Walking the Sweetgrass Road: ReconcilAction is a verb!

By Kim Wheatley

Traditional Anishinaabe Grandmother

OPINION

Here we are four months into 2026 with chaos happening around the world! I am deeply disturbed by the worldwide politics and lack of solutions. Violence is never the answer to me and there are belief systems rooted in Indigenous teachings that warns of irreparable harms from weak choices like violence.

The greater good of the people never benefit from the selfishness of violence. The losses are heartbreaking but also decimating to the world of purpose that each human is born into this word with. 

We are taught as Indigenous People that creation makes no mistakes. We are all born with gifts and purpose that are meant to support “mino biimaadiziwin”, the Good Life! It is a truth that each human belongs in the circle of humanity and the equality of that circle reminds us that it is not complete without YOU.

The traditional teaching shared by ancestral knowledge keepers reminds us EACH one of us holds a unique gift that other parts of creation do not have. This gift gives us power and must always be used wisely. It is called free will. This power can change history when exerted, to delve into the realms of good and bad for sure, but also it impacts all of creation, not just humans. Wise choices for the greater good will always matter. We humans have that power every single moment in our lives.

It is super important to learn lessons from a lifewalk that propels humanity into its highest purpose and potential and in my mind violence is never the best option under any circumstances. 

Historically, Indigenous People took relationships and responsibilities so seriously that balance in all areas of life needed to be considered. The pros and cons of any decision big or small, were afforded endless discussion and review by all members of a community.

The impacts, the benefits, the outcomes were never random because the foundation of respect, relationship, responsibility and reciprocity were unwavering guidance principles.

These values seem to be receding in the realms of leadership and politics today worldwide.

So, I wonder, if this is true, how can we as individuals, communities and nations continue to support these roles? I truly believe we need a leadership overhaul. We as the recipients of leadership choices should be able to trust that those elected into power represent the needs of the greater good and not the privileged few. 

It is deeply disappointing to me personally to not trust so much of what is released into the world today.

It is disturbing to constantly feel unsafe and attacked. It is wrong to accept violence on any level as normal. 

Opinion pieces are something I tend to keep to myself and my inner circle, but I want to nudge readers and community into something new. A form of action coined as reconciliAction. I challenge readers to speak up and speak out…kindly and inclusively. If you don't like what is going on around you what will you do about it. Reconciling is everyone's work. We are all capable of changemaking for the greater good which is not just human relations but relations with creation as well at all levels.

It is shocking to see the desecration of Earth, which impacts every single human not to mention all other aspects of beings in Creation. It is horrifying to witness the violence committed against our Mother the Earth due to endless war, greed and self-gain. 

It is not my role to preach or judge, but I am not blind to the illusion of modern progress that dismisses centuries of balance and harmony.

Every single nation holds stories of truth that committed to ensuring care for those that would come after us.

I am crossing my fingers that historic amnesia will be wiped away and the urgent need for immediate change will become the norm. It is never too late to make a good decision. It's putting that good decision work into action...not just talking but actually walking the talk as it is said.