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194 Kani Malsom (b. 1969) A Wabanaki sundancer from Sipayik, Kani Malsom says, “I lived in the sickness of drugs and alcohol, the sickness that hinders the growth of our people. The Creator took pity on me and gave me a dream to help me on this walk of life. The Creator showed me a better way to live my life. He showed me that red road, the sundance way of life. I no longer walk in that sickness.” To My Brothers, June 3, 1996 We left Sipayik in search of ourselves A search for our brothers and sisters of other lands To find a circle of unity on the road colored red Our circle unbroken became a hoop of many nations Amidst soil blessed by many mountains capped by snow Hand in hand, The east joined the south, The south joined the west And so on . . . The elders spoke words of knowledge from many moons past Hearts listened, contentedly beating the same chants Chants of strength, unity, and honor for all Native people A sacred fire burnt, encompassed by cedar, sending scented Smoke of tobacco above, To Grandmother Moon who smiled proudly at her grandchildren below Passamaquoddy men cleansed themselves, shared prayers In a sweat of sage and twenty-eight rocks Later, a circle of talk was held between the men Visions, thoughts, and tears were shared for the people of their community Healing for all, especially for Mother Earth and her children, 195 Was harmony—felt by all. Forgotten knowledge was renewed, lost feelings were revived, Families were missed The Passamaquoddy men have returned now To take care of their home, which is loved so much. A place of wondrous beauty, where Eagles soar high, Deer spring through the pines, and Porpoise swim. We are the seventh generation of sons who have followed the sun to the west and returned on the Red Road to a new dawn, with new dreams for all, in honor of our Creator. This we shall never forget. tahu. Rolfe Richter (b. 1969) Rolfe Richter is a self-taught flute player who lives in Perry, Maine, and often performs around Eastport. He recorded a cd of his music, Dreamwalk, which contains more of his poetry. The poem below is being published for the first time. Spring drew its first breath the previous day as an Eagle flew my way. I looked up as my spirit felt low and hoped the Eagle would stay. I felt Grandfather Sun give his warmth to my skin, then saw the Eagle in play. So I told myself to run and just follow the sky as the Eagle flew my way. ...

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