04 | July | 2011 | Be a Seed for Change

Road to Avonlea is rich in historical detail about the lives of the settlers of Prince Edward Island just after the turn of the 20th century. But, much like the rest of Canada and the United States, the residents of Avonlea were not the initial founders of the land. Here is a short summary of the history of one of the most culturally and physically beautiful islands in the world.

– For thousands of years, it was the Micmac (or Mi’kmaq) people who lived on Prince Edward Island. They originally called it Epekwit (pronounced Abegweit), which means “land cradled on the waves”. Their legend says that the Great Spirit first created the universe, then the Micmac people, and then saw that there was extra clay left over. So he molded the clay into a crescent form, which became the island – “the most beautiful jewel in the universe”. Today, the Micmacs represent a very tiny percentage of the main population.

– The first explorer to find the island was Jacques Cartier in 1534. When he first saw the land, he was overcome with its beauty and, standing on his ship, described it as “…the fairest land ‘tis possible to see!”.

– The first white settlers – who were Acadian, of French origin – settled themselves at Port La Joye in 1720. This was right across the harbour from Charlottown. They named the island Île Saint-Jean, but due to the ensuing war between the French and English, the island’s name and occupiers changed many times.

– In 1758, when Britain was occupying the island, they deported many of the Acadian people back to Europe. Some of these people were then sent from France to settle Louisiana, which makes them the “Cajuns”. Those who stayed on the island had to find a safe place to live.

– Captain Samuel Holland was sent in 1764 to survey the land. He then divided it into 67 different townships, and land grants were bid on by rich British subjects back in London. For about a century after, the settlers and farmers of these townships had to deal with landlords that were not present and unwavering rent collectors. It wasn’t until 1853 that the Land Purchase Act was passed, which allowed the Island government to buy back these lots and sell them to the tenants.

– In 1873, Prince Edward Island officially joined the confederation of Canada.

– PEI became very prosperous and experienced a “golden age” in the mid-nineteenth century due to its ship-building industry. Within 50 years, 3,100 vessels were built there.

– Throughout the 18th and 19th century, the island accepted Scottish settlers fleeing from hardships in their own land, as well as thousands of Irishmen hoping to find a better life there. It also saw many Americans – the United Empire Loyalists – move up north to the island during the American War of Independence.

Source: Prince Edward Island Visitor’s Guide

Photo: The Micmac tribe of PEI.

In the summer of 2010 with a major vote looming we were asked to see our government’s deficit as something comparable to any person who is financially under water with some hard decisions that will hurt many but had to be made. We all know deals were made in the 11th hour and though folks hated what happened i wish people would open their eyes and acknowledge what would have been the alternative with a fresh set of eyes and information.

The Republican Party that was your father’s generation is no longer able to or wants to debate negotiate for …

“The good of the many outweighs the good of the one.” … or few

So, now it is the summer of 2011, with another major vote looming that could either sink us into the ditch that President Obama pulled us out. The Government asked us to be patient, ask ourselves how long it would take to get out of debt given the severity and trust that we will prevail. Neither the problem nor the solution that branches out globally can happen in just 24 months. In addition, we have a Political Party who practices exclusion with obstructionist behavior, some conservadems and not enough mainstream democrats seem willing to vote or fight for the people. It is not lost on most of us how many obstacles the Democratic Party is fighting like that 60-vote rule which has tied the hands of progress for the last 2years, Republicans threatening to bring the whole system to its knees by filibustering on every JOBs bill put on the Floor of Congress while the Democratic Party has promised not to buckle under pressure. It is one year later and the BS continues and the 11th hour is here.

The 4th of July weekend for many is just another day, some use it to contemplate on what Independence Day means to them, some partake in public services while others are thinking about war and the intent for independence and the power that it gives. It feels more like our independence is being compromised every time the Republicans fail to do the right thing for their fellow Americans each and everyday. The 4th is also a time to think about war and how unimaginable what our Soldiers actually go through but it seems like a dose of hell daily. I can only image what Military families experience but we civilians definitely should be aware of their sacrifices and be grateful. It is a feeling civilians in war-torn countries feel, victims of dictatorship and war correspondence cover. So, as we all celebrate our own style of independence give a shout out to those you know, love and miss who serve and protect us.

In other disturbing news that happened right about now back in 2010 and is resurfacing as the Republican Party plows through State Jobs,worker rights and State Parks – in State after State. Apparently, in a procedure that is not getting much news coverage but gained some steam after Governor Dave Freudenthal threatened the sale of the Grand Teton. Now, there are reports that the Governor of Florida wants to privatize some if not all State parks which if you do some research will find that most if not all belonged to the Native Americans and maybe it is just me but this seems like a reckless and disrespectful move. It was disappointing to read how the federal government sets aside land and then while we real people look the other way sells it, privatized for things like mining and or logging which we all know has a whole lot of negative backlash let alone not at all environmentally responsible. Yes, the government took land from the first nation’s people saying one thing doing another back in the day actually wanting to buy sell and or trade it to the highest bidder knowing the value will increase but stop and think about how words and deeds done in the best interest of our countries first people became corrupted. Yes, history repeats itself… like the land set asides in Texas and Florida that they said was placed in a trust for Native Americans only to find out that they can buy it back at fair market value…. dang, If I understand what I read, Congress voted to take land and sell it back at a profit was unbelievable, seemed unchallenged and done quietly. In my opinion, a trust should be a positive thing but reading how some guy voted into a public servant position, probably has no American Native background throw around his plan to sell the land as, “Trash land” to other non-native folk. I do not know what happened after 7/4/2010 but it was clear the interior Department, Bureau of land management and the State fought over control of first nation land and not one mention of first nation being represented at the meeting however the 800 thousand acres taken is impressive …No? Today, the NPS is entrusted with land holdings that have transitioned into plenty of things such as state and national parks made for everyone to use but the fact is these parks are or pieces of them suffer from fires, pollution, crime and are not as green as they should be. In the case of Wyoming, reports are that the Governor is trying to sell pieces of the parks away. I was surprised and disappointed to find that the Gov. of Washington privatized so much of our forests and some water ways in 2005. The disappointment looms from the fact that most if not all forests and waterways in our Evergreen State belonged to native americans and though the intentions went from bad to a supposed good idea of stewardship and production of our own sustainable products our forests seem abused and mishandled. There was a report of a loss of over 700 thousand acres to big corporate developers, right of ways and agriculture since 1978. I gotta ask when will Republican Governors and unfortunately some from the Democratic Party currently shutting down their own governments, planning to privatize parks, public service organizations and jobs and totally responsible for leaving huge deficits with supporting Republican legislators refusing to balance the books learn.

I always say get nervous when people talk States Rights and depending on the issue the impact will hurt and be felt by those covered under the term “protected class.”

“If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must Man be of learning from experience.” –George Bernard Shaw

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