Out of all the stories I most enjoyed Andrea Bear Nicholas's story. Her material can be summed up with: "The writing of history is a political act designed for the purpose of controlling the present and maintaining the social order."-Michael Parenti.
All these hundreds of years false truths have been written about us and forced on us through the public school system. Its up to us, as parents to see that these falsehoods are removed from the curriculm.
My youngest daughter is in Grade 6 now, but when she was in Grade 4 she came home with some false information and she wouldn't answer her questions based on the information she was given because she knew it wasn't true. We wrote a note to her teacher and we were told this is the information he was given as part of the Grade 4 curriculm. So she just never answered those questions and received a poor mark for that particular assignment.My older daughter was in Grade 6 at the time and told her sister that by Grade 6 the information will be corrected. She has always been vocal, and she challenges the Principal to change these inaccuracies.I am so proud that my two daughters will not accept the false information they are given at school and will fight for it to be removed from their school.
This is just one example of what Andrea Bear Nicholas is saying in her work. This misinformation really does an injustice to our people. Non native people that are not in close contact with us, grow up believing this information leading to hatred and misunderstandings.It really is up to us to change the history books.
Another piece of work I enjoyed was by SophieMcCall. I loved reading about Rebecca Belmore. Rebecca Belmore makes it clear through her work that written accounts and audio and video recordings are not always reliable sources of information.They can be taken out of context and used to tell a warped version of events. T.V. media is a great example of this.T.V. pretty much controls waht we see and newspapers can misinterpret facts to use for their own interpretation. Just as the history books tell only one side of a story, media is capable of doing the same today. Rebecca reminds us to pay more credence to the Oral history passed on directly to us. Iwas reminded of this while doing my oral history project. By writing the stories of my interviewees, it is possible that I may have misinterpreted the meanings of some stories.If inforamtion is taken out of its true form, it is possible that the true meaning may be lost. I struggled with the interpretation of knowlege, however I knew that if I presented the interviews in their entirety, my presentation may have went on for hours.My interview with Lillian Marshall lasted all afternoon.In it were bits and pieces of other stories of interest to me but not necessarily on the topic I was discussing. I choose the information that I thought reflected my topic.However by editing my information I in fact put my own spin on things.But I guess thats the whole point: to take the facts presented to you and present them in a way unique only to you. And thats what Rebecca Belmore has done through her art. Not everyone will get the same end message.
The last story I enjoyed, came at the beginning of the book. The Preface by Stephen Augustine. He reminds us of the importance of collective knowledge that we all possess. That we all play a part in our history through every story we've ever been told.I find his discussion on the word egsoen very interesting. He says the word means liar and that the first three letters sounds like the letter X. At a certain time in history Mikmaq people used the letter x to sign treaties. In Mikmaq culture people signing with the letter x were liars. Interestingly enough we're still fighting over these treaties.When I first say the word egsoen, I immediately thought of the word Ego.Ego is not a word I would relate to my Mikmaq Identity however it goes hand in hand with the word liar.It also is a good word to use to describe the Europeans that we signed treaties with.
Sunday, 7 August 2011
Monday, 1 August 2011
Membertou First Nation Circle of Excellence
Membertou Band realized their people had no future to look forward to. They decided to get the books balanced and start looking for a management plan that would take them in the direction they wanted to go.They wanted to get away from the dependance on the Government.They developed their policies and got ISO certification,in doing so they were able to find business partners. Today they are a thriving community heading in the direction of Self Government. The fact that their Chief and Council has stayed pretty much the same these past several years makes it easy for the changes they made to stick.
Tsawwassen First Nation Law and Policy
This video was about the Tsawassen First Nation and their development of their own Constitution. First they developed a plan of action. This was the direction they want their community to take, how they would deal with problems,what role would the Federal Gov't play and membership policies. It was no easy undertaking and took a lot of collaberation and compromising. In they end they worked out a Constitution that seems to be working for them.
Governance and Cultural Match
How does a First Nation match governance with their culture and traditions?
Use culture and tradition as its guide. Structure governance to reflect who we are. The present system of Chief and Council was not our chosen form of governance it was forced on us. We need to explore traditional forms of governance and develop somethnig that is culturally true to our identity.
Use culture and tradition as its guide. Structure governance to reflect who we are. The present system of Chief and Council was not our chosen form of governance it was forced on us. We need to explore traditional forms of governance and develop somethnig that is culturally true to our identity.
Implementing Independant Governance
This video asked the question:How does a First Nation implement their right to self government?
First its important to recognize that all First Nations were independent soverign nations before the whiteman "honoured" us with his presence. We had a whole network set up: a spiritual system, a governing body and natural laws we followed. Every individual played a part. We need to go back to this system and combine it with the present day system and create something that will work for us. What works for one may not work for all. Each Band has different needs, access to different resources, and different perspectives of what self governmnet is. Its important to find what will be the right fit for every band.
First its important to recognize that all First Nations were independent soverign nations before the whiteman "honoured" us with his presence. We had a whole network set up: a spiritual system, a governing body and natural laws we followed. Every individual played a part. We need to go back to this system and combine it with the present day system and create something that will work for us. What works for one may not work for all. Each Band has different needs, access to different resources, and different perspectives of what self governmnet is. Its important to find what will be the right fit for every band.
Guest Speakers Blog
Cathy Martin presented to us different ways that oral traditions can be passed down. She shared her stories, she shared a chant, and she shared her gift of creativity, her video. She shared her experience of going to the U.S. to bring home the remains of Anna Mae Aquash. She shared her connection to my father and related the deep level of respect she has for him. (I am so very grateful to have heard this) So many things that she said resonated with me. She related that she believes that the leadership qualities my father posessed, no longer exsist in our leaders of today.I've had many conversations in the last 15 years since my father passed on with different members of the Mikmaq community, and they've always shared this same belief.Cathy is very knowledgeable about our culture and we are blessed to have her pass on her knowledge. SHe is a very gifted story teller. She also told us about blood memory, how we have in us knowledge about the past, we've only to call on it.
Norah Ward presented us with the work she does with the Atlantic Policy Congress. She discussed Indegenous Diplomacy, Treaty Making, Treay Denial, Treaty Litigation and Treaty Recognition. These are the steps involved in proving our Treaty Rights. She discussed our alliances with other tribesand the meaning of the Wampum Belt. She discussed the 1867 North American Act that put us on reserves. She talked about "understanding where we came from. All the different clues that are in each story." That basically sums it up. The importance of the hidden information in every story we've ever heard and taken for granted. We must realize the importance of these stories and the valuable information they hold. The main thing I took away from this was: section 35(1) The exsisting aboriginal and treay rights of the aborignal peoples of Canada are hereby recognized and affirmed. When I saw this on the screen when Norah Ward was presenting I thought we all really should have that hanging in every Public building in every First Nation community. I know I'm going to hang that in my house so I'm reminded of it everyday.
Of all the presenters I think John Sylliboy's was the most thought provoking. He shared with us just what an "Oral Ttradition" is. I had come to think of it as Oral expression, as in speaking,chanting or singing. But really its about the total experience.Its about the events going on since the beginning of the time.The physical embodiment,the actions of our ancestors, and the energy they leave behind in everything they touch or create.
Its in the basketmaking process.Its in the wood we use to make baskets, the tools used to create the splints.The story of the basketmaker.The story of the person cutting the splints. The experience of collecting sweetgrass to incorporate into the basket.The knowledge of the locations to pick sweetgrass.
Its in the way we fish and hunt. The areas we hunt and fish in,the knowledge of these areas. The hunting and fishing tools,the creation of these tools.The knowledge of where to fish and hunt at certain times of the year.The stories passed down from father to son while on their hunting or fishing expedition.
Its in every action, thought,object every made,story,dance,garment ever made. Theres so much more to add to that list.Its about the 4 layers of knowledge: finding it, discovering it, identifying it, and living it spiritually.Also he related a video of an Elder Gathering that defined the 7 gifts a person must have to gain the title of Elder. This presentation helped me to wrap up my project.It was a valuable source of information.
Norah Ward presented us with the work she does with the Atlantic Policy Congress. She discussed Indegenous Diplomacy, Treaty Making, Treay Denial, Treaty Litigation and Treaty Recognition. These are the steps involved in proving our Treaty Rights. She discussed our alliances with other tribesand the meaning of the Wampum Belt. She discussed the 1867 North American Act that put us on reserves. She talked about "understanding where we came from. All the different clues that are in each story." That basically sums it up. The importance of the hidden information in every story we've ever heard and taken for granted. We must realize the importance of these stories and the valuable information they hold. The main thing I took away from this was: section 35(1) The exsisting aboriginal and treay rights of the aborignal peoples of Canada are hereby recognized and affirmed. When I saw this on the screen when Norah Ward was presenting I thought we all really should have that hanging in every Public building in every First Nation community. I know I'm going to hang that in my house so I'm reminded of it everyday.
Of all the presenters I think John Sylliboy's was the most thought provoking. He shared with us just what an "Oral Ttradition" is. I had come to think of it as Oral expression, as in speaking,chanting or singing. But really its about the total experience.Its about the events going on since the beginning of the time.The physical embodiment,the actions of our ancestors, and the energy they leave behind in everything they touch or create.
Its in the basketmaking process.Its in the wood we use to make baskets, the tools used to create the splints.The story of the basketmaker.The story of the person cutting the splints. The experience of collecting sweetgrass to incorporate into the basket.The knowledge of the locations to pick sweetgrass.
Its in the way we fish and hunt. The areas we hunt and fish in,the knowledge of these areas. The hunting and fishing tools,the creation of these tools.The knowledge of where to fish and hunt at certain times of the year.The stories passed down from father to son while on their hunting or fishing expedition.
Its in every action, thought,object every made,story,dance,garment ever made. Theres so much more to add to that list.Its about the 4 layers of knowledge: finding it, discovering it, identifying it, and living it spiritually.Also he related a video of an Elder Gathering that defined the 7 gifts a person must have to gain the title of Elder. This presentation helped me to wrap up my project.It was a valuable source of information.
Class Lectures
1. I learned what Treay Rights are and why they are so important to protect.
2. I think its a very important part of who we are.By continuing to do the things our ancestors did it proves our link to the natural resources and our claim to them.I think its important to note as well that as times change, the things we do with our natural resources change.Just as non-natives ways change and adapt, ourways change and adapt. Its not fair to put limitations on the definition of the uses of the natural resources.We should be able to use the resources in different ways, reflecting our need for them.
3.Oral history is always going to be on our side. We've only just began gathering our Oral history it will be interesting to see just how much we'll have in the next several years.I know we've just tapped the surface.
4.The cases are valuable sources of information and recognition. We should continue to go over them with "fresh eyes" to see what we may have missed.Different people have different perspectives, and someone may take notice of something that was overlooked.I think its important that this information is constantly reviewed.
5. We need to keep gathering information, keep asking questions, and keep practicing our traditions.
6.If Treaties were honoured and implemented, our Mikmaq Nation would be rich with resources and pride. Our children, and our children's children would be able to take pride in their Identity. They could be the first generation that the whiteman hasn't been able totarnish the reputation of our people. WE would have control of the teachings of our history and wipe out the stereotypes that have plagued us for years.
7.I enjoyed everything. I love learning about our rights and treaties. I enjoyed the films and guest speakers. I enjoyed the little stories we learned from each other when we had to come up with little stories we've heard over the years.Some I've never heard before. Our project made me aware of something thats been missing in our community these last few years. We don't visit each other enough. This is something I plan to start doing more of.
2. I think its a very important part of who we are.By continuing to do the things our ancestors did it proves our link to the natural resources and our claim to them.I think its important to note as well that as times change, the things we do with our natural resources change.Just as non-natives ways change and adapt, ourways change and adapt. Its not fair to put limitations on the definition of the uses of the natural resources.We should be able to use the resources in different ways, reflecting our need for them.
3.Oral history is always going to be on our side. We've only just began gathering our Oral history it will be interesting to see just how much we'll have in the next several years.I know we've just tapped the surface.
4.The cases are valuable sources of information and recognition. We should continue to go over them with "fresh eyes" to see what we may have missed.Different people have different perspectives, and someone may take notice of something that was overlooked.I think its important that this information is constantly reviewed.
5. We need to keep gathering information, keep asking questions, and keep practicing our traditions.
6.If Treaties were honoured and implemented, our Mikmaq Nation would be rich with resources and pride. Our children, and our children's children would be able to take pride in their Identity. They could be the first generation that the whiteman hasn't been able totarnish the reputation of our people. WE would have control of the teachings of our history and wipe out the stereotypes that have plagued us for years.
7.I enjoyed everything. I love learning about our rights and treaties. I enjoyed the films and guest speakers. I enjoyed the little stories we learned from each other when we had to come up with little stories we've heard over the years.Some I've never heard before. Our project made me aware of something thats been missing in our community these last few years. We don't visit each other enough. This is something I plan to start doing more of.
Monday, 11 July 2011
Acts Of Defiance
MY COMPUTER IS TOO JUNNY!!!!! I couldn't finish watching this video but I watched One Dead Indian on TV on Saturday night(coincidence it happened to be on). I will try my best to answer the questions based on what I got to watch of the video and the tv show, as well as what I remember.
The film is about the people of Oka trying to stop the development of a golf course on their sacred burial ground.
It takes place in the summer of 1990.
It shares the story of our ongoing battle with the gov't and non natives to be recognized as their equals and a desire to be treated justly. There seems to be a lack of understanding on the non native side as to how important it is to honour our dead and lands we deem sacred.
Before watching the video I was aware of this crisis.
I remember following it on tv with my family. It was customary in our household growing up to watch the news nightly. We would discuss the goings on with our father and he would ask our input on current events.
The main person that stood out to me was the woman spokesperson for the people of Oka.When I started watching the video I recognized her right away. I wonder what she's doing now,if she's still active in native politics.Would be interesting to see a follow up on her and others.
The Gov't and Military always re act with overbearing force. But they always end up looking like bad guys. They are always quick to blame us even before all the facts are known
Again its the same thing, our people are forced into desperate situations because the gov't doesn't want to take them seriously.All the disputes of land and and natural resources are continually being put off in the hopes that maybe we'll forget or give up? We'll never give up, and we are unable to forget.
Overall I thought the video was another example of embarassing behavior by the Gov't and non nativepeople. Do they really see themselves? Do they ever sit back and say "What were we thinking?" I would recommend it to everyone and encourage everyone to get more involved in the fight for our rights.
The film is about the people of Oka trying to stop the development of a golf course on their sacred burial ground.
It takes place in the summer of 1990.
It shares the story of our ongoing battle with the gov't and non natives to be recognized as their equals and a desire to be treated justly. There seems to be a lack of understanding on the non native side as to how important it is to honour our dead and lands we deem sacred.
Before watching the video I was aware of this crisis.
I remember following it on tv with my family. It was customary in our household growing up to watch the news nightly. We would discuss the goings on with our father and he would ask our input on current events.
The main person that stood out to me was the woman spokesperson for the people of Oka.When I started watching the video I recognized her right away. I wonder what she's doing now,if she's still active in native politics.Would be interesting to see a follow up on her and others.
The Gov't and Military always re act with overbearing force. But they always end up looking like bad guys. They are always quick to blame us even before all the facts are known
Again its the same thing, our people are forced into desperate situations because the gov't doesn't want to take them seriously.All the disputes of land and and natural resources are continually being put off in the hopes that maybe we'll forget or give up? We'll never give up, and we are unable to forget.
Overall I thought the video was another example of embarassing behavior by the Gov't and non nativepeople. Do they really see themselves? Do they ever sit back and say "What were we thinking?" I would recommend it to everyone and encourage everyone to get more involved in the fight for our rights.
Sunday, 10 July 2011
Is The Crown At War WIth Us?
The film is about the conflict between Federal Fishery and the Burnt Church fishermen.
The film takes place from the year 2000-2001.
The story it shares is the continued injustices we face at the hands of the White Gov't, and the Gov't's total lack of understanding of native rights and ways. The people of Burnt Church just wanted to live peacefully, side by side the non-natives sharing the water and providing for their families. They wanted to continue their right to fish and pass on these teachings to their children.The Whiteman's Gov't must think it is above the law as they totally disregard the Supreme Court ruling.
Yes I heard about the incident before.
I remember watching the footage on t.v. especially the part where the native fishermen are getting run over on the water.
The main characters were the fishermen. James Ward stands out to me as well. He's a Warrior with a Political Science Degree and military background.Before watching all these videos I thought the warriors were all a bunch of hot heads. I've since asked around about the Warrior Society and I've been told that they are educated about our rights and treaties. I have more respect for them now.
The Gov't again acted in a manner that was totally uncalled for. Their actions exasperated the situation.They fueled the fire between the native and non-native fishermen. The two communities still have to carry on as neighbors long after this dispute. There will always be a sore festering between them.There will always be anomosity underneath the surface.
After watching the film I feel angry and discouraged that these kinds of events keep going on. They make me laugh that they think the natives are going to deplete the fishery.The amount that the non-native fishermen are allowed to fish is so much more than the drop in the bucket that we're allotted.I think the Gov't feeds lies to the non-native fishermen to get them going.
I am proud that 2 native women started the fishing.It took the ladies to make things happen.Again I was glad to see other bands come together to support them.Also we got a glimpse into their lives and they face the same things as we do. The lack of jobs, loss of language, effects of residential school. The unwanted dependence on the welfare system and the importance of a supplementary income to make ends meet. We experienced a similar situation with the white fishermen in the surrounding communities. It spilled over into our schools and made for a difficult school year for our children. I think there is still that same anomosity present here as well.
Again this is a video that needs to be shared. You won't learn about these incidents in school, in fact you won't learn very much about our people in school.
The film takes place from the year 2000-2001.
The story it shares is the continued injustices we face at the hands of the White Gov't, and the Gov't's total lack of understanding of native rights and ways. The people of Burnt Church just wanted to live peacefully, side by side the non-natives sharing the water and providing for their families. They wanted to continue their right to fish and pass on these teachings to their children.The Whiteman's Gov't must think it is above the law as they totally disregard the Supreme Court ruling.
Yes I heard about the incident before.
I remember watching the footage on t.v. especially the part where the native fishermen are getting run over on the water.
The main characters were the fishermen. James Ward stands out to me as well. He's a Warrior with a Political Science Degree and military background.Before watching all these videos I thought the warriors were all a bunch of hot heads. I've since asked around about the Warrior Society and I've been told that they are educated about our rights and treaties. I have more respect for them now.
The Gov't again acted in a manner that was totally uncalled for. Their actions exasperated the situation.They fueled the fire between the native and non-native fishermen. The two communities still have to carry on as neighbors long after this dispute. There will always be a sore festering between them.There will always be anomosity underneath the surface.
After watching the film I feel angry and discouraged that these kinds of events keep going on. They make me laugh that they think the natives are going to deplete the fishery.The amount that the non-native fishermen are allowed to fish is so much more than the drop in the bucket that we're allotted.I think the Gov't feeds lies to the non-native fishermen to get them going.
I am proud that 2 native women started the fishing.It took the ladies to make things happen.Again I was glad to see other bands come together to support them.Also we got a glimpse into their lives and they face the same things as we do. The lack of jobs, loss of language, effects of residential school. The unwanted dependence on the welfare system and the importance of a supplementary income to make ends meet. We experienced a similar situation with the white fishermen in the surrounding communities. It spilled over into our schools and made for a difficult school year for our children. I think there is still that same anomosity present here as well.
Again this is a video that needs to be shared. You won't learn about these incidents in school, in fact you won't learn very much about our people in school.
Our Nationhood
The film is about the people of Listuguj fighting to get the right to use and profit from their natural resources.
The time period is August 1998 to the year 2001.
It was sharing the story of of determniation of the people of Listuguj to make a livelihood just as their non-native counterparts are.
Yes I had heard about it before.
Just that there was a fight going on with the Mikmaq of Listuguj against the Gov't and that people from our reserves in N.S. were going up to stand beside them, as it should be.
The main characters were Gary and Allison Metallic, and the Gov't officials.
I felt like: here we go again. Same old shit,different day. It gets so frustrating that everytime we try to help ourselves the Gov't is there trying to discourage it. They want to keep us dependent on them.
After watching the video I felt proud of how well the people of Listuguj carried themselves and stood up for themselves. I can't help thinking something more happened that we didn't get to see. It seemed like they did an "about face." Even the comments after the meeting didn't match up, the journalists noticed it too. Then the lady in the yellow jacket obviously wasn't happy and asked what was different with the agreement, because they sure weren't happy about it the first time, and this time it only included a few more thousand cubic feet.
I think they backed down rather hastily. I know they said the logging season was half over but in my mind that was an excuse.I can't help feeling there was something else going on.I totally get the idea of conquering the mountain a bit at a time, but something don't seem right to me. The one main thing I liked and would like to see more of is the Tribal government. I liked that the community was involved in the vote, and not just the Chief and Council. Its been my experience , and I'm sure many would agree that our Chief and Council don't always act in our best interest.
Would I recommend it? Definitely. We need to share as much information about our rights and the mistreatment we experience by the Gov't as we possibly can. Knowledge is power.
The time period is August 1998 to the year 2001.
It was sharing the story of of determniation of the people of Listuguj to make a livelihood just as their non-native counterparts are.
Yes I had heard about it before.
Just that there was a fight going on with the Mikmaq of Listuguj against the Gov't and that people from our reserves in N.S. were going up to stand beside them, as it should be.
The main characters were Gary and Allison Metallic, and the Gov't officials.
I felt like: here we go again. Same old shit,different day. It gets so frustrating that everytime we try to help ourselves the Gov't is there trying to discourage it. They want to keep us dependent on them.
After watching the video I felt proud of how well the people of Listuguj carried themselves and stood up for themselves. I can't help thinking something more happened that we didn't get to see. It seemed like they did an "about face." Even the comments after the meeting didn't match up, the journalists noticed it too. Then the lady in the yellow jacket obviously wasn't happy and asked what was different with the agreement, because they sure weren't happy about it the first time, and this time it only included a few more thousand cubic feet.
I think they backed down rather hastily. I know they said the logging season was half over but in my mind that was an excuse.I can't help feeling there was something else going on.I totally get the idea of conquering the mountain a bit at a time, but something don't seem right to me. The one main thing I liked and would like to see more of is the Tribal government. I liked that the community was involved in the vote, and not just the Chief and Council. Its been my experience , and I'm sure many would agree that our Chief and Council don't always act in our best interest.
Would I recommend it? Definitely. We need to share as much information about our rights and the mistreatment we experience by the Gov't as we possibly can. Knowledge is power.
Monday, 4 July 2011
Incident at Restigouche
1.The film was about the fishing dispute in Restigouche in 1981.
2.The film takes place after the raids of June 11 and 20,1981. It shares a glimpse into the past(our history) and deals with interviews from both sides of the dispute after the fact.
3.The story it was sharing was our ongoing story of exixtence in Canada long before the whiteman came,the effect the whiteman's presence had on us and the continued misunderstanding that the whiteman has about us. It tells the story of the fishing dispute at Restigouche in 1981, and the effect it had on the people of Restigouche as well as the First Nation People across Canada.It is just one incident of many that we continue to endure.
4.Yes I knew about this before as my father went up to Restigouche to take part.I remember him bringing home salmon, this was my first time eating salmon(delicious). I remember his picture being in the paper, and as a young child of 11 years,thinking that he might go to jail.
5.I knew that it was a violent confrontation between the Gov't and Military, against the people of Restigouche, and that our people were going to rally together to show their support.
6.Luciene,Chief alphonse metallic and the 2 people charged.
7.It seems the only way the Gov't is able to deal with native issues is with force. Its as if they use the military to try to subjugate our people as a power move. It appears to me as ta means to embarras us and "put us in our place." But all that seems to happen is the Gov't is left looking like the bad guy.
8After watching the film I feel proud that our people(not just the mikmaq people) will band together at a moments notice to fight for the cause.I think that should stand as apowerful reminder to the Gov't that we have that unified front.
9.Overall I thought that after all these years of living with us on our land, the whiteman still has no clue.Their reaction to use force is a sign of their ignorance and disrespect for our people,our culture, our traditions, and our generosity.We've tried to live peacefully side by side the whiteman as his equal, but the whiteman continues to see us as less than him. In the video one of the officials said" just because they are native, all is pure". It was an obvious discriminatory statement based on his ignorance and lack of understanding of First Nation people. I can't understand why the Gov't leaders are not more educated on the ways of the First nations. Alot of these confrontations seem to be happening out of a misunderstanding of where we are coming from. Although you can't forget the $$$, which seems to be the driving force. They(the gov't)want access to the natural resources to exploit them, then blame everything on us, as if we could do as much damage as the commercial fishermen. But mostly the Gov't still has no idea how to effectively communicate with the First Nations.
10 Yes I would most definitely recommend it. Anything such as this video is a strong reminder of what we stand for, a reminder that the Gov't still has alot to learn, and of course a reminder of what we need to pass on to the future generations. I will be sharing this video with my children and will be pointing out their grandfather to them and hopefully inspire one of them to follow in his footsteps.
2.The film takes place after the raids of June 11 and 20,1981. It shares a glimpse into the past(our history) and deals with interviews from both sides of the dispute after the fact.
3.The story it was sharing was our ongoing story of exixtence in Canada long before the whiteman came,the effect the whiteman's presence had on us and the continued misunderstanding that the whiteman has about us. It tells the story of the fishing dispute at Restigouche in 1981, and the effect it had on the people of Restigouche as well as the First Nation People across Canada.It is just one incident of many that we continue to endure.
4.Yes I knew about this before as my father went up to Restigouche to take part.I remember him bringing home salmon, this was my first time eating salmon(delicious). I remember his picture being in the paper, and as a young child of 11 years,thinking that he might go to jail.
5.I knew that it was a violent confrontation between the Gov't and Military, against the people of Restigouche, and that our people were going to rally together to show their support.
6.Luciene,Chief alphonse metallic and the 2 people charged.
7.It seems the only way the Gov't is able to deal with native issues is with force. Its as if they use the military to try to subjugate our people as a power move. It appears to me as ta means to embarras us and "put us in our place." But all that seems to happen is the Gov't is left looking like the bad guy.
8After watching the film I feel proud that our people(not just the mikmaq people) will band together at a moments notice to fight for the cause.I think that should stand as apowerful reminder to the Gov't that we have that unified front.
9.Overall I thought that after all these years of living with us on our land, the whiteman still has no clue.Their reaction to use force is a sign of their ignorance and disrespect for our people,our culture, our traditions, and our generosity.We've tried to live peacefully side by side the whiteman as his equal, but the whiteman continues to see us as less than him. In the video one of the officials said" just because they are native, all is pure". It was an obvious discriminatory statement based on his ignorance and lack of understanding of First Nation people. I can't understand why the Gov't leaders are not more educated on the ways of the First nations. Alot of these confrontations seem to be happening out of a misunderstanding of where we are coming from. Although you can't forget the $$$, which seems to be the driving force. They(the gov't)want access to the natural resources to exploit them, then blame everything on us, as if we could do as much damage as the commercial fishermen. But mostly the Gov't still has no idea how to effectively communicate with the First Nations.
10 Yes I would most definitely recommend it. Anything such as this video is a strong reminder of what we stand for, a reminder that the Gov't still has alot to learn, and of course a reminder of what we need to pass on to the future generations. I will be sharing this video with my children and will be pointing out their grandfather to them and hopefully inspire one of them to follow in his footsteps.
Sunday, 26 June 2011
The film was about the Constitutional talks between the Native people of Canada and the PrimeMinister and Premiers.It took place between 1983 and 87.The film was sharing the story of Ethel Pearson and her experiences as a native of the West Coast. It was also telling the story of the White man's culture and the cultures of the native people of Canada, and how their mindsets can be so totally different from one another.I didn't see any Mikmaq leaders that I knew. Before watching this film I was aware of the Constitutional talks and the concept of Self Government. Ethel Pearson was a main character through out the film as she shared her story of tradional ways and the importance of teaching them to our children. Bill Wilson led the debate against the Gov't trying to get across the importance of just what it is we are fighting for. Its not just money or a power play, its about our land, culture way of live and how everything is connected. Its not about getting rich its about the importance of leaving a lasting legacy to your kids, and ensuring that our identity will not be lost. Prime Minister Trudeau was just totally arrogant the way he reactted when the Native leader started to pray again on the second day of the meetings.Again this is an obvious difference in culture, and,mindset. I would have expected the Gov't to educate themselves on the different cultures in Canada.Especially the Prime Minister should have to be educated on the different people he represents. Then maybe he wouldn't have came across as a total idiot. Renee Levesque didn't impress me either.Again a total arrogant idiot. Mocking the native leaders by lighting up a cigarette as if he's saying he's doing a tobacco offering too.As the Premier of Quebec and their fight for Sovereignty I expected more support from him.The Premier Of BC Bill Bennett again very arrogant very disrespectful. At one point one of the native leaders mentioned that his kids were at home watching these discussions.I couldn't help thinking that he was trying to give them a heads up, reminding them that people are watching and that this isn't behind closed doors.Also theres a protester holding a sign that says"No More Secret Memo." Then in the second video, they actually do go behind closed doors, maybe someone told them how stupid they looked. The one Premier that stands out to me as having a clue of what our native leaders were saying and trying to do was Premier Hatfield, and Trudeau didn't waste anytime calling him out. It was just so disheartening to watch what our native leaders are up against. To the Whiteman its all about money and power, like Ethel Pearson said"the whiteman and his money go hand and hand". But to us its about a land that has always been ours, and about having the right to make our own decisions for our own well being.Watching this video leaves a bad
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