Kathy Sevese Havea’s Post

As our country strides through the path of independence, we each take a moment to marvel at how far we've come and to dream about how much further we can go. With hearts full of hope, we cling to the promise of a better tomorrow, even as we face endless struggles and feel the sting of our voices going unheard. In these times, our unity is our strength, and we pray fervently that God will continue to bless this land and its people with His guidance and grace. Let us not turn a blind eye to the harsh realities many families endure. Picture those who toil endlessly, battling high taxes just to put food on their tables. Imagine families who sleep in makeshift homes, crammed into drains and shanties, because rising rental costs make decent housing an unreachable dream. Visualize the parents who sell goods on the streets, struggling to provide a simple meal for their children, or those who seek jobs tirelessly, only to find doors shut due to educational barriers set by corporations. Think of the families who walk days on end to reach health services, only to fall short of help because it's so far away. Consider those who would drink from a leaf rather than ask for clean water, and those who steal to feed their households, barely surviving on meager earnings. Reflect on the violence and unrest that plague our communities, the endless fights for attention and change from our leaders. See the children who trek miles to attend schools built from bush materials, and the young souls who, amidst adversity, face a choice: to succumb to their circumstances or rise and lead our nation into a brighter future. Despite these trials, our strength shines through, uniting us across all 22 provinces as One Country and One Nation. Let us hold steadfast to our land, our people, and our collective dreams. In our shared struggle and hope, let us continue to pray for the blessings of our homeland. Happy 49th Independence and God bless our beautiful land Papua New Guinea! By Florida Gulaseni

Monday is September 30; month end activities, end of quarter reports for many organizations, change in season in full swing, leaves changing, daylight shorting…the list goes on, BUT above ALL; it is the National day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day to honor and remember the profound loss suffered by Indigenous children, their families, and communities due to the residential school system in Canada. This acknowledgment is a step toward healing and fostering a shared future built on understanding, respect, and trust. This day calls for reflection, education, and action, encouraging all people, whether long-time residents or newcomers to Canada, to work together toward a future rooted in mutual respect, healing, and the rebuilding of trust with Indigenous communities. It is a journey that requires us to confront uncomfortable truths about the past and its ongoing impacts. It is only through this honest engagement that true healing can have a chance (begin). As we reflect and take ownership of the past, we must embrace the opportunity to rebuild a stronger, more compassionate, and inclusive Canada—one that honors all voices, acknowledges historic wrongs, and looks forward with a sense of hope, healing, and justice for future generations.

What is a land acknowledgment and why is it important. A land acknowledgment is a formal statement that recognizes and respects Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of the land and acknowledges their enduring relationship with their territories. It is typically spoken at the beginning of public events, meetings, and other significant gatherings. Importance of Land Acknowledgment 1. Recognition of Indigenous Rights and History: Land acknowledgments serve to recognize the historical and ongoing presence of Indigenous peoples on the land. This recognition is crucial in acknowledging the history of the land beyond colonial narratives and appreciating the deep connection that Indigenous peoples have with their land. 2. Promoting Awareness and Education: By acknowledging the land, individuals and organizations can raise awareness about the histories of displacement, colonization, and the resilience of Indigenous communities. It serves as an educational tool that can help people understand the long-standing history that has brought them to reside on the land and recognize their place within that history. 3. Supporting Reconciliation: Land acknowledgments are a step towards reconciliation, showing respect for Indigenous peoples and fostering a relationship that is based on mutual respect and recognition. They are a part of acknowledging past harms and committing to a future that respects and incorporates the rights and perspectives of Indigenous peoples. 4. Cultural Respect and Protocol: Acknowledging the land is an Indigenous protocol, a sign of respect that honors the Indigenous people who have lived and worked on the land from time immemorial. It is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory one resides on. 5. Encouraging Reflective Practice: Land acknowledgments encourage individuals and organizations to reflect on their own practices and how they might contribute to ongoing colonial legacies. They prompt consideration of how to move beyond acknowledgment towards actions that support Indigenous sovereignty and well-being. 6. Building Relationships: Properly done, with engagement and input from Indigenous communities, land acknowledgments can help build meaningful relationships with local Indigenous communities. They can serve as a starting point for dialogue and partnership, fostering collaborative and respectful relationships. In summary, land acknowledgments are not just ceremonial statements but are meaningful practices that contribute to the recognition of Indigenous rights, promote educational awareness, support the process of reconciliation, respect cultural protocols, encourage reflective practice, and help build respectful relationships. They are a fundamental step in acknowledging the presence and rights of Indigenous Peoples and fostering an inclusive and respect towards Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island now known as Canada. Thanks for reading and please share. Bear Standing Tall.

l am grateful to be ending a grueling yet productive week on a high note through constructive engagements on one hand with the luminaries on protection from enforced disappearances: the chairperson on the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disapperances; and Eva Nudd the legal expert behind draftmanship of the Guidelines on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances in Africa. On the other hand, with duty bearers and non- state actors to lay foundation for Kenya's efforts to criminalise enforced disapperances and afford effective remedies to its victims. My key musings, this week, which are reminders from my acquired experiences are:- 1. Tete-a- tete during health breaks illuminate the colour, conflict and consonance of conversations, as much as they are anecdotal. 2. Self- care remains an infinite wealth for human rights advocates, as indeed health is wealth.

When we speak about ELDERSHIP, it should be an issue that focusses the mind. Eldership is an integral responsibility within communities. It is a powerful link to who we are, who we want to be and who we are becoming. As we approach Eldership, there is a critical set of challenges, responsibilities and self-development requirements that we must begin to address. We at StoryAID, have made it our life's work to create this exploratory program to empower us, to empower others. We deliver this work because we must. Please click on the link below, even if you simply wish to raise some questions. We are open Eli Anderson https://lnkd.in/eeUYNFkP #Eldership #Africa #Alkebulan #Africadiaspora #AlkebulanAwakening #AlkebulanRenaissance

Do Male Lions Ever Compete for Females with Their Brothers? In the social hierarchy of lions, both male and female lions play distinct roles in mating. Male siblings, forming coalitions, typically compete for females who ultimately hold the decision-making power. When lionesses within a pride go into estrus, they often do so simultaneously. This synchronization attracts all males in the coalition, allowing each female to assess and choose her ideal mate. Research indicates that female lions prefer males with dark and flowing manes. Dark manes are seen as a sign of higher testosterone levels and resilience, qualities highly valued by female lions aiming to produce strong offspring. The length of a mane signifies strength, the ability to survive battles, protect territory, and thrive in harsh conditions. Despite this preference for specific traits, there are situations where a female lion’s choice may be constrained. For example, if a female goes into estrus first and encounters an extremely dominant male within the coalition, he may control her actions and prevent other males from approaching. In such cases, darker-maned males typically prevail due to their power and appeal to females. Even if a lighter-maned male briefly outmatches his darker-maned rival, a female lion would likely prioritize safety without risking conflict or resistance. Generally speaking, female lions have the freedom to select their partners based on physical attributes they find appealing. Their choices often reflect past observations made while interacting with coalition members before entering the estrus cycle #MagicalKenya #LiveTheMagic #TheMagicAwaits #VisitKenya #AfricanSafari #Africa #AfricanTravel #StayAndWander #BBCTravel #GuardianTravelSnaps #LetsGetLost #LetsGoEverywhere #ExploreNewPlaces #TravelTheWorld #ForbesTravelGuide #TravelPics #TravelTips #LetsGoSomewhere #Africa #Safari

Let the Countdown Begin! In just four weeks, CPRA delegates from across Canada - including board members, PT professionals, and other sector leaders - will unite in our nation's capital for CPRA's Advocacy Day on the Hill. On November 5th, just four weeks from today, we will take our collective voice to Parliament Hill and raise awareness about the importance of recreation and parks in Canada. 💪 At CPRA, we understand that the recreation and parks sector is central to the promotion of physical and mental health in Canada. It serves as a cornerstone of community wellbeing, offering spaces and activities that enhance individual lives and foster healthy, vibrant, and resilient communities. This year, we’ll be advocating for our 2025 Pre-Budget Submission, which focuses on three key recommendations that will strengthen our sector and enhance quality of life across the country: 🔹 Building a Healthier Future 🔹 Increasing Physical Activity in Canada 🔹 Expanding Workforce Readiness 📝 You can read our 2025 Pre-Budget Submission in full and join us in advocating for these priorities that make a difference for all Canadians: https://buff.ly/4dy3m5Z Stay tuned as we countdown to November 5th. BC Recreation and Parks Association ARPA | Alberta Recreation & Parks Association Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association Recreation Manitoba Parks and Recreation Ontario Recreation NB | Loisirs N.-B. Recreation Nova Scotia Association québécoise du loisir municipal (AQLM)

Today's P&O Australia memory comes from a 2012 video that describes their partnership with Save the Children. I've spent many hours pondering travel privilege and the role that colonialism has played (and continues to play) in our world. During lockdowns, my colleagues in the Australian Society of Travel Writers held a webinar with the ChildSafe Movement that spoke of the risks to children through some tourism practices and what we can do as writers, communicators and travellers to help stop this exploitation. Voluntourism and other well-intentioned actions from visitors, without a deep, nuanced, in-Country understanding of true local needs and issues can, unfortunately, do more damage than good. Now, watching this video again, I am even more acutely aware of the value of P&O's decision to work with Save the Children (and the Vanuatu Ministry of Health) and the very necessary and appropriate hoops my crew stepped through to make it happen. There is a lot in the background of this video. Filming or photographing anyone, anywhere, without permission can be an invasion of privacy, and in travel, can so often become exploitative and unethical. Every child who appeared in this video had signed approvals from their parent or guardian and my crew went through strict background checks and completed training with Save the Children before leaving Australia and prior to filming in Vanuatu. Ann Sherry AO's interest in medical clinics and kindergartens on remote islands (without white-saviour P&O branding all over them) and her acknowledgement of trying to help practically and appropriately, is a testament to just some of her leadership style, which I am proud to have witnessed. #POAustralia David Jones Ainsley Pope Brett Royston Annable Michael Mihajlov Greg Dehn Sandy Olsen Simon Cheng Neridah Hoawerth Alun John Sullivan David Klum TW: P&O Staff crew member https://lnkd.in/gzUGUV26 https://lnkd.in/gMYUkqEj

Many of our Elders were forced to live in a reserve when they were younger. They raised their children in shacks and tents. This photo was taken at Goodjaralla, “which means “other side” of the river. In English it is called ‘the Old Reserve’. It was the ‘other side’ because Aboriginal people weren’t allowed into the town when the reserve was established. It the site where the Elders, like Nana Pansy were forced to live. The site is about 1,500 km north of Perth, just outside of Ieramugadu, known also as the town of Roebourne on Ngarluma Country. Sadly, this story is not uncommon. Many Aboriginal people across Australia were removed from Country and forced to live in reserves, missions and hostels…amongst other difficult places. In Ieramugadu, the reserve remained open until the 1974. For context, that’s AFTER the Sydney Opera House was completed. As you’re reading this, think about the year you were born. The year your parents were born. What was happening in Australia at that time? Now, every year, Elders go back to Goodjaralla with young people like Elijah. For the Elders, it is an important place for teaching the young people. And for healing. The young people listen to the stories of the Elders, and look after them. Sometimes the young men perform cultural dances while the Elders sing. Something that is a thousand generations old. And still strong. Young people like Elijah are only one or two generations from those who lived in tents and shacks. So when we see these young people, remember the resilience and strength they have inherited from their Elders like Nana Pansy. We see their strength and power. 📸 Tyson Mowarin, Ngarluma man 📍 Goodjaralla, Ngarluma Ngurra, the Pilbara, Western Australia #firstnations #pilbara #westernaustralia #australia #indigenous #reconciliation

I don’t ever want you to use land acknowledgments just as a throwaway… Land acknowledgements should be grounded in what does it mean for us to fight and organize for liberation on uncontested lands within this ongoing US settler colonial project.. I invite you to take a moment and think about what you were taught about the land that you currently reside on and its original people. What kind of relationship are you in currently with that land and its people and what needs to happen to deepen and strengthen or maintain that relationship? All non-Indigenous people living in what is today called the “U.S.” are settlers living on stolen land. Settlers do not all benefit equally from settler colonialism. Many people were brought to settler states as slaves, indentured servants, refugees, etc. Race and class plays a big role in which settlers benefit the most from stolen Indigenous homeland. To truly dismantle white supremacy and systems of oppression, we have to go back to the roots. Which means placing Indigenous Lands back in Indigenous hands.