Aboriginal journalist, musician and director of Indigenous Inclusion of Aboriginals at the University of Winnipeg, Wab Kinew spoke at the Storytellers Gala hosted by Thompson Rivers University's Aboriginal Collective March 14, 2013.
Courtney Dickson, roving editor at The Omega, TRUs independent student newspaper wrote about Wab Kinew's presentation in her article posted in theomega.ca.
Showing posts with label Kamloops. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kamloops. Show all posts
Monday, March 18, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Idle No More at Aberdeen Mall
“The crowd isn’t important, the building isn’t important
what is important is that the Earth has rights.” said Nicole Cahoose a
university student and one of the organizers for Idle No More.
A small group had begun to gather around the fireplace set
beside the escalators at Aberdeen Mall.
A middle aged native man wearing a green camouflage jacket was tuning
his drum. He did this by lightly tapping
the drum skin looking for the spot that would elicit the sound he wanted. The drum measured about two feet in diameter,
had a wooden frame with raw hide tightly stretched over it and all pulled
together in the back by leather thongs which formed the hand grip.
He laughed as he spoke to the women beside him. They all
smiled as they spoke to one another.
Occasionally one would look up towards the gathering crowd as if looking
for someone they knew.
“As long as one or two people get interested or change the
way they think then it is a success.” said Jolene Michel an arts student from
TRU and organizer for Idle No More.
An old woman wearing a white headband began to speak; it
wasn’t clear what she was saying. Her
words lost to the ambient noise of the mall and the open space above them. She lifted a sign with the words idle no more
written at the bottom and the picture of a native woman in traditional dress
above. The picture looked like a head
with an eagle feather on top and the feather was the woman.
A young native woman stepped forward and spoke into a
megaphone but she was as indecipherable as the old woman’s had been. The young woman was Nicole Cahoose a student
from the university and one of the women who organized the event.
Shoppers in the mall slowly started taking notice of the
thirty Native people gathered around the fireplace. Several, thought it was a musical group and stopping
for a few minutes to listen and then moved on when the group paused to speak about
their cause. A group of teens walked
through the crowd closest to the group talking loudly about why people were
making a big deal of this and walked on. Some stayed and listened.
Between the songs individuals stepped forward from the group
to address the crowd. A young man
wearing a blue shirt who was one of the drummers spoke. He said that Idle No More wasn’t about
getting more money from the government or more land it is about ensuring their
children have a place to live in the future.
“These people here today are the only people standing
between you and complete destruction of the earth.” said Michelle Good a local
lawyer and organizer of Idle No More. We
have a right to a clean environment and a right to a way of life. As Good’s speech became more politically
charged people who had gathered to watch began to wander away.
After an hour the group packed up and the crowds dispersed. Saturday shoppers returned to their business
as though nothing had happened here but perhaps some will carry the sound of
drums and the song of idle no more with them.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
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.
"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.
 |
| Lorena Starr at the Smorgasbord Cafe. |
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Kamloops Global Day of Action
Idle No More and CommonCauses held an information session at the Smorgasbord Deli downtown Kamloops
between 6 and 8 p.m. on the Jan 28's Global Day of Action.
Idle No More declared solidarity with CommonCauses and other labour groups in a press release on 28 January, 2013.
 |
| Anita Strong - Common Causes Michelle Good - Idle No More |
The joint information session chaired by
Anita Strong and Michelle Good was attended by approximately 50 people.
This was the first event for Common Causes Kamloops, said organizer Anita Strong. Common Causes is an umbrella group providing an united front for other social causes.
"We believe that coordinated action is needed to take a strong stand against this agenda that is changing society in critical areas such as the economy, the environment, labour rights, health care, food safety, education, social programs, culture, civil liberties, peace, and poverty."
from CommonCauses.ca
from CommonCauses.ca
 |
| Information Session at Smorgasbord Deli, Kamloops. |
Michelle Good a local lawyer and organizer for Idle No More in Kamloops reviewed Idle No More's Official Manifesto that was released on 21 January, 2013.
Idle No More's Manifesto covers four main points.
1. Treaties are made nation to nation between the Crown and First Nations and cannot be broken;
2. Resource extraction has made Canada one of the Wealthiest countries in the world at the expense of the environment;
3. The Federal government is passing laws which allow reserve lands to be sold for the purpose of resource extraction and that this infringes on First Nations Sovereignty; and
4. A stated belief in healthy communities.
Most of the information session was dedicated to dialogue and questions from people in attendance with Strong and Good.
Issues discussed:
Bill C-45 and C-38 the Omnibus bills. Concerns were raised about how the bills were not subjected to proper political debate before being passed into law.
The Mikisew Cree First Nations Legal Challenge against Bill C-45.
How mainstream media is presenting current issues and how people can get unfiltered news.
The role of social media in organizing events. Social Media allows for greater communication but can leave older people out who are not computer savvy.
Future events:
1. A jointly held speakers series, proposed to start on 22nd March, 2013 at the same time as the UN's World Water Day.
2. Council of Canadians will be having a political forum at the Kamloops Farmers Market on the 27th April, 2013.
The information session was one of two events on 28 January.
A flash mob was held at the Interior Savings Centre during the Blazers Aboriginal Night at the same time drawing about 30 to 40 people according to Lenora Starr a local Idle No More organizer who attended the information session after the flash mob.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Flashmob and Round Dance at TRU as Idle No More participates in the Global Day of Action a few days early.
Natives, non-native, teachers and students came together at Idle No More at Thompson Rivers University today at 12:30 in front of the Campus Activity Centre.
Today's flashmob and roundance was organized by Jolene Michel, Nicole Kahoose, Rhoda Tom Shania West and Michelle Ikwumonu.
The event attracted over a hundred participants who participated in the round dancing and listened to various speakers, including Elders, Professors, Students, Student Union representatives and guests..
After each speaker drummers in the center of the circle sang and participants danced around them. One of the last songs was a woman's song. The women present stood in the center of the circle and sang while the men stood at the outside to show their support for them.
The purpose of Idle No More TRU is to bring awareness of the issues surrounding Bill C-45 to campus. And while not everyone took part in the event, Idle No More made its presence felt at TRU.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Justin Trudeau at Thompson Rivers University gives his opinion of Idle No More
Justin Trudeau came to Thompson Rivers University today to promote his intention to run for the leadership of the Federal Liberal party. He stopped this morning to talk to Shelley Joyce of CBC's Daybreak.
Trudeau arrived at Thompson Rivers University just before 6 Pm and the hall was packed, standing room only as Trudeau addressed the crowd.
His speech was similar to most campaign speeches filled with promises to help a suffering and cynical middle class that is distrustful of the current government.
The one notable point that Trudeau made was that beginning this Spring the Federal Liberal party will be allowing anyone who is not affiliated with another Federal political party to vote for the leader of the Federal Liberal party.
The following is a transcription and audio from the question period following Mr. Trudeau's speech on the question of Idle No More.
WOMAN: My question is on Idle No More.[murmuring] So with Aboriginal issues becoming more on the Canadian conscience the next election it might actually finally be a hot topic. What are the sort of plans you have if your government comes to power?
TRUDEAU: Well, first of all when people look at. A lot of people, politicians look at a movement like Idle No More they look at it as a problem. I'm looking at it as an extraordinary opportunity. The fact that we have so many grassroots First Nations, Metis, Aboriginal and Inuit activists coming together and saying you know what it's time to get something done. It's time we fulfill those promises that have been made time and time again and not fulfilled. It's time we started working together, especially since like I say the largest percentage of young people in this country are in our aboriginal communities. We need to get this right not just because of a moral imperative that we should feel shamed for. What we have done in the past as a country which we absolutely should but because if we want to get our future right we're going to need these young people and whats more we're going to need the solutions and values that come from the traditions that have successfully thrived on this land for millennial. The idea of thinking long term, the idea of caring for the land that in return cares for us. The idea that we do not inherit the land from our parents but that we borrow it from our grandchildren. [applause] These are the things we need to start thinking about. [applause]... that means starting a relationship based on respect and partnership and shared goals that is the starting point. That's where we go from here. Thank you.
Kamloops Daily News published a story on Trudeau's visit to Kamloops. However, leaves out Trudeau's comments about Idle No More.
Trudeau arrived at Thompson Rivers University just before 6 Pm and the hall was packed, standing room only as Trudeau addressed the crowd.
His speech was similar to most campaign speeches filled with promises to help a suffering and cynical middle class that is distrustful of the current government.
The one notable point that Trudeau made was that beginning this Spring the Federal Liberal party will be allowing anyone who is not affiliated with another Federal political party to vote for the leader of the Federal Liberal party.
The following is a transcription and audio from the question period following Mr. Trudeau's speech on the question of Idle No More.
WOMAN: My question is on Idle No More.[murmuring] So with Aboriginal issues becoming more on the Canadian conscience the next election it might actually finally be a hot topic. What are the sort of plans you have if your government comes to power?
TRUDEAU: Well, first of all when people look at. A lot of people, politicians look at a movement like Idle No More they look at it as a problem. I'm looking at it as an extraordinary opportunity. The fact that we have so many grassroots First Nations, Metis, Aboriginal and Inuit activists coming together and saying you know what it's time to get something done. It's time we fulfill those promises that have been made time and time again and not fulfilled. It's time we started working together, especially since like I say the largest percentage of young people in this country are in our aboriginal communities. We need to get this right not just because of a moral imperative that we should feel shamed for. What we have done in the past as a country which we absolutely should but because if we want to get our future right we're going to need these young people and whats more we're going to need the solutions and values that come from the traditions that have successfully thrived on this land for millennial. The idea of thinking long term, the idea of caring for the land that in return cares for us. The idea that we do not inherit the land from our parents but that we borrow it from our grandchildren. [applause] These are the things we need to start thinking about. [applause]... that means starting a relationship based on respect and partnership and shared goals that is the starting point. That's where we go from here. Thank you.
Kamloops Daily News published a story on Trudeau's visit to Kamloops. However, leaves out Trudeau's comments about Idle No More.
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