So deeply honoured to have been specifically asked to participate in today's Symposium for Land Defenders.
On a short, much-needed break after Mskwaasin and Dr. Suzanne Shoush just broke everyone's hearts speaking about their experiences with the Freedom Flotilla.
More later.
Long day with lots to think about.
Hearing about what is happening in so many regions of Canada (and beyond) vis-à-vis Indigenous people and various governments and state agents was infuriating, but important.
I say again that it was incredibly touching to have people reach out to me as a non-Indigenous (North American) person and specifically request that I attend, as a result of putting in many years of legal support work at a wide variety of actions.
I hadn't thought about the breadth of actions I have attended, both as an LO and long before, but it really came home when one of the elders started to speak and I realized that I recognized her voice. From almost THIRTY YEARS AGO, when she was just beginning on her journey with healing and community.
What an amazing reunion.
Also, wtf.
How did we get to be "elder" age?
Still wrapping my head around the idea that my peers are now elders.
Of course I have many other thoughts about the day's activities and speeches, but I both need to ground myself and be mindful that this is one of the most heavily-surveilled communities in the country. Always has been.
Also: I love that Black and Indigenous people ALWAYS feed you.
A good day.
An important day.
Very glad I hauled my butt out on a cold, snowy Saturday morning to attend.
I'm still floored by yesterday.
So much that I can't talk about, but the one thing that I think impacted me most (which seems weird given the depth and breadth of important topics covered), is how:
One minute I was a young woman with a friend who was just embarking on a journey, and seemingly the next, she is the elder giving the teaching at an event I'm attending.
I've been aware for a long time how people do not age in our memory. There are people who I expect I will never meet again, who will be forever 16 in my brain.
I guess I should expect that to happen again and again. But it's still just so wild.
Gigi 🍄🟫
Hat. AuDHD cat 😷🌺🍉🌻🔻