There’s much to learn from First Nations

By Jacob Kearey-Moreland Orillia Packet and Times December 21, 2012

On Dec. 10, I participated in the first #IdleNoMore national day of action at the provincial legislature at Queen’s Park. I read a little about the movement online, but wanted to see, hear and feel it first-hand before seriously commenting.

I have never been to a demonstration that aired such truth, passion, urgency and spirit in all my life. I can only imagine the energy in Ottawa Friday as thousands of indigenous peoples travelled across the continent for a historic gathering of nations.

Idle No More, at its core, is a movement for indigenous sovereignty, human rights and respect for people and Mother Earth. It is this and more. It is a movement standing up for the sovereignty of all nations and peoples, for equality between all people in and between all nations. It is the movement to respect all life and to grow sustainable communities.

The first step toward truth and reconciliation is acknowledging Canada is a colonial power, that our wealth and unparalleled opportunity is based upon the exploitation of indigenous lands, lands that are already occupied by sovereign First Nations. These First Nations have an equal right to exist and a right to free, prior and informed consent to policies and actions that affect them.

We are all treaty people. As settlers, we share a special duty to understand and respect the spirit and intentions of the treaties. I believe this reality is so radical for most Canadians, myself included, that the implications are practically inconceivable. We are the products of a biased educational program, which largely excludes First Nations and Crown relations, history that predates and laid the foundation for Canada itself.

A genuine grassroots democratic movement using traditional participatory democracy and the process of consensus — modernly animated through social media, Twitter, Facebook — Idle No More actions, events and local stages are rapidly self-organizing. The movement promotes a diversity of tactics — highway blockades, creative artwork, posters, songs and public speeches. Innovative flash-mob round dances with music and drums ringing through malls and public squares are disrupting the business of consumers and grabbing headlines.

Attawapiskat First Nation Chief Theresa Spence’s hunger strike next door to Parliament, now entering its 11th day, is surely the focal point of inspiration. Spence declared she is willing to die for her people, and to end the needless suffering of so many First Nations communities, if a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Governor General is denied.

First Nations communities are awakening and standing up to the perils of progress. They are the first responders on the front lines and will be the last to clean up this mess, hopefully not alone. Sparked by frustration, anger and destruction, this is a movement brimming with hope, youthful optimism and a spirit of unification and creation. It is intergenerational and multidimensional. Ancient spirits are brought to life through the beating of the sacred drum. Everyone is invited to the round dance and the healing circle; all are free and safe to express themselves, to overcome long-held ignorance, stereotypes and alienation and to foster healthy, fruitful discourse and positive actions.

Bill C-45 was not conceived in a circle; it was conceived by daddy and his friends at the top tip of the pyramid. Sorry, daddy, but you don’t know best; your friends are corrupt and your authority is illegitimate. We’d still like to have your strength. The elders, the mothers and the youth need you as you need us. We will reserve a seat for you at the roundtable.

Solidarity with the First Nations is critical for a just and healthy future for all. They are the keepers of the flame — of democracy, wisdom, equality and the Earth. Embedded within traditions and ancient values are the keys to sustainability and prosperity. We have so much to learn. Miigwetch.

Jacob Kearey-Moreland is a local resident and student at the University of Toronto. His founding and co-ordinating of Orillia Community Gardens demonstrates a sustainable alternative to current monetary-market economics. Contact him at jakop79@hotmail.com.