知识的制造商

我们开始与安静的早晨,一些食物和热饮。我们先说打招呼,看到集团形成第一次作为一个接一个,我们的到来。长老有第一次。他们已经准备好了在这之前开始,他们一直在等待。这是一项重要的工作。有长辈、教授、学生、管理员支持人员。一些丈夫,妻子和合作伙伴。一些年轻的孩子。之间有连接双扇门的教室。他们敞开。 We see the room next door with a circle of desks, and chairs in front in an inner circle. There are symbols around the room — a map of Secwepemc Nation, bark baskets, a pine needle basket, the poster of First Peoples Principles of Learning, the artwork The Elders are Watching. The Elders move to the front door to the new room. We gather behind. Some of the senior scholars and community members can be seen moving to the back. Things become silent. A humming, tapping drumming begins. Smudging sage is lit. A reminder of women’s moontime is murmured. Elder Mike taps the heel of his eagle-headed walking stick and walks forward with our Elders Doreen, Estella and Margaret. We smudge, too, if able. We follow slowly, in the direction of Earth’s rotation. We pause when the Elders pause. We move forward when the Elders do. We enter the circle of chairs walking again the full circle to vacant seats. No one cuts across the circle. Everyone moves together and is learning through watching. We know there is a pattern to all of this, but no one holds a program in their hands. A few nods to confirm. A few gentle smiles and hand movements to reassure where to be. We remain standing. The words and prayers from the Elders begin. Knowledge Makers begins.