#trudell

[solace-philosophy]

We have to out-think what it is that we are challenged by that oppresses us or whatever it is. The first act of freedom and liberation is the act of taking our intelligence back, taking our imagination back, our ability to think, that is the first step towards conscious liberation.

-John Trudell

[snakethistle]

"...Going off to work, having the job done on us..."

-Voices Catching Up, John Trudell

Work really is an occupier. It occupies our minds, our time, and half of all of our waking hours if you work full time. It occupies us in such a way that you really don't have the room to think, build connections, build community, wonder, dream, imagine a different reality.

Work culture celebrates conformity and similarity above uniqueness and diversity. It strips us of our agency to control the direction of our lives as a society and culture and directs us often towards the end goal of making more profits for the ultra wealthy and perpetuating capitalism.

[vdoclb]

[absativelybadical]

A coat of arms done for my mother.

The shield shape, helm, and motto were passed down from our ancestor Adrien Trudel, who was knighted in France. The colours reflect her nature tapestries and paintings, often done with somewhat surreal and whimsical pastels. The waves reflect her love of the sea, the golden maple tree her love of nature and her Canadian patriotism. The gold-and-silver sun and moon, as well as the tree, reflect her new-age spiritualism.

Purple is her favourite colour.

[solace-philosophy]

We have to out-think what it is that we are challenged by that oppresses us or whatever it is. The first act of freedom and liberation is the act of taking our intelligence back, taking our imagination back, our ability to think, that is the first step towards conscious liberation.

— John Trudell

[solace-philosophy]

She had to go to a place where laughter is real and disguises aren’t necessary.

— John Trudell

[solace-philosophy]

Crystal clear tears of salt Come when my heart talks with sadness The tears flow my emotional rivers It’s no damn use to pretend Pain will not rise again

Crystal clear tears of salt Help my heart to feel for something When I do not want to Clear my vision see my peace Men don’t cry Indians are stoic I tell that to my heart to my eyes They just laugh at me and sometimes When my spirit hurts they make me cry

Crystal clear tears of salt Purify my memory help me understand This is not the beginning nor the end

— The Cleansing/ Red Earth Song, John Trudell

[solace-philosophy]

Young ones listen Remember who we are Remember where we are Do not take the word of America

Listen to them as in caution Live among them as in surrounded Live not as they live Live to appreciate

Seconds ago in eternity Ancient ones decided Way before wounded spirits Dreams shattering under aggression

Earth is Mother, we are children The protection is our innocence Seconds ago it was decided We are the middle of forever

Look for your medicine With backs turned on children and elders They do not even care For air or water or land or life Too confused to care is no way to live

Young ones listen Remember who you are Remember where you are Remember why you are

— The Cleansing/ Red Earth Song, John Trudell