After seeing the film Avatar, the recent release by James Cameron dealing with allegorical Indigenous Peoples on an alien planet that humans seek to colonize, displace and finally eliminate in order to access the rich resources in their territories, a few reflections emerge. The first is a more than passing resemblance to the actual reality of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and beyond, the bounty of whose land and resources have cost them great suffering at the hands of colonizers and would-be-saviours. The second interesting element is to reflect on the state of actual Indigenous-colonizer relations, and the state of Indigenous resistance to the colonizing project.

This panel attempts to highlight community stories of struggle against dispossession and loss of land and culture. Government policies have long pushed Indigenous peoples to the margins of Canadian society in reservations and urban ghettos. However, Indigenous peoples have long histories of organizing to resist the loss of culture, land and livelihood both on the land and in the city. This occurs in both the fight to maintain traditional territories and the fight against homelessness. In presenting stories of community organizing, we want to recognize the work of Indigenous peoples in various places and the relationships between them.

Speakers:

Elder’s Welcome, Joanne Kakekayash, Potawatomi Nation

Men's Big Drum Circle

Keynote Speaker:

ARTHUR MANUEL, Neskonlith Indian Band of the Secwepemc Nation - “On Renewing Indigenous Resistance”