Warao T&T: The Beginning of a New Era

Prayers to ancestors. 
By Lincoln Holder
Trinidad & Tobago Newsday  | Saturday, December 22 2012

THROUGH A CHILD'S EYES: Youngster Joshua Medina,
of the TT Organisation of Indigenous People steals a stare during a prayer service yesterday
by the Warao Indigenous people at Banwari Trace Siparia in South Trinidad. Author: LINCOLN HOLDER

"DESCENDANTS of the indigenous people from the Warao Tribe yesterday staged a prayer ceremony to their ancestors as they called for constitutional rights and official recognition.

The group met on what they claimed is sacred ground where they said their ancestors were buried in Banwari Trace, Penal. The ceremony, according to the Waraos also marked the beginning of a new era and not the end of the world, as some predicted would have happened yesterday following the end of the Mayan calendar.

Chief Elder Lawrence Lloyd Gervais said the history of the Warao has been swept under the carpet. Waraos and other indigenous tribes from Rio Claro, Arima and other districts assembled at the holy grounds forming a circle and offering prayers to their various gods and ancestors.

Elder Rabina Shar, said under the United Nation-declaration on the rights of indigenous people he wants the Warao to be recognised as a sovereign nation within Trinidad. “But this is a new sovereign nation we want the people of Trinidad and Tobago to recognise us as we are the first sovereign nation. And that our sovereignty would be recognised constitutionally,” Shar said.

The Elder said his group has only been getting the runaround as it tries to get recognition. “They are making more excuses to get away from the fact that we are the sovereign nation and we need to be registered as that. We need constitutional recognition.”

Shar said the cradle of the Warao civilisation is at the Naparima Hills where their first father had two children. At those hills the children were taught the foundation and tradition of the Warao.

“This is not something written in a paper that a Judge or a lawyer could talk about. It is something that we live and respect in our hearts as a people,” Shar said.

He said the Warao religion was taken over and indigenous people were divided. Shar claimed that attempts are being made to take away the sacred grounds which is part of their history. He said their sacred grounds was to be transformed into a national heritage site. But the group insists this land is holy and their ancestors’ bones lie buried beneath. “They can’t make this what they want it to be...no heritage site,” Shar said.

In this new era — according to Warao traditional beliefs — he said the Warao, in addition to being recognised, want their holy sites across the country to be returned to them so the Elders can start projects to educate the youngsters, to keep the tribe together and ensure continuity.

Shar explained that yesterday’s prayer ceremony is performed every 494 years to mark the end of eras of time. Young and old participated yesterday in the prayers. A bundle of pieces of wood was placed in the centre of the circle and a fire was lit. Pieces of dried tobacco leaves were placed in the fire by each member together with honey and rice.

Also present was Minister of National Diversity and Social Integration Clifton de Coteau who said he is in full support of the group and added that on Thursday in Tobago, during the weekly meeting, Cabinet approved lands in Santa Rosa to be set aside for use by indigenous peoples." SOURCE

Fixing Banwari site 'a priority'. Assembly of first people in 2013.
By Louis B Homer Trinidad Express | Dec 21, 2012 at 9:57 PM ECT

"Further recognition for the indigenous people of Trinidad is expected when the Ministry of National Diversity and Social Integration convenes its first National Assembly of Indigenous People in early 2013.

The announcement was made yesterday by Minister Clifton De Coteau when he attended a special new year observance of the Warao people at the Banwari historical site, San Francique, Penal.

"My ministry is working on several initiatives concerning the first people and, rest assured, I will be in touch with your organisation during the new year to formulate plans for the assembly," said the Minister.

De Coteau said, "Government is giving priority to the continued development of the Banwari site and plans are under way to set up a management committee to speed up the project."

De Coteau said he was happy that a contingent of supporters came from Arima to join in the Warao's spiritual exercise.

Zachary Medina, grandson of a former Carib queen, took part in the spiritual exercise. He was accompanied by a number of young followers from Arima.

Rabina Shar, spokesperson for the Warao tribe, said they were happy that the Minister was present. "It is the first time a Minister has attended such a programme at the Banwari site."

Shar announced that early in the new year all the groups that comprise the first people will hold a national meeting to discuss the way forward.

He performed the duties of a shamaan (high priest) by offering tobacco, rice, honey and other items to the Warao gods. After his offerings members of the public were invited to do likewise.

Also attending the ceremony was Lawrence Lloyd Gervais, Grand Chief of the Warao tribe.

Gervais said the group has several ideas to present to Government that will benefit the first people as well as the national community of Trinidad and Tobago." SOURCE

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A Note From The Gull

I am so glad to see us all coming together. I had always wondered about the silence of the descendants of indigenous peoples in Trinidad and Tobago, apart from those represented by the Santa Rosa Carib Community. It is good to know that the Warao are speaking up about their relationship to this place. I have always been moved by the fact that it is an important part of their mythology and that even when they were located in Venezuela, they would make the pilgrimage to their sacred place at Naparima Hill in San Fernando - which they believed to be one of the pillars holding up the sky. 

The following is a report produced by the South Western Peninsula of Warao Descendants First Nation of Trinidad and Tobago for the summary that elaborates the Office of the High Commission on Human Rights for the Universal Periodic Evaluation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

"South Western Peninsula of Warao Descendants First Nation of Trinidad and Tobago
Address: 65 High Street Siparia, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.
E-mail: waraodescendants.tt@gmail.com
Contact: Mr. Rabina Shar Contact number: (868) 296-8691; 291-5128

1.  We are the elders of the South Western Peninsula of Warao Descendants, First Nation of Trinidad and Tobago, and are Warao Descendants in South Trinidad.

Historically, we are in the Northern boundry of Warao Territory. The Southern boundry is in Karoshimo Mountain in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Seven thousand years now we have inhabited this territory and South America. Our first parents Habori and Wanta are believed to be the progenitors of all aboriginal tribes.

Our governance policy is based upon the respect for our Shamans, Elders and Chiefs who rule with the knowledge of our ancestors. Freedom from fear in

---Page 2

the performance of our duty to maintain harmony with nature is ours world order. We are a Nation and not an organization, culture group or NGO. Our allegiance is to our people, our territorial habitat of Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela and countries within South America. As Elders, we assume the role as protectors of Aboriginal people’s freedom as trustees within the territory.

Our Earth Gods Wara Waro and Nabarima dwell in the Naparima San Fernando Hills where our progenitors found refuge in a Cave therein: and their spirit dwells. Our family in the Orinoco Delta used to do holy pilgrimages upon this hill until de 1950’s. We are the canoe people. Our travels throughout our world of South and Central America have exposed us to various cultures. Invasion of our territories by Spain, led to the enslavement of our people. This dispersed our people as some returned to the Orinoco and others remained in Trinidad and Tobago.

Years of colonization have divorced us from the wisdom of our ancestors. We have been subjected to the growth of a new society of culture clashes as people from different parts of the world arrived on our shores. This led us the above mentioned Elders Council, to undertake objectives to educate and sensitize our people in order to identify themselves. We have, since then, stepped forward to unite the Nation.

2. Some objectives which could help our people to identify themselves with our brother and sisters worldwide are: - To research knowledge of our Ancestors with a view to find ourselves, educate our people and sensitize them towards their rights.

---Page 3

- To register and organize our people with the Principle of “Freedom of Association” into an infrastructure of National operational Capability in order to address their needs.

- Recognition as the first Nation of Trinidad and Tobago within the Constitution with a Ministry to address our affairs in Parliamentary Representation.

- Trade and Cultural exchanges among our territory’s family in South American States.

3. South Western Peninsula of Warao Descendants First Nation of Trinidad and Tobago uses this occasion with the Universal Periodic Review of Member States of the United Nations to present this written contribution to the Human Rights Commission of the United Nations on Venezuela. In particular, we hope that our experience will aide in exposing the condition of basic human rights in Venezuela.

Our interest lie in the history of the Warao people whose habitat comprised both countries in respect to our territory. In the Republics recognition of first nation natives within their constitution; we are indeed pleased to recognize such veracity. In the eight articles inserted in the Bolivarian Constitution of Venezuela, the articles 120 and 125 appear to me as challenges.

Article 120 seems to me, to be suggesting that the criteria of informing and consulting with our first nation people is enough to implement state’s exploitation of “our” natural resources. Our rights to consent or not appears to be indefinable.

---Page 4

The word “Shall be carried out” implies the right of the state over the right of the native.

Seven Thousand years of religious traditional and cultural habitation have preserved the natural resources that are our Gods, mother of the Forrest, mother of food, sacred grounds, sacred animals, sacred spirits, cosmology, and way of life. The Earth knows us; we know the Earth, we are one. To cut a tree requires a sacrifice. Actions that violate the natural order of harmony in nature are crimes of humanity. Justice lies within our hearts, not in Laws or their endorsements. Article 125 speaks of representation in the territories where native population control, in accordance with the law.

4. I recommend that Shamans and Elders of the Venezuelan Warao Community be part of the state’s executive rules and advisors in the administration of State development, planning and implementation.

The advantages of your State lie within its Constitution and how its ideas are implemented and how positively the government has created a Ministry of Popular Power for Indigenous Peoples, to facilitate and promote the strengthening of the communal ancestral indigenous and respecting their values, principles and ancestral customs.

6. We also would like to recommend the Venezuelan Government, to invite us to visit native people of Venezuela, firstly with the purpose of family reunion. Secondly, in order to be appraised of their situation with a view to realistically address our opinion and recommendations because if we will be expose to the root of your culture and you will be expose to the root of ours, then we can learn from

---Page 5

each other in order to help each other and examine our traditions, culture, religions, etc., with the intention to compare similarities or polar views to get a better analysis of ourselves." SOURCE

"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

A Selection of Videos about the "Idle No More" Movement

If you know nothing about the Idle No More Movement started in Canada, see this post for some background information.

Idle No More  


Idle No More - Inspirational Video - Last Great Men - CerAmony - Native American Revolution

Idle No More :: Call to ACTION for ALL Canadians (en franglais)  
IDLE NO MORE 2012 - WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF THIS LAND 

Idle no more inspirational video - Saskatoon

IdleNoMore indigenous protest at Canadian Consulate MINNEAPOLIS, USA 12.19.2012 4/5 

IdleNoMore - London  
  IdleNoMore - Ukraine  

idle no more a song i wrote ! pass it on !
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 "Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare
 

Canada: Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence's Hunger Strike: The Ninth Day

Attawapiskat Chief Spence says not “afraid to die” as she launches hunger strike.
National News | 10. Dec, 2012
By APTN National News | 

APTN National News 

OTTAWA--"Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence stood at the steps leading up to the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill Monday and said she was “willing to die” if the federal government ignored her call for a meeting between Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Queen Elizabeth II and First Nations leaders.

Spence plans to begin her hunger strike Tuesday morning after a sunrise ceremony on Victoria Island, just up the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill.

“I am willing to die for my people, the pain is too much,” said Spence. “Somebody asked me if I was afraid to die. No, I am not afraid to die, it’s a journey we have to go on and I will go and I am looking forward to it.” Spence told reporters who had gathered for her small press conference that the Canadian government was ignoring the treaties and that the Crown, in whose name the treaties were signed, is ignoring the breakdown of the relationship. She wants the prime minister, the Queen, or a representative, to sit down with First Nations leaders and reestablish the treaty relationship.

“I want the Crown, the prime minister and all the leaders to sit down and rebuild that relationship and honour and protect the treaty,” said Spence.

The British, and later Canada, signed numerous treaties across the country and First Nations hold those treaties as defining their relationship with the Crown that predates the creation of Canada.

A meeting was held last January dubbed the Crown-First Nations gathering and it was attended by the prime minister and Gov.-Gen. David Johnston along with First Nations leaders.

Spence said the meeting was a failure because the Harper government didn’t change its approach to First Nations.

Spence’s community of Attawapiskat burst onto the national consciousness last fall after images of the community’s deplorable housing flashed across the country’s television screens.

The Harper government, however, attacked the community, blaming the band for its housing situation. Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan took away the band’s control over its finances and imposed a third-party manager.

Spence said her community was still in a housing crisis with people living in sheds and trailers.

In an open letter released early Monday, Spence said she decided to go on a hunger strike after “months” of consideration and meetings with elders.

“After a long period of reflection, the time is at hand for a clear statement,” wrote Spence.

Spence wrote that the Canadian government was trying to “isolate” and “assimilate” First Nations people.

“This process of marginalizing our political leadership, along with the enforced segregation of our people is part of a deliberate (attempt) to isolate our people, marginalize our people and ultimately assimilate our people so that our rich heritage can be wiped out and the great bounty contained in our traditional lands be made available for exploitation by large multi-national companies,” wrote Spence.

Spence plans to spend her days during the hunger strike on Parliament Hill and her evenings on nearby Victoria Island where she will sleep inside a structure there." SOURCE

Attawapiskat chief's hunger strike part of wider movement.
Grassroots movement Idle No More driven by social media.
CBC News | Posted: Dec 18, 2012 3:44 PM ET

Chief Spence exclusive interview with CBC News.

 
"As Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence continues her hunger strike on Parliament Hill in an attempt to get a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, a grassroots protest movement of First Nations activists across Canada has united on social media and at public rallies.

Idle No More's supporters say they are upset about the effects of the Harper government's policies on their communities. They want First Nations to be recognized as sovereign stakeholders in decisions affecting the country's land and resources.

A large group performed a Round Dance at the Cornwall Centre in Regina to raise awareness of their Idle No More campaign on Dec. 17. (Submitted to CBC)

Spence’s hunger strike underscores that wish. Now, after more than a week without eating, concern is mounting about her health as she protests what she sees as a lack of respect for the treaty rights of First Nations.

Mushkegowuk Grand Chief Stan Louttit has been keeping a close eye on developments with Spence.
Louttit said leaders and communities across the country are uniting in protest in a way he has not seen in the past.

“They can all relate to the fact that communities are in despair,” he said.

“Over a year ago, Attawapiskat declared an emergency for lack of housing and they are still not out of the woods. And they brought national attention to their issue. And people are seeing that and feeling that.”

Louttit said Spence's protest shows a long-standing fight over treaty rights has come to a head.

Mushkegowuk Grand Chief Stan Louttit. (CBC)

“The government does not want to talk about the treaty,” he said.

“The way they look at it is ‘this is 120 years ago and that's old business.’ But we are saying the treaty of 1905 is as relevant in terms of spirit and intent then as it is now.”

Attawapiskat is covered by Treaty No. 9.

Author and Nipissing University Prof. John Long, who has written a book about the treaty, said there is conflict due to interpretation.

“Virtually every treaty has this built-in contradiction,” he said.

“One party looks on it as a real estate transaction, giving up the land and rights to the land and the resources…and the other party says, ‘We agreed to share and there were promises made to help us and protect us.’”

'Massive gulfs between people'

Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan told a CBC reporter last week that the rallies are a result of social media.

"We'll just have to see where that goes," he said.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan. (Fred Chartrand/Canadian Press)

Duncan proposed a meeting with Spence to discuss issues affecting Attawapiskat, but there was no response.

Quebec City-based writer and activist Nora Loreto recently blogged, "Idle No More has reminded me that there exists massive gulfs between people, experiences and awareness."

She claims there’s been an “effective media blackout” on the cause.

“After an aggressive social media campaign, flash mobs, rallies, blockades, co-ordinated actions, letters of support from national unions and a hunger strike, the media coverage has still been significantly lacking,” she said.

“How can someone know what’s going on if none of their friends are talking about it?”

‘Moving towards sustainability’

The campaign was started by four women from Saskatchewan who were protesting against a number of bills before Parliament. They are particularly critical of Bill C-45, the government's omnibus budget legislation, which they say weakens environmental laws.

"There are many examples of other countries moving towards sustainability, and we must demand sustainable development as well," says a manifesto published on the group's website, idlenomore.com.

Theresa Spence on Parliament Hill at the start of her hunger strike Dec. 11. (Facebook)
"We believe in healthy, just, equitable and sustainable communities and have a vision and plan of how to build them."

Louttit is concerned that Spence’s quest to bring this message to Canada’s top leaders is heading down an unhealthy path, however.

“She's a mother and a grandmother and there's a lot of people, I think, that are worried about her,” he said.

The federal opposition parties and the head of the Assembly of First Nations have urged Harper to take steps to end the hunger strike.

In a letter to Harper, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair called on the prime minister and the Governor General to meet with aboriginal leaders to end the protests.

"I ask that you please act swiftly to avoid a personal tragedy for Chief Spence," Mulcair wrote. "I look forward to your early positive response to this urgent matter."

Spence has been living in a teepee on Victoria Island in the Ottawa River, less than a kilometre from Parliament Hill, since beginning her fast Dec. 11.

Victoria Island is considered by the Anishinabe as traditional territory. New Democrat MP Paul Dewar visited Spence on the island Tuesday and reported that she is so far in good health.

Harper met with Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo as recently as Nov. 28 to review progress the government has been making in addressing aboriginal issues, said spokeswoman Julie Vaux.

"The prime minister hosted an historic gathering of the Crown and First Nations this past January," Vaux said in an email.

"Since then, the government has been working with First Nations leadership to make progress in several areas, most notably education and infrastructure on reserve."

The Liberals and the Assembly of First Nations also sent letters Tuesday to Harper and Gov. Gen. David Johnston, calling for an urgent meeting to discuss Spence's demands.

"I urge you to agree to participate in this meeting and meet with Chief Theresa Spence to hear directly from her why she has felt it necessary to take such drastic action," wrote Liberal aboriginal affairs critic Carolyn Bennett." SOURCE

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"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare
 

Canadian First Nations: "Idle No More"

Have you heard about the Canadian "Idle No More" movement. It is "calling on all people to join in a revolution which honors and fulfills Indigenous sovereignty which protects the land and water."

"Colonization continues through attacks to Indigenous rights and damage to the land and water. We must repair these violations, live the spirit and intent of the treaty relationship, work towards justice in action, and protect Mother Earth."

Below is a press release taken from the movement's website followed by an article Idle No More Is Not Just an "Indian Thing." by Wab Kinew, Director of Indigenous Inclusion, the University of Winnipeg:

"Idle No More began with 4 women, Nina Wilson, Sheelah Mclean, Sylvia McAdam and Jessica Gordon, sharing a vision of bringing together all people to ensure we create ways of protecting Mother Earth, her lands, waters and people.

The women began discussing the possible impacts that some of the legislation would carry if people do not do something. It became very evident that the women MUST do something about the colonial, unilateral and paternalistic legislation being pushed through the Government of Canada’s parliamentary system. They began with a piece of legislation called Bill C-45 which attacked the land base reserved for Indigenous people. The women decided that they would call a rally to inform the public that this bill intended to, without consent give the minister of indian affairs power to surrender the lands reserved. They felt that this would ultimately make room for oil, nuclear and gas industries to tear up the land for profit. From this rally they also informed the public on other legislation that affected and ignored the treaties made with the crown but also the waters, land and people that it would impact in very harmful ways.

The women then helped other communities to coordinate efforts to hold similar rallies with the same goal in mind

- Stand up and speak up against undemocratic and internationally illegal government acts. These rallies took place all across the country. The women seen that there were many other communities that needed to come together in an act solidarity and resurgence to assert their inherent rights as a sovereign Nation, thus The National Day of Solidarity and Resurgence was called for December 10, 2012. This was an enormous event that never in history seen many nations and diverse groups of people come together. These events and acts have continued to grow and from the talk of grassroots has no intention of slowing down. The group called Idle No More have witnessed these events spreading out internationally within the United States as well as the United Kingdom sharing in helping to support our cause of opposing the government’s actions as well as support to asserting our Nationhood.

The women will continue and remain in a position to have the grassroots voices be heard by; Supporting and encouraging grassroots to create their own forums to learn more about Indigenous rights and our responsibilities to our Nationhood via teach-ins, rallies and social media. Build relationships and create understanding with allies across Canada. Take steps to contribute to building relationships with international agencies such as the UN to raise awareness to the conditions Indigenous people have been subjected to and assert our sovereignty in the international arena. Acknowledge and honor the hard work of all grassroots people who have worked, and continue to work towards these goals. They are the inspiration for IDLE NO MORE

Mission

Idle No More calls on all people to join in a revolution which honors and fulfills Indigenous sovereignty which protects the land and water. Colonization continues through attacks to Indigenous rights and damage to the land and water. We must repair these violations, live the spirit and intent of the treaty relationship, work towards justice in action, and protect Mother Earth. On December 10th, Indigenous people and allies stood in solidarity across Canada to assert Indigenous sovereignty and begin the work towards sustainable, renewable development. All people will be affected by the continued damage to the land and water and we welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies to join in creating healthy sustainable communities. We encourage youth to become engaged in this movement as you are the leaders of our future. There have always been individuals and groups who have been working towards these goals – Idle No More seeks to create solidarity and further support these goals. We recognize that there may be backlash, and encourage people to stay strong and united in spirit.

We contend that:
The Treaties are nation to nation agreements between Canada and First Nations who are sovereign nations. The Treaties are agreements that cannot be altered or broken by one side of the two Nations. The spirit and intent of the Treaty agreements meant that First Nations peoples would share the land, but retain their inherent rights to lands and resources. Instead, First Nations have experienced a history of colonization which has resulted in outstanding land claims, lack of resources and unequal funding for services such as education and housing.

We contend that:

Canada has become one of the wealthiest countries in the world by using the land and resources. Canadian mining, logging, oil and fishing companies are the most powerful in the world due to land and resources. Some of the poorest First Nations communities (such as Attawapiskat) have mines or other developments on their land but do not get a share of the profit. The taking of resources has left many lands and waters poisoned – the animals and plants are dying in many areas in Canada. We cannot live without the land and water. We have laws older than this colonial government about how to live with the land.

We contend that:

Currently, this government is trying to pass many laws so that reserve lands can also be bought and sold by big companies to get profit from resources. They are promising to share this time…Why would these promises be different from past promises? We will be left with nothing but poisoned water, land and air. This is an attempt to take away sovereignty and the inherent right to land and resources from First Nations peoples.

We contend that:

There are many examples of other countries moving towards sustainability, and we must demand sustainable development as well. We believe in healthy, just, equitable and sustainable communities and have a vision and plan of how to build them. Please join us in creating this vision.

Response to Legislation

Idle No More calls on all people to continue to oppose and reject all imposed legislation originating from the federal government. The unilateral imposition of these Bills is in direct violation of the Treaties and the Treaty relationship that the Original peoples of Turtle Island made with the British Crown. Indigenous peoples and nations have not been consulted and therefore, the actions taken by the federal government does not reflect the international standard of Free Prior and Informed consent. The continued imposition of federal legislation on Indigenous peoples and governments’ is not in line with the legal principles of “acting in good faith” and maintaining the “honour of the Crown”. There are many nations taking action(s) to reflect acts of Indigenous nationhood, sovereignty and jurisdiction in response to the passing of legislation such as Bill C-45 and we must continue on this path. When we stand strong and believe in our ways and assert acts of Nationhood, it does not matter what amount of legislation the federal government introduces or passes because it is not with our consent and therefore, is not applicable. Stand strong and believe in the spirit and intent of our Treaties as that’s what our ancestors are calling us to do.

We must continue to assert acts of nationhood premised on ancient ways and teachings that were given to us in our original instructions by Creator when we were placed here on Turtle Island. We encourage people to advocate for our Mother (the land), the Water (giver of life) and those generations that have yet to come. We must keep that warrior spirit alive and continue the advocacy efforts as there are other Bills in parliament and our energies must be directed towards fighting against them. We will continue to rise up and make our presence known across Turtle Island, the land that is rightfully ours as Creator put us here. Stand Up and Rise UP - this Fight is NOT Over. We need you all in this - we shall PERSEVERE!" SOURCE

Idle No More Is Not Just an "Indian Thing."

By Wab Kinew, Director of Indigenous Inclusion, the University of Winnipeg
The Huffington Post, Canada
Posted: 12/17/2012 12:28 pm

"What is "Idle No More"?

It is a loosely knit political movement encompassing rallies drawing thousands of people across dozens of cities, road blocks, a shoving match on Parliament hill between Chiefs and mounties and one high profile hunger strike.

It is also a meme tweeted and shared about thousands of times a day, for messages about indigenous rights, indigenous culture and cheap indigenous jokes ("Turn off your ignition #idlenomore").

The name Idle No More comes from Alberta. A few weeks back Sylvia McAdam and three other female lawyers were mad about Bill C-45, the omnibus budget bill. Their biggest frustration was that nobody seemed to be talking about it. Two provisions in particular upset them: the reduction in the amount of federally protected waterways and a fast tracked process to surrender reserve lands. In McAdam's view, if Aboriginal people did not speak out it would mean they "comply with [their] silence." So she and her friends decided to speak out. They would be "Idle No More." They held an information session under the same name. Co-organizer Tanya Kappo fired off a tweet with the hashtag "#IdleNoMore."

#IdleNoMore struck a nerve. Though bill C-45 has become law, many of Aboriginal people have voiced their opposition to it. Many of the other tensions in the indigenous community has started to bubble up to the surface and "Idle No More" now encompasses a broad conversation calling for recognition of treaty rights, revitalization of indigenous cultures and an end to legislation imposed without meaningful consultation.

To me this conversation is more than just an "Indian Thing." It is one that Canadians of all backgrounds should pay attention to, if not participate in. The ideals that are underlying this action are ones to which we all aspire, even if we may disagree on how exactly to pursue them.

5. #IdleNoMore is about Engaging Youth

When Grand Chief Derek Nepinak went on national television after he and some other leaders got into that shoving match outside the chamber, he acknowledged the Chiefs were responding to young people calling for action via social media. At the rallies held in cities like Winnipeg, Windsor and Edmonton, it has been the youth who have done the organizing, and it has been the youth who have made up the majority of attendees. Scanning Facebook and Twitter, "#IdleNoMore" has popped up in the timelines of people who typically discuss Snookie or the Kardashians. Agree or disagree with the message, Idle No More has accomplished something all Canadians want: it has young people paying attention to politics.

4. #IdleNoMore is about Finding Meaning

Much of the talk around Idle No More is about preserving indigenous culture, either by revitalizing spiritual practices, or by keeping intact what little land base we have left. The reason culture is so important is that it provides a way to grapple with the big questions in life: "Who am I?," "What am I doing here?" and "What happens after I die?" Some of the answers have been handed down as words of wisdom. Other times, you are told to go out on to the land and discover them for yourself through fasting or prayer. We need these ways. As I look around and see many fellow Canadians searching for meaning in their own lives, I think to myself perhaps they could use these ways as well.

3. #IdleNoMore is about Rights

What almost everyone carrying the Idle No More banner is calling for is meaningful consultation between the federal government and First Nations people. This is what section 35 of our constitution is all about: Aboriginal and treaty rights are recognized and affirmed, and that means we have to talk. If there is no meaningful conversation happening, it is troublesome. Aboriginal people may be the canary in the coal mine. If we overlook one section of the constitution does that mean others are in similar jeopardy?

2. #IdleNoMore is about the Environment

Idle No More started in part because of outrage that Bill C-45 reduced the number of federally protected waterways. The environment continues to be a regular topic at Idle No More protests. Dr. Pam Palmater, one of the leading voices in the Idle No More conversation, argues this is indigenous environmentalism is significant since the crown has a duty to consult with Aboriginal people before natural resource projects proceed. She says, "First Nations are Canadians' last, best hope of protecting the land, water, sky and plants and animals for their future generations as well."

1. #IdleNoMore is about Democracy

Democracy thrives when well-informed people are engaged and make their voices heard. Idle No More started with four young lawyers trying to inform the people in their communities about an issue they were passionate about. Now many people are engaged. Even more information is being shared, and even more voices are being heard. There is no one leader or "list of demands" attributable to Idle No More. While this may seem chaotic, this is what democracy is all about. Democracy is messy. Democracy is loud. Democracy is about hearing a wide ranges of voices and trying to build a path forward among them. It is not about shutting off debate or trying to rush things in through the back door." SOURCE

Uploaded by yakidk89

TRIBAL VOICE
By Yothu Yindi

There’s a wakening of a rainbow dawn

And the sun will rise up high

There’s a whisper in the morning light

Saying, "Get up and meet the day!"

But inside my mind there is a tribal voice

And it's speaking to me every day

And all I have to do is to make a choice

'Cause I know there is no other way.

All the people in the world are dreaming [Get up, stand up!]

Some of us cry for the rights of survival now [Get up, stand up!]

Saying, "Come on, come on! Stand up for your rights!"

While others don’t give a damn

They’re all waiting for a perfect day

Better get up and fight for your rights

Don’t be afraid of the move you make

You'd better listen to your tribal voice!

All the people in the world are dreaming [Get up, stand up!]

Some of us cry for the rights of survival now [Get up, stand up!]

Saying, "Come on, come on! Stand up for your rights!"

While others don’t give a damn

They’re all waiting for a perfect day

Better get up and fight for your rights

Don’t be afraid of the move that you make

You'd better listen to your tribal voice!

You'd better listen to your tribal voice!

One voice for Mother Earth

Well, I wonder if it’s part of history

Full of influence and mystery

From where the spirits of my people

Who have just gone before

Into the future of another day

All the people in the world are dreaming [Get up, stand up!]

Some of us cry for the rights of survival now [Get up, stand up!]

Saying, "Come on, come on! Stand up for your rights!"

While others don’t give a damn

They are all waiting for a perfect day

Better get up and fight for your rights

Don’t be afraid of the move you make

You'd better listen to your tribal voice

You'd better listen to your tribal voice

You'd better listen to your tribal voice

You'd better listen to your tribal voice. Gumatj!

You'd better listen to your tribal voice. Rirratjingu!

You'd better listen to your tribal voice. Wangurri!

You'd better listen to your tribal voice. Djapu!

You better listen to your tribal voice. Dhalwangu!

You'd better listen to your tribal voice. Ngaymil!

You'd better listen to your tribal voice. Dattwuy!

You better listen to your tribal voice. Galpu!

Dances OF Life (Maori Haka)

"Man may disappear. Man will disappear but the land will always be here. We are only the guardians of the land. This is our belief."

Make the earth tremble as hard as you can
As hard as we can
No, I am alive! Life is mine!
I will be defeated! I will die!
No, I take back my life! Life is mine!
I am born of distinguished people
whose legacy shines on me like the sun
Keep abreast! Keep abreast!
In your ranks! Hold fast! Into the shining sun!

Día de la Resistencia Indígena, Venezuela ..............................................................................................................................  

"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

 Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare