The Swinomish Tribal Community Cemetery on Memorial Day is festooned with the half-mast Stars and Stripes amongst the graves of the ancestors. Many Tribal members were engaged in WW1, WW2, Korea and Vietnam. Those that have visited us will recognize that this is the corner you turn to come in to Shelter Bay. There was a ceremony today where wreaths were laid to honor the fallen soldiers of the Tribe. I find it interesting that the First Nations on this side of the border 'seem' so much more patriotic than on the North side. Perhaps it's just our closer proximity to a critical mass and a better understanding of the community as a whole. There are a number of totems and eagles carved by Kevin Paul, our local artisan carver in the Tribe. His work is quite fascinating.
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3 comments:
You may be right about patriotism but there have been several examples of Canadian aboriginal war heroes. Thomas Prince is an example, a decorated soldier in WW2 and Korea.
It may also be that the First nations of Canada were able to operate almost uninterrupted in their communities in that time whereas the US communities were far more linked with the national culture.
Good points, both. I must ask some of my First Nation's friends what they think of my observation to see what they say.
Or just that Canadians in general are less overt about their war-related patriotism. In Canada, our identity is linked more to the idea that we are "good helpers" and peacekeepers than the idea of military service per se.
I also think that Canada's First Nations have, at least for the last 30 years, been provided the freedom to be very overt about their mistreatment, history, etc. whereas US aboriginal peoples have been universally silenced. The patriotism may be more a reflection of the assimilation that was necessary in order for US aboriginals to participate in their society - whereas Canadian first nations were allowed to express their dissent.
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