In the spirit of the Idle No More movement, Megaphone asked writers who participate in our community writing program to tell our readers about the Aboriginal experience in Canada. This week, we share their words.
Idle No More Week: Joseph D.
I am From
I am from the land of fish, water and sky
The land is green and abundant with
trees, though they’re
only a few metres high. There are lichen
and willow, ducks,
snow and geese.
I am from a home where the northern
lights glow, the summer
days are a long six months to be sure.
The kids play from early
summer to early fall.
Oh, how I miss fish guts, caribou marrow
and bannock
cranberry jam to boot,
condiments you say.
Pass the lard and salt if you will, please.
Bear grease and blueberries, if you
please.
Awa! is jee ah nest’s. Where’s the zeem.
Play cowboys, indians and I want to be
John Wayne, found
’em up saddle,
Time’s a wastin’
crack Henry you wanna make a few
bucks,
some Samba and make a run for us
Same ol’ stuff
St. George’s please.
Hutsiel-ke, Rocher River,
Bescho nena—USA in English
Riel, Sus-cho
Chief Big Bear Dené
Heroes of certainly not the written word
Oral history is where it’s at on
the Moccasin Telegraph.
Custer they say
had it coming.
I think this is true.
Crowfoot was a sucker
but a good injun.
I am from the land of endless day
night at fall of crimson sky
until the northern lights start to play and
that is when
the trout will dance upon the water for
you,
the loons will waltz for you
and the bull-moose will fight for you,
assuming you know how to call them.
Our fridge is abundant with food
of the land in spring.
Duck, goose eggs, water fowl
of every kind
on their annual northern migration
from far off warm places with names
I can’t even name in my language,
the tongue of the Chipewyan-Denesoliné.
Bannock and hard make
Indian hard they say
That true is true
for my Grandpa told me so.
Oh! It’s winter time now
Hitch up the dogs, ready the sled
are my moccasins ready?
Have my gun, matches, can of snuff
Dry meat, tea and good ol’ lard can
Got my grill
c’mon hi-ya-coo-tah
Time’s a wastin’ the wind feels good
-40° below in my face and the wind at my
back
Crack goes the rifle
OK Joe, shoot one get the other one Alex
While I reload Grandpa and Granny are
gonna eat good
tonight
I think it’s Hank Williams time
and the Red River jig.
Strum, strum, and off to bed we go.
The airtight aglow
full stomach warm blanket
the jokes are done.
Thank you, creator, for another day.
When I was young.
-By Joseph D.
This poem was originally published in Megaphone’s Voices of the Street.
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