ONEHEART Canada: Come and Share Your Love

ONEHEART Canada, a not-for-profit advocacy group, is working their way though Canada spreading a positive message about the well-being of our society. It’s a message of change, especially regarding the way our society—even our government—is approaching issues of equality. ONEHEART Canada is organized primarily by indigenous volunteers but welcomes people of all races to join in the effort to spread their message. “Most of us are aware of the state the world is in and the dire need for change,” expresses ONEHEART Canada. “Many of us have watched with concern, but then get overwhelmed with the scope of what needs to happen to put our future back on track. It is difficult for one person to address, but together, we can make a difference.”

In March, ONEHEART Canada made their way through Calgary and Standoff, Alberta, bringing with them a team of volunteers and performance artists, including pow-wow dancers, local Calgary musical talent, and First Nation Californian band Redbone. “We are a nation scattered,” says Redbone’s Pat Vegas. “When the United States government split us up and sent us into different parts of the world, it was like breaking up a puzzle. So we’re like puzzle people that have been spread out all over the place. Myself, and the rest of the members of the band are trying to bring this puzzle back together—bring all the tribes back together.”

 

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Redbone performing at the ONEHEART fundraising event in Calgary. Redbone is a Native American/Mexican American rock group that reached the Top 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1974 with the single, “Come and Get Your Love” and achieved minor hits with “The Witch Queen of New Orleans” and “Maggie.” They were the first Native American rock group to have a #1 single in the US and overseas. (Photo credit: Hannah Many Guns).

 

During their visit to Alberta, ONEHEART directed their efforts toward drug-related issues arising from southern Alberta’s Hobbema reservation earlier this year. We asked Vegas what he had to say to individuals struggling with drug or alcohol related addiction: “I went down that road, and I’m fortunate to be here. I would say to [those struggling with such addictions:] don’t do it! The end result isn’t a win; it’s a loss. It’s a habit that you must break, and you must put your family, friends, and loved ones before you, and think of others rather than just yourself.” Addiction causes a lot of pain for those you care about, and that pain is an unnecessary kind of stress. So rather than disassociate from the reality that surrounds us, why not make that reality a better place? Share your vision, your strength, your art, your skills—every bit of effort to promote positive change makes a difference. The everlasting comfort of making a difference outlasts the momentary comfort taken from substance. Yes, it may be easier to fall victim to the latter, but this is not where fulfillment lies. Fulfillment lies in the time you spend committed to passion, progression, and sharing your positivity with the world.

And that is really what it all comes down to: the ability to share and contribute toward the well-being of your community. “People have to learn to share,” urges Vegas. “How much can you buy? How much can you spend? How much can you own? You see, things are exploding and going into so many different directions that we’re losing control. I mean, the more you get, the more you worry about and the more you lose and the more grief overcomes you. Everything has its price. But sharing, making sure everyone has a home to live in, land to use, and all the little things, that is important. So, you see, the real question is: how much can you share? This will make all the difference in the world. We just have to learn how to put it into action.”

Would you like join the many volunteers, including Redbone, in ONEHEART Canada’s efforts to promote change within your community? Visit [www.oneheartcanada.com] online for more information and a listing of ongoing events. “Together we can be the change,” encourages ONEHEART Canada. “Let us as people be of ONEHEART, have respect for each other’s difference, and build a home of peace for the generations to come.”