SL stands for 'Serving' and 'Learning'. At Bethany College, where I'm taking my BA in Biblical Studies, ‘2nd years’ are required to go on a Service Learning trip to a reserve. This isn't a requirement as much as it is a privilege. To learn and serve in these communities is nothing short of life-changing and a broadening of perspective. There is so much to learn from the rich Native American culture that exists in our province, sometimes right next door.
At Beardy's we assisted with school programs, hung out with highschoolers, and chaperoned a culture camp. We learned about the land, medicine, about respecting the earth, respecting our elders, and respecting each other.
We heard beautiful songs, saw dances reflecting creation, and we were able to share a bit of ourselves. We were accepted with open arms, and were shown how life on a reserve isn’t always what people assume it to be like. Being there felt right, it felt like a home.
We heard beautiful songs, saw dances reflecting creation, and we were able to share a bit of ourselves. We were accepted with open arms, and were shown how life on a reserve isn’t always what people assume it to be like. Being there felt right, it felt like a home.
Over the years, there has been much healing. Residential schools took their toll on the Elders of the Beardy’s community, as we learned through our private meeting and sharing time with the Elders, but they were committed to end the cycle of revenge and abuse. They knew that dwelling on the hurts of the past only leads to more hurt. What a testimony. What a mission.
Our team was completely inspired. The division and prejudice that exists between races today, between white and First Nations or Métis or Cree people, is not proper or right. So much needs to still be mended, because so much has been lost. Together we need to find the respect, the love, the culture, and the traditions that have been lost over the decades. Many reserves are not as fortunate as Beardy's has been in overcoming the obstacles that have been put in their path, and the effect of the past is still affecting people today.
This video is made to try and eliminate assumptions about reserves, and display the hope. Because there is a great amount of hope and healing to be found in this place, and much to be done in both the hearts and actions of the Canadian Nation.
Our team was completely inspired. The division and prejudice that exists between races today, between white and First Nations or Métis or Cree people, is not proper or right. So much needs to still be mended, because so much has been lost. Together we need to find the respect, the love, the culture, and the traditions that have been lost over the decades. Many reserves are not as fortunate as Beardy's has been in overcoming the obstacles that have been put in their path, and the effect of the past is still affecting people today.
This video is made to try and eliminate assumptions about reserves, and display the hope. Because there is a great amount of hope and healing to be found in this place, and much to be done in both the hearts and actions of the Canadian Nation.
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