Winter Solstice 2022

Snow covered boulders in the Kennedy River canyon, Ha'uukmin Tribal Park. (Photo credit: Kristy Tomkinson).

We give thanks for your eyes and hearts 💜 💙 in educating yourselves and sharing with family and friends to spread the support for Indigenous-led conservation across the country. Giving thanks for the year that has passed by, the many accomplishments achieved, letting go of hurts, frustrations so that you may move forward with a fresh start for the New Year ahead.  

One of the simplest things that does not cost a lot is to educate ourselves and share that knowledge across boundaries.  Simply go to the forest, grasslands, waters, rivers, lakes,  and with bare feet 🦶 walk tall and breathe in the strength Mother Earth provides and wash your face and hands in the powerful waters and give thanks to all of this grounding for your soul.  Allow the sun to shine on your face and calm your nerves as you breathe deeply, slowing your breathing and cleansing your soul in meditation to give you the courage to face all that is ahead of you.  Whether it is guidance from our ancestors to get back to the lands and waters to continue to uphold our duties and responsibilities to our future generations.   

In protecting lands and waters in IPCAs however you see fit, to have Indigenous Guardians and food security/sovereignty, it is all about showing up on the lands and waters together to appreciate what is there for us; to pass on our ways that are intricately connected to Mother Earth and future generations from the languages of the lands and waters for a strong future, seven generations forward, protecting for those yet unborn.  

Reconciling ways of knowing and building lasting relationships through Ethical Space and Two-eyed Seeing.  

We Rise Together ;)  

Keep safe, warm, happy, loving, and enjoy family during this joyous season and the whole year through.  

- Marilyn Baptiste, CRP Leadership Circle