Tales of Wesakechak: How Wesakechak Got Its Name
http://norvalmorrisseau.blogspot.ca/2008_07_01_archive.html
Wesakechak is one of the most well known heroes in Cree legends. Stories are told about Wesakechak getting in trouble or getting tricked, and they always have a moral to them. This story explains the lesson Wesakechak learned after trying to receive a new name.
One day, Wesakechak decides that he dislikes his name. He feels like he deserves a more powerful name like, 'Most Handsome' or, 'Strong One'. So he asks the Creator to give everyone all new names. The Creator agrees to have a naming ceremony on the longest day of the year in midsummer. Wesakechak is so concerned about being the first to pick a name that he stays awake most of the night, and then on the following day Wesakechak sleeps in. When he gets there, all the good names are taken. Wesakechak ends up with his old name but a new job from the Creator. He will become the teacher for the First Nation people. This will make his name more important, not the other way around!
One day, Wesakechak decides that he dislikes his name. He feels like he deserves a more powerful name like, 'Most Handsome' or, 'Strong One'. So he asks the Creator to give everyone all new names. The Creator agrees to have a naming ceremony on the longest day of the year in midsummer. Wesakechak is so concerned about being the first to pick a name that he stays awake most of the night, and then on the following day Wesakechak sleeps in. When he gets there, all the good names are taken. Wesakechak ends up with his old name but a new job from the Creator. He will become the teacher for the First Nation people. This will make his name more important, not the other way around!
Tale of Wesakechak and the Tale of Canadian Aboriginal People
Unlike Wesakechak, Aboriginal peoples in Canada are not named after who they are or what contributions they make to their community. Instead, Aboriginal peoples are named and defined by the generalizations, perceptions and images that are perpetuated by the dominant society. These ideas are constructed by over generalizations of Aboriginal people and communities and then are spread by media, news stories and editorials, consumer products, social trends, advertisement and personal beliefs - to name a few. Currently there are a lack of opportunities for Aboriginal people to have a voice or to gain more of a presence in the dominant society. Overall, Eurocentrism is as alive today as it was back during the onset of colonialism. Hopefully this site will allow you to explore some of your own misconceptions and help you unlearn those generalizations that you may be or not be aware you had. Wesakachak was given the opportunity to make a name for himself -- let's give everyone the same opportunity.
Reflecting on my broken image of our society - Website Rationale
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/2-bastards-ron-stacy.html
My name is Alyssa Stacy and I am from Penticton, B.C but I have been living in Calgary, Alberta for the past 6 years. During my time in Calgary I have successfully completed a BA in Development Studies and I am now pursuing a degree in Education. One day I hope that I will be teaching and facilitating community development projects in Northern Canadian communities.
I decided to create a website on "Unlearning Canadian Aboriginal Stereotypes" because of my own experiences learning and working in Aboriginal communities. More importantly, I have built valuable friendships with individuals from First Nation, Métis and/or Inuit backgrounds. In particular, last summer when I decided to work in a First Nation community near a Métis settlement in north central Alberta, I encountered a lot of racism from friends and family who were worried about my choice of summer employment. Much of the worry stemmed from the stereotypes that existed about the lifestyles of Aboriginal people and the safety of reservations. There were even a few comments about why I would want to do such a thing because it wouldn't make much of a difference. This frustrated me -- especially since they wouldn't listen to anything I had to say. Now that I have seen and experienced a great community full of amazing adult and youth leaders I can help inform others about my own perceptions alongside my experiences.
If you have any questions or concerns about this website please email me at [email protected].
I decided to create a website on "Unlearning Canadian Aboriginal Stereotypes" because of my own experiences learning and working in Aboriginal communities. More importantly, I have built valuable friendships with individuals from First Nation, Métis and/or Inuit backgrounds. In particular, last summer when I decided to work in a First Nation community near a Métis settlement in north central Alberta, I encountered a lot of racism from friends and family who were worried about my choice of summer employment. Much of the worry stemmed from the stereotypes that existed about the lifestyles of Aboriginal people and the safety of reservations. There were even a few comments about why I would want to do such a thing because it wouldn't make much of a difference. This frustrated me -- especially since they wouldn't listen to anything I had to say. Now that I have seen and experienced a great community full of amazing adult and youth leaders I can help inform others about my own perceptions alongside my experiences.
If you have any questions or concerns about this website please email me at [email protected].