From: McClelland, Kate <mcclelland>
Date: Tue, 19 Oct 1999 17:25:42 -0400

Thanks to CCBCnet for having the courage to open this piercing exploration and dialogue. It serves to remind us that we are not discussing this for ourselves alone, in some kind of intellectual vacuum. We are discussing it on behalf of the children... Native, Black, Asian, Latino and Anglo... for whom we must all do our most rigorous work. If it sends us all back to our collections with greater sensitivity, awareness and renewed determination to keep learning about the issues involved, it is well worth the distress on all sides.

In light of this discussion, I am motivated to reexamine some old standard library titles to see if they stand "the test of time" and authenticity. In researching Algonquins my assistant and I came across a poem by Peter blue cloud. Peter blue cloud's work is included in a collection with Joseph Bruchac (NEW VOICES FROM THE LONGHOUSE) He is considered one of the Elders of aboriginal poets. We felt the need to share this because it reflects both pain and hope for the future.

TOMORROW

We have wept the blood
                of countless ages as each of us raised high
                the lance of hate . . . Now let us dry our tears
                and learn the dance and chant of the life cycle tomorrow dances behind the sun
                in sacred promise of things to come for children
                not yet born, for ours is the potential of truly
                lasting beauty born of hope and shaped by deed. Now let us lay the lance of hate
                upon this soil.

                Peter blue cloud
"The World of the American Indian", c1979, National Geographic.

Kate McClelland, Assistant Director Perrot Library 90 Sound Beach Avenue Old Greenwich, CT 06870 203.637.8802 FAX: 203.637.3876 Email: mcclelland at perrot.greenwich.lib.ct.us
Received on Tue 19 Oct 1999 04:25:42 PM CDT