Indians were the first poets in the Americas, they named their children and everything else with great vision, sensitivity, and respect for nature.
Canada by the renowned Ojibwe artist James Mishibinijima
Acryclic on Canvas 24″ x 40″
© James Mishibinijima (https://mishmountains.blogspot.com/)
.
As we zig zag the
US and Canada border
from Maine to Seattle
and into Alaska
.
We travel through Native lands
families and friends separated
long lines of cars and trucks
on land and bridges
close communities
divided
.
Passports to be shown
sunglasses off
those with a DUI
cannot cross over
even as passengers
or ever again
I heard it said
.
Sometimes it’s a long trek
other times not
Reservations and Reserves
two separate lands
on one border
or another
.
Veteran Elders come
to participate
at Eagle Staff gatherings
some well into their 90’s
.
Regalia and bundles
inside the car
the border patrol
depending who you get
know better now
to not go through them
.
Officers with good training
have learned to respect
the ways and traditions
different from theirs
.
Indigenous men
women and children
come to participate
in a pow wow
a celebration
a sacred circle
on the other side
.
First Nations go south
Native Americans go north
First Alaskans go east
Northern First Nations go west
.
To participate and celebrate
to give thanks for each other
the earth
the land and waters
animals and trees
stories from another time
.
Everything done in a circle
intricately sewn regalia
headdresses, jingle dresses
made with feathers, beads
and the hide of buffalo
caribou, deer, and seal
.
Songs and traditions
from long ago
to say we are one
in a circle
.
with no borders
.
Ziibinkokwe, Turtle Clan (Patricia LeBon Herb)