The wars continue

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Thank you for the life you have given me today dear Creator. By the way, thank you for these struggles I face, but now welcome in my little travels. Such a journey I travel. Today I find I have time for myself to think about Aboriginal society.

It's incredible how we as a people become enemies to ourselves and our community. For example, leadership versus community; board of directors versus stakeholders or clients, and so on. No wonder confidentiality becomes an issue everywhere, especially within HIV/AIDS workshops. It simply means a lack of trust, and the result is a battle within one's own environment. How sad that it should come to this.

While I am with the Elders and the youth, I acknowledge the innocence which is reborn and reclaimed through the wisdom of the people. Sometimes I wonder who is shunned the most. Our Elders, our youth, or individuals with HIV/AIDS? Shunning, which was once an intricate part of our culture, has negatively been adapted into our belief system and explained away with comments like "It has always been this way." But was this the Indian way years ago?

*****

While I was in Prince Albert, Sask., I heard of two youth groups who were struggling to get by. Won-ska Cultural School is working hard to raise $4,000 to take the youth to South Dakota for educational purposes. The money needed is small in comparison when others have applied for $100,000 and more. Chester Knight and the Wind graciously volunteered the band's time and money for a benefit, which was poorly attended. So those who volunteered had a private concert. Won-ska and Chester Knight and the Wind were not discouraged, as their efforts were sincere, and their kindness will one day be rewarded. If anyone wishes to make a donation for this youth trip the number is: (306) 763-3552. You will be fulfilling Ken Ward's neckbone wish by making a donation.

While I am on the subject of our youth, I would like to talk about the Rainbow Youth Centre in Regina. I understand it is closing. Here we have an urban Aboriginal Centre which helps your youth steer clear of unhealthy lifestyles, like crime. These youth have even trained other youth to do workshops on HIV/AIDS. All this experience and wisdom is being wasted, so other individuals who live on the street will not benefit from their peer group's wisdom and experience. I encourage Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Chief Blaine Favel to inquire about why such a needed service is being shut down.

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The HIV/AIDS Treaty Assembly held recently in Alberta was quite a journey. As the assembly director, I can say it was a success. A simple pouch of tobacco answered my prayers. The design of this assembly was traditional in every aspect. It was an emotional and spiritual gathering as well. Everyone understood each role and responsibility. Everything just had great strength and this resulted in complete unity. The pride in being Indian was evident.

This is what keeps me alive. I am proud to witness these events - Creator. I again think of those self-inflicted wars among our people. I think of what Elder Bob George mentioned recently. He spoke of the fighting among our own people, and how one struggles for good, even while this good is surrounded by many who do not wish for that good. It's like that with white T-cells. These cells also struggle to preserve that one white cell that fights off viruses within the body. I can see what this Elder means.

It can be a lonely journey at times and at these times I can feel my spirit within being pulled in many directions. I can't help but feel a certain sadness, knowing that I will leave someday to the spirit world and leave you while you fight the wars among yourselves.

In closing, I would like to thank Elder Bob George who calls me in the mornings. This first call ensures a good day to come. We will soon meet in Vancouver. I would also like to say that Judy Weiser is a good helper. And to all those who write to me, I thank you for your ltters and we will continue to pray for you while we struggle with living with AIDS. . . while death waits.

What thoughts! Dear moccasins . . . peace.

Ken Ward