The Movement has begun...

The Stop The Violence march is over. It ended where it began: In Tla-o-qui-aht territory with the women saying, "enough! Stop the violence!" I am still overwhelmed and "processing" the impact of this march on me and the people we met thoughout our homelands. As I drove Chiinuuks and Muhwa home to Mituunii late Sunday night, I remarked in somewhat stunned disbelief, "Wow...we actually DID SOMETHING!" Chiinuuks grabbed my hand and with a big smile said, "We did!" and it is just the beginning. This Stop The Violence march has now become a movement. In listening to the voices of the women and children we have begun to restore balance to our lives, families and nations.

Consistent with our ways, our principles, "hish-uuk-ish tsaa'waalk," it has always been about something bigger and yet that bigger goal was never going to be achieved until we started somewhere small. More discussion and action will come. It is true that our hearts are heavy with the suffering our people have endured and inflicted upon each other, but we also have hope and our hope is not merely a pragmatic response to the pain. It is rooted in the courage of those many people, young and old who stood up, some for the first time, and said, "Enough! No more! We have grown weary of surviving. We are taking back our lives, our communities, restoring balance to our families and we will live again, thriving as strong, dignified Nuu-chah-nulth people."

My tears are mixed; of pain and joy. My resolve to do my part, to live as a strong, healthy Nuu-chah-nulth man with integrity, compassion and love is unwavering. Our renewal has begun.

[Click here for latest photos from the march.]