The Red Road: Celebrating Wisdom and Culture

Samantha & Naya Panter Photo Credit - Kate Mahaits

Many speak of the Red Road, a path filled with ancient wisdom and the heartbeat of our Mother Earth. I once wondered about its meaning, and as I began my quest, I realized it's more than just a term; it's a way of life.

My journey on the Red Road started unexpectedly. It's not about sobriety for me, as I haven't struggled with substances, but something else ignited the flame. After my daughter's birth, vivid and intense dreams began to wake me in the night. These dreams were like whispers from a world beyond. I turned to my family and Elders, seeking their guidance and wisdom.

These conversations became my first steps on the Red Road. It's a journey of rediscovering our roots, reconnecting with our culture, heritage, and traditions. It's about weaving the past into the present, moving in harmony with the world around us, and bringing to life dreams that were once too timid to be spoken.

Leaving Horseshoe bay on our way to Nanaimo, summer of 2022. Photo credit - Samantha Panter

Here is a poem I wrote, inspired by my journey on the Red Road.

“The Red Road“

The Red Road is harmony

It was prosperous, balanced, and strong. It showed a way.

A way to live in peace with all things. Creator and Mother Earth, was shown honour, respect, and blessings.

Prayers said with ritual and grace.

Answered and fulfilled, supported and loved.

A time of magic and many realms. All things possible, all paths red.

Then other paths appeared, and the red was diluted and washed out. Stripped down, shamed, and forced separation.

So many different paths, none red. None connected. Pain, anger, loss, trauma, and disconnection.

Red faded, red washed away, red almost gone.

Then a surge is stirring. Hauntings, memories, and legacies are being born. The spark of red, slowly deepening and making its presence known.

Elders light the way, while in this time, in this space, and in this realm.

Pass on knowledge, not gone or lost.

Protected and cherished.

The key between the realms, the gatekeepers and secret keepers.

They protected everything and everyone, for so many years.

Paid with pain, honoured by Creator and Mother Earth.

They witnessed, the Red Road’s fading.

Holding the lines and sharing some needed gifts.

Strength, love, harmony, medicine, and resilience.

The Red Road broadens and becomes vital.

Walk the path, that is the guidance.

Your truth and purpose is waiting.

Waiting to be seized with all of who you are.

Your body, your mind, your soul, and your Creator-given spirit.

Will you take the steps on the Red Road?

With every person, and every step it pulses with new life.

Ancient wisdoms, legends, rituals, and medicines are waiting.

They are your inheritance, your birthright.

Paid in blood, guarded, and protected always.

In between the realms it awaits you.

Search, find, walk, and honour the Red Road.

You don't need to look far; it's inside you.

It was given to you long before you took your first breath.

Red blood, red skin, red road.

The Red Road is harmony.

The Red Road isn't a fixed path but a way that moulds itself to your unique journey. It invites everyone who seeks it to explore. It's about finding balance, renewing our heritage, and connecting with the world around us. In my story, the Red Road signifies harmony, a rebirth of traditions, and a deep connection with nature. It's the courage to voice dreams that have been silenced by fear.