Sandee Sez: Be the change you want to see
- Sandra Ahenakew | March 29, 2016
Have you ever thought about making your community a better place? What are some things you would like to see in your community? What would you change? If you had an opportunity to sit down with community leaders what would you say? We all have a responsibility to ensure that our communities are fair and just. Let’s all do our part to build and maintain safe and healthy communities. Change can happen but it takes time and dedication.
I have been an armchair Chief, Mayor, Prime Minister and American President many times. I want clean water and a safe community for my children and grandchildren. I want a good school, daycare, Health Clinic and training opportunities for my community members. I want to live in a community where my neighbors care for one another; one where there no violence. This is not a dream, people! There was a time when our communities were a safe place for everyone. We can get there again but it takes all of us working together and recreating that safe place.
Many communities are doing research and asking community members for their thoughts and opinions on how to make their communities a better place. So take the opportunity to participate in those discussions and when someone from your community asks you to provide input into community planning jump at the opportunity; do it because you care and want to make your community better.
One of my biggest beefs is that everyone wants to get paid for everything they do these days. If they go to a meeting or an event, fill out a survey or go to a community meeting, people want to get paid. Really, people! Get a grip. Take pride in your community and do whatever you can to make it a better place and do it because you want to and don’t expect to get paid every single time. Gandhi once said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
The March issue of Eagle Feather News is dedicated to Women’s Issues and March 8th is International Women’s Day, which is all about celebrating acts of courage by ordinary women who make extraordinary choices to make our communities better places.
Women are the backbone of our communities and the foundation of our families. Women have always been the life givers and caretakers - remember that, people. Respect that.
Let us remember those women who have gone missing or murdered. In 2008 the United Nations launched a global campaign to end violence against women. In his report the United Nations General Secretary said, “There is one universal truth, applicable to all countries, cultures and communities; violence against women is never acceptable, never excusable, and never tolerable.”
Hands are for helping, not hurting. What do you think we are teaching our children when they see the women they love getting beat up? I’ll tell you! We get generations of children who think it’s a normal behaviour. These children will grow up and they will beat or get beaten; we have to put an end to this vicious cycle. Violence against women won’t just disappear, but progress is possible. We all need to support the development of solutions and strategies at all levels of government to address this issue. Through leadership, advocacy and determination we can work together and engage our communities to end violence against women and girls.
“The house does not rest on the ground, but upon a woman.” So take care of your women, love and nurture them. Together we can stop violence against women and girls.
If you get a chance to see a production of The Vagina Monologues - Go! In Regina the play is scheduled April 16, doors open at 6:30 and the show starts at 7:00 PM at the Exchange 2431 8th Avenue, tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door.
This year marks the 18th anniversary for Eagle Feather News – wow! Congratulations to John Lagimodiere. Keep your letters and emails coming. You can write to me at Sandee Sez C/O Eagle Feather News P.O. Box 924 St Main Saskatoon SK S7K 3M4 or email.