I’m not one to speculate, so I looked to experts in this area, most particularly Dr. Robert Moore. Here’s what he says about it:
http://www.robertmoore-phd.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.display&page_id=35
From Robert Moore:
---“Time is late and we are in a desperate situation. Look at your political leaders and listen for anybody that is going to step up and name masculine initiation, or the lack of it, as a serious world-wide problem. You are going to have to listen a long time before you hear anybody that is even talking about this, and even longer before you come across anybody who really knows what is going on. Those in the echelons of power do not have a clue that it is not merely economics, it is not merely education, it is not merely any particular social location or television show or rap song, that is the source of our difficulties: it is the whole lack of a system of masculine initiation and eldership.
If you look at the Gutmann book, what does he say? He says that in every indigenous culture the older men bonded together as peace chiefs. They bonded together with the young men to help them understand what all this aggression is for. They offered young males a vision of masculine maturity.”---
In his books, he explains how gangs are a natural offspring of lacking traditional initiations into adulthood. Even the gang initiation is similar to indigenous initiations. Without these initiations and teachings, our youth don’t know how to properly express their aggression for the benefit of the community.
Robert Moore:
---“They also realized - and Gutmann's (1987) book makes this very clear - that the old people of the earth, the tribal peoples, knew that you had better initiate the Warrior in the young man. If you do not initiate the Warrior, then the aggressive energy in a young man is going to damage his community and himself, too. They came up with the software, the tribal initiations, from the Masai to the Zulu to the Zuni, to help the young male learn the proper and appropriate use of aggression. Because he is flooded with it so early in his life, he does not have the life experience to tell him how to use it wisely. The elders must do that.”---
This is why we have militant groups and our leaders lash out in anger about what’s going on to our people, instead of channeling that energy into beneficial actions for our youth. Former Chief Dennis Meeches, however, understands the importance of these rites of passages that were lost during the Residential School era. He asked me to help him with a program that assists youth in the criminal justice system with their rite of passage into adulthood.
Now, if you take a deeper look into the inner workings of a gang, you’ll find the characteristics of the Adult Children of Alcoholics Syndrome. For example, there’s the rule of Silence, which means no one can rat on anyone. The Delancey Street Foundation, which has a 92% success rate in reforming addicts, criminals, and murderers, breaks this rule to foster transformation. They reframe snitching as helping your brother, because the focus is to do just that.
Another interesting finding was discovered by David R. Hawkins. He developed what’s called the Levels of Consciousness model, which sheds light on why our people remain stuck in poverty and gangs. He states that the lower levels are Shame (one step above suicide), Guilt, Apathy (homelessness, Learned Helplessness), Grief, Fear, Desire, Anger and Pride. The higher levels are Courage, Neutrality, Willingness, Acceptance, Reason, Love, Joy, Peace, Enlightenment... you’ll notice that our 7 Sacred Teachings fall within the upper levels of consciousness.
Steve Pavlina:
---“An increase from one level to another will result in enormous change in your life.... I think the most important work we can do as human beings is to raise our individual level of consciousness. When we do this, we spread higher levels of consciousness to everyone around us. Imagine what an incredible world this would be if we could at least get everyone to the level of acceptance. According to Hawkins 85% of the people on earth live below the level of courage.
When you temporarily experience the higher levels, you can see where you must go next. You have one of those moments of clarity where you understand that things have to change. But when you sink into the lower levels, that memory becomes clouded.”---
From http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/levels-of-consciousness/
So how is the actually applied to our people, and its connection to gangs?
Thankfully, authors of Tribal Leadership, Dave Hogan, John King, and Halee Fischer-Wright researched hundreds of companies and thousands of people to determine what makes people and organizations work effectively. They determined that it’s the culture and perceptions of the people or organization that determines what actions they take and results they produce.
This research sheds light on the issue of gangs and leadership, and how to transition from one stage to the next.
Stage 1 runs the show in criminal clusters, like gangs and prisons, where the theme is “life stinks,” and people act out in despairingly hostile ways.
Stage 2, the dominant culture in 25 percent of workplace tribes, says, in effect, “my life stinks,” and the mood is a cluster of apathetic victims.
In Stage 3, the dominant culture in half of U.S. workplace tribes, the theme is “I’m great” or, more fully, “I’m great, and you’re not.”
Stage 4 represents 22 percent of tribal cultures, where the theme is “we’re great,” and another group isn’t.
Stage 5 is the culture of 2 percent of the workforce tribes, where the theme is “life is great” and focuses on realizing potential by making history.
Source:
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=2&ved=0CAkQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.triballeadership.net%2FUserFiles%2FFile%2FArticleExecutiveExcellence.pdf&rct=j&q=5+stages+of+tribal+leadership&ei=ioeiS5qvG5OXtgf6raD0CQ&usg=AFQjCNFCE9E52WbouI5qW-MlrYEHCvCA1w
For a free audio download of the book Tribal Leadership:
http://www.zappos.com/tribal.zhtml
From the Tribal Leadership website:
---“Since the dawn of civilization people have formed tribes, and research demonstrates that humans are genetically programmed to form into groups. Within every company there are tribes, often several, consisting of 20 to 150 people who know each other and work together. But while everyone tribes, the culture of each tribe is different, as is its effectiveness. Improving a tribe’s culture—and its chances for greater success—requires a tribal leader who not only understands the tribe but can leverage its collective assets to build a greater team.”---
http://www.triballeadership.net/
So there is a solution to every problem and that solution is to look to our ways of living that evolved over thousand, perhaps hundreds of thousands, of years. And everything is supported by cutting edge research in the areas of psychology, biology, science, and spirituality. I’m currently gathering all these like minded individuals to bring about this change in our people, and create a Stage 5 tribal culture for our people.
The best way to do this is to bring back our traditional rites of passages and ceremonies, which have been lost but have also been written down and hidden for when the right time comes. That time is now, and people like Dennis Meeches is on the forefront of this movement, leading the way to a better future for everyone involved.
The means to create this lasting change can be found in the research recorded in the book Influencer – The Power To Change Anything, which documents how people in 2nd and 3rd world countries helped save themselves from diseases, spousal abuse (stemming from a 2000 year old religious belief), and a variety of other negative influences. It presents a complete structural blueprint of the science of change, and takes you step by step through the critical factors behind change and how to apply them to any problem.
http://www.amazon.com/Influencer-Change-Anything-Kerry-Patterson/dp/007148499X
These gifts validate our cultural beliefs we once held and it’s time that we wake up to this reality. The time is urgent, and through all the political rhetoric and posturing on both sides, a light shines forth to awaken people to build bridges of unity. It’s either we heal now, together as a people, or we will die as individuals.
Thank you for listening, and thank you for supporting the heart and soul of our culture.
“A single twig breaks, but the bundle of twigs is strong. Seek to make your life long and of service to your people. Let us form one body, one heart, and defend to the last warrior our country, our homes, our liberty, and the graves of our fathers” - Tecumseh
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The interview I did with CBC Radio One
This sets the record straight - since the media twisted my words to sensationalize the story, making it sound like I said something that I didn't. This shows who Eric really was and what I plan to do about it.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
The Police Shot And Killed My Brother
... and I forgive them. It still hurts beyond belief, I lost my brother. But life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I respond to it.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2010/03/08/mb-brother-police-shooting-forgiveness-winnipeg.html
I'm taking this incident and running full force with all the plans I've been pursuing the past 7 years. Right now, I'm working with author Sheila Gruenwald and Lefkoe Institute founder Morty Lefkoe to deliver this change. I told Morty about the issues up here in Canada and how his program can help change that, he agreed to give $150,000 of his life changing program to our people.
Many other high profile Aboriginal leaders and Chiefs have been contacting me and enlisting my help with at risk Aboriginal youth. This is exactly what I set out to do years ago... my brother's gift to the world was the changes he leaves behind, so that others don't have to go down the same path.
I'm still in shock and I know there's a lot of pain that I have work through, but going to work for Eric in this way is very healing to me. I miss my brother dearly and love him very much, but I know he came here to do what he had to do.
When my mom last seen him, he came to Winnipeg. "Ok my boy," she told him, "do what you have to do". The day he died, my mom tried to call him and ask him to come home. He didn't answer. He wasn't coming home and I'm glad my mom wasn't let down in that way if he'd answered.
He had a mission in life. He choose to live this life and leave his gifts behind. Even my mom knew that he would help his people in a big way when she was pregnant with him. Now his story is being told across the world and thousands have been changed because of it. This is only the beginning.
I love you Eric. We miss you, but we'll see you again one day.
Here are some of the comments from the news article that are worth listening to:
"Dallas, your position in this tragedy could very possibly put the focus where it belongs-that addiction destroys lives, inflicts pain on the addicted and those around them, and the costs to society are enormous and not just financial. Dallas, if you had come out as angry and bitter instead of loving and forgiving, this story would have a completely different tone."
"Dallas.... I confess that when I heard about your brother, I was judgmental and hard-hearted. Your humanity-- your forgiveness-- broke through to me. Now the main image I have in my mind of your brother is the one you painted of a person who struggled and fell, but above all was LOVED." ... See More
"Dallas Courchene. Celebrate your brothers life and make something positive of this tragic story. You are a positive role model not just for aboriginals but for all young people.
Alcoholism is an uphill battle on a slippery slope. My father has never won his battle and unfortunately never will either as he lost his battle almost 2 years ago. But he was still my father and I saw through his flaws just like he saw through mine. He will never know how powerful an influence he was to me and how proud I was of him. Kudos Dallas, for seeing through your brother's flaws and still seeing him as a person.
Live. Love. Learn."
"I offer Mr. Courchene and his family my condolences and commend him for his courageous response... The entire situation speaks not only to the importance of access to supports for individuals with addictions, but to the personal and community supports that help to prevent people from going down this road in the first place."
"Wow....I am very sorry that you lost your brother, Dallas, but what you are saying and doing will go a long long way to solving our problems. Maybe someday we can go on a canoe trip together and discuss the situation. Take care and good luck."
"My condolences to the family in their loss, and my glass raised in toast to the wise family left behind, and the hopeful friendship between the officers involved and the victim's family."
"Having more people like Dallas and his family would do a lot to solve our problems. Sympathy on your loss one can tell your brother was much loved."
"Dallas Courchene, you and your family are an example of what is good in people."
"Wow!!! Good for you and your family Dallas. I am so sorry you lost your brother due to his addictions... God bless you at this very sad time of loss. You have an Angel in Heaven who is very proud of you."
"First of all, my condolences to Dallas and your family. May you and your family have the love and support of those closest to you."
"This man has taught me a lesson in forgiveness and understanding. All the best to Dallas and his family."
"Forgiving is the first step in dealing with grief. But just because he forgives this does not mean that Dallas is not hurting and is going to easily move on with his life... it was his brother!"
(((MY NOTE: Amen!!!)))... See More
"Wessex, if you would have heard the interview with Dallas that was played on 92.9 (credited to cbc but I can't find it), you would definitely feel terrible.
He gives a very powerful interview about his brother and the whole situation and how he's going to turn this situation around and try to help people... who need help."
"Dallas, you are a BRAVE, intelligent, and insightful Aboriginal man who is an asset to not only YOUR community but the community as a whole.
The real problem here is the violence and addiction that many First Nations people struggle with in the first place. Dallas was attempting to help his brother, which is a good start. People need to support those First Nations people who are TRYING to help themselves.
Dallas, I wish you and your family the best."
"Dallas- You are on the verge of becoming a leader and spokeperson for your people with your insight and wisdom."
"This young man is an insiration to all of us.Untill fist nation can forgive past wrongs we can not move on.All we have from first nation leaders is what happend in the past,we need to move beyond this and start building for the future.Good luck Dallas,I think you should try and move into politics and build a bridge for all Canadians to move forward"
"By standing tall with his own beliefs, and judgment, he distinguishes himself as a true leader. He understands accountability and personal responsibility.
Perhaps some day, enough of his people will want Dallas to be a true leader and Chief of his people, and he will begin to lead them out the dark place that so many of them live.
My condolences to the families involved. I'm proud of you Dallas."
"Dallas, I'm sorry for your loss.
Your words and actions are a huge step forward in breaking the cycle of blame and guilt so ingrained in our culture. Your words provide hope for the future and help break down the racial barriers constantly employed by both sides."
"Very wise man, Mr Courchene. The rest of us could learn a great deal from your forgiveness.
I do fully realize your forgiveness is for ourselves. It sheds us the burden of resentment withour necessarily condoning the actions completely.
I also hope the City will assist you in making up for the loss of your brother. Whoever he may have been or done, he's your brother and my brother too.
One day, a man like you should become a Chief in the native community or someone of influence in the greater communities of ours."
"It would seem that Mr Courchene while speaking for himself, is also speaking for a silent majority of natives who only want peaceful relations between the First Nations and mainstream society, but are intimidated by the rhetoric and posturing by the leadership of their community. Mr Couchene has taken a brave step in speaking out as he did, the risk of ostracism and being branded an apple by his fellow natives in this case is extremely high.
This incident is a tragedy for all involved. Mr Daniels family now have a big hole in their lives that will never be filled, the officers involved will be haunted by this for the rest of their lives.
There is also the fact that a promising young life was lost a long time before Saturday night. The leadership of the native community needs to expend more of their energies preventing youth from falling into the trap Mr Daniels fell into."
"As for Dallas Courchene, I have a lot of respect for him as a person and as an aboriginal. I think he speaks for a majority of aboriginals. This will only bridge the gap for the aboriginals to not be stereotyped in negative ways."
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2010/03/08/mb-brother-police-shooting-forgiveness-winnipeg.html
I'm taking this incident and running full force with all the plans I've been pursuing the past 7 years. Right now, I'm working with author Sheila Gruenwald and Lefkoe Institute founder Morty Lefkoe to deliver this change. I told Morty about the issues up here in Canada and how his program can help change that, he agreed to give $150,000 of his life changing program to our people.
Many other high profile Aboriginal leaders and Chiefs have been contacting me and enlisting my help with at risk Aboriginal youth. This is exactly what I set out to do years ago... my brother's gift to the world was the changes he leaves behind, so that others don't have to go down the same path.
I'm still in shock and I know there's a lot of pain that I have work through, but going to work for Eric in this way is very healing to me. I miss my brother dearly and love him very much, but I know he came here to do what he had to do.
When my mom last seen him, he came to Winnipeg. "Ok my boy," she told him, "do what you have to do". The day he died, my mom tried to call him and ask him to come home. He didn't answer. He wasn't coming home and I'm glad my mom wasn't let down in that way if he'd answered.
He had a mission in life. He choose to live this life and leave his gifts behind. Even my mom knew that he would help his people in a big way when she was pregnant with him. Now his story is being told across the world and thousands have been changed because of it. This is only the beginning.
I love you Eric. We miss you, but we'll see you again one day.
Here are some of the comments from the news article that are worth listening to:
"Dallas, your position in this tragedy could very possibly put the focus where it belongs-that addiction destroys lives, inflicts pain on the addicted and those around them, and the costs to society are enormous and not just financial. Dallas, if you had come out as angry and bitter instead of loving and forgiving, this story would have a completely different tone."
"Dallas.... I confess that when I heard about your brother, I was judgmental and hard-hearted. Your humanity-- your forgiveness-- broke through to me. Now the main image I have in my mind of your brother is the one you painted of a person who struggled and fell, but above all was LOVED." ... See More
"Dallas Courchene. Celebrate your brothers life and make something positive of this tragic story. You are a positive role model not just for aboriginals but for all young people.
Alcoholism is an uphill battle on a slippery slope. My father has never won his battle and unfortunately never will either as he lost his battle almost 2 years ago. But he was still my father and I saw through his flaws just like he saw through mine. He will never know how powerful an influence he was to me and how proud I was of him. Kudos Dallas, for seeing through your brother's flaws and still seeing him as a person.
Live. Love. Learn."
"I offer Mr. Courchene and his family my condolences and commend him for his courageous response... The entire situation speaks not only to the importance of access to supports for individuals with addictions, but to the personal and community supports that help to prevent people from going down this road in the first place."
"Wow....I am very sorry that you lost your brother, Dallas, but what you are saying and doing will go a long long way to solving our problems. Maybe someday we can go on a canoe trip together and discuss the situation. Take care and good luck."
"My condolences to the family in their loss, and my glass raised in toast to the wise family left behind, and the hopeful friendship between the officers involved and the victim's family."
"Having more people like Dallas and his family would do a lot to solve our problems. Sympathy on your loss one can tell your brother was much loved."
"Dallas Courchene, you and your family are an example of what is good in people."
"Wow!!! Good for you and your family Dallas. I am so sorry you lost your brother due to his addictions... God bless you at this very sad time of loss. You have an Angel in Heaven who is very proud of you."
"First of all, my condolences to Dallas and your family. May you and your family have the love and support of those closest to you."
"This man has taught me a lesson in forgiveness and understanding. All the best to Dallas and his family."
"Forgiving is the first step in dealing with grief. But just because he forgives this does not mean that Dallas is not hurting and is going to easily move on with his life... it was his brother!"
(((MY NOTE: Amen!!!)))... See More
"Wessex, if you would have heard the interview with Dallas that was played on 92.9 (credited to cbc but I can't find it), you would definitely feel terrible.
He gives a very powerful interview about his brother and the whole situation and how he's going to turn this situation around and try to help people... who need help."
"Dallas, you are a BRAVE, intelligent, and insightful Aboriginal man who is an asset to not only YOUR community but the community as a whole.
The real problem here is the violence and addiction that many First Nations people struggle with in the first place. Dallas was attempting to help his brother, which is a good start. People need to support those First Nations people who are TRYING to help themselves.
Dallas, I wish you and your family the best."
"Dallas- You are on the verge of becoming a leader and spokeperson for your people with your insight and wisdom."
"This young man is an insiration to all of us.Untill fist nation can forgive past wrongs we can not move on.All we have from first nation leaders is what happend in the past,we need to move beyond this and start building for the future.Good luck Dallas,I think you should try and move into politics and build a bridge for all Canadians to move forward"
"By standing tall with his own beliefs, and judgment, he distinguishes himself as a true leader. He understands accountability and personal responsibility.
Perhaps some day, enough of his people will want Dallas to be a true leader and Chief of his people, and he will begin to lead them out the dark place that so many of them live.
My condolences to the families involved. I'm proud of you Dallas."
"Dallas, I'm sorry for your loss.
Your words and actions are a huge step forward in breaking the cycle of blame and guilt so ingrained in our culture. Your words provide hope for the future and help break down the racial barriers constantly employed by both sides."
"Very wise man, Mr Courchene. The rest of us could learn a great deal from your forgiveness.
I do fully realize your forgiveness is for ourselves. It sheds us the burden of resentment withour necessarily condoning the actions completely.
I also hope the City will assist you in making up for the loss of your brother. Whoever he may have been or done, he's your brother and my brother too.
One day, a man like you should become a Chief in the native community or someone of influence in the greater communities of ours."
"It would seem that Mr Courchene while speaking for himself, is also speaking for a silent majority of natives who only want peaceful relations between the First Nations and mainstream society, but are intimidated by the rhetoric and posturing by the leadership of their community. Mr Couchene has taken a brave step in speaking out as he did, the risk of ostracism and being branded an apple by his fellow natives in this case is extremely high.
This incident is a tragedy for all involved. Mr Daniels family now have a big hole in their lives that will never be filled, the officers involved will be haunted by this for the rest of their lives.
There is also the fact that a promising young life was lost a long time before Saturday night. The leadership of the native community needs to expend more of their energies preventing youth from falling into the trap Mr Daniels fell into."
"As for Dallas Courchene, I have a lot of respect for him as a person and as an aboriginal. I think he speaks for a majority of aboriginals. This will only bridge the gap for the aboriginals to not be stereotyped in negative ways."
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