Ms. Louise LeBlanc
Presentations by Ms. Louise LeBlanc
Ms. Louise LeBlanc spoke about the existence of spirit and it is power. She tells some stories about the mysterious power of the spirit that changed some Native American people's lives. The spirit they call "Yando Goat", which means ability to gather power and go. Native people believe their ancestors guide them and Bahá'u'lláh helps to connect to them. Indian people use stories to give examples of their culture. Today we are dealing with modern day social problems. Many youth fall into troubles. We need to pray for guidance. We can feel spiritual assistance only through prayer.
Ms. Leblanc begins by stating that peace in the world will come from equality and this will lead to a more mature civilization. The Bahá'í community must be in the forefront of this movement and courage to face the challenge is the first step. She uses a story told by Inuits in the Yukon to emphasize the spirit of oneness that comes from sacrifice and listening to the heart. Ms. Leblanc quotes from The Bahá'í Sacred Writings and uses the example of the stages of growth of the tree, to emphasize the need for partnership of men and women.
Ms. LaBlanc is a Native American. She points out that indigenous people are rooted in their culture and therefore their approach to peace is from that perspective. She relates stories from her grandmother who gave her the knowledge to “dance to the rhythm of the earth.” One step most indigenous people must take first is to anger—anger against the injustices they have endured. After that can come re-education to nobility. She closes with this quote attributed to ‘Abdu’l-Baha: “As ye have faith so shall your powers and blessings be.”