Inner Indigenous

Tonight I went to the 6th Annual Anti-Colonial Thanksgiving Dinner in Guelph. My friend, Lori, invited me, and I didn't know anyone else there, but when I was sitting alone a young fellow named James moved across from me and said, "You look like someone who likes to go hiking." That led to an interesting conversation mostly about birds, and he gave me a copy of his zine about his "secret spot" outdoors, which I'll read with interest.

Four indigenous people (three women and a man) had been invited to speak after dinner. The three women chose to speak together. Some points I found profoundly affecting:

• We (the speakers) will take advantage of this opportunity to transform our relationship with you (the audience), however this format (us talking at you) is very colonial; we feel like we should be meeting in a circle.
• In order for decolonization to occur, everyone needs to decolonize; even non-indigenous people need to find their own indigenous selves.
• Indigenous life is inseperable from place and the land.
• Peace does not mean passivity.
• Inviting us here, serving a meal and controlling the agenda is very colonial. If you want a genuine anti-colonial experience you should not ask us to step into an uncomfortable, unfamiliar place, but come and meet with us on our terms.

As a young person I felt profoundly connected with the land. Until recently I was still walking and experiencing the Earth every day. I'm still connected, but the relationship has become dysfunctional. It is not a vital part of my everyday life. In 2011 I will strive to reclaim what I've lost.