As we shapeshift our way from one side of our calendar to the next, we will invariably analyze the year that was, and aspire to be better in this new year than we might have been in those last 12 moons.
Careful reflection inevitably will incite, motivate us to improve ourselves as human beings. We will set attainable goals for ourselves and ask the Creator for forgiveness and the strength, courage to move on.
On a personal note, I will finish the novel I have been writing and not allow myself to be spirited away to join or support every single activist group that requests my presence. Although most causes are of the noble variety, I do believe Mothers Against Gritty Aggregate (MAGA) can do without me for a while.
As we reflect upon our own personal experience, we are reminded of the other forces that flow into our personal sphere and help to shape us into becoming better versions of self. We trust those external forces will ruminate and shapeshift into a new way of being, as well. I wish good things for all the ones that affect my life.
That is why I wish good things for external forces such as the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario. I wish the elected members of this party can finally reacquire their voices so their constituency can finally hear them beyond the bellow of their exalted one.
I also hope they can escape from the shadow of the same so the sunlight can shine upon them and illuminate their features so their constituency can see they are not merely cardboard cutouts. May they no longer be hidden in the shadow of their Sultan of Spin, and be brought into the light like a fresh, new Greenbelt headline.
For the federal government, I wish you will see the error in your ways and put a stop to the fiasco you’ve created by pitting the First Nations of this land against their Métis brethren with the imposition of Bill C-53.
In 1885, Canada destroyed the Métis Nation and decapitated its government by hanging its leader because of their declaration as a separate nation within Canada. And now you want to recognize them as a nation and grant them self-governance, including making treaties with them? What next? A Métis Act complete with a blood quantum as a marker? Pro tip, Métis Nation: Honouring treaties with Indigenous peoples is not Canada’s forte. Sashay lightly.
For the Assembly of First Nations, I wish a calm wind will descend upon you and you can now end the cycle of self-sabotage and return to the much-needed work of guarding against dark policies such as Bill C-53.
There are still many First Nations without clean drinking water and there are countless other pressing issues needing your strength of advocacy. While your attention was diverted, you fell prey to the divide-and-conquer tactics of the Canadian government and they were able to drive a wedge between you and what matters. In short, do more to guard against the bully Canada’s successful use of the wedgie.
And, finally, I wish for the City of Orillia to receive lessons in Christmas light installation. Not from Clark Griswold, but perhaps from someone with experience like the Magic of Lights exhibit at Springwater Provincial Park. (Shameless plug.) May your successful illumination become an illuminative example for us all, as you light the way toward a safe, healthy and happy 2024. Cheers.
Jeff Monague is a former chief of the Beausoleil First Nation on Christian Island, former treaty research director with the Anishnabek (Union of Ontario Indians), and veteran of the Canadian Forces. Monague, who taught the Ojibwe language with the Simcoe County District School Board and Georgian College, is currently the manager of Springwater Provincial Park. His column appears regularly.
