Indian activism has been on the rise for a number of years,
as the next generation becomes of age and is realizing the fight for their
rights will be the determining factor for their cultural existence. Throughout
North America (and even in South America), aboriginal people are joining the
resistance, to fight for not only their rights but also their land and culture.
Nativeweb.org features an article; Indigenous
resistance is the new terrorism. In
Ecuador “terrorists" are indigenous peoples from the Amazon and the Andean
highlands fighting to preserve access to water in their communities. As
"terrorists", they are labeled as enemies of the state, and arrested.
In the north,
Canadian aboriginal activists are standing together to raise awareness and
protest the passing of new laws brought forward by Parliament that pose threats
that will extinguish aboriginal lands and rights. In November 2012, Idle No More, one of the largest Indigenous mass movements in
Canadian history was founded. Their mission;
Idle No More calls on all people to join in
a peaceful revolution, to honour Indigenous sovereignty, and to protect the
land and water
INM has and will continue to help build
sovereignty & resurgence of nationhood.
INM will continue to pressure government and
industry to protect the environment.
INM will continue to build allies in order
to reframe the nation to nation relationship, this will be done by including
grassroots perspectives, issues, and concern.
The Idle No More
movement has been met with strong opposition from the Canadian government and
many non-native spectators. But this past September marked a huge step forward
for Indigenous activists (Idle No More included) and their fight for
environmental awareness. The Peoples Climate March was held in New York City
September 21, 2014, along side 400,000 supporters. With Indigenous people
leading the way, they have been able to bring environmental concerns to a world
stage. Now more than ever, people are coming together in support of one cause.
Great blog and very informative! I did not know that so many Indians that were continuing to fight for their rights and it is such a prolific issue.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame that some Indigenous people are labeled terrorist for trying to protect and preserve their water and natural resources. The native people are using their voices and peaceful demonstrations to bring their issues to the world stage. Great post.
ReplyDeleteThis was great. I feel that activism is more common in many arenas. Look at the protests that took place last year about taxation and government. I think its good that people are taking charge and voicing their opinions.
ReplyDeleteNative American involvement with environmental issues seems to be making a real resurgence in recent years. Although they have always fought this valiant battle, it appears to be catching on with non-Indians now. There is an important battle taking place between the Onondaga in New York State and the federal government. They have filed a lawsuit involving approximately 4,000 square miles of polluted land that the Onondagas claim was taken illegally by false treaties. They are not trying to take over the land but simply want to use their claim of ownership to force the cleanup of hazardous and polluted sites throughout the region.
ReplyDeleteLast week MTV (FB) premiered a video documentary following Rebel Music, aboriginal artists/activists voicing their concern (through music) for Indian rights and environmental concerns. It was very powerful and very moving! I think it's inspiring that their concern is coming to a forefront and that main stream media is starting shed light on these issues.
ReplyDeleteWatch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czAJuidZnew