What's Your Medicine?

Last Thursday I went to hear a talk given by the respected Aboriginal leader, Honourary Witness to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, politician, journalist and musician, Wab Kinew. The opening was a traditional Coast Salish blessing, passed down for generations, that involved community members, language preservers, elders, cousins, aunty and uncles, sisters and brothers. The ceremony consisted of many treasurable steps of love and respect – each took time and from beginning to end, not one process was missed or rushed. An hour had passed, and before handing over the microphone to Kinew, the moderator that led the ceremony thanked everyone for coming, thanked everyone on stage for their participation, and finally, thanked the drummers for their medicine. This meaningful ceremony and final statement made me rethink the possibilities of self-care.

To rest my incessant mind I run, I sweat, I move my feet. I call my mom or confidant when I can’t rid the rocks in my stomach. Or sometimes writing in a journal can help me see clearer. We’re all familiar with these standard practices; to add, reading, sleep, silence, creative outlets, making meaningful connections, flossing, meditation, the list goes on. However, after this presentation by Kinew and the Coast Salish opening, I couldn’t help but reconsider the ways tradition can be used as self-care and one’s medicine.

Continuing traditions and passing them on is a humbling practice. It brings up the past in a positive light and forces you to thank and appreciate one’s ancestors. By giving life to old traditions, we honour their fight. The inconceivable history of Aboriginals in Canada has had lasting affects on their descendants for generations, which makes tradition so significant and crucial to their livelihood today. When you have young people singing in their native tongue, dancers dancing to the beat of the drum like it’s coming from their toes, and family following a ceremony that began centuries ago, you feel in touch with your past, the present, and the future. You’re giving thanks for this life and the possibilities that once didn’t exist for your former relatives.

Tradition embodies self-care, giving healing to one’s history and potential for tomorrow. I have that much more respect for those that are sharing and partaking in tradition today and am forever grateful for when I’m welcomed to participate or witness in the process. I can’t think of a better way to express gratitude and appreciate the day.