Healing the Land, Healing Ourselves

First, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Friends of Evans Spring and Friends of Washington Park for their collaboration with The Landlords during our gathering at Washington Park. Together, we created a meaningful space to honor the Summer Solstice, Juneteenth, Fatherhood, our ancestors, and the human family.

I would also like to extend special thanks to Master Drummer Rudy Saunders for sharing his gifts and helping create an atmosphere of reflection, connection, and healing through the drum. I would also like to acknowledge Higher Height and all who attended and contributed their presence, wisdom, and energy to the gathering.

As we gathered in circle, we practiced one of humanity's oldest traditions—the act of coming together to listen, share, and witness one another. People from many different backgrounds and generations, ranging in age from 10 years old to over 80 years old, joined together. We shared poems, songs, stories, prayers, laughter, and reflections on history, culture, family, and community.

From an Indigenous perspective, healing happens in relationship. We heal through our relationship with one another, with the land beneath our feet, with our ancestors, and with the Creator. Throughout the gathering, we took time to reconnect with these relationships through prayer, storytelling, and a heart-centered meditation focused on gratitude. Many Indigenous traditions teach that gratitude is not simply an emotion but a way of life—a practice that reminds us of our interconnectedness with all living things.

We also poured libations in honor of our ancestors, remembering their sacrifices, resilience, wisdom, and love. As we called their names and reflected on their lives, we recognized that many of the gifts we carry today are extensions of the prayers they once prayed and the struggles they endured. By living with purpose, compassion, and service, we continue their legacy forward.

While this was a relatively small gathering of approximately thirty people, true transformation has never been measured solely by numbers. Throughout history, some of the greatest movements began with a small circle of committed individuals united by a shared vision. Change often begins with a few hearts willing to listen deeply, care deeply, and act with intention.

The mission of The Landlords is to help people remember their sacred relationship with the land, their ancestors, and the Creator. We believe that when people reconnect with nature, they reconnect with themselves. When they reconnect with themselves, they become better caretakers of their families, communities, and future generations.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with Friends of Evans Spring and Friends of Washington Park. Their work preserving historical sites, natural spaces, and community gathering places is essential. These lands hold stories, memories, and wisdom that deserve to be protected and passed on to future generations.

As many Indigenous teachings remind us, we do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors—we borrow it from our children. May we continue working together to honor the land, heal our communities, and strengthen the bonds that connect us all.

And remember:

The only way out is in.