"Not really and everyone who actually lives here is always trying to leave."
There is a lot more to this metropolitan median , Brantford. Last week I had a couch surfer ,Wanda , spend 5 days; learning some of the history ,charmed by walking trail winds and meeting some radical Brantfordians.
Wanda is originally from the Queen's home land.. she has the accent to prove it . For the last few years she has lived in Spain and the 5 days in Brantford with me , were her 3rd homely stay in Trudeau country.
The first night was full on conversation about colonization , history, anti capitalism, rainbow societies, over consumption, travel and of course a "Welcome to my crib". Wanda has a passion for understanding Indigenous cultures and the full history of Indigenous Canadians. Her conviction and pure love of knowledge made listening to her a learning opportunity and a crash course in economic enlightenment.
I live about 15 minutes from the Woodland Cultural Centre aka Brantford's infamous residential school. I've never been there before but from Wanda's review and the pamphlet she gave me, it is worth checking out . Brantford has more than Tim Hortons and Wayne Gretzky to be thankful for!
She made me vegan bolognese for lunch. VEGAN. BOLOGNESE. whaaaattttt... I came home from work and there was a stove top prepared for the love of animals and me alike. So so tasty, thanks again chica!
Wanda met a local activist /equality enthusiast , joined him in walking about the city and finished the night with an open mic. His posters are maintained in about 30 different locations in Brantford. The signage is black and white, bold and professing the importance of First Nation justice and the natural freedoms, respects for all that we need to untangle to truly exist in harmony . There are a variety of posters, I have about 20 prints for anyone who is interested!
Our second last day together I drove to Port Dover, we had ice cream, chocolates, wind blown hairs, life chats and basically a best friends perfect day dream.
She mentioned a friend of hers who spent 15 years traveling and now hosts couch surfers to stay in tune with the world's music. As my first couch surfer, she not only made me excited for her next adventures around the vast globe, but I explored Brantford with an equal excitement!
Wanda has set off on this wonderfilled journey across Canada , the USA and who knows where else the vagabond spirit will guide her. Hopefully one day back here!
How sweet it is to be connected with heritage, community , knowledge and spirituality. 5 days listening to the rhythm of voyager footsteps . I couldn't help but dance. Thanks for everything Wanda, bon voyage :)
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Without further adieu , from the Wanda herself:
"Why did a wandering traveller come to Brantford? Between the delights of Algonquin, Toronto, Niagara, why take a detour here?
It was to discover an untold story, one missing from every Canadian history museum. What happened to the indigenous people?
Brantford brought me the truth - the story of the genocide that my race committed, and the indigenous history of peacemaking, extended to my ancestors, who stole all they could and whose descendents refuse to return it.
Brantford brought me tears, heartache, anger - none of which matter. What matters is truth, reconciliation, reparation and recovery. But the first ingredient is missing from White Canada - the truth is hidden.
Whitewashed.
Instead, we are allowed to believe that modern indigenous problems are unrelated to their treatment by us, then and now, still hiding the truth, still allowing the injustices of the past to prevail today, still failing to address the consequences.
Why Brantford? Because the truth must be told."
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ps. I left the internet alone whilst and after meeting Wanda, to be fully present...Friday I lost my phone at work and it was THANK FULLY. returned to me Monday. ..I'm doing a night shift this week.. which means my mind and body are more confused than usual. yikes.
Never a dull moment in Raisha's world.
Stay in orbit <3
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