Letters: February 24

First Nations History Month, Jennifer Bennett

Summer Soccer in Hartington

February is here and my thoughts turn to cottaging at St. Andrews Lakes. Last summer I brought my soccer boots and ball with me, as I have for the past 5 years or so, and I wasn't disappointed. The weekly pick up soccer for women continued on Tuesday nights at Hartington. I feel privileged to play with the fun loving women of Frontenac County. Skill level ranges from beginner to some pretty mean shooters. And age, as you can see, ranges from young to my white hair. Contact is strictly forbidden but competition isn't. Play is friendly, banter and chatter flourish. My cottage guests were as welcome as I. This soccer has been a great way for me to meet local women as well as keep my soccer skills honed while away from my Edmonton team. I look forward to next summer's games and urge other women to come join us.

Sincerely, Jean Frost

First Nations History Month

Is it possible for us to have a First Nations History month? I and a friend whose wife is a member of the Sharbot Lake drummers had a chat about this recently. February was Black History month, which increased our awareness of the contributions of black Canadians, but I think we know even less about the people who have lived here for thousands of years. Only rarely to I catch glimpses of the richness of culture, language, medicine, music, art and social interaction of the First Nations. We whose ancestors arrived in Canada less than three centuries ago -- and often much more recently -- seem to assume that this land's history begins with us.

I don't know how this could be done, but do believe we newcomers would be wise to find out much more about the people who really know how to live in this land.

Jennifer Bennett