Something to ponder
Idle No More is a potent grassroots movement that originated in Canada in late 2012, calling for the rights of Indigenous peoples and the preservation of the environment. Driven by an increasing sense of immediacy regarding the Canadian government’s legislative plans, including the contentious Bill C-45, Idle No More rapidly transformed into one of the most noteworthy campaigns led by Indigenous people in contemporary Canadian history. The situation has brought focus to matters like Indigenous self-governance, legal agreements, safeguarding the environment, and the historical grievances of Indigenous people throughout Canada.
The Idle No More movement was established by four women—Jessica Gordon, Sylvia McAdam, Sheelah McLean, and Nina Wilson—in reaction to Bill C-45, which is often referred to as the Jobs and Growth Act. Enacted in 2012 by the Canadian government, Bill C-45 included measures that substantially diminished environmental safeguards, specifically through modifications to the Navigable Waters Protection Act, resulting in a reduction in the number of waterways afforded protection around the country. The bill’s potential impact on Indigenous lands and waters has caused concern among Indigenous leaders and activists. They are particularly disturbed because these amendments were implemented without sufficient consultation with Indigenous people, which violates the essence and content of treaties.
The initial teach-ins and local protests rapidly gathered traction, proliferating throughout Canada and globally. The name of the movement, “Idle No More,” signifies the sense of immediacy experienced by several Indigenous individuals to engage in initiative-taking measures against the ongoing degradation of their rights and the environment. The movement’s message had a broad impact, garnering support from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies who acknowledged the significance of safeguarding the environment and upholding Indigenous sovereignty.
Idle No More initially engaged in nonviolent demonstrations, spontaneous gatherings, and obstructions, frequently focused on significant cultural and political emblems. An event that gained significant recognition was the sequence of “Round Dance” spontaneous gatherings that took place in shopping malls, government offices, and public areas around Canada and other locations. The dances, which have strong foundations in Indigenous cultural traditions, functioned as a potent method of resistance and a way to increase consciousness.
Aside from public demonstrations, Idle No More has been strongly linked to Chief Theresa Spence’s hunger strike, which commenced in December 2012. Chief Spence, hailing from the Attawapiskat First Nation, established a camp on Victoria Island in the Ottawa River, in close proximity to the Canadian Parliament, with the intention of bringing awareness to the extremely poor living circumstances in her community, as well as the wider concerns around Indigenous rights and sovereignty. The impact of her strike garnered widespread national and international attention, effectively magnifying the message of the cause.
The demands of Idle No More are extensive yet intricately interrelated. Essentially, the movement aims to tackle the enduring complaints of Indigenous peoples in Canada, which include:
Idle No More calls for the acknowledgment and reverence of Indigenous sovereignty and the ability to govern oneself. The movement demands that the Canadian government uphold existing treaties and actively involve Indigenous communities in substantive discussions regarding any issues that impact their lands and resources.
Environmental Protection: The movement vehemently opposes laws and activities that do harm to the environment, especially those that have a greater negative impact on Indigenous territory. Idle No More strongly opposes pipelines, tar sands development, and other extractive industries that pose a threat to the well-being of ecosystems and Indigenous communities.
Social Justice: Idle No More brings attention to the structural disparities experienced by Indigenous communities in Canada, encompassing issues such as poverty, substandard housing, limited availability of clean water, and inadequate healthcare. The movement advocates for tangible measures to tackle these concerns and enhance the standard of living for Indigenous communities.
Cultural Preservation: The movement also stresses the significance of conserving and rejuvenating Indigenous languages, cultures, and traditions, which have been gradually degraded by colonial policies spanning several centuries.
The Idle No More movement has had a significant influence on the discussion over Indigenous rights and environmental justice in Canada. The movement has raised awareness of these challenges, compelling the Canadian government and society to directly address the persistent consequences of colonialism. The Idle No More campaign has also served as a source of inspiration for similar movements globally, as Indigenous communities and environmental activists in various nations have identified similarities between their own challenges and those faced by the Idle No More movement.
Although the initial surge of protests and actions has diminished, Idle No More remains a crucial force for advocacy and transformation. The movement has transformed into a more extensive network of individuals, organizations, and communities collaborating to promote Indigenous rights and environmental justice. Idle No More has also exerted impact on other consequential movements, such the protest to the Dakota Access Pipeline in the United States and the ongoing fight to resource extraction projects in Canada.
Although Idle No More has achieved notable accomplishments, it continues to encounter persistent obstacles. Although the Canadian government has made certain compromises, a significant number of the movement’s fundamental requests have yet to be fulfilled. The ongoing deterioration of the environment persists, while Indigenous populations continue to experience substantial social and economic inequalities. Furthermore, the movement has faced the challenge of managing the intricacies of sustaining progress and solidarity among a range of Indigenous nations with different requirements and objectives.
In the future, Idle No More continues to be dedicated to its objective of safeguarding Indigenous rights and the environment. The movement persistently promotes the need for fundamental changes in the system, urging for the complete enforcement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the fulfillment of treaty responsibilities. With the increasing impact of climate change and the growing pressures of resource exploitation, the concepts of Idle No More are expected to gain even greater significance in the future.
Idle No More serves as a compelling monument to the enduring fortitude and vigor of Indigenous communities in Canada. By engaging in nonviolent demonstrations, highlighting their cultural heritage, and mobilizing local communities, the movement has questioned the existing state of affairs and raised awareness about crucial matters that impact not just Indigenous populations but the entire Canadian society. Amidst the ongoing fight for the rights of Indigenous people and the preservation of the environment, Idle No More continues to serve as a beacon of hope, defiance, and the potential for a fairer and more balanced future.
Volunteers needed at the Indigenous Health Centre of Tiotià:ke!
You can find the sign-up form here.
Volunteers needed at Projets Autochtones du Québec!
- If you wish to become a volunteer at PAQ, you can contact Chloe Turqtuq at chloe.turqtuq@paqc.org.
- If you wish to donate to PAQ, you can do so by contacting Sarah Clark at sarah.clark@paqc.org.
- If you wish to organise a fundraiser for PAQ, you can email me at respect.kanoronhkwatshera@gmail.com.
History
Here are significant dates in Canada’s history at the beginning of November: on November 3, 2015, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation opened in Winnipeg and on November 6, 1905, Treaty 9 was signed in Ontario, then Treaty 10 was signed in Saskatchewan and Alberta the following year.
Save the date
On November 16 will be International Day for Tolerance.
Food for thought
How would Indigenous laws, if they extended to society as a whole, benefit everyone?
Resource: Home on Native Land, a ten-week course from Raven
A reminder
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Resources for dedication of Mohawk Bible Many Mohawk Bibles have already been delivered to individuals and communities of faith, with more on their way. The Living into Right Relations Leadership Circle has developed some ideas to help communities of faith dedicate their copies of the Mohawk Bible with respect and gratitude, including liturgical resources, video clips of Harvey Satewas Gabriel reading from the Mohawk Bible and other resources about the significance of this translation.
Download resources: Ohiatonhseratokénti, The Holy Bible in Mohawk (DOC) or (PDF)