Themes of Honour, Love, and Respect
Honour, love, and respect are values I’ve gained through life experiences, and they’re principles that are prevalent in my everyday life.
Honour, I practice in my life by honouring my ancestors, and life experiences of my parents. Driven with determination I strive to make the most of the life that has been gifted to me.
Love, I share with myself, people I meet, and life around me. Love by being true to myself, sharing trust and kindness with people I meet, and sharing a deep appreciation for life.
Respect, I practice with both consideration and admiration. And similar to love, it is respecting myself, others, and life. I have gained these values through my experiences and they guide my everyday life.
On Saturday, September 16, 2017 I had the opportunity to attend the Pacific People’s Partnership 10th Anniversary of the One Wave Gathering, and the Moose Hide Campaign Regional Event.
It was challenging to attend both full-day events, which were happening concurrently; Especially with exhausted muscles from spin-class that morning, but I fervently cycled between both locations.
One Wave Gathering
I attended the One Wave Gathering in the first part of the day. Upon arrival I looked upon the four longhouses and large crowd with admiration and curiosity. The opening and welcoming of the event from leaders of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations were beautifully shared, and soon after Nuu-chah-nulth artist Hjalmer Wenstob shared a few words of acknowledgement of four youth.
Working with Hjalmer, these four youth were the artists who had their designs featured on the longhouse structures in the styles of Coast Salish, Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, and South Pacfiic peoples. It was a special moment to see the youth blanketed and honoured in front of everyone who was there.
A lovely British couple described the event as “heart-felt, soulful, and something that makes you think… Think about history, and the importance of love, connection, and togetherness”.
One of the youth artists, AJ Boersen, mentioned that the One Wave Gathering was one of the best events he’s ever been to. AJ shared “A highlight of One Wave was that I made new friends and even more so family; I consider Hjalmer Wenstob and his family my family now.” “A big part for me was that everyone came together and that we all celebrated as one race, the human race. I hope that eventually more and more people come each year and that soon racism and stereotypes end for everyone,” said Boerson.
Songhees Elder Joan Morris powerfully remarked, “On this day, history was made. All the things that were stolen from us, were returned”
This was a very momentous day where people of all walks of life, of diverse nations, came together as one nation of people, a shared community. And in this shared community beautiful conversations erupted with sentiments of curiosity, respect, love, and an open exchange of knowledge and culture.
Moose Hide Campaign
After experiencing a profound start to the day, I had felt attached and had a hard time making my departure. But, I was also keen to be at the Moose Hide Regional Event, so I quickly sped my way to the Songhees Wellness Centre.
The Moose Hide Campaign is a grassroots movement of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Men who are standing up against violence towards women and children.
Wearing this moose hide signifies your commitment to honour, respect, and protect the women and children in your life and to work together with other men to end violence against women and children.
Immediately, I was welcomed into a community of respect and love. Values which were very prominent and strong in this community and allowed for the beautiful sharing of stories and conversation.
During the course of this day many men were fasting, symbolizing their dedication to ending violence. Plenty of people also stood by the men in their fast, offering support, and further signifying the importance of this day.
All the men broke fast together in ceremony that evening. Honour, love, and respect emanated around the room and could be felt by all who were in attendance. Even for a portion of the day, it was a beautiful gift to witness this experience and see the community walking together in this journey.
Reflections
Reflecting at the end of this powerful day, my heart is full and I am grateful. A day of connection, and community, filled with honour, love, and respect.
What does honour, love, and respect mean to you? How do you practice these values in your own life?
If you’re curious to learn more about the Pacific People’s Partnership or the Moose Hide Campaign, please refer to the links below:
