I've been a slow convert to the realm of emojis and my tastes are rather pedestrian...or is that Presbyterian -- I get the two mixed up. There are lots that are cheeky and plenty that are creative, including the new Turtle Island emoji. It was designed by Anishinaabe artist Nancy King who goes by the name Chief Lady Bird. We live in a part of the province with turtles everywhere, although we are warned that all species are on the decline in Ontario.
Turtle Island is the name for the North American continent for a number of Indigenous groups. It is now used more broadly to describe the Earth, including by environmental groups and artists in various genres. Gary Snyder, celebrated poet, environmentalist, Buddhist, won the Pulitzer Prize for his Turtle Island collection a generation ago.
On Manitoulin Island there is a First Nations Roman Catholic church with a baptismal font which springs from the back of a turtle (lower left in the photo) which to me is a reminder of John 3:16 which begins with "for God so loved the world."
We have our own little "turtle corner" in our home which includes a modern icon by Robert Lenz of Kateri Tekakwitha, a home-grown 17th century Canadian saint. In a time when our planet is under assault from many directions we need all the reminders we can muster to "live with respect in Creation." (UCC New Creed.)
Any turtle enthusiasts out there? Do you like the notion of Turtle Island?
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