Newmarket-Aurora MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy writes a regular column for NewmarketToday about provincial initiatives and issues impacting our community.
It was approximately 9:20 p.m. on Thursday, June 2 when I received a call to be advised that I just became the new MPP for Newmarket-Aurora. It was the call of a lifetime. The people of Newmarket-Aurora chose to elect a representative who knows our community and will champion the causes that mean the most to us.
I am deeply honoured to have been given this opportunity to serve you at Queen’s Park. Thank you for your support and for entrusting me with this incredible and unique responsibility. Newmarket-Aurora is my home. It is where I live, work and raise my family, and I am determined to make things better for others today and for generations to come.
As your local MPP, I will champion the expansion of our local Southlake Regional Heath Centre, I will continue to work with local business owners to rebuild our economy, I look forward to seeing the new elementary school being built in Newmarket-Aurora, and I vow to continue the important work in our community in respecting our diversity and building inclusivity for all.
On June 15, I attended a new members orientation at the legislative chamber. Reality set in at that moment as to the gravity of this enormous parliamentary role I have assumed for my community. I want to share with you one of the notable learnings from that day that Mr. Decker, clerk of the legislative assembly, shared with the new MPPs.
The carvings in the legislative chamber are not only intricate, but they illustrate our rich heritage. One specific carving, by the artist Garrett Nahdee, provided an Indigenous voice into the chamber. His carving is known as the Seven Grandfather Teachings that serve as a permanent reminder of the history of Indigenous people in Ontario and symbolize new connections, relationships and opportunities promoted today:
The Eagle = unconditional love and how it must be given freely.
The Beaver = wisdom to be used for the good of all people.
The Turtle = truth, in speaking only about what you have lived or experienced.
The Wolf = humility, you are equal to others, but you are not better.
The Bison = respect, in order to receive respect, you must give respect.
The Bear = courage, to face your adversary with integrity, and do what is right even when the consequences are unpleasant.
The Raven = honesty, in your words and actions. Being honest first with yourself, and then you will more easily be able to be honest with others.
These teachings have been passed down from generation to generation. I respect the rich history of our First Nations People and thank Garrett Nahdee for this profound carving that has been incorporated into the legislative chamber. I will use these seven teachings to guide me through this 43rd Parliament of Ontario.
My constituency office is open to serve you. Please contact me at [email protected] or call 905-853-9889.
