Local Idle No More organizer speaks at the Philosopher's Cafe hosted by the Council of Canadians.

"Canada does not own me, I do not belong to Canada." said Lorena Starr.

Lorena Starr at the Smorgasbord Cafe.

"The Canadian government owes us absolutely nothing.  We owe it to ourselves to stop being dependant to start creating pride and identity for ourselves recognizing that a lot of the struggles are internal and we need to be able to work through those to address the bigger issues.  We allow ourselves to play the victim and continue to have an oppressed mentality in our communities.  This is idle no more.  We need to get off the couch." said Starr reading a statement made by her partner.

Starr an organizer for Idle No More in Kamloops spoke at the Philosopher's Cafe Tuesday February 19.  A monthly discussion group is held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Smorgasbord Cafe on Victoria street and is hosted by the Council of Canadians chaired by Anita Strong.  Tonight's meeting was attended by approximately 35 people and addressed "the question of what debt the Canadian government owes to aboriginal peoples."

Starr answered by saying First Nations are owed acknowledgement and recognition.  The federal government has to officially acknowledge that Aboriginal people were here before North America was discovered and recognize Aboriginal rights and entitlements.  After that, then people can look into land issues. 

A main focus of the discussion covered the abuse and dislocation of Aboriginal people, the effects that the residential school system had on them and  their children.  Starr recounted her own experiences of being raised away from her biological family and how being reintroduced to them and Native culture has been an important part of her life.  Similar stories were shared by members of the audience.

The discussion included several comments about the Indian Act.  One, that First Nations rather than the government should be telling people what the Indian Act is.  Another, that First Nations bands are a product of the Indian Act.  Starr commented on a call from Natives and Non-natives for the abolishing of the Indian Act saying that it includes some good things to.  Unfortunately, there were no clear answers as to what the Indian Act is or what the specific issues surrounding it are. 

Starr went on to say that meetings like this one are a step forward and an opportunity for members of the dominate group to educate themselves about Aboriginal issues.

"For yourselves as members of the dominate group, those that are here you have a prime opportunity.  You have the voice to speak, be heard and be respected.  For some I can stand and rant and rave all day about what we've gone through and intentions of the government and they will just blow me off."  Cooperation between Native and Non-native people was a common theme throughout the meeting.

The discussion finished with Starr singing a traditional Eagle song as the people in attendance stood and listened.  

Upcoming events:

Kamloops Moms for Clean Air will host Cherise Udell and Dr. Brian Moench of Salt Lake City on March 10, 2013 at the Interior Savings Centre, Kamloops.  They will be looking at the question: "Can people make a difference when mining interests and urban populations collide?"

Philosophers Cafe Tuesday March 19, 2013 will host Derrick Cooke from Thompson Rivers University.  Topic to be confirmed.

More information:

A short primer on Treaties and Treaty relationship in Canada.

Treaty Essential Learning's, "We are all Treaty People" , from the Office of the Treaty Commissioner.
Link posted here with permission from the Office of the Treaty Commissioner.