To kick off phase one of the $22 million Career and Technical Education Enhancement Project at NCMC, President David Finley has announced that an Odawa Ground Blessing ceremony will occur next week.
It well be held at the Harris Gardens.
Its purpose, according to Finley:
"It's a very different and meaningful way to view the world, not the traditional break the ground, stick a shovel into it or a backhoe, but really respectfully ask for permission from Mother Earth, or blessings on this project that is meant to do good for all the peoples that live in Northern Michigan. I think it's beneficial for the campus community, students in particular, to see how different people view the world, and this is a way to celebrate together."
Really? Ask permission? From Mother Earth? As if "she" is an environmental compliance officer or something.
ERG wonders if Finley would support an evangelical area pastor publicly praying, at the said Harris Gardens, for the safety of the hard-hat workers that do the dirty and dangerous work? But that doesn't raise his 'social credit score,' which likely needs a refresh after he went mano a mano with Indigenous Water Protectors.
And is David Finley ready to postpone the building project if quirky Mother Earth says NO? Who'd get that taxpayer money, then?
Ask them if the exclusivity of the ceremony is appropriate.
We should show up with signs that say “ask father God for a blessing.”