As we welcome October, we see the full beauty and colour of autumn unfold with all its splendor. With the celebration of Thanksgiving approaching it would be good to remind ourselves of the significance of that celebration. Thanksgiving was the coming together of two very different cultures, where First Nations people worked with the early settlers, enabling them to have a plentiful harvest and survive the coming winter. (Albeit, it wasn’t exactly as the story books portray) As my words must be few, we would do well to study this chapter in our North American history, as now more than ever, we need to “bridge the gaping chasm” between not just two cultures, but many distinct cultures and people groups that make up our nation.
The recent federal election highlighted this issue. We are a country that is fractured both geographically and ideologically. Unfortunately, I have seen very few leaders emerge that are willing to bridge and heal this divide. Perhaps this past election will bring this to the forefront.
With legislations like bill C-10, if one raises a concern against the popular opinion of the day, we are not only silenced and de-platformed, we are vilified, publicly shamed, and could potentially have our licence to practice our profession removed. It is easy to entrench ourselves into our ideology; it is more difficult to admit that maybe we could learn from another point of view, broaden our perspective, and become more effective citizens, bringing positive change and unity into our communities and nation.
I trust you will be able to enjoy the beauty of fall, the connection with family and friends and reflect and express thankfulness for the past year – the big and small things that made us smile even in the craziness of this past year and the things which opened our shaded eyes to see in a new light. Perhaps we are just a little more awake to the real needs and fears of others and can begin to move ourselves from antipathy to empathy.
From my family to yours,
Lowell Harder
