Short and sweet

I thought I would never say this but I miss blogging, it's been so long since I've blogged. This is going to be short and sweet....my mom has been very ill for some time and I didn't feel the need to write anything down. It's too much of a personal thing...and I get all emotional and stuff. So when I am in a better frame of mind I will blog to my hearts content. Until then "ap nemultoksep

Being Tested

It was vision time...I lay there for what seemed like hours under the sun, it was relentless in it's intensity. Wave over wave of anger washed over me. I walked to my flag and prayed for this anger to go away. As intense as the sun was, so was my anger. I prayed and prayed and prayed.
When vision time was over we were directed to the river (to cool our souls)
I gingerly put my feet into the river....this is when my tears came, I stood there and I could not stop crying. This is when I realized that this power greater than me, protected and loved me unconditionally.
The message for me was clear, but, what was I to do. I humbly accepted the power greater than me.
I will stick to my convictions....no matter how difficult things may become.The Creator is always watching over us....I offer tobacco...thank you.
"Faith"

Sweat

With great trepidation, I sit with these women; they are veterans...veterans of this sweat. They sit and chatter amongst themselves excitedly. This is my very first sweat, and I am very nervous.
They come in rounds......
The first round is a prayer for the children....the little one's ....and the ones that are yet to be born. Grandfathers' are very gentle with these prayers.
The second round is for the youth; it had sense of nervous impatience and a hint of anger. Grandfathers had powerful prayers......So powerful that it robbed me of my breath. It made my heart my heart race as if it were to pop out of my chest.
I came out thinking I couldn't handle anymore, and I went back in....our youth need all the prayer in the world.
Then came the prayer for the elders; the most powerful and with these prayers came humility.
What I admire the most of an individual is their ability to persevere.
I am very grateful for the people that I have met on my journey.

My Coloured Flags

I stand inside my sacred space, my heart soars, and swells with overwhelming pride. The beauty of it all, the stars, and Grandmother Moon bears witness. I offer tobacco...
I offer prayer and tobacco to each of my colored flags.
My yellow flag represents the direction East, but also for the sunrise, new life, new beginnings, birth and enlightenment.
My green and blue flag represents the direction South, but also for warmth, rain, summer, growth of plants, young children and nourishment.
My red flag represents the direction West, but also for the sunset, endings, Ancestors, teachings passed on, the journey beyond the next world, and the color of my people.
My black and white flags represent the direction North, but keep in mind that the black flag is necessary to keep things in balance between the positive and the negative aspects of life.
The white flag represents survival, purity, wisdom, and the white hair of our elders.
My purple flag represents things that are beyond this world, noble Ancestors, the ancient ones...our true visionaries.
I stood at my Eastern door and my yellow flag swayed in the breeze, the purple flag which was just right behind me; gently placed itself on my shoulder. The Ancestors are acknowledging me. A tender reminder of their love for me.
I offer tobacco....thank you.

Sweetgrass

Standing by the river, I look up towards the sky, and my heart is overwhelmed with pride. The smell of sweetgrass is everywhere. It clouds over a bit and the wind picks up...the sweetgrass starts dancing. They are happy that I am here to pick them. I spend more time hugging and smelling them, because they are so sweet. It is our mother's hair this is why we braid them. We also pray with it once it is braided, it keeps us close to her.

Visions

I happened upon a scene once that stays with me to this very day. It was in the dead of winter and I was on my way home for a quick lunch. It happened to be freezing rain that day and the road was thick with it. Being a nervous driver (must have pissed off a few people behind me) I drove slowly. Just ahead of me I saw something and I thought to myself ( no it couldn't be, or could it?) two beautiful wolves sitting by the side of the road.
As Uncle Al would put it (side by each). They were just covered in gorgeous thick white fur. They definitely wanted me to see them. It totally took my breath away, and I thought for a second, I'm going to stop for a bit and observe these amazing creatures, and fear gave way to my whim. So I kept on driving.
They had a message for me. But I carry them in my mind and in my heart still. Longing to see them again.
I try to recapture the beauty of them on paper but to no avail. It is something that I will carry with me always. I suppose that what I saw that day is not meant to be duplicated. This is something that will come to light when it is time.

Wolf Dance - Chief Dan George

www.firstpeople

I wanted to give something of my past to my grandson. So I took him into the woods, to a quiet spot. Seated at my feet he listened as I told him of the powers that were given to each creature. He moved not a muscle as I explained how the woods had always provided us with food, homes, comfort, and religion. He was awed when I related to him how the wolf became our guardian, and when I told him that I would sing the sacred wolf song over him, he was overjoyed. In my song, I appealed to the wolf to come and preside over us while I would perform the wolf ceremony so that the bondage between my grandson and the wolf would be lifelong. I sang.
In my voice was the hope that clings to every heartbeat. I sang.
In my words were the powers I inherited from my forefathers. I sang.
In my cupped hands lay spruce seed--the link to creation. I sang.
In my eyes sparkled love. I sang.
And the song floated on the sun's rays from tree to tree.
When I had ended, it was if the whole world listened with us to hear the wolf's reply. We waited a long time but none came. Again I sang, humbly but as invitingly as I could, until my throat ached and my voice gave out.
All of a sudden I realized why no wolves had heard my sacred song. There were none left! My heart filled with tears. I could no longer give my grandson faith in the past, our past.
At last I could whisper to him: "It is finished!" "Can I go home now?" He asked, checking his watch to see if he would still be in time to catch his favourite program on TV. I watched him disappear and wept in silence. All is finished!

I had a dream once of a sacred ceremony and it was told to me that it was known as the Wolf Dance. I wondered for the longest time what kind of meaning it had for me. Then one day I was searching online for some Legends and I came upon this poem that was written by Chief Dan George; He has been a person that has recurred in dreams, poems and visions throughout my life. I did get my answer and I know that I am on the right path. Our children are our future and they need a lot of guidance...Moe

Good Compay - Good Conversation

DSC01130.JPG
Originally uploaded by paqtesm00.

Went out with big sis and my cousin to beach glass and of course catch up on anything
and everything under the sun...she is now in New York preparing for
bar exam. I know she will do well.
We found some very interesting pieces that day...which is unusual for this particular spot. I am getting as much time out on the beach because we are going to be back to classes tomorrow. : O
Our next course is School Law and they say that it is a very dry course...hmm can't really comment until I see what it's all about.
I guess that's all I have to say for now.

Beach glass comber in training

Beach glass comber in training
Originally uploaded by paqtesm00.

It's always nice to hang out with family and friends and enjoying something as simple as a walk along the beach.

Keeps you in touch with reality and relieves stress that we can do without in our lives.

The best thing about this is that it's free.

Now that we are Done

Photo by: Big Sis


Guess where I'm going to be now that we are done our courses? I'll be out on the beach looking for those rare pieces of beach glass. Picking beach glass is very relaxing and calming for the soul. The sound of the waves, the smell of the sea, and the sun warming your back. You search for that rare piece but once you find that rare piece you are driven to find another. It is a very addictive hobby and I love it. My mission for this season and until the snow falls again is to find a red piece of beach glass.

I just wanted to let you all know how interesting and informative your presentation's were. You guys are going to be a great asset to your community once you become qualified teachers. I can see you using Web 2.0 tools in your classrooms. This course was awesome and a learned a great deal. Enjoy your break everyone.

The Easter Bunny delivered a Bundle

april6007
Originally uploaded by paqtesm00.

This is a pic of the pups that were born on the 3rd of April. My sister's pet Lucy (Cocker spaniel) is a young mom. She had four puppies in all and the daddy is a Shitjsui, which makes them a hybrid. I think they are called Cocka-sui. Have to get back to you on the spelling part. Two males and two females. Every time the pups cry the new mommy cries too.

So I am spending my time with my sis...taking pics and uploading them. The weather is too cold to be out and about. I was hoping we would have good weather for our Easter week-end but it is not to be. At least I got the chance to familiarize myself with my blog spot.

Grand daughters are awesome!

I just had to add a pic of my grand daughter because she is soooo sweet. I noticed everyone else was adding pics of their children and other family members so I wanted you guys to see how cute she is. But every little child is cute. Being a mikiju' is great because you get to spoil your grandchildren and not worry about time outs and such.

It feels like I haven't blogged in a while. We were all quite busy working on our assignments so I feel a little burned out but I imagine I'm not the only one that feels like this. Just in time for a long week-end and probably some more sleeping in. Doesn't sound very exciting but that's fine with me.

It was a nice to change to have Jeff come to our site to lecture. We finally got to see the face behind the voice. Time just flew by and I think everyone of us all had questions to ask, so much so, that we didn't have a chance to ask them all. Oh well, there's always the email. Thank you for coming to our site Jeff :)

Things are starting to really sink in about this course and I can't wait to apply some of what I learned. I do feel like we could have used more time. I want to really devote all my energy to Web 2.0 because it appeals to my creative side. I can't even concentrate because I want to work on projects. My computer unfortunately doesn't like me so I think I need a new one.

I am supposed to illustrate a story board for a legend as one of the projects the school wants to work on using Web 2.0. The grade 5 students are starting to podcast as well. Things are picking up around here but Jeff's school is way ahead of us when it comes to technology.

Well I guess that's all for now so Happy Easter y'all.

Just Plain Tired!

http://www.123rf.com/photo_313106.html

I haven't that much to say about this week except that it was very hectic and tiring. I had to get a response paper assignment in that was due on Thursday. And now I am concentrating on an assignment for a lesson plan and a group project.

Thursday nights class was frustrating for me because I couldn't sign up for wiki (the computer was not my friend that evening).

One good thing about my week was going to see my sisters video launch in Moncton (it was about Treaties and Friendship), it was a good turnout and the video was awesome.

All I've been doing all week-end is sleep, sleep, and sleep.

Web 2.0 - Think outside the Classroom

http://www.davidwarlick.com/2cents/

Last nights presentation by David Warlick was interesting but I found it very chaotic at our site what with some technical difficulties and such.

I took the time today to go to Mr. Warlick's home page, which included RSS feeds to some interesting articles and all kinds of interesting information ( I have bookmarked this page). I learned a great deal more by digging around. I found out that Jeff's real name is Jeff "The Wiki Man" Whipple, hehehe.

Listened to the podcast - Connect Learning with David Warlick, from that I listened to people trying to define web 2.0; some said web 2.0 is:

- engaging in converstion with the world

- teaching kids to learn how to learn

-kids are not just recipients of knowledge, they are active participants

I also looked at the article - Redefining Literacy for the 21st Century, which was the topic of his presentation. There were some thought provoking questions there that I still have rolling around in my brain.

- What do you need to know, when most of recorded knowledge is a mouse click away?

- How do you distinguish between good knowledge and bad knowledge?

- What does it do to the value of information, when everyone is a producer?

- How do we address ethics, when we are empowering our students with such prevailing skills?

Get back to you on that Mr. Warlick. I'm still trying to figure out how to hyperlink.

All in all, great fun.

http://www.davidwarlick.com/2cents/
http://www.landmark - project.com
http://www.davidwarlick.com/wiki/pmwiki-php?=Main.RedefiningLiteracyFor the21stCentury

A Great Loss

http://tribalfires.com/ritajoe/

We have lost a person who was the voice and educator for the Mi'kmaq people. It is a great loss and I send my sincere condolences to her family. I will always remember her. Here is one of my favourite poems that she wrote:

I Lost My Talk

I lost my talk
The talk you took away
when I was a little girl
At Shubenacadie school

You snatched it away:
I speak like you
I think like you
I create like you
The scrambled ballad, about my word.

Two ways I talk
Both ways I say
Your way is more powerful

So gently I offer my hand and ask,
Let me find my talk
So I can teach you about me.

http://www.pl,org/div/natam/bin/browse.pl/A156
http://geocities.com/Athens/Atlantis/6225/joe1.htm
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2007/03/21/rita-joe.html

Coming of Age & Keeping in Touch with Technology

I have finished my assigned reading and I am learning a great deal about weblogs and how teachers are applying them in their classrooms. There are certainly plenty of creative and innovative teachers out there. Once this course is done, I am going to take the time to go through all the materials and the websites that they suggest you go and see because I want to learn as much as I can about it.
I want to make a quick comment on connective writing in blogs - where posting ends and blogging as an academic exercise begins. I was looking at what was considered a post and what was considered a complex blog. I was comparing that to my writing and realized that my writing is just a simple form of blogging. But, I do want to include pictures and hyper-links (something that I have never attempted yet) so that my blogging would be considered real-blogging. This is according to the book Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms (Will Richardson).
The other book that we are reading Coming of Age, which is a compilation of articles by educators who are all for weblogs, wikis, etc...is very informative and filled with great suggestions. I just printed it off and had it bound because I plan on using that as a guide for my personal use and for teachers who would want to learn more about it.
It is funny that it is the educator who is coming of age and trying to catch up with our youth who are creating and coming up with ways to utilize technology (by leaps and bounds). What is key about this is that the our youth need to be taught about the ethics and proper etiquette about using technology. They know so much but, at times, do not know that some things are unacceptable.

Back to Blogging

Back from March Break and back to blogging mode. I hope that everyone had a nice and relaxing week. I stayed home and did absolutely nothing and it was wonderful.

The presentation Tuesday night on "Did You Know" was very interesting, by the way, the background music to that was from the soundtrack "Last of the Mohicans", I love that soundtrack. Anyway, technology is growing at such a rapid rate that it can get overwhelming if you dwell on it too much. I find myself constantly holding my breath and I am a bit scared of exhaling, my brain might explode.

I looked up virtual worlds online and I could not understand how people would find that appealing. I have trouble dealing with my own reality let alone a virtual one. On the negative aspect of virtual worlds, it opens the door for risky behaviour in otherwise "normal folk". I was watching Larry King Live last night and he had guests from Dateline to Catch a Predator, hosted by Chris Hansen, America's Most Wanted, hosted by John Walsh and the creator of the website pervertedjustice.com. They talked about just how many people that they had caught in chat rooms who were trying to lure kids. These people were seemingly normal folks that allowed themselves to practise such risky behaviour. They seem to think that they are anonymous online.

I was somewhat surprised to find my neices' little clip on youtube.com, it was filmed at night by her friends using a cell phone equipped with a video camera. She danced to a pop song that they had playing in the background. I never thought that she would put a video of herself on line.

Just finished the chapter on Read/Write Web (Web 2.0) and the impact it is going to have in today's society and the future as well. I wanted to make a quick comment on weblogs, RSS feeds, online photo galleries and audio/video casting. I can see how they can be used as a tool for educators. But, because teachers are so concerned about safety, especially with students from K-5, I do not think that they will be allowing their students to write in weblogs just yet. Teachers would probably let their students do weblogs if they knew they could control the students environment (somewhat) with filters, wiki-spaces and RSS feeds. But, correct me if I am wrong. Like it or not, this is something that is inevitable, kids are already on line.

About the Presentations

The presentations last night were informative, entertaining and interesting.
You can never have enough math sites, in fact, the more the merrier. I had already been on some of the math sites, like fun brain which the kids enjoy playing after they have done their work.
Technology and learning disabilities had a wealth of information as well, a lot of the children that we deal with are struggling with their reading. So, I can't wait to browse through the sites that they mentioned.
Finally, the presentation on Mi'kmaq Language was awesome, this is a topic that I relate to a great deal. Just to let you know, the program that is being taught on-line in High School was a collaborative effort by Serena Francis, Serena Sock and myself. It was fun to see the Jeopardy game set up in our Mi'kmaq Language. When it comes to technology the possibilities are endless and they are only limited by our imagination.

Last Week

Well, this course went by so fast and I can not believe that this is our last week until after our March Break. I am looking forward to the rest as I would imagine everyone else is.
I learned a great deal about computers and technology. I am just a bit dissappointed that I did not get to spend more time trying out the different things that Jeff taught us. I have just upgraded my computer and I am still waiting for high-speed. The computer lab is being used by the grade 2 students. I had trouble just trying to get access to a computer to blog let alone try out photostory 3 and the power point presentation. I did share what information I learned with my co-workers and passed along any information that a teacher would find useful in their classroom.
The discussions on cyber-safety was an eye-opener and a bit scary as well. This information will always be with me and whenever I get the chance to, I will pass this information along. I just talked to my neice about taking her cell phone number off of her MSN messenger. She was not aware of what people could do with that bit of information. I wonder if they are teaching the students in high school about Internet safety.
I did not care about blogging that much but it was necessary for this course. I was not sure if I was in the right direction because I never really got any comments back on my blog. I would be very dissappointed if I got a low mark.
Well, I guess that is enough for now and I hope that every single one of you enjoy a much deserved March Break.

Fry Bread

It is funny how one single thought in your head can start you thinking about other things. I was on my lunch break and I was thinking about what I would like for supper. I knew I was low on groceries; I did not even have bread. So, I thought I would make fry bread. Which led me to think about the movie Smoke Signals. One of the characters in the movie says "...it was going to be a fry bread riot for sure..." The movie is hilarious and it is based on the book by Sherman Alexie, The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight into Heaven. Sherman Alexie is an accomplished writer and based his novel on the place he grew up in which is Spokane/Coeur d'Alene Reservation. I would recommend it, it is a very good read. Which brings me back to what I am going to have for supper. If you have never tried fry bread here is a recipe that you might try your hand at.

Fry Bread

Preperation time: 20-25 min/Indian time

Ingredients:

2 cups of flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, then add water and mix it together. The consistency should be a little sticky. Flatten the dough into a circular shape and it should be about 8cm in thickness. Toss it into a fry pan with plenty of oil. Cover and let it fry on one side until it is a golden brown, flip it over with a spatula and do the same for the other side. This is good with butter and molasses, or dipping with in stews and such.

"Blah-ging"

Here's a little limerick for you folks:

Blah-ging

There once was a man from Miramichi
Who taught us about technology
He forced us to blog
Kept our minds in a fog
And now our brains are all fricasseed

Reflections and Revelations

I have been thinking about the video by Sir Ken Robinson, and his talk on Creativity. I consider myself an artist and I can remember when I discovered this about myself back in grade 4. Through the years I had won awards, took pride in projects that I had worked on, and I even applied to the Fine Arts Program at Mount Allison University. The course was full but they would have eventually accepted me had I applied as a regular student. Because I was young and there was not too much emphasis placed arts. I opted to go to UNB under their Bachelor of Arts program, which unfortunately was not what I was interested in.
For some reason the questions that have been asked for this class, and that video has really made me think long and hard about what direction my life is going. I have come to realize that my interests are with arts, crafts and culture. So I have decided that once I recieve my degree, I would like to teach children about arts, crafts and culture. This is where I would be the most comfortable. And the children would benifit from my knowledge. It is always good when you feel strongly about what you are teaching because you're enthusiasm will rub off on others.

Smudge

My conviction wavers at times
but this tobacco I have in my hand
emanates, reverberates blessings
and I feel it deep within my soul.
It reassures me, I smile and then
I begin my prayer.
Abalone shell billowing of smoke
from the prayer of sage.
Watch the smoke drift and wrap
itself around my need for solace,
serenity, healing...it thickens and
envelops it...(a sigh)...leisurely,
assuredly, and with direction.
This is a good prayer, Creator knows
the strength and sincerity of my spoken
word...my soul aches of it.
I am blessed.

Crows

The crows have come back to the Island
A roar of caws rise up in the early evening
They discuss the days events
Negotiating and administrating
"Grand council, have you reached a decision?"
The din gives me no indication...
Adjudication is necessary.


I was once on a spiritual journey and I wrote bits about it. My words to share this experince does not do justice to the whole experince.

Fisherman's Prayer

This is a poem that I found on-line that I really enjoyed reading so I decided to translate it into Mi'kmaq. I would like to say thank you to the people of the following site for sharing such a beautiful prayer: (www.blackbearisland.com/fisherman's_prayer.htm)

Ke'sk Naji-nme'jukutiek kiskik

Niskam ke'sk naji'nme'jukutiek kiskuk
Kiktoquiw qospemiktuk kisna wekopa'qiktuk
Pipanimulek ki'l nikan-awtikewinn
Tepitesk ntulninaqq aqq apoqenmoitesnen

Ikenmuinen kokwojea'kewe'l, nikanawtikewa'linen toqju l'pukiwa'linen
Ta'n tet utju'senn etel wantaktekl aqq nme'jk etel epta'lujik
La'linen ta'n etel pukeliejik aqq ta'n etel mimajunsultijik
Ki'l nenajik ta'n teloltijik meta ki'l kisi'jik

Ke'sk etel wikwaji nme'jukutiek naqit'tesnen ula pemamkiak
Wa'jmuwa'latesnen weli-ankamkusit kitpu pemaqsink
Weli-ankamkuk ta'n e'mutiek, kuntewik, kamia'tijik kemu'jk aqq kapsku'k ekik
Ki'l kisitu'n ta'n te'sek koqwey

Wekaw kaqiak na'kwek aqq apajitaiek
Welte'taqettesnen ta'n tel wel-pe'tutma'tiek
Naqita'tesnen, alsutma'tesnen aqq mi'watesnen kelulk na'kwek
Tluwetesnen "Welaliek niskam ta'n tel-nikanaw'tikewiek"

Language and Technology

The Mi'kmaq language is very important because it is unique to our culture and beliefs. It is imperative that we encourage our children to speak and write in their native tongue. Our history, our culture, every aspect of our lives is passed on through our language from generation to generation through the oral tradition. There are also petroglyphs and hieroglyphics. These are used to highlight an individuals' great accomplishments or depict an historical event that they feel needs to be recorded. But most of their stories are done in the oral tradition so that the story can be told over and over again, to ensure that it will not be forgotten. The Mi'kmaq language is unique, things that are animate and inanimate in the English language, is not in the Mi'kmaq language. Words/objects in our Native language are considered connected and having a spirit of their own and can be spoken of as animate, although they are inanimate.
There is a possibility of losing our language altogether. We must take some measures to ensure that this does not happen. I believe that writing it down and creating an on-line course would guarantee that our children would be able to learn it, as well as other people who are interested in learning the language themselves.

Technology, Culture and the Oral Tradition

In the words of Ruth Holmes Whitehead, "Long before their world began to be described in writing, and their history set down in books, the People described it, remembered it, and by word of mouth passed it on to the generations which were to come after them". The oral tradition is an important part of our culture. This is something that I hold dear to my heart; my grandmother among other elders, who have since passed on, were amazing storytellers. I have endeavored to carry on this tradition as best as I can. If asked, I will and I have gone into a class of native and non-native children. This is important to me because it raises cultural awareness by educating others about aspects of my own culture so that I can bridge the gap, and the children can come to understand each other's uniqueness and also commonalities in the way they view the world.
In the Mi'kmaq belief, children were told a story as an example of moral behaviour, they were left to figure it out for themselves; this forced them to think, and make a decision on their own, this would expand their minds without formal education. Exploring each others cultures through the use of legends also enabled non-native children to share aspects of their own culture and to share their own stories.
I have actually been thinking about a way to bring these beautiful stories into the classroom setting through the use of technology. I have some legends in mind that I would love to introduce, if only I had a Macintosh computer to work with; these computers are equipped with some great features that would be awesome for a project like this.Take a moment and check out www.firstnationshelpdesk.com and check out the website for Eel Ground. They have animated legends using various mediums and they have done a play that has recieved national recognition. The play is about fetal alcohol syndrome and the name of the play is "The People vs Mary Moses". Technology would be a very powerful and positive tool.

Back to School

Here I am, back in University as a mature student. I had pretty much settled into just continueing with my job as an Education Worker in the Elementary School that I am employed at. I work with native children from three different First Nations, but I mostly deal with children from the First Nation where I grew up, so I know what it is like for them. It is my job to keep everyone happy; that includes the parents, teachers, and most importantly, the children. Than this opportunity came up; a chance to keep working and go for my B.Ed right in my community. It took some serious thought and wondered if this was something that I really wanted. With a little push from a good friend of mine, she convinced me to apply. I will be forever grateful to her. So here I am. Now I think about all the doors that will open up for me once I get my hands on that degree. I will have the opportunity to devote my time in teaching native children all about their culture and be proud of who they are, and what they have to offer.