I was going to write about the unusual series of events which have propelled the Attiwapiskat First Nation's situation into the public spotlight, when I received this post:
http://indigenousnationhood.blogspot.com/2011/12/brave-leadership-spreads-hope.html and if that won't work for you, go to: http://tinyurl.com/cs3tyo7.
Either link will take you to the well-written and well-researched blog of Prof. Pam Palmater who has recently come forward as a powerful voice for the First Peoples. Prof. Palmeter offers the history with well-researched background, plus current reviews of the struggle this small First Peoples community has engaged in over the past several weeks.
So I am going to write a public letter to Attawapiskat's Chief Theresa Spence, instead.
Dear Chief Spence and my dear Sister, Neighbour and Fellow-Inhabitant of this part of Turtle Island, your homeland:
Thank you for your courage and fortitude as you stand firm in support of your people and your home territory.
I am following events carefully, as you exert the sovereign power shared by you and your people under the Royal Proclamation of 1763.
Prof. Palmeter has spoken very clearly of the historic stand you are taking, and as a woman born in this territory in 1922 who only came into contact with your people about 40 years ago, I can't tell you how pleased I am to see this happening.
I came upon your people for the first time in 1966 when I went to live in Manitowaning on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. In 1985, I wrote:
He sat silently in my car, his shoulders hunched against the hopelessness which seemed to pervade his fourteen years of life. In a few minutes he would go back into the house to face his alcoholic father, listless mother and six younger brothers and sisters. What sort of future lay ahead for this Odawa teenager? I was certain there could be something better but it had to start with his knowing that he was worthy.
I spoke quietly but with all the conviction I could muster.
“You are Indian, and that’s a beautiful, wonderful thing to be,” I told him. “You have so much to offer the world as an Indian person and your people need you to help them to know how important and vital it is to be Indian. Wherever you go, whatever you do, always hold your head high and be proud of your Indian heritage. It’s what makes you a very special person – to your people, to me, to the Creator.”
He got out of the car and went into the house, still without speaking a word. I didn’t know if he had listened or understood. I didn’t see him again and I don’t know where he is now. But I think I see his face in many of the young Indian leaders who have begun to assert their right to take control of their own lives, so dearly lost over the centuries since the immigrant settlers came to their aboriginal homeland. [From: The Anglican Church of Canada "LIVING MESSAGE", April 1985]
At that time, I was just beginning to learn something of the true history of this place I call "my country - my native land" - Canada. Since then, I have learned so much more as I have been privileged to sit among the First Peoples to listen to the Elders (who are the "history books" of your thousands of years of life in this territory).
In the intervening years, nothing has happened to change my growing awareness of our shared history, much of which is contained in Prof. Palmeter's blog. I have learned so much about the true history of the country I know as Canada - the place of my birth and life for almost 90 years - as I have been allowed to walk in solidarity with your people through many good teachings and sacred circles, in a number of encounters on burial sites and protest marches, and finally to attempt to work in support of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission in my region of southern Ontario. Your people have tried to teach me the Ojibwe language, and have nurtured me through talking circles, sharing deep friendships, and supporting me in many ways throughout my life, and I am eternally grateful.
Now you are asserting your sovereignty, and I want you to know that once again, I stand beside you, so happy that you are giving your people that kind of leadership. And I rejoice that you have the support of so many of your people across the country, from the Assembly of First Nations, and your regional Nishnabe Aski Nation, and your local Mushkegowuk Council, and now I see the United Nations has come in on your side with the attention of James Anaya, UN special rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples telling the Federal government that he will be watching what happens in your territory. http://tinyurl.com/7mszwq3
I see also that you have filed for an injunction against the third-party manager, another sign of your acknowledgement of your people's sovereign rights, so good for you on that score too!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/attawapiskat-band-files-injunction-to-end-control-of-third-party-manager/article2272787/ or http://tinyurl.com/6pdcg6q
I regret that my leaders have to be called to account in this way, but it is time for us to begin to understand and accept that we must find a way to negotiate a new relationship with the First Peoples of this part of Turtle Island, and so I thank you for leading the way.
As we approach this sacred time of year, may you and your people know something of the warmth and love that comes from contact with people who care about you, and may the coming year guide us into new ways of achieving a relationship of harmony, equality and justice.
Your loving friend and sister in the human family,
Jean Koning.
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