July 8thA Weaving Land, history and Relationships Reflection
It was a great disappointment that unavoidable circumstances meant the two Elders, who were slated as facilitators for the weekend, were unable to attend. However, the Organizers stepped up gamely at short notice to try to fill the gap, but it did seem that the emphasis for the weekend became largely Creation-Care ... which was worthwhile in itself.
For those who had not done one before, the Watershed Analysis was insightful, and we all needed the reminder that we live downstream from some folk and upstream from others. We certainly don’t want to receive toxins from those dwelling upstream from us, whilst our neighbours downstream will feel the same about anything we put in the rivers, whether by choice or carelessness! As a small illustration of how one person’s actions affect others, we learned what has happened with the little creek passing through the Old Chapel area at Camp Valaqua. It used to be a perennial stream, flowing steadily in all seasons, but now the flow swings from high during Spring melt and rainstorms to a trickle or less, in between. The change has arisen because the land’s capacity to moderate flow was lost when a wetland and willows upstream were removed.
The history of colonization of the First Nations in Canada was briefly reviewed, with its injustices, broken promises, oppression, and cultural erasures. For some of us, the parallels to what is happening in the Near East were inescapable.
The guided walk down to the swimming hole on the river was informative, including a reminder that Nature is not static. The big bend in the river has moved significantly to the East over the years, forming the low, willow-covered, gravel spit on the opposite bank, which was not there thirty years ago! Heard quite a few birds too.
There was a good choice of meaningful hymns and songs for the various gatherings, and singing was lively. The first evening around the real campfire revealed the long history that some people have with Valaqua, and how much it means to them: they feel a strong connection to the land, caring deeply about the place and its ministry.
We hope the committees plan a similar event next year, that there will be a larger turn-out, and that then we would get the chance to hear from some Elders about the role Valaqua played in their history.
Looking for a Weaving the Land, Histories and Relationships Retreat wrap-up? Please enjoy this video!
https://youtu.be/2myci3lSv4A?si=PQyxQLUGhQe9El-M 