POSTED ON June 10, 2020 BY admin
PADKOS NO 98
Recently we’ve seen some truly historic mobilisations in Canada, blocking railways and blockading ports. They are protesting against a proposed gas pipeline that would to cut through territories and waterways that are deeply significant for indigenous people there, especially for the Wet’suwet’en nation. What’s been especially notable about the protest movement is what Jon Langdon describes as the “convergence of Indigenous communities tired of being railroaded by government and industry, as well as climate justice activists tired of inaction by government in transitioning to renewable, non extractive energy production”.
We were looking forward to welcoming back Canadian/Ghanaian scholar-activist, Jon Langdon, for a padkos palaver to learn about, discuss, and connect with the rebellion. He’s been involved in front-line actions against the pipeline, and we had been planning an amazing interactive discussion about it here. However, his visit to South Africa has been canceled in light of the Covid-19 virus. We are really sorry not to get to see Jon, but delighted & grateful that he nonetheless agreed to look at creative ways of communicating with us from a distance.
Follow this link http://www.socialjusticeradio.onelouder.ca/shows/SJR/SJR_S7%20special%20podcast%20on%20Wet’suwe’ten%20and%20Stop%20Alton%20gas%20movements.mp3 to a podcast Jon has prepared for y’all with input from himself, as well as interviews he’s conducted for us with Robin Tress (Council of Canadians climate justice organizer, and Stop Alton Gas! Activist) and Dorene Bernard (Mi’kmaq Grassroots Grandmother and Water Protector). They’ve both been on the frontlines of that struggle! Also, listen out for some fantastic music alongside the interviews (credits below).
Check out your attached padkos document with three short articles selected by Jon for background on the issues. In the first, Patrick Quinn points out that, after armed police action against indigenous protesters, the “response across Canada has been swift and unprecedented”. One of those arrested, hereditary leader Karla Tait, said: “We needed to be present to call out to the land and give it a voice.” The second piece from Carlito Pablo, outlines the views of Mohawk-scholar Gerald Taiaiake Alfred who argues that for Canada, this is a “revolutionary moment” because it has brought together the power of indigenous nations with “the power of young Canadians who are committed to the environment and social justice”. The final article was written by a group of lawyers and legal academics and points up the “ongoing violations” against indigenous nations by a system of “Canadian Eurocentric Law”.
NOTICE: We also want to take this opportunity to announce that, because of the Covid-19 virus situation, we will not be doing any padkos-related gatherings till further notice. We’ll miss not seeing you and learning from you but, in the meantime friends, be safe, be smart, & be kind.
The River written by Coco Love Alcorn
Performed by Coco Love Alcorn and Karla Mundy and her Rhythm ‘n Roots choir, with solo by Noa Neuman Spivak
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCzZg5vwWS8
In your Language written by Betty Supple
Arranged by Rama DelaRosa
Video performance Sisters of Mercy choir members Aly Coy, Amanda Kimmel, Christina Chua, Erika Verlinden, Maria Robbins, Paula Johnson, Sylvia Graber, and Rama DelaRosa
Audio performance Sisters of Mercy choir members Amanda Kimmel, Christina Chua, Cora Robertson, Darlene Gage, Erika Verlinden, Leanna Boyer, Maria Robbins, Moss Dance, Mailyn Bergeron, Paula Johnson, Marianna Butler, Sharyn Carol and Rama DelaRosa
Audio recording by Rama DelaRosa
Audio mixing by Daryl Chonka
Filming and Video Production Sydney Woodward
Produced by Rama DelaRosa
url: https://youtu.be/N-f3EPZ7Hws?fbclid=IwAR2LUbzpI5JieT_4uc29Q0vlOgbloTv9NaaOpM_klLZdAttoA4CfldIn2J0
The Water Song
Brought forth by Mashkoonce Day, Wasaw Wahzhoo Banaise Dodem (Condor Clan)
Performed by Dorene Day, Waubanewquay, Marten Clan
Produced by Stephen Lang
url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks5IIzYX3t8
The Honor Song
This drumming song, commonly called “The Honor Song”, has become a very powerful song for the Mi’kmaq. Originally composed by Elder Katherine Sorbey, it was gifted to George Paul who then gifted it with Mi’kma’ki.
Performed by Shane Snook
url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNf1FLW7D0U
canadian pipline resistance resources