Leslie Williamson, Wolf Clan

This picture of me was taken in the Yukon, while I was on my way to visit family in Old Crow.

Old Crow is a tiny community about 200km south of the Beaufort Sea and about the same distance southwest of Inuvik.  I have spent much of my adult life tracing my roots and exploring the rich cultural heritage that hail from this remote community. I have also witnessed firsthand the legacy of colonization that has deeply affected future generations, including my own.

My mom grew up in Old Crow, before she was taken from her family at age 6 to spend  ten years in the residential school in Dawson City.

This picture was taken at the visitor’s centre in Carcross, YT, where bus passengers touring the area can have their photo taken wearing traditional native regalia or Klondike clothing—worn by non-natives during the Gold Rush that took place in the Yukon before my mother was born.

Reflecting on this fun and joyful event, I began to explore more of what this photo represents to me and my family. I discovered many teachings that keep individuals on a path of honour and respect for self and others within the clan protocol, and decided to share these, and some of my family heritage, with you.

Once when my sister and I were in Carcross passing through on our way to Old Crow Yukon, we happened to be there during a potlatch. This time it was the Wolf Clan serving the feast to the Crow Clan. While we were all in the kitchen busy preparing food and talking among ourselves, an Elder came into the kitchen and reminded us to be careful of what we spoke and the words that we chose. She reminded us that we were serving the Crow Clan, and only good feelings (vibrations) were to be in our conversation and in our hearts. It was important, she said, to keep the offering of food charged with healing energy and filled with love for others. I loved that she had reminded us of this. It wasn’t that she heard anything that disappointed her, but it was her role as a clan mother to remind us to mind our minds, and mind our hearts. This is one example of how our clan mothers remind us to stay on course and keep our hearts and minds pure and free of gossip or negativity.

My mother’s lineage has brought me much pride and beauty. As I learn more about this rich culture,  I realize the Nonviolent Communication skills I teach are a modern interpretation of our powerful teachings from long ago. Traditions of respectful communication was how we kept peace and harmony within our communities. Our elders understood and taught that, “When I hurt you, I hurt me because we are all one.”