Young people rediscover roots, herald new age

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EDITORIAL

This week Edmonton was visited by a unique group of young people from New Zealand. They are indigenous people called Maoris and this particular group has toured the country displaying their unique traditional dancing.

As these young people share their traditions with our young people we are finding a lost of common ground. Like Canadian Aboriginals, these New Zealanders were colonized by the British and then invaded by missionaries, priests and politicians who told them their culture was "wrong."

And, as with our own people, they too suffered injustices, attempted genocide and the near death of their culture.

But today, these young people, like so many of our own, are turning back to the old ways. They are talking to their Elders, they are finding their roots and most of all they are finding out who they really are.

A couple of months ago Australian aboriginals visited Calgary with the same story. They also came close to extinction. Their languages were banned and their children taken away when they were still babies and raised in missionary schools. Fortunately, they, too, are returning to their culture.

Last week in Edmonton the annual Alberta Indian Arts and Crafts show was staged. But this year the crafts went far beyond the usual 'beads and feathers' for tourists, thee was an abundance of traditional arts and crafts not seen for years.

But more importantly, there were lots of young people learning the trade from their Elders. Young, trendy teens in the latest style fashions were proudly combining tradition with their chosen way of life.

This certainly isn't a coincidence. Today we are seeing a worldwide renewal of Native tradition and pride that, if the well-known prediction proves true, will one day mean the redman will teach the whiteman how to live in harmony on this planet.

And with these young people to show the way, we can all take heart that indeed our small planet has a future.