Sir: RE: The totem at Tecumseh.
Tecumseh was a Shawnee Chief … a warrior, a charismatic orator, an insightful visionary.
He travelled from Ontario to the southern states with the proposal to unite all Indian Tribes in a confederation to preserve a way of life of the native people of the time. He was well respected by many and feared by others. Politically at the time, he chose to ally himself with the British as treaties with them were better respected by the new settlers of the New World.
Sir Isaac Brock recognized, respected and acknowledged his passion and conferred upon Tecumseh the rank of General in the British army.
Tecumseh had a great respect for Mother Earth and all humanity under The Great Spirit. He is revered in Canadian history, admired in Indian history, respected as a leader in the formation of native culture(s) and freedoms.
We, as present world citizens, live in precarious times of being “politically correct” so as not to upset or offend anyone for any reason.
Historically, I hope we are taught “how to think, not what to think.” We should interpret what we see and make educated and thoughtful decisions. Many visual images and icons convey different interpretations to many people.
Here is my interpretation of why the totem should remain at Tecumseh School and be kept where it is.
By definition, there are six types of totems: house interior, house exterior, mortuary, memorial (peace and prosperity), welcome (promoting peaceful coexistence), and ridicule and shame.
The totem at Tecumseh S.S. was created by four enterprising, interested students who saw fit to incorporate by their talents and efforts a symbol …. a Canadian icon that will acknowledge and show respect for Mother Earth and ALL the native cultures found in the Dominion of Canada.
It was, and I consider it, a unifying gesture for all Indigenous Canadians and new immigrants to this country. The traditions recognized and started here with this totem were not meant to derogatory or offensive in any manner shape or form, but respect for all.
The school teams that were formed were known by the noble name Braves.
Today, we do much to be politically correct and be non-offensive. As an alternative to removing the totem, perhaps we should preserve it and rededicate it with a plaque on the totem that duly recognizes that this totem, while not Shawnee, is a Canadian icon meant to represent ALL indigenous First Nations and subsequent immigrants to this Dominion of Canada from sea to sea to sea. There is room for all of us on Mother Earth under The Great Spirit.
I propose that we preserve and rededicate the ideals of Tecumseh by keeping the totem and inviting the First Nations to be part of a ceremony that will welcome new immigrants. Involve new students and include them them and let them now be a part of living history. Rededication could be done many times during the life of the totem at Tecumseh. Use the totem as a living symbol of life-long learning.
George Sims
Chatham-Kent
