Lauren Root – Features Editor 

During the week of Jan. 19, Danny Beaton spoke at a series of guest lectures at Bishop’s University, as a guest of David Webster. I was able to listen to Beaton’s lecture on Jan. 22 in Dr. Webster’s HIS108 (Global History of Indigenous Peoples) class, where he answered many questions from inquisitive students. Beaton and Dr. Webster are good friends and have known each other for over 40 years, and Danny Beaton is a frequent guest speaker in history classes.

Image courtesy of David Webster

Beaton answered students’ questions about accountability and reconciliation. In his explanation, Danny emphasized that “everything we do is connected,” meaning that both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples need to work together to heal their relationship and also take care of the world. 

Beaton spoke about the need for all types of justice, telling stories about how, in his youth, he would organize protests for justice with Indigenous and non-Indigenous issues. 

A large talking point in this lecture referenced the current social and political issues in the USA, trying to purchase Greenland. He touched upon the vastly different lifestyles that Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples live when comparing their matriarchal and patriarchal societies. With Indigenous peoples following a matriarchal style, President Trump is far from the Indigenous lifestyle and does not comprehend their way of life. Beaton connects the attempt to purchase Greenland with the colonization that happened in North America with the arrival of European colonialists. 

Beaton encourages students to fight for both their rights and their freedom, saying, “We are accountable for our own freedom.” Everything evolves around life and justice itself. No matter what the cause is, justice is a crucial part of freedom. Beaton spoke about the importance of students being critical of injustice and questioning things around them when they see them. By criticising the government, students take an active role in their lives. 

In touch with his spirituality, Beaton spoke at great length about being grateful and giving thanks to the Creator for everything. He calls upon students to live their culture and especially focus on the values of their culture. By loving your culture and being grateful, everything has more meaning. 

Beaton closed his talk with the reminder that “life is a sacred journey, and people have no right to destroy it.” When referencing current social and political justice movements, Beaton reminds students to fight for their freedom using their sacred minds, and while doing so, remember to be positive and grateful, giving thanks always.