Native students honor Archbishop Tutu

Archbishop Desmond Tutu

In a ceremony that brought tears to the eyes of many who attended, the Aboriginal Students' Council presented Archbishop Desmond Tutu with gifts and prayers when he was in Edmonton last month for the international human rights conference

"I don't think words can describe how I actually felt standing beside him," said council president Doris Gladue. "It's definitely something I will never forget, something I can probably tell my grandchildren."

The students were granted the rare private session with Tutu after winning an essay contest, sponsored by the University of Alberta Visiting Lectureship in Human Rights, on why they wanted to meet with the archbishop (South African student Desir‚e Blankenberg's essay was also selected). Written by Lewis Cardinal, it was submitted on behalf of the Aboriginal Students' Council.

Since the meeting two weeks ago, many students have continued to talk about the impression Tutu has made on them. At the 10th anniversary of the U of A's native studies program Dec. 3, Gladue said it was time for the council to go beyond being "just a social club" to become more politically active.

"[Tutu] made us more aware of what our position in society will be in the future, as future leaders" she says. "Just being around him has inspired many of us to do more for our community."

The short ceremony began with prayers by elders Violet Gladue and Dr. Stan Wilson. Both were so moved by the occasion they were unable to finish. Kevin Buffalo performed a ceremonial dance and the students then presented traditional gifts to Tutu - eagle feathers, a ribbon shirt, a Metis sash, sweetgrass and a tobacco medicine pouch.

To close the ceremony, several students sang the Aboriginal Indian Movement's song of mourning and solidarity, originally composed to honor Leonard Pelletier, a Sioux accused of killing two FBI agents in 1972. The students dedicated the song to Tutu and to Steven Biko, the leader of South Africa's Black Consciousness movement who was tortured to death in 1977.

Elders Stan Wilson and Violet Gladue present an eagle feather to Archbishop Desmond Tutu

"Today we honor you for the great work you have done," Lewis Cardinal of Native Student Services told Tutu. "In our eyes you are an elder and a warrior, an elder who has brought light to dark times, and a warrior of peace whose strength and courage has brought healing to your people. We share with you a sacred vision of the precious human spirit."

Tutu said the world is now beginning to learn from the wisdom of native elders. "I want to thank you, because you too have strengthened us in your own resilience. You have increasingly held on to your traditions and not been ashamed.

"Remain as you are, and reach the world with your beautiful dances, prayers and traditions."

Native studies student Virginia English said meeting Tutu opened her eyes to the pain shared by native peoples around the world.

"He has that strength to believe that we are people, no matter what other people believe. It's how we as individuals perceive ourselves. He also talks about healing the spirit, and I think that's the biggest step.by healing our spirits we become stronger."

Cardinal added: "Tutu demonstrates to the aboriginal student body here that we can achieve almost anything that we set our mind to - it just takes determination. We have to go beyond feel-good politics and really put our shoulders side by side and try to do something."

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