Description
In our discussion on RCAP and TRC, we contemplated a central question of RCAP: What are the foundations of a fair and honorable relationship between Indigenous and non-indigenous people of Canada?
Yet, you have established and revisited your personal stance on Indigenous Sovereignty in Discussion Boards 1 and 2 for Winter 2021 term. Is this enough?
In this reflection paper (B), I want you to reflect upon how we move forward. We often see where different politicians in Canada and the US espouse these notions of Nation to Nation relationships, yet, do not change the laws on the books that negatively affect Indigenous communities. Nor do they change the fact that in spite of an overwhelming rejection of elected band and tribal councils by many communities, those very elected governance models are nevertheless imposed on communities setting up conflict such as Richard “Dickie” Wilson and the GOONS and the AIM (American Indian Movement). But, it all really comes down to honoring and renewing the already established and ongoing negotiated treaties, agreements, and understandings–that go back centuries. To me, it is as simple as honoring the Two Row Wampum example–agreeing not to interfere or attempt to control the other’s vessel–allowing each vessel to carry on and live according to their instructions and understanding of the world that surrounds them.
Some of you might see this as idealistic, some of you might see it as a simple standard, but I want you to reflect and propose how we change things–beyond education. Education is but a mere first step. We know that Indigenous peoples and communities rank at or near the bottom of every socio-economic indicator in Canada and the United States. We know that many communities have unsafe drinking water, poor housing, food insecurity–and yet, in two of the wealthiest countries in the world that preach human rights and dignity to all who will listen–both Canada and the United States have allowed these issues to exist not for weeks, months, or even years–but decades; and some might even argue centuries. Think of how much wealth, resources, and creation of wealth have happened along the Grand River–where the Six Nations were promised those lands and all it contained by the Crown. Yet, they have unsafe drinking water, unstable internet and technology, and are criminalized for resisting yet one more encroachment of their collective land base. Surely, we need more than education to solve these complex, layered, and historic issues.
So, your reflection is what steps do you advise to solve these issues?
What measurable ways of seeking social justice and equity for Indigenous communities do you have to offer up as part of your treaty responsibilities–after all, whether your family is long established in Canada or the US, or recently new to these lands–you still benefit from the treaty obligations and responsibilities nonetheless–so, what can you propose to renew and reestablish the relationships with Indigenous Peoples and Communities/Nations beyond education.