The First Seed - Ben

BEN'S CEREMONY

I painted Ben's Ceremony in 2009. Ben is standing in the waters on Lake Huron. Standing proud in his Ojibwe ancestry, with an ancient sturgeon by his side.

At that time Ben was the happiest I had ever seen him in the several decades since I had been his friend. I really thought of him as a brother. He was at peace and enjoying his First Nation life at Stony Point, hunting, fishing, and gazing at the stars.

I gave Ben this painting for his 50th birthday. Ben said this painting was the best gift he ever got. He hung it in his home directly in front of his lazy boy. I hoped it would remind Ben how much resilience he had and all he trumped over to come to be living "Ben's Ceremony" at that time.

Yet my intention and respect weren't enough in the end.

June 21, 2021

R.I.P Ben ~ SEO

In 79' I meet a young brave man.

Ben opened my heart & mind again & again,

To his First Nation life in Canada, back then

Truths, of a life of injustice & pain.

Eye's opened, to the truth that I had never known.

To the hidden that was never shown

Injustice, Residential Schools, denied ancient graves,

60's scoop, systemic racism that overpowers the braves,

mean mug, suicide, lateral violence- trauma of Native Life on this Land,

Prejudices, abuse, trauma, addiction, genocide ...

Kanata's truth echoed through the ban.

Yet in 2009, I witnessed Ben's heart open

to the beauty of his cultural Ojibwe ways:

Seven grandfather teachings, gratitude,

Humour, respect for Nature, a love of all Nations,

Resilience, warrior love strength, connection to Creator and joyful days.

Laughter, fun nicknames, a knowledge of night sky.

Generosity, willingness to help, love of children,

the awe of watching eagle's fly.

So many times, you were defeated, but got back up on your feet.

You had a stubbornness that would not accept defeat.

I watched in amazement, and you always rose again.

That was my resilient brother friend ... Ben.

Until you had too much to bear,

Oh, I wish we could have been there,

You couldn't take anymore, and faced your final blow,

You said enough, it's time to go.

Goodbye Ben, your smile is ingrained

My heart will remember you, and all you sustained.

Memories of you, in so many hearts you will live on,

forever at peace, may your spirit always be in "Ben's ceremony on Lake Huron"

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