Like this article? rabble is reader-supported journalism. Chip in to keep stories like these coming.
Idle No More is certainly a movement in motion. From blockades to round dances to on-reserve educationals, while it may not be as visible as in the past, that doesn’t mean nobody is doing any work.
I only add that part in because I know a lot of detractors and just plain Internet-trolls have raised a clamour of the lack of visible action, not realizing that living in urban areas and large metropolitan centres is not the center of the universe (and I’m not just talking about Toronto here. No, seriously!)
Currently, Idle No More has decided that its next target will be focused on improving the lives of First Nation community members by attempting to fix the deplorable housing conditions of on reserve housing.
Nevermind travelling to a foreign country, Canada’s shame is right in our own backyard if you just take the time to look.
And that is part of the problem, no one is willing to look with these reserves far far away from Ottawa and the seat of power.
Out of Ottawa’s sight. Out of Ottawa’s mind.
This campaign is called “One House, Many Nations.” It aims to provide assistance to people living in desperate housing condition. It was sparked by Idle No More co-founder, Sylvia McAdam, based on the dilapidated housing conditions she found on her own reserve of Big River First Nation.
The Idle No More housing initiative which started two weeks ago is seeking donations through the fundraising site Indiegogo. With every $15,000 raised, the campaign states that it will be able to build one sustainable home.
The One House Many Nations Indiegogo page states that, “due to a series of past and present Federal government policy decisions to move towards austerity rather than address housing, the governments have cut back on housing programs. As a result, Turtle Island (Canada) is experiencing a growing housing crisis that encompasses all people; it’s particularly affecting Indigenous women.”
The right to adequate shelter in a treaty right and thus under the jurisdiction of the federal government, though due to the obvious neglect, the people have taken it upon themselves to seek better shelter as winter nears.
For this, I am not ashamed to admit that I am fearful someone is going to die and still no one is going to care.
*Photo by Sylvia McAdam
Like this article? rabble is reader-supported journalism. Chip in to keep stories like these coming.
Support rabble today!
We’re so glad you stopped by! Thanks for consuming rabble content this year.
rabble.ca is 100% reader and donor funded, so as an avid reader of our content, we hope you will consider gifting rabble with a donation during our summer fundraiser today.
Whether it be a one-time donation or a small monthly contribution, your support is critical to keep rabble writers producing the work you’ve come to rely on as a part of a healthy media diet.
Whether it be a one-time donation or a small monthly contribution, your support is critical to keep rabble writers producing the work you’ve come to rely on as a part of a healthy media diet.
Become a rabble rouser — donate to rabble.ca today.
Nick Seebruch, editor
