Morphing ....Waiting for my WINGS!
Almost finished the first semester. Just one more class.
Here are some of my carving designs and carvings I have done so far.
I am going through a lot of emotions right now. I am so tired, I have been dealing with a lot of personal issues related to the education system and feel like I am at a crossroads if I want to do the 2nd semester.
Many many thanks to Aaron Nelson Moody for his patience, humour, knowledge and wisdom. Very grateful to meet you and have you as a mentor. I have learned so much. I really love the people in my class but it hasn't been an easy journey and part of it had to do with Reconciliation but partly because of the education system and what is required and that it was the first course of it's kind.
It has morphed and is morphing, from what was presented in the orientation, through the classes and to what it is now and what it could become. We were told to focus on transformation in the first classes...well this class is definitely transforming, itself and the world and everything related to it.
My little caterpillar was a sign, she hasn't become a butterfly yet, I am still waiting. Right now I feel like the that poor little thing, in the great big world that can not move fast, that only eats and inches along. When will I get my wings...I don't know...I am waiting. ..
We will just have to wait and see...until then...check out my progress.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Week 11
Justin Trudeau- Can YOU HEAR US NOW!!!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This event took place on the traditional, unceded, occupied territories of the səlil̓wətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.
Saturday November 19th - noon at Vancouver's City Hall we gathered to raise our voices against Kinder Morgan, then we walked across Cambie Bridge to the Library and took a Pledge of Resistance
----------------------------------------
Forgiveness, Signs & Double Rainbows
I want to share this beautiful moment with you. Please read what Lyle June wrote on her post. Such beautiful words. Such wise profound words about forgiveness. Thank you for the love, understanding, wisdom and guidance shown here.
https://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/11/forgiveness-signs-and-double-rainbows.html
Sending love and light and THANK YOU for sharing this POWERFUL message. I was struggling with something yesterday that was causing me great grief. But in the evening I let it all go and forgave and gave my blessing to that what was being asked of me. This morning I was rewarded with a powerful sign. First one rainbow and then a double rainbow appeared. I felt so grateful and blessed and feel so strongly that my ancestors heard my prayers and helped guide me. It was a strong sign for me.
Here are the beautiful rainbows and signs that blessed my day for me.
-----------------------------------------------------
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This event took place on the traditional, unceded, occupied territories of the səlil̓wətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.
Saturday November 19th - noon at Vancouver's City Hall we gathered to raise our voices against Kinder Morgan, then we walked across Cambie Bridge to the Library and took a Pledge of Resistance
----------------------------------------
Forgiveness, Signs & Double Rainbows
I want to share this beautiful moment with you. Please read what Lyle June wrote on her post. Such beautiful words. Such wise profound words about forgiveness. Thank you for the love, understanding, wisdom and guidance shown here.
https://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/11/forgiveness-signs-and-double-rainbows.html
Sending love and light and THANK YOU for sharing this POWERFUL message. I was struggling with something yesterday that was causing me great grief. But in the evening I let it all go and forgave and gave my blessing to that what was being asked of me. This morning I was rewarded with a powerful sign. First one rainbow and then a double rainbow appeared. I felt so grateful and blessed and feel so strongly that my ancestors heard my prayers and helped guide me. It was a strong sign for me.
Here are the beautiful rainbows and signs that blessed my day for me.
-----------------------------------------------------
Week9
Tool Making Info
So here's some of the things we are learning about in class. I was sleepy this morning, wish I had taken better notes but these photos are helpful and I plan to research it more online.
We each got a piece of metal and are working on it. I am making a gouging type tool. We are learning to file it down in the most efficient and fairly quiet way...my ears were hurting I must admit but after a bit people got the hang of it. Slow and steady...
Later we got a piece of lovely red cedar and we will be working on it, creating our first personal design and from these ideas we hope to create panels.
Some students from the Aboriginal Studies program came for a visit and that was nice. I had a very nice chat with one lovely young woman.
There's apparently a lot of interest in what we are doing. It totally new and many people, especially people in the education system wondering how they can incorporate what we are doing into their classrooms.
And so the journey continues. Today again I was totally exhausted when I got home, mentally and physically, I had to take a nap right after I ate. I have heard this is how we store memories into the long-term. I guess I have a lot of processing to do. ha! ha!
I will try to post more soon on my design and the progress of my work.
Tomorrow they are Raising the Survivors Pole on the DTES and I hope to get down there to document it and share in the celebration. Been watching carefully everything that is happening in Standing Rock...we are living in a very interesting time.
We are on the cusp of something big. Only time will tell...when we look back 10, 20 or 30 years from now and remember what was happening. That's why I created this blog...to document and share the journey, so it's not forgotten.
To much has been forgotten..but not all is lost. That's our job, to bring it back. I plan to work hard to do my part, as hard as it is, it's my responsibility for my great great grandmas, my child, to myself and for humanity.
I just want to say Thank you, to Aaron, Justin, Shane, Tomo and everyone at Langara and Aaron's mom and all the others who are so supportive of us. We need it, it's a difficult journey and I am grateful to everyone in my class, in our little community for making this journey with me. It's been scary, joyful, exhausting, exciting, a roller coaster but we are doing it. Step by step, we are making our way and I am grateful to you all. Big hugs!! Sending love and light to you all.
We don't have class next week, so it should be interesting what we accomplish between now and next class.
So here's some of the things we are learning about in class. I was sleepy this morning, wish I had taken better notes but these photos are helpful and I plan to research it more online.
We each got a piece of metal and are working on it. I am making a gouging type tool. We are learning to file it down in the most efficient and fairly quiet way...my ears were hurting I must admit but after a bit people got the hang of it. Slow and steady...
Later we got a piece of lovely red cedar and we will be working on it, creating our first personal design and from these ideas we hope to create panels.
Some students from the Aboriginal Studies program came for a visit and that was nice. I had a very nice chat with one lovely young woman.
There's apparently a lot of interest in what we are doing. It totally new and many people, especially people in the education system wondering how they can incorporate what we are doing into their classrooms.
And so the journey continues. Today again I was totally exhausted when I got home, mentally and physically, I had to take a nap right after I ate. I have heard this is how we store memories into the long-term. I guess I have a lot of processing to do. ha! ha!
I will try to post more soon on my design and the progress of my work.
Tomorrow they are Raising the Survivors Pole on the DTES and I hope to get down there to document it and share in the celebration. Been watching carefully everything that is happening in Standing Rock...we are living in a very interesting time.
We are on the cusp of something big. Only time will tell...when we look back 10, 20 or 30 years from now and remember what was happening. That's why I created this blog...to document and share the journey, so it's not forgotten.
To much has been forgotten..but not all is lost. That's our job, to bring it back. I plan to work hard to do my part, as hard as it is, it's my responsibility for my great great grandmas, my child, to myself and for humanity.
I just want to say Thank you, to Aaron, Justin, Shane, Tomo and everyone at Langara and Aaron's mom and all the others who are so supportive of us. We need it, it's a difficult journey and I am grateful to everyone in my class, in our little community for making this journey with me. It's been scary, joyful, exhausting, exciting, a roller coaster but we are doing it. Step by step, we are making our way and I am grateful to you all. Big hugs!! Sending love and light to you all.
We don't have class next week, so it should be interesting what we accomplish between now and next class.
Week 8
Rattles, Song, Prayers, Peace & Standing Rock
Where to start...
Every week there's so much to tell and sometimes I just get overwhelmed.
Let's start with last week..
Last week Shane Pointe let us shake a special rattle. We did this as we stood in a circle and held the others hand as we passed the rattle.
He had told us a very personal story and impressed upon that we had a mighty task upon us of how to honor the missing and murdered women.
I started to cry, but he said "No more tears" as we finished the shaking of the rattle and him singing beautiful song/prayer. He told us he had called on the beautiful souls of the women and asked them to help us.
As he took the rattle back and was putting it away..he chuckled his sweet laugh and said "the last time I did this(referring to using the rattle) I was with the Dali Lama."
"Wow!!" I can hear him so clearly. When you have been around him for a bit as we have been blessed, you can hear his voice so clearly and the funny things he says to break you out of the sadness. Because in this course there's a lot of sadness and I am struggling to deal with it.
That said I have made friends and have been blessed to be able to talk through my concerns with trusted new friends. We are becoming a little community and I am grateful.
Moving on...
This week we watch a film from Bella Bella and it told the story of Frank Brown. Wow! (I hear Shane's echo...ha! ha!)
This is the movie we saw.
http://webcat1.library.ubc.ca/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=3948893
but it's not online.
It was very moving...it's the butterfly effect, we have no idea how the actions of one can have profound effects on others.
This film below is from 2012, the one I saw was much older and showed and told the story of Frank Brown's early life and the amazing journey that he and his family and community have been on and how it has affected so many others. It's not on line, but I hope someone will put it on because it needs to be shared.
Here is some info about Frank Brown
http://www.lawlessons.ca/sites/default/files/handouts/Handout-2-6-5.pdf
I haven't read this link all but thought it looked interesting to share.
http://www.biodiversitybc.org/assets/Default/BBC_Staying_the_Course_Web.pdf
Here is Frank Brown's Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/frank.brown.75033?fref=nf
There's a lot of great videos about the sacred canoe journeys so I will make another post about them.
On a side note it was very cool to see and hear Ian Reid- he carved one of my favorite masks. And just look at this now I see that I met Pam Brown at the MOA this year, amazing how we are all connected.
https://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/07/meet-yagis-he-eats-tankers.html
So now to get back on the path about what I was sharing today...
Yesterday I gave everyone in my class a little peace prayer flag, as a way to connect.
https://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2015/11/have-you-heard-of-peace-prayer-flag.html
#PeacePrayerFlagProject #PeaceFlags#ClimateJustice #SocialJustice #Refugees #Poverty #Child #Mother #FAMILY #EARTH #LOVE #PEACE, #EnvironmentalJustice #SocialJustice #Harmony #StandingRock #CleansingOurWaters #SaveMyCoast #PeaceDay
Posting my Peace Prayer Flags for International #PeaceDay !!
https://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/09/posting-my-peace-prayer-flags-for.html
I posted this video in 2012 but it's even more relevant today. We need peace and harmony and to respect the water and all living things if humanity is to continue.
Standing Rock, we need to pray very hard for them, for us, FOR THE WATER, for the people that were hurt yesterday, for the police who hurt the water protectors and for the horse the police killed.
Sending out bundles of love and praying for peace.
I know we are facing some dark times but music has helped through out history. Here are some songs that have inspired me. This video about the power of song has some very interesting concepts and I hope you will consider it.
Where to start...
Every week there's so much to tell and sometimes I just get overwhelmed.
Let's start with last week..
Last week Shane Pointe let us shake a special rattle. We did this as we stood in a circle and held the others hand as we passed the rattle.
He had told us a very personal story and impressed upon that we had a mighty task upon us of how to honor the missing and murdered women.
I started to cry, but he said "No more tears" as we finished the shaking of the rattle and him singing beautiful song/prayer. He told us he had called on the beautiful souls of the women and asked them to help us.
As he took the rattle back and was putting it away..he chuckled his sweet laugh and said "the last time I did this(referring to using the rattle) I was with the Dali Lama."
"Wow!!" I can hear him so clearly. When you have been around him for a bit as we have been blessed, you can hear his voice so clearly and the funny things he says to break you out of the sadness. Because in this course there's a lot of sadness and I am struggling to deal with it.
That said I have made friends and have been blessed to be able to talk through my concerns with trusted new friends. We are becoming a little community and I am grateful.
Moving on...
This week we watch a film from Bella Bella and it told the story of Frank Brown. Wow! (I hear Shane's echo...ha! ha!)
This is the movie we saw.
http://webcat1.library.ubc.ca/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=3948893
but it's not online.
It was very moving...it's the butterfly effect, we have no idea how the actions of one can have profound effects on others.
This film below is from 2012, the one I saw was much older and showed and told the story of Frank Brown's early life and the amazing journey that he and his family and community have been on and how it has affected so many others. It's not on line, but I hope someone will put it on because it needs to be shared.
Here is some info about Frank Brown
http://www.lawlessons.ca/sites/default/files/handouts/Handout-2-6-5.pdf
I haven't read this link all but thought it looked interesting to share.
http://www.biodiversitybc.org/assets/Default/BBC_Staying_the_Course_Web.pdf
Here is Frank Brown's Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/frank.brown.75033?fref=nf
There's a lot of great videos about the sacred canoe journeys so I will make another post about them.
On a side note it was very cool to see and hear Ian Reid- he carved one of my favorite masks. And just look at this now I see that I met Pam Brown at the MOA this year, amazing how we are all connected.
https://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/07/meet-yagis-he-eats-tankers.html
So now to get back on the path about what I was sharing today...
Yesterday I gave everyone in my class a little peace prayer flag, as a way to connect.
https://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2015/11/have-you-heard-of-peace-prayer-flag.html
#PeacePrayerFlagProject #PeaceFlags#ClimateJustice #SocialJustice #Refugees #Poverty #Child #Mother #FAMILY #EARTH #LOVE #PEACE, #EnvironmentalJustice #SocialJustice #Harmony #StandingRock #CleansingOurWaters #SaveMyCoast #PeaceDay
Posting my Peace Prayer Flags for International #PeaceDay !!
https://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/09/posting-my-peace-prayer-flags-for.html
I posted this video in 2012 but it's even more relevant today. We need peace and harmony and to respect the water and all living things if humanity is to continue.
Standing Rock, we need to pray very hard for them, for us, FOR THE WATER, for the people that were hurt yesterday, for the police who hurt the water protectors and for the horse the police killed.
Sending out bundles of love and praying for peace.
I know we are facing some dark times but music has helped through out history. Here are some songs that have inspired me. This video about the power of song has some very interesting concepts and I hope you will consider it.
Week 7
Reflection Paper – Artistic Expression Story & Design
Tina Winterlik- ABST 2100 Langara Reconciliation Carving Cohort
My Transformation Story- The Butterfly & the Moon
A long long time ago when things were much different, there lived a beautiful young woman. She was sad, she had had a difficult life and could not find her way. She felt lost and looked to the sky for guidance. (1)
One night as the moon shone bright she looked up and asked the moon to please bless her with happiness and help her fly to the moon. How she would love to fly like a butterfly up in the sky all the way up to the moon.
She laid done in the grass and fell asleep while dreaming about the butterfly and the moon. (2)
When she awoke she felt so small. Everything was huge...she felt awkward, thick and odd. She felt totally different. As she went to rise, she rolled. What was happening...where were her hands, legs...she must be dreaming. (3)
She needed to move, so she inched her way along the ground until she got to a tree. She had to get up high so she could see what was going on. Inch by inch she struggled, up the tree, it was so hard.
At times she wanted to give up but she knew she had to get up to that branch, then she could figure out where she was and what was going on. Alas she reached the top. (4)
For the moment she forgot her exhaustion, and looked in awe. There she could see the beautiful abundant ocean, she could see whales blowing in the distance and the salmon were jumping. Otters and seals played in the kelp beds. Herons stalked their prey as eagles soared over head. (5)
Suddenly a songbird flew down and nearly attacked her...terrified she faced reality. (6)
She was a caterpillar. That was the truth as much as she wanted to deny it. She started to cry. Why? Why had this happened. Why was she a caterpillar and what could she do? She couldn't wake up, she'd tried. (7)
Suddenly she was extremely tired. She needed to lie down and sleep. She was cold. She needed to snuggle up and take a nap. She found a nice cosy leaf and snuggled in. Oh, it felt so good. It felt like all the weight of the world was being lifted from her. She felt so light. (8)
After a very very long nap, she awoke, she felt so stiff, she needed a big stretch. Suddenly she felt claustrophic, she had to get out, something was holding her tight, keeping her a prisoner, she must burst free. She pushed hard and out she went. (9)
She had broke free, she stretched her wings. WINGS! She had wings. Big beautiful wings, where, how, what had happened. She realized her wish had been granted. The spirits of the universe had heard her. The moon had heard her. (10)
Now she was free. Free to fly and off she flew. Up, Up, UP to the moon. That big beautiful silvery moon. When she got there she kissed the moon's cheek and whispered ever so softly a secret in her ear. Then off she flew. Higher and higher, until she could be seen no more. (11)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This story was a vision and was based on events/signs that happened to me.
After feeling deep gratitude as I was leaving class one day. I had been doubting my ability to actually carve because of my weak wrists and then Shane Pointe showed me something and I was so happy. As I was walking I found a caterpillar, so unusual and I brought it home and my kid was thrilled. We put it in a container and it quickly changed into a chrysalis/cacoon. This was very exciting because we had be told several times to think about transformation and I took it as a strong sign to me.
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/09/carving-class-transformation-and-fun.html
Caterpillar I found after class
cacoon/chrysalis it transformed into
Then shortly after the moon woke me up one night, as a photographer I love to take photos but something amazing happened, I took the most amazing closeup photos of the moon I had ever done. I could actually see the craters. This was so incredible I felt that was a very strong sign to. https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/09/moontime-teachings.html
Moon that woke me up
Finally I believe the violence that the mothers (and fathers) and children faced and face from residential schools, child welfare systems, social injustices and environmental, are played out in the everyday violence against the mother earth.
-------------------------------------------------------------
(1. Many people especially children of Residential schools and their children feel lost and disconnected and that they do not fit in and can not relate to family)
(2. We all have dreams of a better future)
(3. Feelings of helplessness no matter what you try)
(4. Survivors are incredibly resilient, determined, they have overcome so much)
(5. Survivors know and remember the old days before the Residential schools and they want to revive that way of life to protect they're children and children's children and the next 7 generations.)
(6. Life is dangerous in many ways, often men attack women and children, society is prejudiced especially against single mothers)
(7. Life gets you down, and you ask why me, why, what did I do to deserve this)
(8. If one is fortunate and perseveres, sometimes amazing events happen to transform ones life in a positive way)
(9. Fight back against social and environmental injustices. )
(10. Miracles can happen and one can grow and be blessed with opportunities)
(11.Adventure and Enlightenment await. )
-------------------------------------------
Portuguese
Portuguese People
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_people
Possibly related info -Lusitanians
The Lusitanians (or Lusitānus/Lusitani in Latin) were an Indo-European speaking people (likely Celtic) living in the Western Iberian Peninsula long before it became the Roman province of Lusitania (modern Portugal, Extremadura and a small part of Salamanca).
They spoke the Lusitanian language, of which only a few short written fragments survive. Most Portuguese consider the Lusitanians as their ancestors. Although the northern regions (Minho, Douro, Tras-os-Montes) identify more with the Gallaecians.
It has been hypothesized that the Lusitanians may have originated in the Alps and settled in the region in the 6th century BC. Some modern scholars consider them to be indigenous and initially dominated by the Celts, before gaining full independence from them. The archaeologist Scarlat Lambrino proposed that they were originally a tribal Celtic group, related to the Lusones.
The first area settled by the Lusitanians was probably the Douro valley and the region of Beira Alta; then they moved south, and expanded on both sides of the Tagus river, before being conquered by the Romans.
Portuguese Embroidery Designs
UPDATED INFORMATION REGARDING MY HERITAGE
Previously I had posted these links but now have much more acurate information
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/09/my-portuguese-metis-and-songhees.html
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/09/my-heritage-and-7-generations.html
I have some really good news in respect to finding out more about my heritage/ancestry.
I got the actual diary from my Great Grandpa John Enos from the RoyalBC archives
I found out so much.
This is how it all breaks down.
Parents-Shirley Enos- Leonard Winterlik (Bohemian)
Grandparents- Joseph Enos - Anna Anderson (Swedish)
Great Grandparents- John Joseph Enos- Mary Anne Poirier (Metis)
Great Great Grandparents- Joao Ignacio d'Almada (John Enos)(*) & Theresa Eliza Enos(Songhees)
Great Great Great Grandparents- Jose Ignacio d'Almada(*) and his wife Bernardina Jacintha(*)
Great Great Great Great Grandparents- Manuel Francisco d'Almada(*) and his wife Ana Bernardina Dos. Prazeres(*)
I don't understand this part, so need to research it more,
Maternal Grandson of Bernardo Jose de Fontes(*)
(*Portuguese)
Now my friend who has been researching the Portuguese pioneers- he has some great videos online, he helped me find the actual baptism record of my Gr. Gr. Grandpa from the Azores and this is what he said.
Email from Manuel Lopez- Portuguese Pioneers of BC blog
http://portuguesepioneersofbc.blogspot.ca/
emmanuelopes@gmail.com
Emailed Info Regarding John Enos's Heritage
I bolded the important part, see he was on of that 5 along with Joe Silva (Shore to Shore Sculpture-)
This is so interesting for me.
Mostly the diary spoke of his daily routines..hauling turnips, looking for the cows, all the hard work he did and the weather each day but it does mention his mom, Theresa Eliza Enos - who I know from a document in the archives - says she is Songhees but doesn't mention her Indigenous name which makes me so sad.
And it mentions that Gr. Grandpa John Enos (who my kid says we should call Jo Jo) that he married Mary Anne Poirier - and we know that Metis
Songhees- The Songhees use a specific type of designs.
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/09/songhees-art-research.html
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/09/portuguese-joe-silvey-portuguese-john.html
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/09/sculpture-honours-portuguese-coast.html
Metis
Moon- Metis/Women
I found an image of women gathered around the moon for the Metis's women circle and so will use this as a symbol for women and Metis as well as draw inspiration from the Metis Motif in this video.
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/09/metis-research-elder-teachings.html
Bohemian
Bohemian Glass
Butterfly- Freedom - Bohemian lifeystyle
Bohemian Crystal- use designs and possibly incorporate into wings of butterfly
The butterfly represents freedom to me and thus the Bohemian lifestyle as well as Bohemian crystal which designs can be represented in the butterfly's wings
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemian_glass
Swedish
Swedish Knitting Traditions
http://www.knittingtraditions.com/knitting-resources/knitting-traditions/swedish/
Lastly I am drawing inspiration from this painting that I created recently.
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/10/tail-of-tears-painting.html
Title: Tail of Tears
Media: Oil on Canvas
Size: 30" × 40"
Artist: Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita
The water drops represent the tears of all Residential School Children, their parent's tears and my tears having read and learned their terrible fate.
I was reading The Survivors Speak and crying while I painted them.
In my #Reconciliation #Carving Class at #Langara College, Shane Pointe let us hold a #whale's tooth when we were in the #talkingcircle
The waterdrops also represent all the #whale #tears for all the whales that died at the hands of whalers. #artTherapy #art #oilpainting #painting
Art by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita © 2016
Let it be noted here, as I have told my daughter and my friend, this painting is NEVER to be sold. I will keep it as long as I live and it can be donated to a museum or such but I feel it is sacred and I want you all to be aware. October 20 2016
Tina Winterlik- ABST 2100 Langara Reconciliation Carving Cohort
My Transformation Story- The Butterfly & the Moon
A long long time ago when things were much different, there lived a beautiful young woman. She was sad, she had had a difficult life and could not find her way. She felt lost and looked to the sky for guidance. (1)
One night as the moon shone bright she looked up and asked the moon to please bless her with happiness and help her fly to the moon. How she would love to fly like a butterfly up in the sky all the way up to the moon.
She laid done in the grass and fell asleep while dreaming about the butterfly and the moon. (2)
When she awoke she felt so small. Everything was huge...she felt awkward, thick and odd. She felt totally different. As she went to rise, she rolled. What was happening...where were her hands, legs...she must be dreaming. (3)
She needed to move, so she inched her way along the ground until she got to a tree. She had to get up high so she could see what was going on. Inch by inch she struggled, up the tree, it was so hard.
At times she wanted to give up but she knew she had to get up to that branch, then she could figure out where she was and what was going on. Alas she reached the top. (4)
For the moment she forgot her exhaustion, and looked in awe. There she could see the beautiful abundant ocean, she could see whales blowing in the distance and the salmon were jumping. Otters and seals played in the kelp beds. Herons stalked their prey as eagles soared over head. (5)
Suddenly a songbird flew down and nearly attacked her...terrified she faced reality. (6)
She was a caterpillar. That was the truth as much as she wanted to deny it. She started to cry. Why? Why had this happened. Why was she a caterpillar and what could she do? She couldn't wake up, she'd tried. (7)
Suddenly she was extremely tired. She needed to lie down and sleep. She was cold. She needed to snuggle up and take a nap. She found a nice cosy leaf and snuggled in. Oh, it felt so good. It felt like all the weight of the world was being lifted from her. She felt so light. (8)
After a very very long nap, she awoke, she felt so stiff, she needed a big stretch. Suddenly she felt claustrophic, she had to get out, something was holding her tight, keeping her a prisoner, she must burst free. She pushed hard and out she went. (9)
She had broke free, she stretched her wings. WINGS! She had wings. Big beautiful wings, where, how, what had happened. She realized her wish had been granted. The spirits of the universe had heard her. The moon had heard her. (10)
Now she was free. Free to fly and off she flew. Up, Up, UP to the moon. That big beautiful silvery moon. When she got there she kissed the moon's cheek and whispered ever so softly a secret in her ear. Then off she flew. Higher and higher, until she could be seen no more. (11)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This story was a vision and was based on events/signs that happened to me.
After feeling deep gratitude as I was leaving class one day. I had been doubting my ability to actually carve because of my weak wrists and then Shane Pointe showed me something and I was so happy. As I was walking I found a caterpillar, so unusual and I brought it home and my kid was thrilled. We put it in a container and it quickly changed into a chrysalis/cacoon. This was very exciting because we had be told several times to think about transformation and I took it as a strong sign to me.
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/09/carving-class-transformation-and-fun.html
Caterpillar I found after class
cacoon/chrysalis it transformed into
Then shortly after the moon woke me up one night, as a photographer I love to take photos but something amazing happened, I took the most amazing closeup photos of the moon I had ever done. I could actually see the craters. This was so incredible I felt that was a very strong sign to. https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/09/moontime-teachings.html
Moon that woke me up
Finally I believe the violence that the mothers (and fathers) and children faced and face from residential schools, child welfare systems, social injustices and environmental, are played out in the everyday violence against the mother earth.
-------------------------------------------------------------
(1. Many people especially children of Residential schools and their children feel lost and disconnected and that they do not fit in and can not relate to family)
(2. We all have dreams of a better future)
(3. Feelings of helplessness no matter what you try)
(4. Survivors are incredibly resilient, determined, they have overcome so much)
(5. Survivors know and remember the old days before the Residential schools and they want to revive that way of life to protect they're children and children's children and the next 7 generations.)
(6. Life is dangerous in many ways, often men attack women and children, society is prejudiced especially against single mothers)
(7. Life gets you down, and you ask why me, why, what did I do to deserve this)
(8. If one is fortunate and perseveres, sometimes amazing events happen to transform ones life in a positive way)
(9. Fight back against social and environmental injustices. )
(10. Miracles can happen and one can grow and be blessed with opportunities)
(11.Adventure and Enlightenment await. )
-------------------------------------------
Portuguese
Portuguese People
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_people
Possibly related info -Lusitanians
The Lusitanians (or Lusitānus/Lusitani in Latin) were an Indo-European speaking people (likely Celtic) living in the Western Iberian Peninsula long before it became the Roman province of Lusitania (modern Portugal, Extremadura and a small part of Salamanca).
They spoke the Lusitanian language, of which only a few short written fragments survive. Most Portuguese consider the Lusitanians as their ancestors. Although the northern regions (Minho, Douro, Tras-os-Montes) identify more with the Gallaecians.
It has been hypothesized that the Lusitanians may have originated in the Alps and settled in the region in the 6th century BC. Some modern scholars consider them to be indigenous and initially dominated by the Celts, before gaining full independence from them. The archaeologist Scarlat Lambrino proposed that they were originally a tribal Celtic group, related to the Lusones.
The first area settled by the Lusitanians was probably the Douro valley and the region of Beira Alta; then they moved south, and expanded on both sides of the Tagus river, before being conquered by the Romans.
Portuguese Embroidery Designs
UPDATED INFORMATION REGARDING MY HERITAGE
Previously I had posted these links but now have much more acurate information
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/09/my-portuguese-metis-and-songhees.html
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/09/my-heritage-and-7-generations.html
I have some really good news in respect to finding out more about my heritage/ancestry.
I got the actual diary from my Great Grandpa John Enos from the RoyalBC archives
I found out so much.
This is how it all breaks down.
Parents-Shirley Enos- Leonard Winterlik (Bohemian)
Grandparents- Joseph Enos - Anna Anderson (Swedish)
Great Grandparents- John Joseph Enos- Mary Anne Poirier (Metis)
Great Great Grandparents- Joao Ignacio d'Almada (John Enos)(*) & Theresa Eliza Enos(Songhees)
Great Great Great Grandparents- Jose Ignacio d'Almada(*) and his wife Bernardina Jacintha(*)
Great Great Great Great Grandparents- Manuel Francisco d'Almada(*) and his wife Ana Bernardina Dos. Prazeres(*)
I don't understand this part, so need to research it more,
Maternal Grandson of Bernardo Jose de Fontes(*)
(*Portuguese)
Now my friend who has been researching the Portuguese pioneers- he has some great videos online, he helped me find the actual baptism record of my Gr. Gr. Grandpa from the Azores and this is what he said.
Email from Manuel Lopez- Portuguese Pioneers of BC blog
http://portuguesepioneersofbc.blogspot.ca/
emmanuelopes@gmail.com
Emailed Info Regarding John Enos's Heritage
I bolded the important part, see he was on of that 5 along with Joe Silva (Shore to Shore Sculpture-)
This is so interesting for me.
Mostly the diary spoke of his daily routines..hauling turnips, looking for the cows, all the hard work he did and the weather each day but it does mention his mom, Theresa Eliza Enos - who I know from a document in the archives - says she is Songhees but doesn't mention her Indigenous name which makes me so sad.
And it mentions that Gr. Grandpa John Enos (who my kid says we should call Jo Jo) that he married Mary Anne Poirier - and we know that Metis
Songhees- The Songhees use a specific type of designs.
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/09/songhees-art-research.html
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/09/portuguese-joe-silvey-portuguese-john.html
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/09/sculpture-honours-portuguese-coast.html
Metis
Moon- Metis/Women
I found an image of women gathered around the moon for the Metis's women circle and so will use this as a symbol for women and Metis as well as draw inspiration from the Metis Motif in this video.
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/09/metis-research-elder-teachings.html
Bohemian
Bohemian Glass
Butterfly- Freedom - Bohemian lifeystyle
Bohemian Crystal- use designs and possibly incorporate into wings of butterfly
The butterfly represents freedom to me and thus the Bohemian lifestyle as well as Bohemian crystal which designs can be represented in the butterfly's wings
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemian_glass
Swedish
Swedish Knitting Traditions
http://www.knittingtraditions.com/knitting-resources/knitting-traditions/swedish/
Lastly I am drawing inspiration from this painting that I created recently.
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/10/tail-of-tears-painting.html
Title: Tail of Tears
Media: Oil on Canvas
Size: 30" × 40"
Artist: Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita
The water drops represent the tears of all Residential School Children, their parent's tears and my tears having read and learned their terrible fate.
I was reading The Survivors Speak and crying while I painted them.
In my #Reconciliation #Carving Class at #Langara College, Shane Pointe let us hold a #whale's tooth when we were in the #talkingcircle
The waterdrops also represent all the #whale #tears for all the whales that died at the hands of whalers. #artTherapy #art #oilpainting #painting
Art by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita © 2016
Let it be noted here, as I have told my daughter and my friend, this painting is NEVER to be sold. I will keep it as long as I live and it can be donated to a museum or such but I feel it is sacred and I want you all to be aware. October 20 2016
Week6
Indigenous CBC asked "What does Reconciliation mean to you?"
This was my comment on Indigenous CBC
What I have heard is many many "Canadians" still have no idea what really happened in the Residential schools, the true scope of it, how it affected and is still affecting so many people. They do not know that the children had to go or their parents would be jailed, they do not know that as soon as they got there, their hair was cut, and they were beaten if they spoke their language, that they were molested and never learned to parent. Then when they went home they couldn't speak the language, felt lost, didn't know how to care for their children and that has led to more problems of their children being stolen again by the welfare systems or put in jails.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_agent_(Canada)
http://www.sicc.sk.ca/archive/saskindian/a73feb03.htm
Also Read The Survivors Speak so you can hear actual accounts of what happened. Google it to get the pdf, I can't get the link to work right.
This isn't true for all of course and many were/ARE amazingly resilient precious souls that survived and overcame these horrific crimes again children. It was a WAR ON CHILDREN...FOR 150 YEARS. It didn't happen hundreds or thousands of years ago, it is Canada's life time.
Re-Think Canada...the last school closed in 1996, that is very recent... More children died in the Residential schools than the actual war...think about that? How do we reconcile with that?
The schools are really slow to teach what happened and older people in there 50's 60's they just don't want to go there. It is really sad, causes big arguments and that's just in non-indigenous or indigenous families that are in denial that they are part indigenous. And that's a big part of it, people were scared to even acknowledge it because of the consequences.
Everyone is reconciling with something as my instructor Dr. Justin Wilson says, in my Reconciliation Carving course. In the course we have dealt with really difficult issues but in the afternoons we carve so it's like art therapy. We need a lot more art therapy, a LOT more education about the TRUTH, and people need to realize a lot of BC is Unceded Territories...so recognizing treaties doesn't work for some and then because they ignore (Christy Clark and greedy corporations) treaties it's a bunch of bs.
And here's the gist of it, children keep taking their lives...if we don't reconcile it will continue. I pray people will take it upon themselves to actually educate themselves. It's not easy, I thought I knew the truth but it was just a tiny bit, then I got a glimpse, it was horrific, it's like the holocaust.
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/10/labels-thanksgiving-truth.html
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/10/i-want-suicides-to-stop.html
And this is the Truth, it's about land, Canada stole the land, the took the land put the people on reserves, sold it to settlers , and they don't want to give it back and if you fight it your kids end up in the welfare system or you go to jail...so Canada's wonderful legacy (Vomit) will continue until people learn, accept and take action.... can we do it, I don't know.
Do I want us to, of course, for my child, our children and children's children...but if we don't ....think about the consequences...it's not positive...it will be dark...I know I know,....you don't want to go there...I hear it all the tiime and you know what else...I think history is just repeating itself.. over and over... to post or not to post, if I post this truth, what will be my consequences....but if I don't then I am guilty of letting this evilness continue
And just one last comment...some think it's not their problem or that it's just the children that were affected and stuff like that but I heard something really sad the other day and I just don't know what to do but share it with you. Apparently an elder died. I don't know if they passed away or actually died by suicide. What I heard was she had moved out of her home into her brother's home and was living on the couch. Her own son was heavily addicted and was stealing from her. Imagine being her. Imagine that's your mom, your sister, aunt, grandma, child,...imagine
And I am sure this isn't an isolated incident, it's happening in indigenous homes and non-indigenous. There's a lot of pain, abuse, sadness and we have to face the truth and reconcile and make our so called government accountable...the suicides must stop. We need healing, compassion, love, we need WATER and to STOP KILLING OUR MOTHER with mining, pipelines, fish farms, LNG. We need to cut the head off the black snake like Alice in Wonderland did to the Jabberwocky.
Art by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita © 2016 Sending out love, light, peace and prayers for a better future for all of us and Mother Earth.
This was my comment on Indigenous CBC
What I have heard is many many "Canadians" still have no idea what really happened in the Residential schools, the true scope of it, how it affected and is still affecting so many people. They do not know that the children had to go or their parents would be jailed, they do not know that as soon as they got there, their hair was cut, and they were beaten if they spoke their language, that they were molested and never learned to parent. Then when they went home they couldn't speak the language, felt lost, didn't know how to care for their children and that has led to more problems of their children being stolen again by the welfare systems or put in jails.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_agent_(Canada)
http://www.sicc.sk.ca/archive/saskindian/a73feb03.htm
Also Read The Survivors Speak so you can hear actual accounts of what happened. Google it to get the pdf, I can't get the link to work right.
This isn't true for all of course and many were/ARE amazingly resilient precious souls that survived and overcame these horrific crimes again children. It was a WAR ON CHILDREN...FOR 150 YEARS. It didn't happen hundreds or thousands of years ago, it is Canada's life time.
Re-Think Canada...the last school closed in 1996, that is very recent... More children died in the Residential schools than the actual war...think about that? How do we reconcile with that?
The schools are really slow to teach what happened and older people in there 50's 60's they just don't want to go there. It is really sad, causes big arguments and that's just in non-indigenous or indigenous families that are in denial that they are part indigenous. And that's a big part of it, people were scared to even acknowledge it because of the consequences.
Everyone is reconciling with something as my instructor Dr. Justin Wilson says, in my Reconciliation Carving course. In the course we have dealt with really difficult issues but in the afternoons we carve so it's like art therapy. We need a lot more art therapy, a LOT more education about the TRUTH, and people need to realize a lot of BC is Unceded Territories...so recognizing treaties doesn't work for some and then because they ignore (Christy Clark and greedy corporations) treaties it's a bunch of bs.
And here's the gist of it, children keep taking their lives...if we don't reconcile it will continue. I pray people will take it upon themselves to actually educate themselves. It's not easy, I thought I knew the truth but it was just a tiny bit, then I got a glimpse, it was horrific, it's like the holocaust.
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/10/labels-thanksgiving-truth.html
https://mylangaratrccarvingjourney.blogspot.ca/2016/10/i-want-suicides-to-stop.html
And this is the Truth, it's about land, Canada stole the land, the took the land put the people on reserves, sold it to settlers , and they don't want to give it back and if you fight it your kids end up in the welfare system or you go to jail...so Canada's wonderful legacy (Vomit) will continue until people learn, accept and take action.... can we do it, I don't know.
Do I want us to, of course, for my child, our children and children's children...but if we don't ....think about the consequences...it's not positive...it will be dark...I know I know,....you don't want to go there...I hear it all the tiime and you know what else...I think history is just repeating itself.. over and over... to post or not to post, if I post this truth, what will be my consequences....but if I don't then I am guilty of letting this evilness continue
And just one last comment...some think it's not their problem or that it's just the children that were affected and stuff like that but I heard something really sad the other day and I just don't know what to do but share it with you. Apparently an elder died. I don't know if they passed away or actually died by suicide. What I heard was she had moved out of her home into her brother's home and was living on the couch. Her own son was heavily addicted and was stealing from her. Imagine being her. Imagine that's your mom, your sister, aunt, grandma, child,...imagine
And I am sure this isn't an isolated incident, it's happening in indigenous homes and non-indigenous. There's a lot of pain, abuse, sadness and we have to face the truth and reconcile and make our so called government accountable...the suicides must stop. We need healing, compassion, love, we need WATER and to STOP KILLING OUR MOTHER with mining, pipelines, fish farms, LNG. We need to cut the head off the black snake like Alice in Wonderland did to the Jabberwocky.
Art by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita © 2016 Sending out love, light, peace and prayers for a better future for all of us and Mother Earth.
Week 5
Labels, Thanksgiving, Truth, Reconciliation, Art & SOCIAL MEDIA
Yesterday was really f*cking hard for me. I am not going to beat around the bush and I am sorry if the language disturbs you.
It's about time we all got really disturbed there is so much nasty stuff going on and has gone on. People have had a peak into the evilness of Residential Schools but nobody wants to go there(with their mind). I am talking about people who didn't attend or have no relatives that attended.
We saw and heard really HORRIFIC things yesterday.
They tried to prepare us...but I didn't really have the tools to be ready for what was coming. The elder (while he hates to be called that) -I'm going to call him Wise One- he had prepared himself in a special way because he actually lived this through this and so did his family.
I cried, cried, CRIED! I WANTED TO GO OUT SIDE AND SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wanted to puke out all the evilness and hurt.
I made it through, and I was only a bystander, I didn't experience this personally but it felt like it. I have great empathy for these friends, these loving souls, when they hurt I hurt.
We were told not to take this stuff with us. Don't pick up someone else's bundle(?) baggage, I was told to think of it as going on a a long canoe journey. Some parts would be very VERY hard and we would have to STRUGGLE through but once we did, we would get to the next village and people would be there to feed and care of us.
So I survived, I came home, I was safe. It never happened to me. It just felt like it did. HOW CAN PEOPLE BE SO EVIL TO OTHERS????????????????
They learned, they learned it when they were children. I have always said, "monsters make monsters", if you never learned love then how can you give, but it goes deeper.
It has to do with people feeling superior. They used to believe the that Indigenous people were not human. They had deep GREED in their core and when they saw all this land, they wanted it and they figure out how to take it for themselves. They would KILL THE INDIAN!!
Isn't that horrible. I KNOW you probably don't want to read this, maybe you won't but if you do, then you are brave and you have a heart and soul and your willing to be enlightened.
Do you see I mentioned the term Indigenous.
Someone is my class enlightened me yesterday.
You see I didn't realize I wasn't using some labels/terms correctly.
First Nations, Metis, metis, Inuit, Aborignal, Indigenous...do you know the difference and WHY they are important but why they shouldn't be.
First Nations is a term and all these terms were created by the government, they define the person by the amount of blood they have...if you are 51% then you are can have status and you get a card saying that, If not, you don't.
I will break the rest down in a bit.
But the reason it's all so important is that it comes down to land rights, it is the INDIGENOUS people that were living here before the Europeans(Settlers) came and killed them with disease and Residential schools, it was and IS their land.
Residential schools were horrible evil systems that ripped children away from loving, abundant homes and forced them into violence. Propaganda promoted the idea that they were doing some huge favor but in reality it was the government RIPPING THE OFF OF THEIR LAND. And it is to this day.
But it's been buried. Hidden, they don't want us to know this dark nasty evil secret BECAUSE they are STILL doing it.
There are so many Indigenous people in the Child Welfare system and Judicial system it's programed that way to keep them out of the way, WITHOUT RIGHTS, KNOWLEDGE, HEALTH, JUSTICE so that their land can continue to be STOLEN, DESTROYED, POLLUTED, SOLD.
It's true. Sadly it is really true but everyone is in denial because it's too F*UCKING ugly to acknowledge.
I am sorry for venting here but I am OUTRAGED and so should YOU!
I shared a video the other day, https://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2015/11/lets-rip-off-all-labels.html
You know in a PERFECT world we don't need labels, labels are really horrible and cause so many problems BUT that said INDIGENOUS PEOPLES MUST KEEP THE LABELS OR THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO EXPLOIT THEM AND THEIR LAND.
I know, I know I am yelling with my big font but I feel like I need to wake everyone up because we have been lost in the dark and now it's time to find our way out of the forest.
So who is considered First Nations- this is the conversation I had yesterday because I was told I was using the term wrong when using it to refer to myself. (I said I had First Nations in me...)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Nations
This is what Wikipedia says, it's a very long article, I have glanced through it but will read it more in detail later and you should too.
The First Nations (French: Premières Nations) are the various Aboriginal Canadians who are neither Inuit nor Métis.[2] There are currently 634[3] recognized First Nations governments or bands spread across Canada, roughly half of which are in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia.[4] Under the Employment Equity Act, First Nations are a "designated group", along with women, visible minorities, and people with physical or mental disabilities.[5] First Nations are not defined as a visible minority under the Act or by the criteria of Statistics Canada.[6]
Now if you look on the Government of Canada website this is what it says, "First Nations people" refers to Status and non-status "Indian" peoples in Canada. Many communities also use the term "First Nation" in the name of their community. Currently, there are 617 First Nation communities, which represent more than 50 nations or cultural groups and 50 Aboriginal languages.
According to the 2011 National Household Survey, more than 1.4 million people in Canada identify themselves as an Aboriginal person, or 4% of the population. 50% percent are registered Indians, 30% are Métis, 15% are non-status Indians and 4% are Inuit. Over half of Aboriginal people live in urban centres.
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada's (AANDC's) responsibilities and its partnerships with First Nation people and communities range from negotiating land claim and self-government agreements to providing social services, education and economic development. These activities support AANDC's mandate and vision, and help to maintain and strengthen the relationship between the Government of Canada and First Nations people. READ MORE HERE https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100013791/1100100013795\
Is this shit complicated, you bet!! Why, because it's all about money and greed. http://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-aboriginal-which-is-correct-1.3771433
Indigenous or Aboriginal: Which is correct? A collective noun for the original inhabitants of Canada a challenge since Columbus, writes Bob Joseph http://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-aboriginal-which-is-correct-1.3771433
Here's another informative article http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/what-s-in-a-name-indian-native-aboriginal-or-indigenous-1.2784518
This this the take away from that article but please read it all. "Bottom line: First Nation people have done much to reclaim their identity by striving to become independent and self-sufficient. This is a good way to go about things for now. Perhaps the biggest problem with all of this is that we fight over it and people's feelings get hurt. I have always maintained that we should call people what they want to be called, and if I make a mistake when I refer to someone's name, I ask that they please "guide me gently to a higher understanding" like the elders do. I never meant to offend anyone and I hope we can teach each other about these things in a good way."
Recently the CBC changed it's name to CBC Indigenous
http://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/cbc-aboriginal-becomes-cbc-indigenous-1.3765790
http://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous
Today, CBC Aboriginal will be renamed CBC Indigenous, and CBC's Aboriginal Digital Unit will become the Indigenous Digital Unit.
While we understand that there is no truly all-encompassing term, Indigenous is fast becoming the preferred way to refer to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
In adopting this change, we join the ranks of many individuals, groups, organizations, universities and governments — both nationally and globally — who have chosen to use the term Indigenous.
Aboriginal vs. Indigenous
In 1982, the Canadian government adopted the legal term "Aboriginal peoples of Canada" in the Constitution Act, referring to the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada.
While the term Aboriginal increased in popularity in the '80s and '90s, Indigenous began to take over, often chosen by Indigenous people — as opposed to designated by someone else.
Canada officially adopts UN declaration on rights of Indigenous Peoples
Standing ovation at UN greets Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett's announcement
http://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/canada-adopting-implementing-un-rights-declaration-1.3575272
So what is the take away from ALL THIS!
Who AM I?
And while I am lost and trying to figure this out and people are upset because someone used a term that they feel is incorrect, people are fighting about who's who, how much blood makes you qualify for a title, the title is only important because it's a way for the government of Canada to categorize you and decide who it can abuse...
People are fighting within families, people denying they have any Indigenous blood when the truth is we are all indigenous to this earth but you can't say that because then you may have more rights or NO RIGHTS and it's a real sad F*cking mess.
So this THANKSGIVING think long and hard and hopefully promise yourself to educate yourself and your children and family about all of this, go gently if you must but have the conversations...
What was that Thanksgiving really about. It was giving thanks because the Indigenous peoples living here before the Europeans arrived to take over and claim what was NOT theirs, they were giving Thanks because the Indigenous people saved their "starving" asses.
This painting is a complete lie, but look how powerful it was. Media is POWERFUL. SOCIAL MEDIA IS POWERFUL. ART IS POWERFUL. Embrace it and share the TRUTH.
But we have never been taught that. Instead through art and written words and violence we have been fed a horrific concoction of lies and those lies were fed to each generation and they will continue unless you TAKE ACTION now and ENLIGHTEN yourself.
DON'T BE FOOLED any longer.
Because if you don't, if you don't, we face a much darker future. That's the Truth. Indigenous people have something deep inside that says 'PROTECT MOTHER EARTH' and they will do what they have to to do it.
The governments have tried to "kill " that in them, they are still trying but it's STRONG! IT'S SO STRONG, so there is hope, I feel it.
I feel sad and mad and go through so many emotions, and I have had to do so much research and I am learning new things all the time about my history, my family's history and deep inside a little voice, I am sure it's my Great Great Grandma and my Great Grandma, and my mom, they are pushing me, pushing me to find and learn the truth and to share it. And that's what I am doing, the best way I know how.
Last night when I got home, I felt traumatized. I took a long bath and I had a vision. I saw things that encouraged me, a story, maybe it's a series of paintings, maybe it's a carving...some how I need to do them and share them.
And that brings me back to art and history, where is the Indigenous history, where is the evidence of the people who lived here before the settlers arrived.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Population_history_of_indigenous_peoples_of_the_Americas
It's weird I can not really find a stat on how many Indigenous people were here before contact with Europeans, I remember reading that in South America or maybe Mesoamerica something like 9 million indigenous people died of disease, you see, they don't want us to know so this info is not easy to find and that tells you something right there. The fact that all their art, clothes, homes were destroyed or stolen shows they were trying to wipe them all out and they are still trying...and it goes back to greed.
My final point here is ART is POWERFUL! Tell your story through art. What every injustices you have suffered or are suffering, put your energy into art and tell it and hopefully it will survive, and it will tell the TRUTH many many years from now.
Like this...
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/ballet-ghosts-of-violence-first-nations-1.3794579
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/national-archive-indegenous-documents-1.3792693?cmp=abfb
or even this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nYXFletWH4
OR THIS...READ THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2016/oct/05/artemisia-gentileshi-painter-beyond-caravaggio
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2016/oct/05/artemisia-gentileshi-painter-beyond-caravaggio
Tell your story and tell the truth, not some trumped up shit that has been fed to us through a lying government and people who were sick, sick their minds and souls....who CREATED A WAR OF 150 YEARS AGAINST CHILDREN!! And it is still going on!!!!!!!!!!!!!! just in a different format.
The time for Truth is now and if we are to Reconcile let it be with our families, friends, people you meet on the street, on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, the power of SOCIAL MEDIA to tell the Truth, share it and let's give thanks this Thanksgiving that we have to power to access it.
Please use that power, use the power of art, let's reconcile with ourselves, let's reconcile with the truth how ever dark and ugly it is and let's change it, change it for a better future, for our children and children's childrens future.
Because if we don't...if we don't ....I don't want to think about that future...it's too dark and too scary...just like the past we just came from and the present that so many INDIGENOUS people are living RIGHT NOW!!
There's so much more I want to say, like we need some of these for John A. MacDonald- A-standing for ULTIMATE A-HOLE but I actually have to get ready because I am going to share a Thanksgiving dinner with my family, and this doesn't usually happen for us.
In fact it's been 12 years since I've been to this family member's home.. I am going to give thanks, thanks that we will be together, thanks that we have food to eat and we are safe, thanks I have not suffered as others have, thanks that I have the ability to learn and share the truth, thanks that I am an artist and create and hopefully I can share a message that will live on long after I am gone. Thanks that I can share the truth and others will hopefully learn and end the evilness that is happening NOW and prevent it from happening again in the future. That's what I am giving thanks for this Thanksgiving.
Related:
Related links: (haven't read these yet but plan too)
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/natives-americans-reveal-what-they-really-think-about-thanksgiving-day-a6751771.html http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/11/23/what-really-happened-first-thanksgiving-wampanoag-side-tale-and-whats-done-today-145807 http://www.elle.com/culture/career-politics/news/a32138/native-americans-react-thanksgiving-christopher-columbus/
Keywords: TRUTH, evil, residential schools, reconciliation, thanksgiving, rape, pillage, plunder, First nations, Metis, Indigenous, Anger, sadness, empathy, outrage, Canada, John A MacDonald, school, education, prisons, colonialism,
Yesterday was really f*cking hard for me. I am not going to beat around the bush and I am sorry if the language disturbs you.
It's about time we all got really disturbed there is so much nasty stuff going on and has gone on. People have had a peak into the evilness of Residential Schools but nobody wants to go there(with their mind). I am talking about people who didn't attend or have no relatives that attended.
We saw and heard really HORRIFIC things yesterday.
They tried to prepare us...but I didn't really have the tools to be ready for what was coming. The elder (while he hates to be called that) -I'm going to call him Wise One- he had prepared himself in a special way because he actually lived this through this and so did his family.
I cried, cried, CRIED! I WANTED TO GO OUT SIDE AND SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wanted to puke out all the evilness and hurt.
I made it through, and I was only a bystander, I didn't experience this personally but it felt like it. I have great empathy for these friends, these loving souls, when they hurt I hurt.
We were told not to take this stuff with us. Don't pick up someone else's bundle(?) baggage, I was told to think of it as going on a a long canoe journey. Some parts would be very VERY hard and we would have to STRUGGLE through but once we did, we would get to the next village and people would be there to feed and care of us.
So I survived, I came home, I was safe. It never happened to me. It just felt like it did. HOW CAN PEOPLE BE SO EVIL TO OTHERS????????????????
They learned, they learned it when they were children. I have always said, "monsters make monsters", if you never learned love then how can you give, but it goes deeper.
It has to do with people feeling superior. They used to believe the that Indigenous people were not human. They had deep GREED in their core and when they saw all this land, they wanted it and they figure out how to take it for themselves. They would KILL THE INDIAN!!
Isn't that horrible. I KNOW you probably don't want to read this, maybe you won't but if you do, then you are brave and you have a heart and soul and your willing to be enlightened.
Do you see I mentioned the term Indigenous.
Someone is my class enlightened me yesterday.
You see I didn't realize I wasn't using some labels/terms correctly.
First Nations, Metis, metis, Inuit, Aborignal, Indigenous...do you know the difference and WHY they are important but why they shouldn't be.
First Nations is a term and all these terms were created by the government, they define the person by the amount of blood they have...if you are 51% then you are can have status and you get a card saying that, If not, you don't.
I will break the rest down in a bit.
But the reason it's all so important is that it comes down to land rights, it is the INDIGENOUS people that were living here before the Europeans(Settlers) came and killed them with disease and Residential schools, it was and IS their land.
Residential schools were horrible evil systems that ripped children away from loving, abundant homes and forced them into violence. Propaganda promoted the idea that they were doing some huge favor but in reality it was the government RIPPING THE OFF OF THEIR LAND. And it is to this day.
But it's been buried. Hidden, they don't want us to know this dark nasty evil secret BECAUSE they are STILL doing it.
There are so many Indigenous people in the Child Welfare system and Judicial system it's programed that way to keep them out of the way, WITHOUT RIGHTS, KNOWLEDGE, HEALTH, JUSTICE so that their land can continue to be STOLEN, DESTROYED, POLLUTED, SOLD.
It's true. Sadly it is really true but everyone is in denial because it's too F*UCKING ugly to acknowledge.
I am sorry for venting here but I am OUTRAGED and so should YOU!
I shared a video the other day, https://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2015/11/lets-rip-off-all-labels.html
You know in a PERFECT world we don't need labels, labels are really horrible and cause so many problems BUT that said INDIGENOUS PEOPLES MUST KEEP THE LABELS OR THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO EXPLOIT THEM AND THEIR LAND.
I know, I know I am yelling with my big font but I feel like I need to wake everyone up because we have been lost in the dark and now it's time to find our way out of the forest.
So who is considered First Nations- this is the conversation I had yesterday because I was told I was using the term wrong when using it to refer to myself. (I said I had First Nations in me...)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Nations
This is what Wikipedia says, it's a very long article, I have glanced through it but will read it more in detail later and you should too.
The First Nations (French: Premières Nations) are the various Aboriginal Canadians who are neither Inuit nor Métis.[2] There are currently 634[3] recognized First Nations governments or bands spread across Canada, roughly half of which are in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia.[4] Under the Employment Equity Act, First Nations are a "designated group", along with women, visible minorities, and people with physical or mental disabilities.[5] First Nations are not defined as a visible minority under the Act or by the criteria of Statistics Canada.[6]
Now if you look on the Government of Canada website this is what it says, "First Nations people" refers to Status and non-status "Indian" peoples in Canada. Many communities also use the term "First Nation" in the name of their community. Currently, there are 617 First Nation communities, which represent more than 50 nations or cultural groups and 50 Aboriginal languages.
According to the 2011 National Household Survey, more than 1.4 million people in Canada identify themselves as an Aboriginal person, or 4% of the population. 50% percent are registered Indians, 30% are Métis, 15% are non-status Indians and 4% are Inuit. Over half of Aboriginal people live in urban centres.
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada's (AANDC's) responsibilities and its partnerships with First Nation people and communities range from negotiating land claim and self-government agreements to providing social services, education and economic development. These activities support AANDC's mandate and vision, and help to maintain and strengthen the relationship between the Government of Canada and First Nations people. READ MORE HERE https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100013791/1100100013795\
Is this shit complicated, you bet!! Why, because it's all about money and greed. http://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-aboriginal-which-is-correct-1.3771433
Indigenous or Aboriginal: Which is correct? A collective noun for the original inhabitants of Canada a challenge since Columbus, writes Bob Joseph http://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-aboriginal-which-is-correct-1.3771433
Here's another informative article http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/what-s-in-a-name-indian-native-aboriginal-or-indigenous-1.2784518
This this the take away from that article but please read it all. "Bottom line: First Nation people have done much to reclaim their identity by striving to become independent and self-sufficient. This is a good way to go about things for now. Perhaps the biggest problem with all of this is that we fight over it and people's feelings get hurt. I have always maintained that we should call people what they want to be called, and if I make a mistake when I refer to someone's name, I ask that they please "guide me gently to a higher understanding" like the elders do. I never meant to offend anyone and I hope we can teach each other about these things in a good way."
Recently the CBC changed it's name to CBC Indigenous
http://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/cbc-aboriginal-becomes-cbc-indigenous-1.3765790
http://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous
Today, CBC Aboriginal will be renamed CBC Indigenous, and CBC's Aboriginal Digital Unit will become the Indigenous Digital Unit.
While we understand that there is no truly all-encompassing term, Indigenous is fast becoming the preferred way to refer to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
In adopting this change, we join the ranks of many individuals, groups, organizations, universities and governments — both nationally and globally — who have chosen to use the term Indigenous.
Aboriginal vs. Indigenous
In 1982, the Canadian government adopted the legal term "Aboriginal peoples of Canada" in the Constitution Act, referring to the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada.
While the term Aboriginal increased in popularity in the '80s and '90s, Indigenous began to take over, often chosen by Indigenous people — as opposed to designated by someone else.
Canada officially adopts UN declaration on rights of Indigenous Peoples
Standing ovation at UN greets Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett's announcement
http://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/canada-adopting-implementing-un-rights-declaration-1.3575272
So what is the take away from ALL THIS!
Who AM I?
And while I am lost and trying to figure this out and people are upset because someone used a term that they feel is incorrect, people are fighting about who's who, how much blood makes you qualify for a title, the title is only important because it's a way for the government of Canada to categorize you and decide who it can abuse...
People are fighting within families, people denying they have any Indigenous blood when the truth is we are all indigenous to this earth but you can't say that because then you may have more rights or NO RIGHTS and it's a real sad F*cking mess.
So this THANKSGIVING think long and hard and hopefully promise yourself to educate yourself and your children and family about all of this, go gently if you must but have the conversations...
What was that Thanksgiving really about. It was giving thanks because the Indigenous peoples living here before the Europeans arrived to take over and claim what was NOT theirs, they were giving Thanks because the Indigenous people saved their "starving" asses.
This painting is a complete lie, but look how powerful it was. Media is POWERFUL. SOCIAL MEDIA IS POWERFUL. ART IS POWERFUL. Embrace it and share the TRUTH.
But we have never been taught that. Instead through art and written words and violence we have been fed a horrific concoction of lies and those lies were fed to each generation and they will continue unless you TAKE ACTION now and ENLIGHTEN yourself.
DON'T BE FOOLED any longer.
Because if you don't, if you don't, we face a much darker future. That's the Truth. Indigenous people have something deep inside that says 'PROTECT MOTHER EARTH' and they will do what they have to to do it.
The governments have tried to "kill " that in them, they are still trying but it's STRONG! IT'S SO STRONG, so there is hope, I feel it.
I feel sad and mad and go through so many emotions, and I have had to do so much research and I am learning new things all the time about my history, my family's history and deep inside a little voice, I am sure it's my Great Great Grandma and my Great Grandma, and my mom, they are pushing me, pushing me to find and learn the truth and to share it. And that's what I am doing, the best way I know how.
Last night when I got home, I felt traumatized. I took a long bath and I had a vision. I saw things that encouraged me, a story, maybe it's a series of paintings, maybe it's a carving...some how I need to do them and share them.
And that brings me back to art and history, where is the Indigenous history, where is the evidence of the people who lived here before the settlers arrived.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Population_history_of_indigenous_peoples_of_the_Americas
It's weird I can not really find a stat on how many Indigenous people were here before contact with Europeans, I remember reading that in South America or maybe Mesoamerica something like 9 million indigenous people died of disease, you see, they don't want us to know so this info is not easy to find and that tells you something right there. The fact that all their art, clothes, homes were destroyed or stolen shows they were trying to wipe them all out and they are still trying...and it goes back to greed.
My final point here is ART is POWERFUL! Tell your story through art. What every injustices you have suffered or are suffering, put your energy into art and tell it and hopefully it will survive, and it will tell the TRUTH many many years from now.
Like this...
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/ballet-ghosts-of-violence-first-nations-1.3794579
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/national-archive-indegenous-documents-1.3792693?cmp=abfb
or even this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nYXFletWH4
OR THIS...READ THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2016/oct/05/artemisia-gentileshi-painter-beyond-caravaggio
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2016/oct/05/artemisia-gentileshi-painter-beyond-caravaggio
Tell your story and tell the truth, not some trumped up shit that has been fed to us through a lying government and people who were sick, sick their minds and souls....who CREATED A WAR OF 150 YEARS AGAINST CHILDREN!! And it is still going on!!!!!!!!!!!!!! just in a different format.
The time for Truth is now and if we are to Reconcile let it be with our families, friends, people you meet on the street, on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, the power of SOCIAL MEDIA to tell the Truth, share it and let's give thanks this Thanksgiving that we have to power to access it.
Please use that power, use the power of art, let's reconcile with ourselves, let's reconcile with the truth how ever dark and ugly it is and let's change it, change it for a better future, for our children and children's childrens future.
Because if we don't...if we don't ....I don't want to think about that future...it's too dark and too scary...just like the past we just came from and the present that so many INDIGENOUS people are living RIGHT NOW!!
There's so much more I want to say, like we need some of these for John A. MacDonald- A-standing for ULTIMATE A-HOLE but I actually have to get ready because I am going to share a Thanksgiving dinner with my family, and this doesn't usually happen for us.
In fact it's been 12 years since I've been to this family member's home.. I am going to give thanks, thanks that we will be together, thanks that we have food to eat and we are safe, thanks I have not suffered as others have, thanks that I have the ability to learn and share the truth, thanks that I am an artist and create and hopefully I can share a message that will live on long after I am gone. Thanks that I can share the truth and others will hopefully learn and end the evilness that is happening NOW and prevent it from happening again in the future. That's what I am giving thanks for this Thanksgiving.
Related:
Related links: (haven't read these yet but plan too)
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/natives-americans-reveal-what-they-really-think-about-thanksgiving-day-a6751771.html http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/11/23/what-really-happened-first-thanksgiving-wampanoag-side-tale-and-whats-done-today-145807 http://www.elle.com/culture/career-politics/news/a32138/native-americans-react-thanksgiving-christopher-columbus/
Keywords: TRUTH, evil, residential schools, reconciliation, thanksgiving, rape, pillage, plunder, First nations, Metis, Indigenous, Anger, sadness, empathy, outrage, Canada, John A MacDonald, school, education, prisons, colonialism,
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