Happy Thanksgiving Canada

Hi Friends

As another year draws to a close and the fall harvest has once again been gathered and stored away for the coming winter months I feel compelled to relate a small story to you in celebration of Thanksgiving.
Now I am well aware of the history revisionists versions of this holiday and have even heard my own Nations bemoaning any celebrations of this time of year. I see it somewhat differently though. Thanksgiving was celebrated here many years before the arrival of the white man, on these, the shores of Turtle Island. This was a harvesting time as well as a meeting and trading time for our people, as everyone prepared for the long winter months ahead. Goods were exchanged and stories told, and I imagine great fun was had by all at this time. So in the spirit of our ancestors, enjoy your feasts and your stories. Now allow me to share a story that means a lot to me.

It was autumn, and the Indians on the remote reservation asked their new Chief if the winter was going to be cold or mild. Since he was a new Indian Chief in a modern society, he had never been taught the old secrets, and when he looked at the sky, he couldn't tell what the weather was going to be. Nevertheless, to be on the safe side, he replied to his people that the winter was indeed going to be cold and that the members of the village should collect wood to be prepared. But also being a practical leader, after several days he got an idea. He went to the phone booth, called the National Weather Service and asked,
"Is the coming winter going to be cold?"
"It looks like this winter is going to be quite cold indeed," the meteorologist at the weather service responded.
So the Chief went back to his people and told them to collect even more wood in order to be prepared. A week later he called the National Weather Service again.
"Is it going to be a very cold winter?"
"Yes," the man at National Weather Service again replied, "it's going to be a very cold winter."
The Chief again went back to his people and ordered them to collect every scrap of wood they could find. Two weeks later he called the National Weather Service again.
"Are you absolutely sure that the winter is going to be very cold?"
"Absolutely," the man replied. "It's going to be one of the coldest winters ever."
"How can you be so sure?" the Chief asked.
The weatherman replied, "The Indians are collecting wood like crazy!"

On that note, have your self a wonderful time this Thanksgiving Day holiday week-end, and surround yourselves with warmth and laughter, good times shared with family and friends!

regards Debra