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Flagpoles and Christmas trees

Submitted by Vicki BraganSitting in the manse living room we have a magnificent view of the inlet, and part of that view includes the new flagpole in honour of Ada Yovanovich which stands in front of the SHIP centre. We happened to be there the day it was dedicated, and we happened to be here 20-25 years ago when Ada and a half-dozen other Haida elders changed the course of history by saying enough is enough: we will take control of our future, and they did.Just on the back side of SHIP stands a beautiful Christmas tree. I believe Ada's pole and the CHN flag it flies represent the hopes and aspirations of the Haida people. And I believe the Christmas tree represents the best and most lasting aspirations of the Christian faith.In spite of the mistakes of the past, where the church has sometimes hindered rather than honoured indigenous traditions and cultures, I see a new day where flagpoles and Christmas trees stand together: where we each bring what is best from our past into the life we share in these beautiful islands. (And then we sang together Silent Night in Haida and in English.)