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There has been a lot of very warranted attention on First Nations issues lately, particularly following the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Report.
While I don’t wish to dwell on the past or the conditions of our communities, the truth is that the Algonquin Nation has been virtually invisible in the heart of Canada’s capital, and it is fair to say that First Nations and non-First Nations people do not know each other very well in this region.
Reconciliation will require a new and positive way for both cultures to relate harmoniously and collaboratively, creating a sense of togetherness of which few examples exist today to be inspired by.
Yet one such example is emerging right in the core of the National Capital: Zibi, expected to be the world’s most environmentally and socially sustainable community.
With the deep connections and inroads that are being built between Windmill Developments and the Algonquin-Anishinabe communities, Zibi is a precedent-setting and landmark opportunity for a new model of collaboration.
Through arts, culture, jobs, training, youth mentorships, and the formal recognition that the site is on unceded Algonquin territory, Zibi will be a meaningful and authentic manifestation of the influence and presence of the Algonquin Nation in the heart of the nation’s capital — a vibrant living space and development model that encourages cross-cultural integrity and inclusion.
Windmill has offered a hand in friendship and we have accepted it. By choosing to partner on Zibi, we are proud to exercise our community’s right to self-determination, as enshrined in Article 3 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which states that indigenous people are free to pursue their economic, social and cultural development.
Unfortunately, there are some who doubt the ability of Algonquin-Anishinabe to make decisions in the best interest of our people.
I speak of a small but vocal number of groups and individuals that have come out speaking against the Zibi project, purportedly on behalf of the Algonquin-Anishinabe. I note that most within this movement are not First Nations, let alone Algonquin, yet they are aggressively advocating for the conversion of the Zibi land on Chaudière and Albert Islands to park land, and returned to the stewardship of the Algonquin people.
Ironically, the groups and individuals behind this campaign have not consulted the Algonquin-Anishinabe community before taking this position on our behalf. Had they consulted us, we would have asked them to support our decision to partner with Windmill: a decision made by Algonquin Anishinabe for Algonquin Anishinabe within Algonquin Anishinabe territory.
Instead, they criticize and demean people and the positive relationships developing between cultures, and they do so in our name. They even fundraise to support what is in reality ‘their’ cause.
Perhaps these groups do not realize their aggressive lobby campaign undermine ‘our’ right to self-determination.
To see Zibi as simply a greedy condo project, a meagre job generator or a dubious financial transaction is to miss the bigger, more positive story of reconciliation. Working in partnership with the private sector is the only option that can deliver true and lasting benefits to current and future generations (see http://www.zibi-i-site.ca).
In today’s spirit of truth and reconciliation, our people are eager to heal from the past and rebuild a positive relationship between First Nations and non-First Nations. Non-First Nations who want to support us in this endeavour (and I believe this to be the majority) need to seriously evaluate whether their actions help or hinder.
Kirby Whiteduck is Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, situated on the shores of the Bonnechere River and Golden Lake in Renfrew County, Ontario. Among other pursuits, Chief Whiteduck is the author of Algonquin Traditional Culture, published in 2002. His book details the traditional culture of the Algonquins of the Kitchissippi Valley at the early period of European contact.
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While I don’t wish to dwell on the past or the conditions of our communities, the truth is that the Algonquin Nation has been virtually invisible in the heart of Canada’s capital, and it is fair to say that First Nations and non-First Nations people do not know each other very well in this region.
Reconciliation will require a new and positive way for both cultures to relate harmoniously and collaboratively, creating a sense of togetherness of which few examples exist today to be inspired by.
Yet one such example is emerging right in the core of the National Capital: Zibi, expected to be the world’s most environmentally and socially sustainable community.
With the deep connections and inroads that are being built between Windmill Developments and the Algonquin-Anishinabe communities, Zibi is a precedent-setting and landmark opportunity for a new model of collaboration.
Through arts, culture, jobs, training, youth mentorships, and the formal recognition that the site is on unceded Algonquin territory, Zibi will be a meaningful and authentic manifestation of the influence and presence of the Algonquin Nation in the heart of the nation’s capital — a vibrant living space and development model that encourages cross-cultural integrity and inclusion.
Windmill has offered a hand in friendship and we have accepted it. By choosing to partner on Zibi, we are proud to exercise our community’s right to self-determination, as enshrined in Article 3 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which states that indigenous people are free to pursue their economic, social and cultural development.
Unfortunately, there are some who doubt the ability of Algonquin-Anishinabe to make decisions in the best interest of our people.
I speak of a small but vocal number of groups and individuals that have come out speaking against the Zibi project, purportedly on behalf of the Algonquin-Anishinabe. I note that most within this movement are not First Nations, let alone Algonquin, yet they are aggressively advocating for the conversion of the Zibi land on Chaudière and Albert Islands to park land, and returned to the stewardship of the Algonquin people.
Ironically, the groups and individuals behind this campaign have not consulted the Algonquin-Anishinabe community before taking this position on our behalf. Had they consulted us, we would have asked them to support our decision to partner with Windmill: a decision made by Algonquin Anishinabe for Algonquin Anishinabe within Algonquin Anishinabe territory.
Instead, they criticize and demean people and the positive relationships developing between cultures, and they do so in our name. They even fundraise to support what is in reality ‘their’ cause.
Perhaps these groups do not realize their aggressive lobby campaign undermine ‘our’ right to self-determination.
To see Zibi as simply a greedy condo project, a meagre job generator or a dubious financial transaction is to miss the bigger, more positive story of reconciliation. Working in partnership with the private sector is the only option that can deliver true and lasting benefits to current and future generations (see http://www.zibi-i-site.ca).
In today’s spirit of truth and reconciliation, our people are eager to heal from the past and rebuild a positive relationship between First Nations and non-First Nations. Non-First Nations who want to support us in this endeavour (and I believe this to be the majority) need to seriously evaluate whether their actions help or hinder.
Kirby Whiteduck is Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, situated on the shores of the Bonnechere River and Golden Lake in Renfrew County, Ontario. Among other pursuits, Chief Whiteduck is the author of Algonquin Traditional Culture, published in 2002. His book details the traditional culture of the Algonquins of the Kitchissippi Valley at the early period of European contact.
查看原文...
