We have gathered around the fires, from one generation to the next, intercepted every single word and story with curiosity. We have heard how they laughed and become impressed by their tales. We fell asleep to their stories, the stories of the elders. What was hidden beneath the surface or in-between the lines, what they didn’t talk about, stirred my curiosity. This very curiosity became their salvation as they saw my pride when I dared to be my true self, they were redeemed. Not by those who committed the abuse, but by the next generation who dared to be us, my people.
From one generation to the next. My grandparents shame becomes my voice, their restitution becomes my pride. My pride is my children’s power. Children, when I die, your voice becomes my story. Tell us how you feel, tell us what you think, your voice is important for you, for me and for everyone.
Bualvaste bualvvije Bualvaste bualvvije Bualvaste bualvvije Duv skámmuo Sjaddá muv jiänub Duv tseggeme Leä muv mïhásvuahta Muv mïhasvuahta Leä muv mánán fámmuo Mánáh Gåssie månna jámáb Sjaddá muv jiänub Duv substas Substit Máb dådna dåbdh Substh Máb dådna ussjadh Duv báguoh Leäh ájnnas Münnien, dünnien Gájhkh duvnh