Six Nations elder tells police at sunrise ceremony 'we are human beings also'

Elder Allan Loft led an aboriginal sunrise ceremony Thursday morning for members of the Hamilton Police Service because he wanted to let them know about his culture. 

Loft says it was important to have the ceremony with police because since the beginning of contact, there has been a "distrust of our people with any kind of government authority."

"This is a way to let the police services know of our culture, to be aware that we all have the same heart, that don't treat us any different than the other citizens," said Loft. "We are human beings also."

The ceremony was held to commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day. 

Police walked through the eastern entrance of the circle that they would sit and stand around for the ceremony. 

The drum that police gathered around represents the heart — and how everyone has the same heartbeat.  

"Welcome home, back to the heart," Loft, of Six Nations, said as he led the hour-long ceremony.

Loft says he's a carrier of some of the knowledge of the people.

This is a way to let the police services know of our culture- Elder Allan Loft of Six Nations 

He spoke about and honoured things like water and trees — all of the creations that help human beings live. Loft says without them human beings couldn't come to mother earth.

"We've been told by the creator and from our ancestors that we should give thanks to all of the creations and to our creator for everything that he's given us to live with," said Loft.

'The message is about peace'

Police chief Eric Girt says that there are lots of reasons why he thinks the service should celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Although Girt says he's been to a number of ceremonies, he says there's always something to learn.

"As he's speaking and you reflect on what his words are and what the content is, there's always something to learn," said Girt.

The chief says the message is about peace because police are peace keepers.

"The creator's plan is for peace, not war, and you heard that from Al," said Girt.

"In our peacekeeper role, it's one role within society, but it's an important one and certainly an important one in terms of the larger scheme."

A firekeeper kept watch of the fire going at the door of the circle.

"The fire represents God's unconditional love for everything and everyone in the creation," said Loft.

As the ceremony came to an end, Loft told police, "Safe journey. Walk well."