History with First Nations

Pamela Giroux | Mar 02, 2016

Several years ago I had the privilege of meeting Grandfather William Commanda, a well known Algonquin leader who lived at Maniwaki in Quebec. He was a great Elder who spoke about forgiveness and the “Circle of all Nations”. At the other end of the spectrum we have the letter written by Brenda Crawford (Black History Month, Feb 11/16) . She chose to dwell on all the negative aspects of our history with our First Nations brothers and sisters. Most Canadians have been made acutely aware of this cruel past due to the Truth and Reconciliation revelations. And I would venture to say that a great many Canadians feel a terrible remorse for the sins committed by their ancestors. We cannot change the past, and certainly Native history is being rewritten now by authors such as Joseph Boyden, who retell history through native eyes. What is needed now is positive energy, forgiveness and love for all our brothers and sisters. That is what Grandfather William Commanda taught and he was recognized as a great Indigenous leader Internationally. Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has made a very good start on our Healing Journey together and as National Chief, Perry Bellegarde has stated “Sunny ways are blowing across Turtle Island”