I wasn't sure as to where to put this post, but I settled on culture. As I thought of how many must feel torn between their loyalties and beliefs, under the multicultural ideals of our great nation.
As may of you know, I have campaigned for great self accountablity among my fellow Natives, as well as for an end to the waste, theft and corruption.
You may also know that I do not fully support some of the land claim protests and the violence that usually follows.
but what you may not know is, I'm torn in two on the latter of those two.
I was raised by my traditional Haudenosaunee(Six Nation/Iroquois) Grand Parents. I learned the old ways, I grew up being taught about the Longhouse and the Great Law. So I lean in favour of the ways that, that would intail. But I have cousins in the MWS in Quebec. That particular branch of the family tree is seen as the blacksheep, but we all still communed together as kids and still to this day, meet regularily. I see their point of view and to some extent agree with it. I was just raised a different way. I respect the Council of the Six nations. Something they do not, but there too, I see why.
I watched the news during the Oka crisis, and felt a deep pride in my heart as I watched friends and family man the lines and face down the authorities. I did it in silence, as I was a member of the Canadian Armed forces at the time. In fact I would later join the Royal 22nd, yes I see the irony.
I wanted very much to be there at the time, but my Father and Grand Father put it quite clearly, that I had my whole life ahead of me, this was not going to be the last battle, I was to stay where I was and continue to do what I was doing. So I did. Did I regret it? Yes and no. Torn in two.
But this is my problem, I was taught the Great Law, something that the MWS of Oka and Kanehsatake seem to be missing. They walked away from the Council and the circle of the Great Law's protection. I didn't and won't. But I see why they did for the most part. Apart from the corruption that abounds in that particular part of the First Nations, they do have some legitimate claims. Those claims are worth bleeding for. I'm willing to bleed with them, but then I feel torn. I would dishonour my Grand Fathers memory and I would be going agianst the Grand Council. My Father, who is still alive, would likely find me and kick my ass too. Although I know he would support me and the rest of the Nations, if Quebec seperated, in defending our rights to stay within Canada, or break off on our own. Whether I stood with the Cree, Innu or the Mohawk.
But I watch these smaller struggles filled with rage and frustration, I want them to end, but if we lay down our arms and plaquards, who will challenge the injustice. I want so much to feel my hands around the necks of the non natives that stand on what was our land and point at us as if we asked for all of this.
To coin a phrase, "We will not go silently back to the res".
These abuses and injustices need to be addressed. The Provincial and Federal Governments point at each other. The lower courts rarely end the disputes in our favour, and when we finally get to the supereme court and actually get heard, we win. The waste of time and money is collosal.
I feel torn. End of rant.
As may of you know, I have campaigned for great self accountablity among my fellow Natives, as well as for an end to the waste, theft and corruption.
You may also know that I do not fully support some of the land claim protests and the violence that usually follows.
but what you may not know is, I'm torn in two on the latter of those two.
I was raised by my traditional Haudenosaunee(Six Nation/Iroquois) Grand Parents. I learned the old ways, I grew up being taught about the Longhouse and the Great Law. So I lean in favour of the ways that, that would intail. But I have cousins in the MWS in Quebec. That particular branch of the family tree is seen as the blacksheep, but we all still communed together as kids and still to this day, meet regularily. I see their point of view and to some extent agree with it. I was just raised a different way. I respect the Council of the Six nations. Something they do not, but there too, I see why.
I watched the news during the Oka crisis, and felt a deep pride in my heart as I watched friends and family man the lines and face down the authorities. I did it in silence, as I was a member of the Canadian Armed forces at the time. In fact I would later join the Royal 22nd, yes I see the irony.
I wanted very much to be there at the time, but my Father and Grand Father put it quite clearly, that I had my whole life ahead of me, this was not going to be the last battle, I was to stay where I was and continue to do what I was doing. So I did. Did I regret it? Yes and no. Torn in two.
But this is my problem, I was taught the Great Law, something that the MWS of Oka and Kanehsatake seem to be missing. They walked away from the Council and the circle of the Great Law's protection. I didn't and won't. But I see why they did for the most part. Apart from the corruption that abounds in that particular part of the First Nations, they do have some legitimate claims. Those claims are worth bleeding for. I'm willing to bleed with them, but then I feel torn. I would dishonour my Grand Fathers memory and I would be going agianst the Grand Council. My Father, who is still alive, would likely find me and kick my ass too. Although I know he would support me and the rest of the Nations, if Quebec seperated, in defending our rights to stay within Canada, or break off on our own. Whether I stood with the Cree, Innu or the Mohawk.
But I watch these smaller struggles filled with rage and frustration, I want them to end, but if we lay down our arms and plaquards, who will challenge the injustice. I want so much to feel my hands around the necks of the non natives that stand on what was our land and point at us as if we asked for all of this.
To coin a phrase, "We will not go silently back to the res".
These abuses and injustices need to be addressed. The Provincial and Federal Governments point at each other. The lower courts rarely end the disputes in our favour, and when we finally get to the supereme court and actually get heard, we win. The waste of time and money is collosal.
I feel torn. End of rant.
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