Slides from a presentation on the project to place a Stone Turtle on the grounds of Knox United Church in Nepean.
Turtle Talks
The Stone Turtle can talk! Play the audio files below to hear what she has to say. You can also read her words if you prefer.
– The Stone Turtle’s First Address –
This is the Stone Turtle.
I’m very pleased that you have come to visit me today.
Many people have asked: “Why is a Turtle a good symbol for a Land Acknowledgement?”
Well, one of the creation stories shared by quite a few Indigenous Nations tells that after the great flood, it was the muskrat who gave their life to bring some mud from the bottom of the great sea to place on my back. That bit of soil became what Indigenous People call Turtle Island and you know as North America.
Another reason is that as a turtle, I am the animal symbol for the Grandfather teaching about ‘Truth.’ It is appropriate that a turtle speak truthfully about the land on which you stand.
The land is very important to us all. It is respected by Indigenous peoples as ‘Mother Earth,’ who is the home for all beings: rocks; plants; animals; birds; fish; insects … and even humans.
Traditionally, an Indigenous person spoke a land acknowledgement when entering the territory of another nation. It was an announcement that the visitor was aware that the land did not belong to them. The resident person would respond with a welcoming speech. They would say:
“I am pleased to welcome you to the territory of the Algonquin Nation.”
Indigenous people do not think of ‘land ownership’ in the same way as European settlers.
Know that the land belongs to the creator who has agreed to share it with all beings.
Know that everyone must respect and care for the land.
Join together in the shared stewardship of Mother Earth upon whom all life depends.
Thank you for visiting me. Do come again. I may have other stories to tell.
May the voice of the turtle be heard across the land.
– The Stone Turtle’s Address on the East Quadrant of the Medicine Wheel –
Thank you for coming to visit me.
It is traditional for visitors to start their tour of reflection around my shell at the yellow quadrant in the Medicine Wheel which I bear on my back. That is the section which represents the East. You may notice that it is aligned with the door of the Church to show the connection to this place.
Each quadrant represents many things; direction, season, the Cycle of Life to name just a few. The East is a good place to start as it is the direction where Brother Sun rises to start his daily progression across the land.
This is also the quadrant that represents Spring and starts the journey through the seasons of the year. It also represents birth, hope, awakening and is connected to learning. The sacred medicine connected to the East is tobacco. It is one of the first medicines given to Indigenous Peoples and is used in prayer and ceremony. It is offered when asking for guidance or requesting teachings.
You are invited to follow the path to the left, clockwise along the Circle of life pausing to reflect at each quadrant. At the Elder’s or winter stage you can take a few minutes to read the Interpretive sign. Then start a new beginning.
There are many meanings to be learned through the Medicine Wheel that help you understand the connection to planet earth. I will return at another time to chat about the other Season quadrants as well as the wisdom of the Grandparent teachings that are also on my shell.
Knox United Church Nepean 