Compromise The Great Indian Killer

Canada's Government has entered into an age of "Reconciliation" with the Indigenous people. The problem with this Reconciliation is it seems Canadians are not interested in Reconciliation with Indian people. It seems no one told the general public or the elected Members of Parliament or the Provinces about Reconciliation.  The Indian population has welcomed the opportunity for Reconciliation from Canada. Perhaps Canada can answer their question of  "what the heck does it mean, reconciliation?" And by the way where is this George Dixon everyone keeps talking about?

The answer seems to be a one sided equation with Industry, public and government sentiment becoming more and more anti-Indian. The racist rhetoric has been escalating. One retired Member of Parliament was so happy the sermon in his Church called for attacking Indian folks. He said time to go out on the range. He was practically giddy with the possibility of shooting Indians. The Provincial Premiers are calling for violence on Native people who are currently Land Protecting. In Canada a number of the People are setting up "blockades" to bring a stop to Pipelines going through Indian Land - Unceded Land.  This action by the Indians has caused white people (with Indians and People of Colour as well) to lose their shit.  Police are doing what Corporations expect them to do; move in with heavy artillery, full military weaponry, use the canines, bring out the batons, put on the combat gloves and smash those pesky Savages. How dare they inconvenience the real Canadians, the Old Stock Canadian?  

I attended a Gathering organized by Women some time ago; the theme was Standing in Our Truth.  The Women spoke of the system and how working in the system is not the answer. Breaking the system is the route to go for Indian people. No one paid attention to the words. The Indian leaders have been on a path of compromise. The slogan of "we have to work together is the mantra of many an Indian political group." There are going to be many people out there who want to work with the system. Regardless the system has been developed for their extermination, figuratively and literally. It is quite funny the leaders have not recognized the role of compromise in their own dispossession of their homes, their Lands. The Women at the Gathering see it. Unfortunately you can not be prophet in your own home. 

So what is the answer to the "Indian Problem?" I think there is no Indian problem but a Canada problem. Canada continues to tell the Big Lie. They want the population to believe Indians are the problem to you, the public, the tax payer, the good Christian, the Oil Patch worker, the everyday good Canadian. For Canada the "Final Solution" is to be rid of the Indian, even if it means by hook or crook.  While Canada continues on its route for complete dominance of the Indian, some Indians are eagerly assisting with the dominance. Canada is really living a lie. They want you to believe this Land is theirs, but deep down, they know, we all know, Canada has stolen and is stealing Land. That is really what is in play here. Canada can not continue to hide its lies and its beholding to Corporations.  But it is really strange we have people, our own people willing to help them? 

This Indian activist said it long ago when he reminded Indian folks to not forget what happened to the Indian Scouts who worked with the Calvary; they were loaded on the train along with the Indians who fought the government.  Canada does not see you. You are the Indian. You are not part of the Canadian equation. 

Shingus Sends Regards

I think about the scene in the movie 300, where the  Ephialtes  wishes to be a Spartan Warrior. Ephialtes is not able to be a Spartan Warrior, he does not have the skills. The rejected Ephialtes betrays King Leonidas and the Spartans. He is rewarded with fulfillment, meeting desires of women and riches by the enemy.  Ephialtes wants to be in with the Spartan Warriors/Leaders. He is not worthy of being a Warrior/Leader so they ask him to contribute in other ways. It is not enough for Ephialtes so he goes to Xerexes, the other side, the Rulers. Ephialtes has his desires fulfilled and he now champions for Xerexes. When Ephialtes comes to Leonidas all dressed in the finest clothes, gold and jewels and asks Leonidas to join them, Leonidas looks at him and says "May you live forever." To live a life as a traitor to your people is ugly. Ephialtes despite his jewels, gold, fine linen clothes casts a repulsive image. Live long with knowledge of who and what you are.  There are many Indigenous Leaders who continue to believe in the Canadian system. Regardless of the evidence, the past practices, the goals of the Regimes, some Natives will compromise their beliefs, their heritage, their People and their communities for the riches; "I want it all." 

Like Xerexes, the government will say we are going to kind and generous to you - as long as you kneel to them. Sadly there are many who will bend the knee.