Among the First Nations of America, at least the Ilnu from North-East in North America, learning takes place through transmission, in order to learn and understand, we watch and we listen. It is with the utmost respect that the youngest sit with the elders, that they accompany them, step by step, observe and imitate them in order to develop their own autonomy. Then, one day, just as their ancestors taught them, in harmony with mother earth, these young adults will hunt, embroider, gather and create what they need to live.
I remember one of those special moments when I was hunting with my grandfather… Crouching in the undergrowth, watching the tracks of the moose we were tracking, my little girl's heart was racing. What struck my mind that morning were the smells, the light of the sunrise, the colors and sounds of the silent forest. Accompanying my grandfather not only allowed me to learn patience and the meaning of the word intuition, but to integrate them. As I watched him hunt, I realized that to hear that inner voice you had to stop, look and listen.
Unfortunately, as humans are driven by performance, life goes faster and faster, rare are the times when we stop to take the time to observe, listen and learn about ourselves and each other. So most often, here and there we take snippets of information in books, TV series, stories, through the words of people around us or in the media which, for the most part, often focus on negative events.
Then, we form opinions based on evidence that we often haven't taken the time to verify for its source and truth. The worst part is that they become our beliefs and sometimes our truth.
In 2018 when I undertook additional training for my professional practice, I spoke with one of the professionals who accompanied me, whom I consider very cultured and intelligent. He said to me in all humility and a little uneasiness: "You know, apart from" Lasagna ", I don't know much about the natives." Of course, everyone remembers that Oka crisis in 1990! It was then that I realized the gap between our reality and what people knew about us.
Fortunately, things are beginning to change. Already, some media have dared to give the baton of words to the people of the First Nations so that they can finally express themselves and tell their side of the story which has until now been told by a society and a system of education which seems to have omitted some important passages.
I am convinced that if everyone took the time to push a little further the analysis of certain short stories or certain legendary stories, such as the Princess Pocahontas, which at first glance reminds us of the “discovery of the savages”, this discrepancy of understanding could finally start to fade. Moreover, by itself, the word "discovery" already engenders a subjective feeling of superiority which will also have served to widen this gap between our peoples.
Just as I learned from my grandfather when I was young, over the past few years I have learned by following in my godfather's footsteps and observing him in his role as an entrepreneur. My journey with him has allowed me to understand that if we want perceptions to change with regard to First Nations of America and other cultures, we must first open up and become aware of the many filters that society imposed to us.
We could discover a thousand-year-old culture that asks only to share its wisdom with us. To take this small step, you have to forget a few centuries of prejudices ... it is this first step that remains the most difficult.
Just like our elders, every day we are listened to and observed. Every word, every gesture, every step counts. As a leader, parent and grandparent, we pass on values and a story that will influence those around us, our employees and future generations.
And you, how do you use your Baton of words?
