What's the Power of One Vote?

The power of one: what’s my responsibility as a global citizen? Was the question asked by President and Vice-Chancellor David Barnard for a panel discussion for Visionary Conversations – a series that brings people together to explore tough questions and foster conversations that drive discovery and insight.

Chief Elijah Harper: Ojibway/Cree - Meech Lake Accord and Indigenous Rights is a model of character and the power of one. He demonstrated that power of one, his personal accountability to self, his commitment and assurance to the responsibility of others.

The feather, Elijah Harper and Meech Lake Accord

Given the US elections environments and the current voting in Georgia, the power of one vote can make a difference. In Manitoba, June 22, 1990 at 12:30 p.m. Elijah Harper at the Manitoba Legislative Assembly bought an end to the Meech Lake Accord by replying with a soft, “No”. He understood he would be blamed and cheered for having done what no one else would dare and demonstrated the character of his integrity among the complicity and consensus of many.

Doing the right thing when it is neither popular nor convenient is the ultimate test of one's character.

Elijah Harper's vote of protest was speaking his truth. His voice was heard throughout Canada and the world 31 years ago. His truths still echo has Treaty 1 celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2021.

"It is, in the end, the story of one man and one feather.

The man is there for history to measure. He has a name, an age and an address: Elijah Harper, 41, of Red Sucker Lake, Northern Manitoba. He has a voice to speak for himself, a past that can be traced and on Friday (June 22) he took action on a matter for which he will be forever judged.

At 12:30 p.m. his very soft "No" from the back row of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly brought an end to debate on the Meech Lake Accord. Elijah Harper knows he will be both blamed and cheered for having done what no one else would dare.

The feather is not so easily explained.

To the vast majority of Canadians it does not speak. No one knows where it came from. And what some say it has done here in the country's central province would, for most Canadians, defy logic and ridicule belief.

The feather is from an eagle and it is held in Elijah Harper's right hand each time he gives that quick shake of the ponytail that said for more than a week the Manitoba legislature must stick to the rules of democracy.

By day the feather lies on his desk where he can reach out and touch it.

By night it sleeps in a Bible, in the Book of Isaiah."

Why is the feather not so easily explained?

Ma'at's White Feather of Truth

When Prime Minister Mulroney made the comment about rolling the dice and creating a forced choice rather than giving the freedom in making that choice. He must have have rolled a 42. ( Each di has as 21 dots.)

How many have heard of the the 42 Divine Principles of Ma'at ? The goddess Ma'at, the personification of cosmic order, justice, goodness, and faith, was the protector of the deceased. Only the pure of heart could see Ma'at. Every individual was responsible for his or her own life and that life is lived with other people and the earth in mind.

Eagle feathers 'an implement of justice in Manitoba'

An Indigenous symbol of truth is now an official way to testify in Manitoba's courts, as the justice system continues to grapple with its role in reconciliation. Manitobans can testify by holding an eagle feather, rather than swearing on the Bible or simply stating their promise to tell the truth in court. 

How does a feather sleep in a bible by night?