On June 15, world leaders gathered for the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, to address the world’s most pressing issues. In attendance were indigenous leaders, who called for the protection of nature and water. Outside, Mother Nature seemed to be an active presence as Grizzly bears surrounded the summit, along with cougars, Bighorn sheep, deer, and specially trained bear dogs, making international news.

Did this occasion seem momentous? As Prime Minister Mark Carney described the G7, it was “one of those turning points in history.” According to a Diné Navajo elder, the year 2025 marks “the point of no return for humanity.”

Given a hazardous climate, both politically and environmentally, a transformation does feel imminent if not underway. According to the prophecies, some of us choose a path more in line with indigenous wisdom, one that fosters living in harmony and respect for nature. Others will reject the idea that humans are stewards of Earth. Instead, they stubbornly double down on materialistic irresponsibility and greed. However, we all probably know in our hearts which path aligns with our better instincts.

Indigenous Chief Spoke for the Earth and Peace at the G7

One of the moments from the G7 that burned into the collective consciousness was when Tsuut’ina Minor Chief Steven Crowchild stood before Donald Trump. As he showed him a treaty medal on his neck, he explained it was older than Canada. At that moment, the land which Trump stood on was native land.

It’s challenging to describe how this moment perfectly encapsulates the “tipping point.”

Despite feeling “filled with rage” at the prospect of coming face-to-face with a man he says has “caused much pain and suffering in the world,” Chief Crowchild chose the higher road. Rather than responding with anger, he chose diplomacy, peace, and love honorably. As such, it was an enlightened response. But was he heard?

“Instead of war, I chose peace. Instead of hate, I chose love. Instead of hostility, I tried my best to show humanity. He was just another person, like the ones I greeted before him (some would say a horrible person and we all know many reasons why). I felt strong with my feather hat, which I received a transfer for yesterday, my treaty suit, my beadwork, and good medicine. I stood taller than him as a proud Tsuut’ina. Close as it gets,” Crowchild said.

Water is the Lifeblood of Mother Earth

To the Tsuut’ina and other indigenous cultures worldwide, water is much more than just H2O. Water is spiritually, socially, and culturally sacred, a source of knowledge and law. Today, such ecological knowledge is more vital than ever amidst a global water crisis and the tipping point toward climate catastrophes.

“Water is the lifeblood of Mother Earth. It’s everything to us. Water is sacred, and it’s a symbol of our sovereignty,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of BC.

With this in mind, Chief Steven Crowchild stood up for peace and the water before world leaders who can choose to make a difference. Or else, they will fail to bear any responsibility.

“I spoke for my elders, babies, and future generations, and spoke for peace and protecting water for future generations,” Crowchild said.

“I tried to say as much as I could, as wisely as I could, while representing with honour and dignity. Whether he listened or not, time will tell. I take assurance in knowing a message of protecting water and peace was spoken to world leaders.”

Video by AP News shows the moment starting at 20:49:

Nature Peacefully Surrounded the G7

As the leaders met in a wilderness destination of Kananaskis, it was expected animals would be in the vicinity. Yet despite frequent encounters, mostly with Grizzly and black bears, there were no problems.

In all, conservation and fish and wildlife officers responded to 200 wildlife-related incidents. Along with using technology like drones, they deployed “bear dogs” to deter the bears. These friendly dogs were “major ambassadors for safe coexistence of wildlife and humans” at the G7, according to handler Christy Pool. (see video below)

According to Nick de Ruyter, program director of the BioSphere Institute’s WildSmart program, a healthy respect for wildlife is all that’s required.

“Ninety-nine per cent of the time, they do the right thing. They’re just trying to make a living out on the landscape, and they will avoid us,” de Ruyter told CBC News.

“They’ll avoid encounters and conflict with people as much as they can. And so we just need to do our part and respect that.”

Video by CTV News about the animals at the G7:

Proud Little Warriors Sing for Grizzlies

Following the G7, a group of Squamish Nation children, known as the Proud Little Warriors, went viral on social media after singing at Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain. As they sang a traditional “Grizzly Bear Song,” bears from the wilderness sanctuary came over to peacefully observe them from the fence.

The song “describes their connection to nature and to the bears themselves,” reported CBC News.

Video by CBC News: The National:

A Supernatural Connection to Animals and Ancestors

As they sang in the Squamish language and played drums, one of the kids remarked, “Every time I sing the song, I feel connected to our ancestors.” Another Proud Little Warrior said, “It’s all about singing and honoring the animals that we’re singing for.”

Another child remarked, “I thought it was kind of supernatural” of the encounter.

When they finished singing three songs, the bears returned to the wilderness. Perhaps the bears are reminding us of our connection to the spirit of the natural world. If we respect this bond, we are endlessly rewarded. If we do not, we do a disservice to ourselves and to future generations.

Video by CBC British Columbia:

Featured image: Grizzly bear via Pixabay with Tsuut’ina Minor Chief Steven Crowchild with Donald Trump via YouTube