by Giibwanasi

This track conferred mostly about the land under siege within Southern Ontario, one person spoke briefly, but passionately about the mountainous regions in The Philippines under attack as well. After the speakers shared their experiences, feelings, and thoughts in regards to the struggles of land defending, the group took a short break. After lunch, we gathered again and broke off into two smaller groups to discuss future steps.

Kanonhstaton, otherwise know as the Douglas Creek Estates Reclamation within what is known as Caledonia, started in 2006 and continues to this day. Within this group, 4 different representatives spoke about their involvement, the prevalent issues at the height of the reclamation, and how matters have evolved and persisted since then. A union member that has supported Kanonhstaton and other issues within The Six Nations Reservation highlighted the importance of Trade Unions showing solidarity and recognizing the parallels within worker’s and land defender’s struggles.  Three community members expressed the anguish, racism, and resentment they experienced. They described land defending as if it were similar to engaging in war, depicting long-term conflicts between colonists, imperialists, and oppressors that resurfaced during the height of the reclamation in 2006. The message was that the opposing forces were and are breaching treaties and disrespecting historic agreements set up between nations. Community members also spoke about the various reactions and interactions between the O.P.P. and the community members of Caledonia. Many people did unite together during the reclamation and have continued their relationship, so that Kanonhstaton  can still remain a “Protected Place” to this day.

One representative from the Treaty 3 region described her experiences, the challenges her community has faced and the struggles they continues to encounter. She expressed the frustration of land defending in the remote location where her territory is located. People have been bombarded with empty promises and sometimes even threatened to surrender their right to the land and resources. The speaker was able to invoke some inspiration because she single-handedly shut down a project, and ceased the destruction of some land. She also noted that in order to continue resisting assimilation, land theft, and cultural genocide, unity, resources, education, and outside support is crucial.

Another man shared the ongoing conflicts within the Philippines. The government allows industries to annihilate the land, claiming that the expending of resources will strengthen the economy and employment rates. He described the invasion of lands that were used by the people for all aspects of survival, and that most areas will no longer adequately sustain the groups of people they once did. It was obvious that he was grateful for the solidarity and unity ILPS has created and the need for continued global communication and involvement. He again highlighted the necessity of maintaining relationships between all nations so that land defending can remain united,and find comfort in the fact that they are not struggling alone on this earth.

After a lunch break, the assembly of people split into two so there were smaller groups of people to brainstorm and develop themes and ideas. During discussion we established the relevant concepts of Community Power, Preparation, and Direct Action which are sustained by a foundation of resistance and the spirit of resurgence. Building community power is attained by developing and maintaining treaty relationships and  fulfilling nation-to-nation agreements. Such agreements such as the One Dish, One Spoon and the Haudenasaunee-Anishinabek Friendship Belt must be re-visited and honoured. Preparation lies heavily in education, spreading awareness, constant communication, consolidating resources and mobilization. A rally or similar event may only last for a couple hours on one day but the preparation involved beforehand is most important and will determine the success of any campaign or initiative. Direct Actions can occur once community power develops and strengthens along with the imperative preparation. Direct Actions against Line 9, and acts of solidarity with peoples on the west side of Turtle Island were some current issues brought up. Shutting down pumping stations, blocking railways or highways and rallying outside parliament can be useful tactics in voicing concerns and involving the general public.

The other group discussed the possibility of physically joining their groups together, and experience the respective communities first-hand. The people from the Philippines and Northern Ontario both experience the pressures and results of open pit mining.  It was discussed that Filipino communities who have experiences with mining (such as Bayan Canada), can go up into the Northern regions of Ontario and speak of the negative experience they have had.  If monetary funding allowed it, there could be an exchange where Indigenous people who are being offered mining opportunities, to travel to the Philippines to see the devastation first hand.  The ILPS “Commission in Support of Indigenous Peoples” would take on the responsibility of organizing the logistics.

Overall Track 4 brought many issues to the surface, and educated the entire group on various struggles. It was a great avenue for highlighting the similarities between different land reclamations and land defending campaigns. In breakout groups people were able to concretely determine themes and emphasize that resistance and the spirit of resurgence are imperative to land defending.

Canada, Environment, Indigenous, Toronto