft. Over the past 50 years, many Gitxsan have changed and evolved. Sweat lodges, which were once only for hunting preparation, are now spaces for prayers and healing. Traditional gatherings have transformed into Healing Circles where we talk abou...
Read more

Burning

Image
Too often, our Gitxsan culture is romanticized, which can create an illusion that it is unattainable or far removed from the realities of our daily lives. This perception can make it seem uninviting to our young people, who may feel disconnected from the traditions and values that define us. We must remember to light the fire, to gather together, and to prepare meals with love for our family and friends. The act of burning food is not a failure but a reminder of our humanity and the lessons we learn along the way. Each meal shared is an opportunity to connect, to nurture, and to honor those we cherish. Every thought is a prayer. When we think of our loved ones who have journeyed on, they are with us in spirit, surrounding us with their love and gratitude for the respect and intention we hold in our hearts. It is in these moments that we can feel their presence, reminding us of the strength of our connections and the importance of our cultural practices. Let us not shy away from the imp...
Read more