'Who will teach the children our ways?'

 

 

"If legends fall silent who will teach the children of our ways?”  -Chief Dan George

Actor, poet and musician George was born in present-day North Vancouver in July of 1899, the son of a tribal chief on Burrard Indian Reserve Nº. 3. He was the only Aboriginal actor in Canadian history with the right to use the title "Chief,” serving as leader of the Squamish First Nation of Burrard Inlet.

For Saturday’s Poem, here is Chief George’s, 

 

To A Grandchild

Heed the days
when the rain flows freely,
in their greyness
lies the seed of much thought
The sky hangs low
and paints new colors
on the earth.
 
After the rain
the grass will shed its moisture,
the fog will lift from the trees,
a new light will brighten the sky
and play in the drops
that hang on all things.
Your heart will beat out
a new gladness
- if you let it happen.
 
In the midst of a land
without silence
you have to make a place for yourself.
Those who have worn out
their shoes many times
know where to step.
It is not their shoes
you can wear
only their footsteps
you may follow,
- if you let it happen.

                

 

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