I’m sitting in the middle of an historic event right now. Yesterday the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point voted to accept the $95 million dollars from the government in settlement for taking their land for 73 years. The land is finally turned back over to them.
I live In a strip of land between the divided Reserve. Not only are they divided geographically but there is also division within. At the onset of WW2, Stony Point residents were pushed into Kettle Point. Now many of their descendants feel the land should be returned to them and not include the residents of Kettle Point. There could very well be trouble when the barracks, now occupied by the descendants, are slated to be torn down.
The Band is planning on re-opening Ipperwash Park and building a cultural center on the spot where Dudley George was killed. I, for one, am excited about the future here.
Tomorrow there is going to be walk between the two reserves. There is a notice that all band members can meet at the plaza tomorrow morning and walk from Kettle Point to Stony Point. It’s called the Going Home Walk.
I just feel really good about this. I feel hope for a future here where people have more respect for First Nation culture.
Unfortunately, I am white and I have to work tomorrow. But I hope I see lots of people on my way to work tomorrow, walking to Stony Point.
Holy Crap. I can’t edit but I can add on. “I’m white and I have to work tomorrow” I could get beat up for a slur like that! Tomorrow is Sunday. All those people walking have the day off work because it’s Sunday. I work in a grocery store so I often work Sunday. I’m sure glad I caught that and cleared it up.
Like I said, I hope I can wave to the many First Nations people who take the Going Home Walk tomorrow. I hope it blesses this land.
http://lindaghill.com/2015/09/18/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-1915/
monicle's chronicles 
Publishing our Stream of Consciousness writing takes courage. I read your original sentence as being white and having to work tomorrow were two separate issues. But then I’m white, too, so I read it from my perspective based on my experience, including knowing that you feel good about what is going on with the walk. I could tell you wanted to go. The word, unfortunately, suggested to me that being white might be a deterrent to being able to get off for this particular event, but I’m just guessing at that. This process around that sentence gives us food for thought. It’s sad to think you could get beat up for that potential slur, when you had no intention to dishonor any one. Now I think I’m stuck in SOC mode. Anyway, it was a good save on your part. I must remember that we can add to clarify.
I would gladly go but it is for Band members and not the general public. It is a symbolic walk back to their home. That’s why I hope I get a chance to show my support. I start work at 10:00 so I hope to see them en route to their roots.
I just saw a notice on Facebook for the Going Home Walk and it say supporters can walk, too. Unfortunately, it starts at 1:00 and I’ll be working.
Now I’m looking at my comment and wishing I could edit it. Am I overthinking now?
No, to at all!
( I wouldn’t really get ‘beat up’. I just thought of some the tough native gals I know hearing that.)
When some trouble started around here, I heard people I work with say things like, “if they worked, they wouldn’t have time to do this” and many comments on “what they’ve done to the barracks” It made my blood boil. They occupy, not own, the old army barracks and have no money and no infrastructure.
People say things just out of habit…. I hope to see some real changes.