Resistance or engagement? A pair of indigenous writers come to very different conclusions about dialogue with the white community.

Resistance or engagement? A pair of indigenous writers come to very different conclusions about dialogue with the white community. Wasase: Indigenous Pathways of Action and Freedom Taiaiake AlfredBroadview Press 313 pages, softcover soft��cov��er?adj.Not bound between hard covers: softcover books; a softcover edition.ISBN ISBNabbr.International Standard Book NumberISBNInternational Standard Book NumberISBNn abbr (= International Standard Book Number) → ISBN m1551116375 This is Not a Peace Pipe: Towards a Critical indigenous PhilosophyDale Turner Dale Turner is a character on the post-apocalyptic drama Jericho. He inherited Gracie Leigh's supermarket. He is played by Erik Knudsen.Dale is a teenage boy who lived in a trailer park with his mother and worked at Gracie's Market in Jericho, Kansas. University of Toronto Research at the University of Toronto has been responsible for the world's first electronic heart pacemaker, artificial larynx, single-lung transplant, nerve transplant, artificial pancreas, chemical laser, G-suit, the first practical electron microscope, the first cloning of T-cells, Press 182 pages ISBN-13:9780802080165, hardcover ISBN-10: 080208016, hardcover ISBN-13:9780802037923, softcover ISBN-10: 0802037925, softcover The specific significance we attach to the past influences how weconceptualize con��cep��tu��al��ize?v. con��cep��tu��al��ized, con��cep��tu��al��iz��ing, con��cep��tu��al��iz��esv.tr.To form a concept or concepts of, and especially to interpret in a conceptual way: the present and imagine the future. One provocativeapproach to the task of determining historical significance emphasizesthe idea that governments and citizens of contemporary nation-statesexhibit characteristics and forward priorities reflective of the"creation story" of their nation-state. The beliefs thatcitizens hold regarding the genesis of their nation-state and thestories that they have been told about the birth of their country have asignificant impact on the institutional, political and culturalcharacter of the country and the preoccupations of the people. Perhaps the nation-state that best exemplifies this theory is theUnited States United States,officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. . The creation story of America begins with Englishsettlers, searching for freedom and independence, who cling to Verb 1. cling to - hold firmly, usually with one's hands; "She clutched my arm when she got scared"hold close, hold tight, clutchhold, take hold - have or hold in one's hands or grip; "Hold this bowl for a moment, please"; "A crazy idea took hold of theeastern shores of a new land and persevere per��se��vere?intr.v. per��se��vered, per��se��ver��ing, per��se��veresTo persist in or remain constant to a purpose, idea, or task in the face of obstacles or discouragement. despite the constant threatand fear of Indian attack. If we follow the theory that such beginningshave thus influenced the development of the American nation, Americanscan then be described as a people preoccupied with threats to their wayof life and frequently motivated to act on their fear of perceivedoutsiders and enemies, be they Indians, British colonists, Africanslaves, slave owners This list includes notable individuals for which there is a consensus of evidence of slave ownership. AAbraham Anedjib (Egyptian Pharaoh) BSimon Bolivar, Latin American independence leader CAugustus Caesar , Spanish imperialists, communists or (in thecurrent context) Muslim terrorists and terrorist states. Themythological myth��o��log��i��cal? also myth��o��log��icadj.1. Of, relating to, or recorded in myths or mythology.2. Fabulous; imaginary.myth historical narrative of their nation-state has taughtAmerican citizens to fear perceived outsiders and regard them as threatsto their freedom, independence, and way of life. What of Canada and Canadians then? For many generations, Canadians have been told that their countrybegan as a fur trading fort. In seeming tribute to this genesis, fortshave been resurrected and maintained as national symbols and are todayubiquitous structures on the geographical landscape of Canada. Youcannot travel very far in Canada without encountering either a communitythat began as a fur trading post trading postSee post. or fort, a town or city that still usesthe official title of "Fort" in its current name, or ahistoric site of a fort recreated as a museum. These celebrations of thehistory of the nation have fostered the development of a nationallogic--delineated by the fort walls--of insiders (settlers) andoutsiders (Indians). The creation story of Canada continues to hauntcontemporary Canadian society by defining the terms according to according toprep.1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians.2. In keeping with: according to instructions.3. whichindigenous people and Canadians speak to each other about history,memory and society. Taiaiake Alfred, a Kanien'kehaka (Mohawk) from Kahnawa:ke andprofessor of indigenous governance at the University of Victoria, arguesin his recent book Wasase: Indigenous Pathways of Action and Freedomthat this colonial condition of insiders and outsiders has beeninstitutionally and culturally maintained by a convoluted bureaucratic bu��reau��crat?n.1. An official of a bureaucracy.2. An official who is rigidly devoted to the details of administrative procedure.bu and legalistic le��gal��ism?n.1. Strict, literal adherence to the law or to a particular code, as of religion or morality.2. A legal word, expression, or rule. system designed to assimilate Indians to Canadian norms.Now, some readers may immediately dismiss this argument as just anothercomplaint from yet another dissatisfied indigenous person looking toblame white people for all the problems of the world. Admittedly, thetheorizing of indigenous victimization victimizationSocial medicine The abuse of the disenfranchised–eg, those underage, elderly, ♀, mentally retarded, illegal aliens, or other, by coercing them into illegal activities–eg, drug trade, pornography, prostitution. has lately devolved into aninorganic process of indigenous accusation and white guilt "White guilt" refers to a controversial concept of individual or collective guilt often said to be felt by some white people for the racist treatment of people of color by whites both historically and presently. . I, too,wonder how the cult of victimization can provide direction for thefuture and ensure a good life for our children and grandchildren GRANDCHILDREN, domestic relations. The children of one's children. Sometimes these may claim bequests given in a will to children, though in general they can make no such claim. 6 Co. 16. . Whatis different about Taiaiake's reasoning in this book is the visionof the future that he describes. His main contention In both formal and informal logic, a main contention or conclusion is a thought which is capable of being either true or false and is usually the most controversial proposition being argued for. is that thenation-state of Canada, because it is founded on a lengthy colonialrelationship with the indigenous peoples The term indigenous peoples has no universal, standard or fixed definition, but can be used about any ethnic group who inhabit the geographic region with which they have the earliest historical connection. of the land, is institutionallydesigned to serve the interests of settlers and facilitate themaintenance of political, social and economic control on their terms.This preservation is always at the expense of indigenous societies andtheir ways. Thus, the government and citizens of Canada cannotcomprehend indigenous presence and participation; they can only imagineassimilation and reconciliation. Taiaiake calls for a complete rejectionof the current state of the relationships between the Canadiangovernment and the indigenous people in Canada. He does not want tonegotiate, reconcile and compromise with federal agencies andbureaucrats anymore. He sees it as the road to assimilation and theeventual extinction of indigenous peoples in Canada. The author callsinstead for a nonviolent revolutionary movement of Onkwehonwe (Mohawkfor "original people") resurgence inspired by the warriorspirit and the ancient Rotinoshonni (Iroquois) war ritual ceremony ofunity, strength and commitment called Wasase. Before outlining the specifics of this vision, however, Taiaiakehas some rather scathing condemnations of those people, mostly leaders,in indigenous communities who willingly play the assimilation game. Heterms this malady malady/mal��a��dy/ (-ah-de) disease. mal��a��dyn.A disease, disorder, or ailment.maladya disease or illness. "aboriginalism": "the ideology of theOnkwehonwe surrender to the social and mental pathologies that have cometo define colonized ColonizedThis occurs when a microorganism is found on or in a person without causing a disease.Mentioned in: Isolation indigenous existences and the inauthentic,disconnected lives too many of our people find themselves leading."To be "aboriginal" is to accept a subject-position constructedand defined by mainstream Canadian society that is really just anupdated version of Indian. Aboriginalism is a neo-colonial bureaucraticinvention that sets the terms according to which indigenous peoples canand will participate in Canadian society. According to Taiaiake, these aboriginalists practise shallow formsof tradition and culture in order to gain favour with bureaucrats andfunding agencies, and thereby gain elite status in Canadian settlersociety. They selfishly conform to Verb 1. conform to - satisfy a condition or restriction; "Does this paper meet the requirements for the degree?"fit, meetcoordinate - be co-ordinated; "These activities coordinate well" the political, legal and socialdefinition of aboriginal that has been received from the government ofCanada The Government of Canada is the federal government of Canada. The powers and structure of the federal government are set out in the Constitution of Canada.In modern Canadian use, the term "government" (or "federal government") refers broadly to the cabinet of the day and in the hope of getting ahead. Aboriginalists are naturally morepopular with mainstream Canadian society because they tend to be morecooperative and easier to understand than the more culturally authenticand principled Onkwehonwe. Thus, for Taiaiake, anyone who sells out inthis way is aboriginal, tamed, compromised and reconciled to colonialismand the inevitable assimilation of their people. This indictment amountsto a broad condemnation of any and all indigenous people who have viedfor any type of government-related sponsorship, recognition, funding oremployment. It is worth noting that this would include representativesof most tribal and band councils, the Assembly of First Nations and anyindigenous person working for a federal agency such as the Department ofIndian Affairs and Northern Development. For Taiaiake, they are nothingmore than tamed Indians hanging around the gates of the fort waiting forhandouts and a contrived feeling of legitimacy as official aboriginals.Curiously, the author seems to consider himself above the scourge ofaboriginalism, despite his position and employment. So what is an authentic Onkwehonwe to do? Taiaiake boldly writesthat "the transcendence of colonialism, and the restoration ofOnkwehonwe strength and freedom can only be achieved through theresurgence of an Onkwehonwe spirit and consciousness directed intocontention with the very foundations of colonialism." Thisresurgence will be led by men and women in indigenous communities wholive according to the ethical and spiritual principles of their peopleand are dedicated to the revitalization and strengthening of theircommunities. In describing the kind of person he has in mind for thistask, Taiaiake rejects the Hollywood version of the blood-thirstywarrior and instead articulates the Kanien'kehaka concept ofwarrior as one who carries the burden of ensuring peace and happinessfor the people. This warrior, a committed leader common to allOnkwehonwe societies, serves as a sacred protector of the ways of thepeople and embodies the discipline, integrity, courage, commitment andvision required to resist oppression. Taiaiake wants this traditionalconcept of the warrior to be resurrected in Onkwehonwe communitiestoday. These are the types of leaders needed to escape the defeatist de��feat��ism?n.Acceptance of or resignation to the prospect of defeat.de��featist adj. & n.Noun 1. trap of colonialism. "The ethos and ethic of the new warrior is tobe a free speaker, an independent and creative thinker, and to liveradical and direct action." Here Taiaiake reveals his impatiencewith those aboriginals who simply talk the talk of indigeneity but donot have the courage to live and lead according to those principles.These new warriors This article or section may contain original research or unverified claims.Please help Wikipedia by adding references. See the for details.This article has been tagged since September 2007. will lead the people in a process ofretraditionalization and inspire rediscovery Noun 1. rediscovery - the act of discovering againdiscovery, find, uncovering - the act of discovering somethingrediscoveryn → redescubrimientoof the authentic meaning oftheir existences as Onkwehonwe. They will learn to live again. The focus of the fight for the new warriors is the existingcolonial system, state laws and political structures that engender en��gen��der?v. en��gen��dered, en��gen��der��ing, en��gen��dersv.tr.1. To bring into existence; give rise to: "Every cloud engenders not a storm" andsustain aboriginalism. Inspired by Gandhian principles of nonviolent andcreative contention, as well as the words and struggles of indigenouspeoples around the world, Taiaiake's vision of Wasase--the newwarrior's path--"will be a struggle to get rid of our statusand identity as this continent's colonized Indians and to make realthe wisdom coming from the land and from the experiences of ourpeoples." Taiaiake calls this resurgent re��sur��gent?adj.1. Experiencing or tending to bring about renewal or revival.2. Sweeping or surging back again.Adj. 1. movement"anarcho-indigenism." The anarchic an��ar��chic? or an��ar��chi��caladj.1. a. Of, like, or supporting anarchy: anarchic oratory.b. Likely to produce or result in anarchy.2. aspect of this concept isfairly simple in theory: Onkwehonwe must refuse to live according to therules set by the colonial system and its institutions. They mustwithdraw their daily participation and cooperation with the state'spolitical and legal institutions. Taiaiake believes that such creativecontention is necessary to cause a crisis within the colonialinfrastructure itself, which will in turn bring about change and renewedopportunities to alter the spirit and intent of interactions between thegovernment and the Onkwehonwe. Of course, this anarchic movement will beinformed and guided by indigenous ethical principles and concepts offreedom, democracy, spirituality, relationality and justice. Thus,anarcho-indigenism theorizes mental and spiritual decolonization decolonizationProcess by which colonies become independent of the colonizing country. Decolonization was gradual and peaceful for some British colonies largely settled by expatriates but violent for others, where native rebellions were energized by nationalism. forall, and the emergence of a new social and political reality in Canadain which the ways of indigenous peoples are asserted and respected. Thefort, and its walls, will no longer determine the character and qualityof interactions between Onkwehonwe and Canadian society. With Wasase, a visionary manifesto intended to inspire unity anddecolonizing action in indigenous communities across North America North America,third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. ,Taiaiake theorizes an escape from the oppressive realities lived byindigenous people in Canada today. However, in making the transitionfrom theory to action, Wasase has some notable contradictions. This, initself, is not necessarily a problem. Indigenous wisdom traditionsrecognize the contradictory nature of existence and teach this throughthe so-called trickster trickster,a mythic figure common among Native North Americans, South Americans, and Africans. Usually male but occasionally female or disguised in female form, he is notorious for exaggerated biological drives and well-endowed physique; partly divine, partly human, stories. Building on the teachings of thesestories, the old people speak of dualities such as, say, good and evil,in terms of movement between the two extremes and acting to create a(temporary) balance. These issues are relevant to this discussionbecause many people have dismissed Taiaiake's work as parochial,preoccupied with Mohawk nationalism and racist. It seems contradictoryto promote a message of peace while also condemning the actions of whitepeople. Some more sensitive readers may understandably assume that thevitriolic references to white people and settlers in Wasase are intendedto denote adversary by skin colour. However, Taiaiake makes it clearthat his use of "white" refers to those in our society whocontinue to cling to a colonial mentality Colonial mentality refers to institutionalised or systemic feelings of inferiority within some societies or peoples who have been subjected to colonialism, relative to the mores or values of the foreign powers which had previously subjugated them. . Aboriginalists, for example,would be considered "white" for their submission to colonialstructures and logics. Remember, it is all about how one chooses to movewithin and between the extremes. But, then again, contradiction also reflects the complexity ofbeing indigenous in Canada today. The emphasis on legal and politicaldefinitions of Indianness coupled with the intense social and culturalramifications ramificationsnpl → Auswirkungen plof the Imaginary Indian has created a situation in whichthe people, still reeling from the devastating dev��as��tate?tr.v. dev��as��tat��ed, dev��as��tat��ing, dev��as��tates1. To lay waste; destroy.2. To overwhelm; confound; stun: was devastated by the rude remark. effects of colonization,yearn for an authentic understanding of who they are and what it mightmean. However, in advocating for the resurgence of an Onkwehonwe path,Taiaiake suggests that we can somehow free ourselves of colonialrealities just by acting in authentic ways. The truth is that mostindigenous societies are so deeply marked by colonialism that thepossibility of living day to day outside of those structures isillusionary. This does not discount the vital and ongoing work ofceremonial and spiritual leaders who have spurred the revitalization oflanguage and culture in their communities. However, most of these sameleaders realize that a commitment to live according to the ethical andspiritual principles of their people must be accompanied by awillingness to adjust those beliefs to the demands of living today.Rather than striving toward some form of unattainable authenticity, weshould instead be concerning ourselves with the ways in which indigenouscultural and spiritual principles can provide guidance on how to engageand teach the dominant society about balance, justice, peace and livingwell on the land. After all, as one Blackfoot elder advised, our teepeesare all held down by the same peg now. So, while Taiaiake's critique of aboriginalism is necessaryand relevant to his vision, it is also deeply dismissive of those of uswho choose to work in other ways. In doing so, he effectively alienatesmost of his target audience. Taiaiake clearly does not care if he hurtsour feelings--Wasase is intended to raise consciousness and spark asocial and cultural revolution--but his call to action disregards thediverse experiences, interests and goals of indigenous peoples in Canadatoday, as well as the fact that most already recognize and honour theirfundamental responsibility to work on behalf of their people. Thus, inthis case, diversity does not mean disunity dis��u��ni��ty?n. pl. dis��u��ni��tiesLack of unity.Noun 1. disunity - lack of unity (usually resulting from dissension) ; rather, it means that weare all doing our best, in our own ways, to make the situation betterfor our people. And we should feel comfortable doing so without havingto worry about passing as authentic. Here we can draw on the wisdom of an Anishnabi scholar, DaleTurner, to understand better how a collectivity might embrace diversity.In This Is Not a Peace Pipe: Towards a Critical Indigenous Philosophy,Turner contends that agreements between indigenous societies and liberaldemocratic governments are fundamentally flawed as partnerships of peacebecause liberal democratic societies are unable to accept indigenoussocieties and their traditions on their own terms. He shows thatliberalism, a political philosophy developed at the height of thecolonial project, is falsely universal and assimilatory in character.Like Taiaiake, Turner sees the perpetuation of colonial logics as amajor point of contention. However, Turner's philosophical visionfor working through this problem is much more pragmatic. He sees a rolefor word warriors--indigenous intellectuals well versed in Europeanintellectual traditions who can act as mediators between the indigenousphilosophers from their own communities and their non-indigenouscolleagues. Their specific role is to engage and contest Europeanintellectual traditions and advocate for their people at theinstitutional level. "It is these indigenous philosophers who willbecome our new Pipe Carriers." In provocative contrast with the ideas of Taiaiake, Turner arguesthat a withdrawal from existing institutions and structures wouldactually play into the hands of those who wish to perpetuate thecolonial system. He contends that word warriors, as the new pipecarriers, must address the existing asymmetrical relationship betweenindigenous philosophies and the political and legal traditions of theCanadian state. "The asymmetry arises because indigenous peoplesmust use the normative language of the dominant culture to ultimatelydefend world views that are embedded in completely different normativeframeworks." Turner uses the example of the Royal Commission onAboriginal Peoples The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) was a royal commission established in 1991 to address many issues of Aboriginal status that had come to light with recent events such as the Oka Crisis and the Meech Lake Accord. to substantiate this point. He notes that elders wereconsulted during the early stages of the commission process to providetestimony on cultural traditions and current struggles, but the finalword regarding the implications of these testimonials for existingpolitical and legal structures was reserved for government experts. Theelders were permitted to tell their stories, but their role asrecognized authorities was usurped when policy decisions needed to bemade. Turner's point is that if indigenous peoples vacate To annul, set aside, or render void; to surrender possession or occupancy.The term vacate has two common usages in the law. With respect to real property, to vacate the premises means to give up possession of the property and leave the area totally devoid of contents. thepublic domain and retreat to their communities, we run the risk ofcontinuing to let others interpret meanings for us and set the terms ofour existence. He envisions word warriors as individuals who work to endthis asymmetry by asserting indigenous philosophies and world viewswithin dominant legal, political and intellectual communities. Workingtogether with indigenous cultural leaders and indigenous scholars wellschooled in European intellectual traditions, they would foster astrategic movement dedicated to the recognition of our ways aslegitimate and necessary to the creation of a just relationship betweenindigenous peoples and Canadian society. On what terms can we speak? The work of leading indigenous scholarssuch as Taiaiake and Turner naturally focuses on addressing thisquestion in their own terms. When This Is Not a Peace Pipe is readalongside Wasase, the complex task of reframing reframing (rē·frāˑ·ming),n the revisiting and reconstruction of a patient's view of an experience to imbue it with a different usually more positive meaning in the the spirit and intent ofthe relationships between indigenous peoples and Canadians becomesmanifest. Some, like Turner, advise patience, mediation and dialogue.Others have decided that Canadian government officials are unable torecognize and respect the priorities and world views of the indigenouspeoples they claim to serve. They see no viable future for theircommunities with current policies and structures. Honouring this mood,Taiaiake rejects talk of reconciliation in Wasase and instead envisionsa much more combative com��bat��ive?adj.Eager or disposed to fight; belligerent. See Synonyms at argumentative.com��bative��ly adv. and revolutionary warrior that leads the people ona new path of indigenous resurgence. Despite the contradictions thatarise with this vision, Taiaiake Alfred should be lauded for imagining atime when the people will stand tall again. We know that many indigenouspeoples and communities are still struggling to come to terms with thesocial and cultural trauma wrought by upheaval, disenfranchisement dis��en��fran��chise?tr.v. dis��en��fran��chised, dis��en��fran��chis��ing, dis��en��fran��chis��esTo disfranchise.dis andeconomic dependency. Many generations have been affected. As always, itis the children who are suffering the most. Until this desperatesituation becomes unacceptable to Canadians and a major focus of publicpolicy discussions, we will see few changes. Wasase is a framework forchange that cannot be disregarded as mere rhetoric. It captures thefrustration and impatience felt by indigenous peoples across Canada Across Canada was an afternoon program that formerly aired on The Weather Network. The segment ran from early 1999 until mid 2002. The show ran from 3:00PM ET until 7:00 PM ET. andshould be studied and respected as that. Even if we are uncomfortablyimplicated im��pli��cate?tr.v. im��pli��cat��ed, im��pli��cat��ing, im��pli��cates1. To involve or connect intimately or incriminatingly: evidence that implicates others in the plot.2. in the admonishments and contradictions that arise. Dwayne Trevor Donald is a Papaschase Cree doctoral student at theUniversity of Alberta who lives and works in Edmonton.