May 16 2013. Source: Market Wired
Gitga'at First Nation reminds Enbridge that Northern Gateway pipeline and oil tanker project is not welcome in Gitga'at territory
HARTLEY BAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA - The Gitga'at First Nation has instructed Enbridge to leave its territory after the company and a team of oil spill response surveyors showed-up uninvited, during the nation's annual food harvesting camp, a time of rich cultural activity and knowledge sharing.
By Waziyatawin and Michael Yellow Bird, from the Introduction to For Indigenous Minds Only: A Decolonization Handbook:
Introduction and Background
In 2005, eight Indigenous intellectuals created the volume For Indigenous Eyes Only: A Decolonization Handbook, to offer hands-on suggestions and activities for Indigenous communities to engage in as they worked to develop decolonizing activities. Beginning from the assumption that Indigenous Peoples have the power, strength, and intelligence to develop culturally specific decolonization strategies to pursue our own strategies of liberation, we attempted to begin to demystify the language of colonization and decolonization.
Yes, our life energy must be a gift for our future. Your life, my life, everybody’s life must follow your given path. So pray or meditate. Follow your inner path and learn just how powerful you are and learn that you are a leader for your people, your family, your children, and the Mother Earth.
-Chief Arvol Looking Horse
By Erin Flegg, April 20, 2013. Source: Vancouver Observer
In the latest step toward opposing oil pipelines at every port in Canada, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation of Burrard Inlet signed on to the International Treaty to Protect the Sacred yesterday. The nation held a press conference at the Sheraton Wall Centre where newly elected Chief Maureen Thomas signed the document, witnessed by the president of the
anishnaabeg say the earth is our mother. shkikimi-kwe provides all that we need to live a good life mino bemaadziwin. anishnaabeg always say miigwech for all of this. when we say miigwech we acknowledge these many gifts provided to all of us.
miigwech thank you
gii miizhyaan niibii for giving us water
gii miizhyaan aki for giving us the land
gii miizhyaan mtigoog for giving us trees
gii miizhyaan nasewin for giving us the breath of life
it seems so simple
this way of living in cooperation with all life
by acknowledging these ways of being
although this way is sophisticated by observing
it is a highly developed relationship based on respect
this is why clan systems offer organization
the seasons show us that change is inevitable and the importance of food security
this is why societies are the key to wellness
this planet is floating in perfect balance
over millions of years of evolution
from codes deep within each cell
spirals form at the spark of creation
fibinaaci is a mathematical sequence that anishnaabe understood
and is at the base of understanding that all life is connected
and this perfect balance is in jeopardy
as we play out this game of ego, illusion and dominance
as we hide behind religious fervour
as we hide behind a fear instilled since colonization began
there is a prophecy
that we are living right at this moment
it has something to do with balance
living in cooperation
acknowledging all life is connected
and integrating indigenous knowledge thought and practices
to protect this earth which we call shkimi-kwe
this is our home
if this does not happen
well you can see it happening everywhere around this majestic earth
poverty, colonization, genocide, climate change, consumption
will continue on the path
where humans are disconnected from the land
its time to connect with the earth under our feet
dig your toes into the earth like the roots from great trees
dip your fingers into the water feel how it gives you love
lift your head and face the wind and know that it carries our breath
sit in the sun and let if feed your skin like it does with all plant life
at night look up to the moon and stars
seize the wonder and fascination seven generations before and after us will also have
envision the earth as a living being just like you and me
and that the earth is an extension of each of us
dream this earth in the future
vibrant with life
Poem by vera wabegijig – wild rice dreams
