Thursday 19 June 2014

101

Allies: In everyday English usage, allies are people, groups, or states that have joined in an association for mutual benefit or to achieve some common purpose, whether or not explicit agreement has been worked out between them. When the term is used in the context of war or armed struggle, such associations may also be called allied powers. (1)

Occupiers: to reside within Indigenous land (all of the known North America). Technically I could even view myself as an occupier. Because I come from a Matriarchal Society, I follow my mom. If I am living on my father's Nations land, I am occupying his peoples Land. In this reference, occupiers can be seen as those who don't support the local indigenous peoples struggle, or acknowledge that they are on their land. These are the one's who reinforce the colonization of the local indigenous peoples.

Land Defenders:
We, Indigenous Peoples of the territory known as Canada who are defending our lands and waters, our ways of life, and our rights, are of one mind that:
We are sovereign nations. We have the inherent right to self-determination. We will determine our own destinies in accordance with our own customs, laws, and traditions - not in a way dictated to us by Canadian and provincial governments, and without interference by these governments. 2008 (via website: http://www.defendersoftheland.org/about )

Unity: the state of being united or joined as a whole (1)

Solidarity: unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group. (1)

Sovereignty: supreme power or authority. Acknowledging your origin Nation, who you are, and following your people's Natural Laws of the Land. (ps- if your are indigenous YOU are not considered Canadian, but a WARD of Canada)

Grassroots:

1. the common or ordinary people, especially as contrasted with the leadership or elite of a political party, social organization, etc.; the rank and file.
2. the people inhabiting these areas, especially as a political, social, or economic group.
3. the origin or basis of something; the basic or primary concept, rule, part, or the like.

Growing Pains will happen. People living in urban areas will need to learn how to work together. Even Indigenous people's of different Nations will be struggling to Unite, without ego to accomplish the END goal of Keeping our Coast Clean from tankers. If disagreements happen, give some cool down time. Lateral violence is unacceptable. If a resolution is acceptable, it is always good to have both parties involved sit in a circle, with their own supports, with one person, or persons ( an elder or someone who is emotionally mature) to act as a mediator. Its always good to start off with a smudge, and a prayer. This is idea so that all parties can work together peacefully.


Protocols- who's land are you on? Do you know? If you don't know, find out. Every single city or town has Indigenous names for different locations within the area. ALWAYS let the LOCAL indigenous people try to lead and start off every gathering. We have our own protocols to follow, such as a prayer and welcoming statement to our lands. Have a gift for them. To thank them for the work they did for the people. ( I still have to do this one, asap. try not to leave it as an IOU)


Before Organizing

Educate yourself, stay informed of who is doing what where. Popular places for protests are the Gitga'at, the Unistoten Camp, Vancouver, unceded Coast Salish, Musquem, , and Toronto. We have recently had smaller communities gather as well, such as Kitamat, Terrace, Prince Rupert, Hazelton. See if you can build relationships with organizers in these communities to show Solidarity. The gathering I helped to organize for UN World's Ocean Day June 8th was in Solidarity with our only Front Line Blockade the Unist'ot'en Camp.

Why should indigenous women be the leaders? Indigenous women have faced the worst forms of oppression from the corporation of Canada, systemically. We face higher chances of dying violently, instead of living our natural way as Lifegivers, Matriarchs, and the ones who hold our Houses together. Its a responsibility to acknowledge our Mothers, especially if we are fighting for Mother Earth. (most of the Northwest Coast are Matriarchal Societies, we follow our Mother) Empower tem, ;istn, and they will shine.

Non-Violent Direct Action- what is it? Direct action occurs when a group of people take an action which is intended to reveal an existing problem, highlight an alternative, or demonstrate a possible solution to a social issue. This can include nonviolent and less often violent activities which target persons, groups, or property deemed offensive to the direct action participants. Examples of non-violent direct action (also known as nonviolent resistance or civil resistance) can include sit-ins, strikes, workplace occupations, blockades, hacktivism, etc., (1)

So what do we do NOW? If your indigenous, work with people of your nation to Start a Grassroots movement. Or if there is not enough interest in this, then work with people of other nations as well to create change. We need to move beyond petitions, rallies, posters, shirts, and take some effort to organize ourselves immediately to STOP the PIPELINES.

*colonization & decolonization * will be the next blog.

So who wants to start a Grassroots Group?

(1) source: wikipedia