Megwetch To Grandfather William Commanda

I received an email today from Circle Of All Nations coordinator Romola telling of how Grandfather William Commanda, former Kitigan Zibi Algonquin chief (from 1951-1970) has departed on his next journey. He passed away peacefully this morning at dawn, in his sleep, in his home. He was 97.

In lieu of flowers, please look for ways to support his vision for the National Indigenous Centre at the Sacred Chaudiére Site.


Former Governor General Michaelle Jean invests Elder William Commanda as an Officer of the Order of Canada. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)

A few years ago I created the artwork below, framed it, and gave it as a gift to Commanda on the Victoria Falls site. There's a picture of us together somewhere. I want to help the building get built if I can, because I believe in Commanda's vision to unite all of the nations of the world under one flag. The wisdom I took from him was that we must respect each other first so that we can then work together to protect the land. 

Also, I would like to urge all First Nations' to embrace their identity as Canadian or American or Mexican, etc... while you continue to embrace your history and traditions. And I would also like to urge all the people of the Americas to embrace their identity as First Nations'. Our culture consists of elements from all sides now. We are all people of the same earth, we share the same air and the same water and the same dangers. We all have broad backgrounds, extending all the way back to the beginning of life on earth. We all have stories, troubled and glorious. We have the same desires and wants, and we must unite more and more as we move forward, not let disputes or anger get in the way of our greater destiny. All of the power to do good comes from working together.

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