”Indigenous storytelling is rooted in the earth. Years upon
years of a kinship with the land, life, water and sky have produced a variety
of narratives about intimate connections to the earth.”[1]
The knowledge that permeates our being from our communities
and environments shapes who we are and our responses. I never understood the importance of
storytelling until yesterday when I listened to Dr. Martin Brokenleg share his
stories and wisdom.
Success of an activity or project is not based on how hard
you work or the countless hours of research, it is the level to which others
are engaged. The notion of doing something
to or for an individual or community is much less powerful and sustainable than
the action of engagement. This valuable
lesson in community development and project management was confirmed through
Dr. Brokenleg’s message of not creating dependency, but rather providing
opportunities for individuals to find their right place in life and community -
meeting individuals and communities where they are.
One of the mandates of the Aboriginal Literacy and Essential
Skills Pilot Project is to create community learning plans for 5 of the First
Nations Communities on south Vancouver Island.
Through history we have learned that the creation must occur in
partnership and in community with those we work with. We, the project staff, are only the conduit
for the activity, the supporting cast.
When projects such as these are undertaken I believe the
learning curve is equally challenging for the host organization as it is for recipients
of the project activities. As a project
staff we have learned many lessons, the most valuable for me is the importance
of meeting communities where they are.
The articulation of the “Circle of Courage” [2]by
Dr. Brokenleg reaffirmed for me the importance of belonging, that each of us as
members of the Global society needs a place to be. It is my hope that the creation of Community
Learning Plans can assist in the development of more places to be and to
learn.
Learning is
the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. Learning is the
beginning of spirituality. Searching and learning is where the miracle process
all begins.
Jim Rohn [3]
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