Prepare to be inspired by a retelling of actual histories by Dave Patterson, the 1492 guy, and come to realize that all European settlers and Indians were peers and co-equals – but then people forgot.
These real-life events are compelling: Europeans with disease, poor health & diet and no bathing; Western Hemisphere healthy and eating well; the first true democracy; a 700-year-old single road system with one-quarter-of-a-million kilometres of stone roadway; gifts of 75% of our world’s foods; the genesis of women’s rights; 1000+ pyramids; they had large populations and the land was taken already; bigger cities than Europe; our concepts of freedom and liberty – there’s hundreds of these well-documented accounts.
Because little of this may be on your radar, you are able to look at your own day today, and recognize the extraordinary number of Indian gifts to the world. We love our way of life, so my listeners are challenged to go out and transform some worldviews and attitudes. They feel better and more guilt-free. The audience members can then experience their own personal truth and reconciliation.
For Dave Patterson something in him changed in 1999, when he first heard Ray Fadden’s (a teacher and influential figure among the Mohawks of Akwesasne) message on his car radio. It was at that moment that something changed in Dave and he was never the same. Dave Patterson is convinced that if it could happen to him, it could happen to others.
He loves and cares for his subject, as well as the people he talks to. That’s why his communication is clear, fun, and practical.
And returning to the Oasis stage!
Two of our favorites will be with us this week; Cassie Norton and Tristan Murphy! Those of you who have joined us at our Oasis pub nights and heard Cassie and Tristan play together will know we are in for a special treat.
As always there will be coffee and potluck snacks, and you can RSVP for this event at https://www.meetup.com/Toronto-Oasis/events/243288833/.