The colonization of North America began over 500 years ago. But the process continues today through government policies that actively create divisions within Native communities.

The devastation of Indigenous lands means a loss of culture for First Nations in Canada whose spirituality is grounded on the sanctity of Mother Earth. It also means their resources and livelihoods are squandered away, resulting in mass poverty. These processes of extraction produce hazardous waste, leaving the surrounding communities with the lingering health effects. Corporate interests are pursued over community consultation.

"Our number one enemy hasn’t change over the last 500 years," says Milton of the Blackfoot Lonefighters Society. "It’s called extermination."