Musings on the Ovate Path

I must admit this week the news and political discourse in Canada has been a fascinating view of the "war of words." Polarizing and divisive words can be seen as not productive, but one must still listen to get to reconciliation right. Whether it is at he personal or the larger levels, one must still listen. That requires that one respects enough to hear the words, hear the emotion, and consider the meaning. It means when the other is struggling, asking for and reflecting back what your understanding back to them. The question "help me understand" is then the most powerful acknowledgement that what was said has value and that you are listening and willing to listen more. This is the real "frontline" of healing and reconciliation.  Acknowledging that person or position or belief has some value, even if its ignorance, allows conversation to continue. Then we go from there.  Reconciliation is also a commitment to hang in and stay strong to the proce

I have been viewing the recent  events of Canada and the W'et'swe'wet'in people and Coastal Gas Link pipeline in BC, Canada. The protests started with the raid on the camp after CGL was  granted a confirmation of an interim injunction, and sparked a lot of political action...demonstrations and blockades, across Canada and beyond. The impact of these blockades is high. Disruption.  And at the same time...a host of issues. Attention. And costs...lots of costs. First issue is the Indigneous people on the pipeline route that have not consented. Their sovereignty of title was not respected. So far, the claims look very damaging. The route ...no archeological assessment. No willingness to re route in that territory to protect what they value.  And using the RCMP as a tactical force to force squatter rights after the governments backed the project in principle. What's interesting is the rhetoric  implies that the Indigenous peoples are respected. The assumption both