We cannot understand these images by trying to analyze them from the perspective of our modern culture. We need to look to traditional aboriginal cultures that experienced a different reality than that of Euro-Americans.

Reality is not just what we see, but what we have learned to see. In traditional hunter-gather societies, the human and “natural” worlds are interwoven by threads of spiritual power. The natural and supernatural worlds are inseparable; each is intrinsically a part of the other. It is generally understood that natural events that affect people’s lives were caused or influenced by human actions.

The first weekend in April, I participated in an invitational conference in Montreal entitled, Literacy, Museums, and the Arts. This was held in conjunction with the Blue Metropolis Literary Festival. Other participants included artists, authors, a singer, and a dancer. It was an affirming experience to hear people talking about the different ways in which we communicate ideas, other than the written word.

In fact, I will share a personal experience. The dancer Lynn Snelling from Montreal did an interpretive dance for us. We were invited to speak into the microphones and share what words came to us, in whatever language they came. I could not find words to describe the welling up of emotion inside me as I picked up on the energy that she conveyed with her hands, eyes, and body movements. There are times when words are inadequate. Karla McLaren, an empath and healer who specializes in the field of physical and emotional trauma, refers to this as the “straightjacket of language.” Lynn shared later that she believes that the body has a literacy all its own. If we pay attention, it will let us know what feelings are being blocked and need to be moved.

Literacy programs are using crafts as a way of helping Learners to get in touch with their creativity. Helen McPhaden of the Stardale Women’s Association is getting the Learners to do weaving. Previous projects include pottery, quilts, and artwork. One of the Elders with whom Helen consulted on this project said that crafts are away of helping Learners to tap into ancestral memories, our “Spirit.” Certainly, Helen finds that the images Learners choose indicate what issues are presenting themselves for healing, or what progress they’ve made.