I spent time over New Year reflecting on how much freedom is worth to me. Am I aware of the freedoms I have and restrictions imposed on them? and how can I measure this so I can keep walking a free path with people who share this fundamental value. Through much reading, observing, concluding and re-prioritising for the year ahead I wanted to share the most poignant resources that I came across.
In particular moccasin making as part of the American and Canadian Indian (or First Nations) culture tells us a lot about what it means to be free on the land or not as in the current land reservation restrictions throughout those continents. It is equally relevant to life here in Cornwall, or anywhere else.
In the few square miles around where I sit writing now, are immediate local efforts to protect the environment and therefore us. Surfers Against Sewage, who want to keep our sea clean to swim in. Save Bude Sea Pool which is at the heart of the community, and a campaign to stop developers building a 3,700 square metre un-necessary TESCO store (the location of which happens to be at the end of my road). These issues threaten our environment and quality of life. I'm so proud of how certain individuals fight for community preservation - it's inspiring, and something I want to be a part of on a broader scale this year. It's affecting us all. It's easy to get caught up in the small-scale daily struggles and overlook the bigger picture that actually cause those daily conflicts.
Here is 1 book, 1 film and 1 man that document passionately what it means to be free, or in physical, economic and psychological chains.
'Bury my heart at wounded knee' by Dee Brown documents the American West during 1860 - 1890; years of broken promises, disillusionment, war and massacre. This extraordinary book tells how the American Indians lost their land, lives and liberty to the white settlers pushing westward. The tragedy of the American Indians haunted him since his childhood when he first became aware of their fate. Bury my heart at wounded knee was the product of many years research in an attempt to set the record straight. Dee Brown died in 2002, aged 94.
Dakota 38 + 2 (watch below) is a powerful documentary by Smooth Feather Productions following Jim Miller's Memorial and Reconciliation Ride, honouring the 38 + 2 Sioux Dakota warriors that were hung in Mankato, MN on the 26th December 1862; America's largest mass execution. Many riders are related to those slaughtered, and face tough economic and spiritual hardship due to the American government breaking Treaty agreements. The story continues today... honor the treaties
Oglala Lakota Activist Russell Means was a co-founder of the American Indian Movement (AIM) which is still strong across America today. He spent his life fighting for self-determination for the Lakota people, the return of stolen land and even took up arms against the Federal Government. He was an incredible spokesperson. All his interviews and videos are insightful and relate to everyone - not just the Lakota people. Russell Means died aged 72 on October 22nd, 2012.
It's ONLY up to us to continually protect the land we live on and the independent producers that are the threads in the fabric of the local economy. It's also only up to us to hold those accountable who 'govern' us. They work for us. If we use our voice we are heard.
Hand made shoes represent the values we stand for. 2014 = Value Freedom.
Over and out.