For my Journey to Reconciliation, I 3D-modelled a forest scene. As you can see there is a tipi with a bonfire centred in the forest. As you look at the photo, it should bring a sense of comfort and humbleness. This is the purpose. There should be simplicity. So, I chose to make the graphics similar to older video games. I wanted to embody the teachings of Indigenous cultures and show however simple the instructions of any civilization may be, they are still vital to manifesting a purposeful life.
While I learned about Indigenous cultures, the animals and their symbols stood out to me. The buffalo, eagle, bear, sasquatch, beaver, wolf, and turtle represent a meaning or lesson in life (SagkeenCFS, 2014). I thought the lessons were important, so I included them on the tipi as decoration. Along with a drum and bonfire, I wanted to symbolize the importance of culture and keeping connected with our past. We can all sit around a bonfire, share stories, and appreciate everyone around us. Even if there is a world of the unknown (symbolized by the darkness and trees), we can still find happiness and security in learning together. Many of the lessons we can learn from Indigenous cultures are monumental to finding a happy existence, and we all need to help gather the Indigenous cultures, strengthening the Indigenous Peoples once again. The process of reconciliation will allow the Indigenous their rights of culture, freedom, and expression in a democracy we love.
When I think about history, I know people need to do better. Peoples need to love and accept each other and are required to protect each other. Many novels and movies show us this basic lesson of accepting others, but people are still on their way to truly meeting this goal. When this goal is met, society will grow to respect many ways of life. By respecting these ways of life, people will not be afraid to be themselves. Humans are simply people and that needs to be recognized. The lessons from the Indigenous cultures can help society get here, and in general, there is so much we can learn from everyone. Not only would the Indigenous Peoples benefit from having Indigenous culture revitalized but so would the world.
Resource
SagkeenCFS. (2014, May 16). Our 7 Ojibway Teachings: [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sASjfNI_lD0.