Like the weather, the mood at the United Church on Shawville’s Main Street on Sunday afternoon was somber. A small group was gathered to hear Indigenous . . .

leaders speak about issues relating to reconciliation.

The meeting formed a circle. Sébastien Beaudoin began the ceremony by burning sage, a traditional cleansing for removing negative thoughts and energies. Beaudoin visited everyone in the circle individually, explaining the significance and symbolism of the circle.

With his friendly tone and relaxed manner, Beaudouin outlined some of the philosophies and traditions that are deeply important to Indigenous culture.

By day, Beaudoin is a teacher in Fort Coulonge. He is comfortable sharing information, moving seamlessly between topics. Weaving through the fabric of many of his stories were recurring themes, like the importance of respect.

“We share the ground we walk upon,” he said, after explaining the historical migration of his ancestors and the cooperative relations established to navigate amongst other tribes.

There is a genuine feeling of welcomeness and inclusion in his words, but those same words also carry a reminder that we have a shared sense of responsibility toward each other and our environment.

In addition to insight into spiritual traditions, Beaudoin shared his thoughts about practical and legal matters pertaining to aboriginal governance.

The participants heard about The Indian Act of 1876 and the effect these policies had on aboriginal people and their ability to identify as Indigenous.

Beaudoin has been personally affected by these measures. Under the rules set by the Canadian government, he is not recognized as having Indigenous status, despite having direct and provable Native American ancestry, not to mention a deep, sincere connection to his culture.

Beaudoin is eloquent and erudite in his description of Indigenous governance and the responsibilities of band councils in illuminating tribal leadership structures and relationships. But his tone changes when he speaks about art and other items of cultural significance.

Perhaps his background as a visual artist factors into his demeanor — he has firsthand experience creating art objects. There is a reverence, a spirituality that comes across when he speaks of the importance of ‘made’ objects. They forever connect our souls to their creator.

As if to illustrate this point, Beaudoin spoke about his journey as a musician and his connection with the drums he plays.

He highlighted his sense of respect toward his instrument, but not because it is expensive or made from precious materials.

He spoke at length about “Little Bear,” a drum that was gifted to him. Gifted, not in the sense that it belonged to him, but that it became his responsibility to care for.

He spoke of the intrinsic nature of a drum, being inexorably imbued with a spiritual connection to its creator. The drum has a spirit, and a purpose for how it is used by the community. Its ceremonial purpose is highly symbolic, all before it has played a single note.

Beaudoin was joined by one other speaker, William Pradmore, who spoke in detail about his family’s history. He has spent considerable effort tracing his lineage back as far as the sixteenth century. His family, like so many others, experienced firsthand the restrictive, punitive measures of the residential schools. And he himself experienced the machinations of cultural erasure through his own education in day schools operating during the 1990s.

Pradmore shared his grandparents’ childhood stories of being lashed by nuns after having been caught speaking words in their native language, stories that would be extremely difficult to hear a beloved, respected elder tell.

Pradmore’s own parents were taught to feel that expressing their cultural traditions was shameful. They were instructed not to care about things that, for generations, had been the most important things.

Beaudoin outlined some background information about tribal governance and council responsibilities.

A lot of this conversation was informative and descriptive, providing background information that is necessary to understand tribal leadership structure and relationships.

Indigenous people feel a lasting, profound spiritual connection to created objects – a sentiment powerfully and diametrically opposed to the values espoused by capitalism.

Beaudoin described the making of baskets, and the difficulties he encountered while trying to learn techniques that have been lost for generations. “We used to know these things because they were taught to us by our elders.”

His own journey of knowledge seeking began after childhood, and he has put effort into finding those who hold wisdom.

The Shawville United Church, located at 410 Main Street in Shawville, has ongoing community involvement concerning Reconciliation. Their website highlights the relationship between the Church and our indigenous neighbours in the region: “May we live with respect on this land, and in peace and friendship with all its people.”

One of the event organizers, Richard Valin, spoke of his desire to create an inclusive, active community centre within the building. “I would like everyone to always feel welcome here, for this to be a place for us all to come together.”

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