I had the opportunity to attend an Aboriginal seminar yesterday in Abbotsford. Roy Henry Vickers and Dr. Lee Brown were the keynote speakers. Both men have lived very challenging lives and both have overcome these trials to become very successful in their fields.
The one thing that struck me was their ability to look beyond the ignorance of some and see the true picture. Growing up in their respective communities they faced racism and prejudice. Yet both were able to forgive the sins of the past and look to the future. They both spread the message that we are all related. What one person does affects all those around him. What one community does affects all communities around them. As I said, both of these men are very successful in their fields. But rather than bask in the glory and forget about all else, the message that they gave was to look to your neighbour, your community and treat everyone as if they were your family. Because they are. Yesterday was a great day. All my relations. |