A conversation with Elder Stanley T. Peltier
By Sharla Peltier
During the late winter of 2016, Nookomis Beedasige (Josephine Mandamin) announced plans for a Great Lakes Gathering at Ojibway Park in Garden River, Ontario, to be held July 14 to 17, 2016. Josephine’s Facebook post stated, “our teachers tell us we are all doing the same work, no matter where, when, how, what, and why we do our work. The important thing is that we know we are united by water and we must not forget where we came from, and that we work in solidarity in truth about the Waters…our Great Lakes must hear the drums from one end to the other without controversy, but with unity, love, and strength…We must stand united”.
The call to gather to become aware of what is happening in our backyards and to protect our Mother the Earth, her offspring, hair, body, and lifeblood in harmony and peace was sent out to include everybody, including American relatives. The Onaman Collective and supporters were organizers of the gathering.
Shortly after the gathering, I had a conversation with Odawa Elder Stanley T. Peltier, Wawashkesh Clan, Wikwemikong Unceded Territory, Manitoulin Island to understand his role and response to the Gathering. He talked about his response to the call without hesitation in support of Nibi (Water) and Aki (Land). He spoke about his roles at the Gathering where he supported the sunrise ceremony each day, ensuring that the sacred pipe and eagle feather were shared with all in attendance.
The voices of the people came together as one to address family and community concerns and to express gratitude to Shkagamik-Kwe (Mother Earth), Nibi, and the ancestors for Life. Stanley participated in the Elders Council deliberations and was given the honour to represent the group’s Calls to Action for Nibi and Aki on the final day. He communicated in Anishinaabemowin to represent and share the philosophy, values, and world views of the people.
Stanley’s focus during our conversation was to bring greater understanding about “Ahdinwehmaaganidok” (a call that is sent out in all directions). “The call is made at an urgent time when people gather to put our hearts and minds together about an urgent issue that has the potential to affect every one of us. Such a call is communicated in Anishinaabemowin with capacity to extend beyond auditory levels. Historically, people embodied the call and they mobilized a response without hesitation”. Stanley explained that the Anishinaabek social structure has always been centered on our relationships. Historically, people from all nations and Lodges gathered in response to a call that required deliberations and actions that significantly impact the next seven generations.
At the Great Lakes Nibi Gathering, Stanley said that he met up with Anishinaabek from Manitoulin and the North Shore, Plains Cree, Metis, Chippewa, and members of the Six Nations as well as allies who are involved in environmental activism, environmental science, and law. Approximately 200 people honoured the call by attending and participating in the gathering deliberations and ceremonies. However, Stanley shared that the focus on Nibi and Aki is of paramount importance and more people were expected. Many did not respond to the call and of those in attendance, a number of people sat and observed from outside of the Lodge.
Stanley shared a realization that today our people are carrying out the segregation of our communities and Nations that has been instilled in us from the colonizers. When we are called to take action in response to insurmountable obstacles that affect every one of us and the next seven generations, the boundaries of our Lodges cannot be impermeable or we remain divided and conquered. The time for us to no longer be held back by criticism and fear is upon us for the sake of Nibi, Aki, and our children. We can perceive and respond to Ahdinwehmaaganidok by stepping into the future with confidence in our Truth and peaceful, perceptive ways of being Anishinaabek.
Stanley reflected on what was shared by Edward George at the Great Lakes Water Gathering about the Nibi Onji Canoe Journey. As Edward paddled with supporters for a month from Stoney Point First Nation to the Great Lakes Gathering, he received a vision of a Turtle Lodge meeting place for the Clans. Stanley said that he supports a future Gathering in the Clan Lodge and shares in the hope for our relatives to come together in unity in response to future calls.