We are wind people, dispersed across the world. We push the fire further, create sand storms, and tsunamis.

When we hear the wisdom of Indigenous peoples a deep remembering occurs.

The Seven Grandfather Teachings, the Honourable Harvest, All My Relations, and Nnə́ c̓ aʔmat (we are one), these are universal principles and sacred laws that stir in us a whirlwind of ancestral recollections. 

These nuggets of wisdom have been held in care by our Indigenous brothers and sisters. It has cost them their lives to be the carriers of these truths. Today we tout them as our saviours; moving from genocide to redemption. It isn’t right. 

If the wind people could touch into these wisdoms, remember them in their bones, and act upon them, we could all move towards a future for humankind. 

This must be done with care, respect, and appreciation for Indigenous peoples. There is the danger of appropriation. As a settler, the mountains, the language and ceremonies bring longing but not familiarity. We might be able to calm the tempest in a good way if we stay away from the things that don’t bring hereditary memory.

A gentle breeze caressing sweetly and making leaves dance, this is the new version of us. A wind people that can rest long enough to hear the lessons and act with love.