The British Columbia Land Question

The Oil Man and the Sea by Arno Kopecky advises why it is so offensive to call Indigenous populations 'Aboriginal,'  as he navigated the Northern gateway, he learned from an Indigenous Educator that it is like going to Europe and blanketing the populations with one identity, with no unique differences of origin or distinction. The complication in Canada not identifying with the differing Nations of people and their relationship with their person, lands and nationhood is very advantageous to the Canadian state. The simplicity in undermining vast populations in Canada is the opportunity it provides to tactfully exploit the land and peoples.— at Royal Victoria Yacht Club.

As an Indigenous person I fall under heavy scrutiny for not doing more when it comes to Development projects like Enbridge Pipeline or corrupt political systems on and off reserve. Even though all Coastal First Nations, Canadians and the World will be impacted by the desecration of the great land mass known as British Columbia.

How Big is British Columbia in relation to the United Kingdom from
http://www.bcrobyn.com/2012/12/how-big-is-british-columbia/

My reasoning for opposing the attack on the Lands for financial again is because we forgot to co-exist, care and support one another. The reason I support local Indigenous Nations preserving their limited land base is because they have realized without it we have no future. The reason I oppose developments, water wars, and the exploitation of Natural resources is because it is a issue of joint humanity not one matter that is mine alone. I do not know why it is only educated, artists, and nature enthusiasts that understand the fundamental need to live. I wonder why,  it is internalized as an Indigenous resistance-Idle No More, Environmentalist, Tree Hugger, Radical Movement. I do not understand why I must explain my right to life. Below is an exploration of the Northern Gateway and the impact of the proposed Enbridge pipeline reflected upon by local artists.

Relections: Art for an Oil Free Coast
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vb4zPV-PhYk

I wonder why I have to go up against corrupt Band Council systems, Political Parties, and Developers (Corporate Business/ Government), and mainstream Media.  I wonder why more Canadians are not assuming their responsibilities for residing in these territories. I felt perhaps it is an issue of education and lack of information regarding the histories of Canada. Below is an excerpt from retired business professional Tom Swanky as he explores BC History.

The Legality of the BC Land Question:
 http://vimeo.com/20125139

It becomes increasingly clear the Canadian mandate to dispossess Indigenous populations from this land base is for the supposed best interest of the Canadian and immigrant inhabitants not the Indigenous populations. Many Indigenous populations have been indoctrinated within this Canadian framework to believe it is in our best interest to destroy irreplaceable sites. It is perfectly normal to care for ones family to support the best interests of a community through vast growth and expansion. Economic Sustainability and the desire to survive is acceptable and to care for family is innate. The fundamental social economics of survival does not have to be explained to most Indigenous people. I believe many are still fighting the good fight realizing it is not just themselves, their families, their community that will be affected by intense changes natural or imposed. It is easy to be compromised, defeated and disappointed with the systemic abuses against whole populations, peoples, nations and individuals. It is easy to feel defensive if your security, livelihood, and sustenance threatened. It is not a foreign concept to Indigenous peoples residing on Reserve or fleeing to urban settings to feel these same insecurities of loss. It is human to defend perceived attacks against qualities of living; whether in favour or against, keeping things the same, or encouraging rapid changes through increased exploration. Indigenous populations understand to greatly what it meant to fight another nation whether that was Indigenous or non-Indigenous to protect what is of most value to the Nation, family and person. Below is an exploration of the challenge Indigenous face when not given the same legal as most Canadians. Reclamation is not an initiative of greed or to dispossess Canadians of their lineage, history or possessions. It is an issue of great concern for our joint future.

Paachedaht Elders speak out defending their land base for the sake of the future of their families.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGiiY7M4BJg

Traditional warring Nations and families,Indigenous & Non, must understand and ally in mutual understanding of the catastrophe of extensive exploitation and the impacts it will have on entire populations, cross culturally, bilaterally for the rest of time. It does not matter if it is human life or the oceans, minerals, oil, water or forest. Each delicate ecosystem is equally valuable and irreplaceable as each life and life form. Many Nations divided, united, in support, in opposition, is all progress to me. It is the indifference, the uninformed/ misinformed and general lack of concern that worries me the most. It is essential that we awaken to what is actually happening and act accordingly. It is a matter of the heart. Many do not even know how to explore these ideologies.  I do not blame them. It is easy to be distracted, to feel varying degrees of separation but as awareness grows those sitting idly by will be at a great loss. A global phenomenon with a choice to be a participant in this thing called Life or to simply watch on. We must realize individually the valuable role we play.  It is not a decision for our parents, grandparents or children. It is our decision, now, presently. Everyone is affected: no person, no living entity, no family, community, organism, or cell is omitted from what is to progress next. It is honouring the lives before us but more importantly honouring the lives to come.

The Guardian published an article which offers insight on the choice placed on all citizens of the land, please review the article below.  Indigenous Rights are the best defence against Canada's Resource Rush:
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/true-north/2013/apr/26/indigenous-rights-defence-canadas-resource-rush  I understand the resistance to Indigenous principles of existence. I understand through the impact of Residential schools, the introduction of Indian Reservations, Small pox, and the Indian Act, and the occupation of all human and natural resources available to local Indigenous populations (unless in compliance.) I survived by a lineage that suffered Indian Reservation system, Residential School, and the Racial discrimination of the Colonial era. The agents or enforcers of foreign policies in my territory, are acclaimed within these organizations and governments, and are taught to continue upholding these systems of oppressive governance. They are now my own people, family and community choosing destructive patterns of existence even though they descend from my Nation. The conditions of Indian Reservations, Homelessness, apprehended Indigenous Children into Ministry Care, Youth Suicide, Child Poverty, Missing, Murdered, Incarcerated Indigenous People, Unemployment, Extensive Health Issues & Trauma continues and it is not a solution to the BC Land Question. It is a product of the question and we all have an opportunity to remedy these issues.  I would not wish these issues on Canadian families or any family. I understand it is a multi-generational plea to not act accordance with your forefathers. My understanding of thwarted love runs deep. I understand not knowing how to start again. I understand how many Canadians may feel when embarking on how to even connect with these lands and the peoples.It is no different to me then what several Nations of these lands have already experienced. I understand many already work and support local community.  It is going beyond support and holding these governing bodies responsible. Below is a list of Indigenous Nations of British Columbia as identified by Canada.

List of Indian Reservations British Columbia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Indian_reserves_in_British_Columbia
PLEASE NOTE: These listings of Bands was assigned by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada formerly Department of Indian Affairs and by no means reflects the traditional Nations by name or territory.



British Columbia is undoubtedly beautifully. I just hope we are able listen to our callings. I hope we activate are natural understanding of life and love and we do not react out of fear and hate.  We all possess a right to life. Drastic awakenings occurred for me, even desperate destructive measures at sabotaging myself, almost giving up or giving in. The defeat is in the inaction. We need the support of loving caring people. I believe I have attained in the links above plus several supporters, comrades, friends, chance meetings, lectures, conferences, teach-ins, and symposiums. I had to remember the love,

passion and appreciation my great grand family unaffected by the enforced systems had towards me as child. The treasured value of life.  I had to love and appreciate myself before I could even consider loving and respecting my origins to this land. It is recognizing we all have place in this world.  It is not all about honouring who came before it is about respecting and honouring the future. I understand to greatly the struggle. It is not mine alone. It is not 'our problem, their problem' or 'the Indian problem' we are beyond that, it is not something I must deal with because it pertains to Indigenous issues or existence and achieving social justice or sovereignty. We are equal contenders on this issue if you choose to reside in these territories. We are all significant.

 I am thankful for my great grand parents for being who they were. I appreciate the kindness, friendship and support offered to them and me or I might not be here. I am grateful for all authentic contributions to this worthy cause which is life.

Note:




ACTION PROJECTS ONGOING...







Deadline November 15th, Call for Input on the BC Governments New Water Law, First Nations Rights and Title must be implemented.
http://www.onecowichan.ca/water_law_input

On November 16th, help build a united wall of opposition to pipelines, reckless tar sands expansion and runaway climate change at local events across the country.
http://www.defendourclimate.ca/events/carrot-park-port-hardy-bc/


HELISAT HALE MARATHON: Can be purchased at www.aboriginalfilms.com
Suicide Prevention Run, "First Nations youth die by suicide about five to six times more often than non-Aboriginal youth"

The Oil Man and the Sea; The Navigating of the Northern Gateway by Arno Kopecky
Awareness and Voice for BC's Threatened Coast

http://www.amazon.ca/Oil-Man-Sea-Navigating-Published/dp/B00GGVXVIU/ref=sr_1_2/183-2292481-7091852?ie=UTF8&qid=1384017053&sr=8-2&keywords=oil+man+and+the+sea


Tetla Tsawtsuwatil: exists to promote and empower Coast Salish Traditional Economic Activities like barter and trade
https://www.facebook.com/Tetlas

Common Sense Canadian: alternative media towards a sustainable economic future, crowdfunding campaign.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UleDh1a0_2U

Tom Swanky  “Smallpox in the Tsilhqot'in War”
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMiyMxhfFEs (5 min mini clip)

Using the imposition of English law and British institutions on the Pacific Shelf as context, this presentation documents how settlers used smallpox in an ethnic cleansing exercise to remove native occupants from strategic land along the routes for prospective roads through Tsilhqot'in territory. It shows how this led to reactive violence beginning in June 1862, culminating in the battle to prevent smallpox at Bute Inlet in April 1864, the colonial deception leading to the ambush of Tsilhqot'in delegates to a peace conference, the martyrdom of “The Chilcotin Chiefs” in 1864/65, and a para-military occupation for the imposition of English law and British institutions.

For those who have been unable to attend one of these presentations in person, this PowerPoint is now available for purchase at http://www.shawnswanky.com/shop/smallpox-in-the-tsilhqotin-war/

Support for Unis'tot'ten Camp:

Grassroots members of the Wet'suwet'en people of northern BC (western Canada) found out about oil and gas pipeline projects that are planned to cross their territory without permission. In response, land defenders set up a "soft blockade" to keep out the corporations. They evicted pipeline workers from the land and built a camp and permanent homes in the pipeline route.

https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/5dJsd?fb_action_ids=10151669631416846&fb_action_types=fundrazr%253Astory_update&fb_ref=og__a2BcQb&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582

Beautiful artwork on sale by Annie Morgan to benefit the Unist'ot'en Camp in northern Alberta. She's asking $50-100 each, all of which will go to support the camp. Please help support the struggle to protect Wet'suwet'en territory from tar sands destruction.