THUNDER BAY – Editorial – An Aboriginal heritage is not mandatory to enjoy the example and the gift of the inner strength, the resolve, the humour, the joy of the First Nations peoples.  So, in line with one of my most cherished teachings, the Medicine Wheel teaching, I share with you now all that I am, and all that I know so that the colours of man can come closer to completing the circle …

Aboriginal heritage is not mandatory

You see, my book and the writings it contains were created with one simple purpose in mind, to remind you that you (no matter your heritage, upbringing or skin colour) are indeed a warrior who has survived monumental hardships.  It is my hope that by reading my words, by “walking a mile in my moccasins” you will begin to see the strength and peace contained in your very soul and slowly you will begin to embrace and understand your abilities as your conquer your fears and emerge as the person you were destined to be!

I am not an Elder but I am a strong and proud Anishnawbequek (Ojibwe woman) who is compelled to share all that I am so you too can find the inner peace, the strength, the contentment that I experience every single day of my life.  No, I am not an Elder, one of the wise ones who have learned many things along his/her life path, but I was blessed to be the daughter of a very wise and strong woman.  My mother had a beautiful smile, a laugh from the soul, and a voice that hinted of the immense wisdom held in her heart, but my mother was raised in a time when the opinions of women were unheeded and the words of an Indian unimportant, yet she spoke to me and I listened.

My Mother taught me to see the teachings in every face, in every situation, in every accomplishment and in every hardship.  She taught me how to calm my soul and how to revisit my life without condemnation.  She taught me to learn, to laugh, to live and to love.  So now, I invite you to walk through my life, to experience teachings as they come to me, to analyze as I reflect, to become … an Honorary Indian.

Some passages are written directly to you as if we are sitting together sharing a pot of tea.  Others are simply of me walking slowly through the days of my life.  I didn’t know who needed to read a certain passage or when; rather I just knew I had to write it.  It is my hope that as you read and see how I view my world and those around me, you will begin to uncover and see the teachings in your own life and experiences.  With practice I have no doubt you will also begin to experience the solace, clarity, strength, understanding, and peace that make up my world.

Some passages I pray will touch your very soul, while others may not.  Don’t worry if this happens for as the Elders explain, “You will hear what you need to hear at this stage of your life”. 

Continue reading, skip a page if you feel the need or return to read a passage as often as you like.  Trust that the Creator will guide you to the words you were meant to read, but don’t be surprised if you gather more understanding with a second or third reading.  Time will have passed between your visits and by rereading you will come to understand that the passage hasn’t changed, but you have.

Honorary Indian

So my friend – from this moment on you are an Honorary Indian, one destined to live a life of inner strength and power in the tradition of the majestic warrior.  One gifted to learn, grow, and appreciate the teachings held in every single breath, in every face, in every day.  So stand tall my friend, stand proud, and stand strong simply because you are!

I love you!

Sandi