I can’t help but lament the absence of divine justice. Thankfully God is not finished with us. How much better will we do in the next 10 years? Sometimes I think of the process of reconciliation as a dance. The question is, “How ready are we to make this an inclusive party. to turn up the music so that the dance can begin?
The dance of privilege
Anglophones leading
In an evolving dance
To a playlist of Euro-centric music
The Francphone guests
Not always in step
Preferring a different genre
Not ready to leave the party
Recent immigrants invited
Selectively chosen
For their musical taste
Their ability to adapt to the rhythm
The Inuit left out in the cold
No invitation received
The Metis occupying the margins
Not even recognized
Indigenous inspired art
Gracing the invitation cards
The design given an appreciative nod
By the invited guests
Those who live with privilege
Make up the guest list
Deciding who's who
Guests who move in step to the music
A land acknowledgment recited
An unobtrusive party etiquette
Adopted following the recent event
The Prime Minister's apology*
A faint and distant rhythm
Steady and persistent
Too persistent to ignore
A rhythm that spells life
The heart beat of the woods
The heart beat of the river
The heat beat of the weather
The heart beat of the creator
The Indigenous drum beat
Slowly increasing in volume
Gradually getting recognized
Offering wholeness to the dance
The wholeness that is
Shalom
Living in Peace and Harmony
Wetaskewin
There is peace in them hills
Seeking Shalom, Welcoming Wetaskewin
This reflection came out of Jasper's experience in Hearts Exchanged. You can sign up to participate in cohorts starting this fall. For more of Jasper's journey and poetry watch this video!
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