A DAY IN THE SIOUX
Sioux Valley, Manitoba
Before I became a monk, I had a keen interest to involve myself in social work with indigenous people. Well today came up and through a Winnipeg follower, Caroline, an opportunity manifested itself. From the airport at Winnipeg, I was whisked away in an SUV by Daruka, another follower, and Caroline.
We hit the Trans Canada Highway westbound to a First Nation Reserve called Sioux Valley, population 1,500.
Our objective was to meet the chief and elders of the community with our proposal which was to establish drama performance with their youth. On many reserves the indigenous youth encounter difficulties with substance abuse. Here would be an alternative or an approach towards hope. Through theatrically telling a story of wisdom which incorporates narration, traditional Dakota or Sioux dance, song and drumming, we could engage such youth in something positive.
The meeting went well and the Valley council saw this project as a favourable endeavour. I relayed to them the Vedic story of the warrior boy, Druva, and how this tale could be applied to a regional local experience. In any event, so far so good. A date for this undertaking is yet to be nailed down. The family that hosted us, Lee and Helen, residents of Sioux Valley, were most charming. As a token of love, they presented to Caroline four Saskatoon berry bushes.
So, guess what? Our day ended planting those bushes at 10PM hoping the great moon would offer its nourishment to the new transplants. Caroline’s backyard became graced with those indigenous plants of pride.
5 Km
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