Where Once They Stood, We Stand.

The title of this post is part of the first two lines of the final verse of the Ode to Newfoundland. In full the first two lines are: "As loved our fathers, so we love. Where once they stood, we stand." 

I'm a passionate Newfoundlander and Labradorean and these lines from our provincial (formerly national, the province has only been part of Canada since 1949) sums up what it's all about for me. 

My culture, and the place that I was so fortunate to be born into, grounded me in a way that I'm only beginning to appreciate in my adult life. I stand every day (even from thousands of miles away) on that rock. It is my roots. The place taught me the value of community, connection, caring for others and that there is joy in hard work, especially if you're doing it together. It gave me a connection not only to people, but to a physical landscape and ocean that gives, takes and teaches much. 

This sense of place, culture and roots are essential for everyone. My heart breaks for those who have had it taken away like the First Nations people of this land we now call Canada. I'm also very excited about the potential when individuals start from a sense of place and culture to find new solutions for their individual and collective future. It seems to be happening more and more and often in tandem with reworking the market to ensure it creates value for both individuals and shareholders. 

I'll bookend this post with a modern ode to my beloved province: Song for Newfoundland.