BY GLORIA O’KOYE
Being in Six Nations felt like…
Home!
The sacred fire revived memories that were once thought gone.
Elders speaking wisdom
While sweet grass and sage
Cover the room.
Healing from cedar foot baths
Got stories coming out
From the woods
Being in Six Nations
You can taste the medicine from
Strawberry juice
The sweetness of slowly learning
The Nations by name
And opening ceremonies
Without having the elders rush
Like how some institutions do!
Words spoken at a pace
That encourages wisdom
Instead of hurried conversations
That we are so used to
Being in Six Nations
You have to be humble
To take everything in
Come with a open heart,
You’ll learn gradually
Actively listening
The teachings
Would have you reflecting,
Appreciating life
In a way
No words can best describe
Unless you first hand experience it.
The nervousness of being a settler
By choice or force
Will always continue to linger,
To keep division
For oppressors to win
But intuitions are strong
Amongst these lands,
A genuine heart
Can break the bondage
We were taught to believe.
The love is from both ends
And the fear of the unknown is also mutual
There are more pure connections hidden,
But the mistrust caused by media and false performances,
Disrupt any built connections with people.
Being in Six Nations
May have you more aware…
In the truth that some outsiders
Don’t want to share.
Being in Six Nations
Taught things
That no third party
Or books,
Or anyone who pretending
Can tell!
