Oneida Youth on Parliament Hill, December 2018. Photo by Brandon Doxtator
Yesterday I saw misery, pain and
Yesterday I saw my people take a stand for justice
Today I saw arrests, and treaty rights being stepped on
Today I saw my brothers and sisters forcibly removed from their land
Tomorrow I will see resistance, planning for the future and
Tomorrow I will see youth who will lead the charge
Can you feel the winds changing?
Can you hear the wolf howling at the moon?
That is the youth preparing for the task at hand
We have come so far yet we have so much further to travel.
Long ago our people were told that we were poor, drunks and savages.
We were told that the only good Indian is a dead Indian.
Have you seen the comments on social media?
Nothing has changed
But it will, because that’s not what I see.
Yesterday I saw my elders carrying on our culture with their last breaths
Yesterday ancestors fought and prayed so we could be here
Today I see strong family ties that will never die.
Today I see my brothers and sister learning, growing and healing.
Today I see the spark that will light our fires
Tomorrow I will see my Nation not merely surviving, but thriving.
Yaw^:ko
Brandon Doxtator
Oneida Nation of the Thames
