Father’s Day.

On this day, it seems that “society” has deemed it appropriate to single out and honour the fathers among us. I like that. I think these fine men often go without the recognition due them (not all of them, mind you, some are truly bastards and without a doubt deserve nothing less than to be ignored and forgotten as soon as possible).

I was very lucky, in a way. Although I was never able to experience “being” a father myself, I had the benefit of a truly fine father, and I am eternally thankful for this fact. My father was loving (though strict), patient (to a point), and he was undoubtedly the most “consistent” person I have ever known.

Thanks Dad!

The photo above is of my pacifist Dad, John Jacob Peters, working as a lumberjack in a labour camp in British Columbia, Canada, in 1943… performing alternative service as a Conscientious Objector.

—Ashanti saying (Ghana)

—Pablo Picasso

Winnipeg Beach, Manitoba

I feel deeply moved and honoured to have been adopted yesterday as an Anishinabe brother by Alma Kakikepinace, an elder and Eagle Clan Mother, at a fireside 60th birthday celebration attended by several dozen close friends and family members. Alma smudged with sweetgrass, performed drum-songs, and presented me with an eagle feather as a symbolic rite of passage and mark of distinction— I pray that I prove to be worthy of the values inherent with the receipt of this honour— honesty, truth, strength, courage, wisdom, power, and freedom.

Miigwetch, miigwetch… (photos by Ian McCausland).

—Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592)

—D.W. Winnicott (1896-1971)

—Simone Weil (1909-1943)

(source unknown)

—Michel Foucault (1926-1984)

—Voltaire