Editor:
Editor’s Note: Steve Arnett sent us his thoughts of the recent signing of the renewed Community Accord between the Town of Ladysmith and the Stz’uminus First Nation.
The Signing
Sun brightly shining
Over stillness of a crowd
Gathered on Maritime Society docks
As the drum beats
HUY CH Q’U
Great Creator
Together we are more than one
Blue water at peace
While gentle breeze blows
Pennants and flags aflutter
As the drum beats
HUY CH Q’U
Great Creator
Together we are more than one
Words of Bell ring out
At Reception Centre front
Expressing appreciation to all for coming
Invited guests of LMS and dignitaries too
As the drum beats
HUY CH Q’U
Great Creator
Together we are more than one
Buffy offers prayer
Pearl’s song carried on wind
Gifted from Elder George Harris
She says in Hul’q’umi’num’
As the drum beats
HUY CH Q’U
Great Creator
Together we are more than one
Blessing the event
Ceremony of Celebration
Signing an MOU witness our pledge
To transcend the past
As the drum beats
HUY CH Q’U
Great Creator
Together we are more than one
Welcoming words dignified by
Chief John and his Council
Two sharing a space of beauty
On Traditional Territory of the Stz’uminus Peoples
As the drum beats
HUY CH Q’U
Great Creator
Together we are more than one
Mayor Rob acknowledges
A new understanding a way of being
No more separate from each other
As the drum beats
HUY CH Q’U
Great Creator
Together we are more than one
Proud Nation and Grateful Town
A harbour community
Joining their collective efforts
For the good of all
As the drum beats
HUY CH Q’U
Great Creator
Together we are more than one
Announcing to the world
We are neighbours and friends
Ladysmith and Stz’uminus Peoples
Partners in building a future
As the drum beats
HUY CH Q’U
Great Creator
Together we are more than one
With flourish of pen
And handshake thereafter
It is done and has begun
As the drum beats louder
HUY CH Q’U
Great Creator
Together we are more than one
Signed in ink
Sealed in spirit
Bound by commitment
Towards a brighter life for all
As the drum beats louder
HUY CH Q’U
Great Creator
Together we are more than one
To our children for their
children
We pray in unison
Paddling in the same direction
As the drum beats louder still
HUY CH Q’U
Great Creator
Together we are more than one
We are more than one together
Steve Arnett
Ladysmith