The Time of the Eighth Fire

The Time of the Eighth Fire

People have been migrating all over the world for almost as long as there have been people. But this time seems to be somewhat different. The world is getting full of people and there's not a whole lot of room left. We have come to a crossroad it seems. The mass migration of people now happening is something that hasn't been seen for a while. This time it isn't the weather or other natural phenomena causing the migration. Like everything else these days, it's perpetuated by the corruption, short sightedness and cruelty of humanity. As a result, we are due for a long look at our potential future.

If you're familiar with the Anishinabe legend of the "Seven Sacred Fires", you will know that the time is upon us for the "Eighth Sacred Fire" to be lit. For those who are unfamiliar with it, it goes something like this: "Now the light skinned people will come to a fork in the road. Should they choose the right road, the Seventh Fire will ignite the Eighth Fire. This will be the eternal fire of peace and brotherhood among all people, men and women alike. But should they make the wrong choice, the destruction they brought with them from across the sea will return to them, causing much death and destruction to the earth's people."

Well, that sort of coincides with the biblical reference to a thousand years of peace in the book of Revelations. If ever there was a time for the indigenous people who follow these ancient teachings to come together to speak with one voice that will echo across the world, it is now. It's hard to say whether anyone will listen and agree to give up their power struggles or their coveted hatred of their fellow man, but it's worth a try.

As to resettling the masses for example, the current population in Nunavut to the space available is 63 square kilometers per person. It is similar in the NWT and the Yukon. In fact, you don't even have to leave Manitoba or Saskatchewan to find some elbowroom. People seem to think they have to be in Montreal or Toronto or Vancouver in order to have a good life. Well how do they think these cities started out? I can remember standing in front of a statue of Champlain in the park in the Gateneau hills where he is gazing over a vastness of dense forest and hills, and wondering how all these cities and communities ever got built in this wilderness in the first place.

In my mind it is only the First Nations of this country that can help and guide the refugees to settle and develop the vast wasteland of northern Canada in a way that is both productive and eco friendly. These same First Nations have after all been refugees themselves in their own country for a long time so they know better than anyone what to do. The Federal and Provincial governments have proven themselves to be inept at doing anything so if ever there was a time for our First Nations to speak and act, now is the time. At least that's how it seems to me from up here on the top shelf.

Just sayin'.