Guest Commentary

"Idle No More" Has Energized Us Through A Ripple Effect

Dr. LaNada War Jack in Native Condition. Discussion »

The spirit of "Idle No More" has brought worldwide attention to the peaceful Canadian First Nations struggle! Not since the ghost dance has round dancing and singing caused such an energizing ripple effect.

Dr. LaNada War Jack – Shoshone Bannock

While the Canadian government and Her Majesty, the Queen, are prospering off Indigenous lands and natural resources, First Nations people are struggling to survive in extreme poverty, unhealthy living conditions due to injustice, and institutional and environmental racism.

Prime Minister Steven Harper's government unilaterally changed treaty agreements and laws to legitimize their land and resource theft through Bill C-45. This law paves the way for tar sands, oil pipelines, hydraulic fracking, mining and timber operations and dams. The end result will leave death, destruction and pollution of land, water and life throughout Canada. This rape of the land has the potential to continue into the United States. The same scenario of First Nations plight for survival is echoed throughout the United States, Mexico, South America, and around the world.

Flash mob round dances of "Idle No More" in city malls throughout Canada, coupled with the spiritual hunger strike by Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat Nation, spread like wild fire throughout all of Canada and America, which evoked world-wide support.

As Indigenous people, we were always told to watch the plant and animal life. If they are dying, we are next.

We need to continue with strength and unity. Together with the drum, our dances vibrate with the heartbeat of our Mother Earth. Our songs, which come from our hearts and souls, carry our voices that flow into the air on light generating signals that nourishes us and maintains balance for land and life. This great energy encoded into the songs and dances by our ancestors are here to help us throughout time. They are - in themselves - very powerful. The round dance is the original ghost dance. "Ghost" is an English word and for Indigenous people, it would be interpreted more like "Spirit."

We know that the spirit is alive in everything and we are all instantly connected and affected.

Our ancestors can't help us unless we are positive, envisioning peace and friendship worldwide. We can start by personally practicing it and not allow hate, bitterness or revenge to bring any negative energy.

Stay away from "I" the ego and allow the matriarchy to take her place in recognition and respect for the "Mother Earth."

Envision and concentrate, as you are singing and dancing, crystal pure and clean flowing water in the rivers, the beautiful mountains and clean air and sky, strong thriving plants and animals, everything pristine and our people alive and happy.

We all have our contributions and gifts as individuals, tribes and nations. We are like a patchwork quilt - that once all our pieces are put together - we have one great beautiful blanket.

Unite for peace and happiness! Pishau ee sutehai means "good blessings to you!

Dr. LaNada War Jack – Shoshone Bannock, formerly LaNada Means, is the president of Indigenous Visions Network. She was a student leader at UC Berkeley and organized the Third World Strike - which ultimately led to the development of the Ethnic Studies Program at Cal. Dr. War Jack along with Richard Oakes, co-organized the takeover of Alcatraz in November, 1969. She has written an upcoming book on the history of the Alcatraz takeover.

posted January 9, 2013 8:20 am est