To all that read this book, indigenous and non-indigenous alike; I write this story, not in the intent to do harm or belittle a people whom have endured much over the generations, but to bear witness to a common cause; A hope of better understanding of a culture that many have tried to destroy or stifle from succeeding. I do not intend to appropriate, vilify, or create any racial bias by telling this fictional story.
I am white. I am a descendant of a European nation. But, I was born Canadian. The unforgivable actions of those who founded this country with the lives of so many indigenous natives should be made known; such crimes must be accounted for, to be taught in every school, and given truth of just how this commonwealth nation was forged. To honour the memory of a people who wanted nothing but the right to exist—and whom do still exist in all our eyes.
By telling this fictional story of a superhero that never was, is not meant to be an insult or a form of racially insensitive bigotry on my part. Atomic Hawk is a creation of pure imagination. A means of fantasy or escapism, to be based in some real-world situations and yet not fully derived from those specific events. I only ask that you read this book, this story, as a human being. To step into the character’s world and share in the fantastical journey spawned out of one writer’s mind.
If this book offends you, if you cannot see past the hate, the intolerance, and/or feel it is a mockery of your personal sensitivities of the subject matter... then, I can only ask you stop reading, and pay it no heed. Everyone has a point of view. Individuals have many voices and thoughts on what they believe and think. Perhaps, if we were to shed that consistent cycle of abuse, injustices, and hatred... this world would be much better than it is.
All we can do now is learn from our mistakes, begin the healing and start a greater understanding for one another; Through culture, religious beliefs, better education, and respect for all human beings. As a writer and author, it is my attempt to see things from a humanistic perspective. I do it by delving into fictional character that is not a real, but one I’ve created to gain a certain point of view and learn from in the process.
I encourage you to read the book, share your own views/perspectives of the story with an impartial, constructive criticism and judge it for what it is––a superhero fiction/fantasy. The real heroes are those who gave their lives in unwilling silence. Remember them always as we join hands together as one world from this day forward.
It’s time for the future to change, one for the embetterment of all humankind.
With respect and love,
Jeff Walker