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Saturday, January 3, 2015

WOMEN ARE THE WARRIORS

Women are the warriors our times call for. 
                         Aaron Paquette

Aaron Paquette is a First Nations Metis artist, author and speaker in western Canada.

He is the artist who created this, and is also the writer who wrote it. When I got in touch with him, he said, "Feel free to share..." so here is his message.

Thank you, Aaron. This is not only beautiful, I also feel it is important. I have changed only small things, but none of your words.
As a woman I cry for my country, my world, my planet...for our oceans and forests and the creatures who dwell therein. Thank you for granting us permission to share your words, and to display your art.
— Kay



Some people make the mistake of thinking women are only gatherers … gardeners … that they can only dig and pick and cultivate and hide.
I tell you that women are the strongest, smartest and most dangerous hunters the world has ever seen.
Individually, they may be physically overpowered, but in planning, in vision, in purpose and explosive action, they can’t be beat.
Any honest man will admit there is nothing that fills them with awe so much as their partner when she has made up her mind. She has become an unstoppable, indomitable will. If it’s against him, he’d better start running!
There’s a narrative that women are weak, that they’re vulnerable, that they are somehow less intelligent or capable than a man.
Well, they said that about serfs, about slaves, about people from other races. They say it about anyone they want to control.
You see, it’s the storytellers that rule the world.
And we repeat their stories.
It’s time for a new chapter.
It’s time to write a new reality.
It’s time to stand up and tell your story.
You are only vulnerable when you let others define you as vulnerable.
You are only weak if you let them convince you it’s true.
You are only ‘less than’ if you believe it.
Women are warriors. They are the ones who run with wolves, the ones who follow the moon. They are the ones who give life and they are the first story tellers their children will hear.
Women have all the power of humanity. All the power to shape the world.
Are you waiting for permission? Give it to yourself.
Are you waiting for your time? It’s now.
Are you waiting for a sign? Look around.
You are the linch-pin, the tipping of the scales.
The moment you say you’ve had enough. The moment you rise …
Everything changes.
We are in a battle for a future that our children, grandchildren and theirs can grow in, be safe in, be challenged in.
Part of it means taking time for yourself, for silence, to breathe and renew. Part of it means to let go for a while. You've been carrying heavy burdens.
There will be men who cling desperately to the idea that they have power over you. Outsmart them. Outmaneuver them. Out-plan and out-strategize.
There are so many more good men willing to be your allies, willing to be your support, willing to be your partners. We are your sons, after all.
We are in a battle for the soul of the planet.
And you are that soul.
You are the warriors.
And this is your time.
hiy hiy.

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Feel free to print this out, to share it, to hang it where you can see it.
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Aaron Paquette is a First Nations Metis artist, author and speaker based in Edmonton, Aberta. His bestselling novel 'Lightfinder' was published in 2014 through Kegedonce Press and is now in its 2nd printing.

To order Lightfinder:
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11 comments:

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari Om
HURRAH!!! Thank you for the effort in sharing this Kay...I do think the wheels are turning in this regard, as more and more female politicians arrive on the scene. No 'overnight' change, but the penetrating 'drip of tap' presence and determination is what will bring about change. YAM xx

Jo said...

Amen!

Susan said...

Thank you for this sharing, Kay. Back in the day I would say "women are" too, but now I would add everyone including transgender ...we need everyone!

Penelope Notes said...

Thank you for sharing the words of Aaron Paquette, Kay! What an incredible writer he is, making his points simply but powerfully. It is always a good time to hear what he has to say but especially poignant as we begin a New Year. The words that jumped out in particular:

It’s time to write a new reality.
It’s time to stand up and tell your story.
You are only vulnerable when you let others define you as vulnerable.
You are only weak if you let them convince you it’s true.
You are only ‘less than’ if you believe it.

Red said...

this is very powerful and needed.

Jenn Jilks said...

Such an amazing spirit Aaron has, as well as you, Kay!

Powell River Books said...

We all have to do our part. You don't have to be a loud warrior. Like you said, never give up.- Margy

Sherry Blue Sky said...

Wow,I woke up this morning with a poem about First Nations in my head, have not posted it yet as it is not finished. I am reading The Wolf at Twilight, about a native elder's look back at his life as a child in residential schools and his search for his little sister who disappeared back then. Thank you for passing on this beautiful and important message. And thank you to Aaron Paquette, for sharing this much needed message.

Myrna R. said...

Sherry BlueSky mentions you in her post today. I'm so glad I'm visitin you. I am touched by inspiration. Thank you.

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Wow. Glad I came by for a visit. Thanks for sharing.

Kay said...

Oh wonderful! I'll have to show this to Art. :- )