It is with a very heavy heart that I share the loss of Elder Richard Lightning. Elder Lightning was one of the first Elders I worked with at the museum and he taught me a lot about how to be a better ally and how to better understand my Treaty responsibilities. I often think back to Orange Shirt Day 2018. I had asked elder Lightning if we could do a community smudge following the walk. He suspected that people wouldn’t be interested as most of our walkers are from different cultures, but he of course agreed to provide opportunity. I think everyone who walked that year, all of us from various backgrounds, took part in the smudge. One of my favourite memories ever is the little smile we shared as almost 100 people lined up. The world is changing 🤗. We Are All Treaty People. I send love and light to Elder Lightning’s family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched. I feel better knowing he is with the creator and now looking after us with our ancestors ❤️
