​It is widely recognized that the dominant economic model of exploitation and domination of people and the planet is unsustainable and destructive to all life. The ship of global imperialism and colonization has hit an iceberg. While the majority of the world's inhabitants suffer the consequences of runaway capitalism and globalized war-making, the very few on the upper decks continue their party with business as usual, blissfully ignoring the realities. 

In this somewhat aggressively titled series, "Indigenize or Die," we will deconstruct the myths of the dominant culture, explore a more truthful historical perspective and how that manifests today. Then, through the lens of decolonization and re-indigenization, we will explore together possibilities for an ecologically sustainable and socially-just way forward. We ask, how can we ensure the survival of complex life on this land in accordance with its legitimate laws and the laws of Nature?  

The intent of the series is to weave an understanding of history and current reality into developing a practical "go forward" plan for this land. We will be joined by other Indigenous people from both here and elsewhere around Mother Earth throughout the year. 

Wendy Phillips is Ojibwa of the Bald Eagle clan of Wasauksing first Nation. Having been taught by the elders in the oral tradition has enabled her to take on the spiritual role of Ahnikgokon - one who works for the spirits. She is a Seer, Pipe Carrier, Sweat Lodge Conductor and a Traditional Healer, with the responsibility for knowledge of creation stories, calendars, prophecies, leadership, clan, traditional governance, women, men, relationship, marriage, rights of passage and medicine wheel teachings.

Wendy also holds a Masters degree in Environmental Studies and is academically qualified in Indigenous studies, business administration, career counselling and life skills coaching amongst others. She has held management positions in a wide range of organizations, most recently as executive director of Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre.

This unique set of education, skills and experience has enabled her to help many people maintain their spiritual, physical and mental well-being. Her journey has allowed her to share the traditional knowledge, conduct ceremonies, educational, cultural awareness workshops for secondary, post-secondary institutions, the private and pubic sector within Canada and USA.  Her stated hope is to help future generations to preserve our traditional knowledge

Kevin Best has focused on how to create a just and sustainable society through activism, innovative business and restoring Indigenous society for over four decades. Of mixed heritage, through adoption he self-identifies as Anishinabeg of the Martin Clan. He has worked with Indigenous people throughout Turtle Island, consulted with Greenpeace and pioneered green energy in Ontario. He is currently working on a start-up called Odenaansan (Village or “the little places where my heart is”), an integrated, culturally-based approach to restoring Minobimadzin (the good life) through sustainable food, energy, housing and water in Anishinabe communities. Passionate about decolonization and re-indigenization, he is committed to spreading understanding of these life-giving possibilities. He has recently joined Mayor Wilson as a Consulting Partner.

TORONTO – What do we really know about Indigenous Peoples outside of movies and history books? Why do we call them “native” in the first place? What is their version of the so-called discovery of Turtle Island, otherwise known as Canada? What is their relationship with the land like?

A new monthly series of workshops provocatively titled Indigenize or Die – alluding to the urgency of global warming – will attempt to answer these and other questions on the last Wednesday of every month. Indigenous speakers from around the globe will share their own cultural experiences and knowledge and discuss ways to move toward an ecologically sustainable future from a political, spiritual and practical point of view.

More than 30 people attended the first event on Wednesday, Feb. 3, at the Peace Lounge, inside the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, at 252 Bloor St. West, in Toronto.

Ka'nenharíyo Lefort, a Kanyenkehaka (Mohawk) man, and Kevin Best hosted the inaugurating event.
They opened the series discussing the culture, traditions and history that existed on Turtle Island long before European contact.

For instance, “this city is called Aterondo,” said Lefort, a Kanyenkeha (Mohawk) language and culture instructor at Queens University who also holds an Honours' Degree in Indigenous Studies at Trent University.
“This was a trading point for all the different Onkwehon:we (original peoples), as well as travellers that were coming from the northern portion of Lake Superior. So it's been a multicultural city for hundreds and hundreds of years.”

The event was organized by Natalie Zend, one of three co-hosts of Unify Toronto Dialogues, a monthly dialogue series focused on sustainable living, and Rehana Tejpar, co-director at bloom consulting, a team of facilitators helping others organize their own creative projects.

Near the end of the event, the multi-ethnic audience joined in the conversation with the speakers to discuss the difference between settlers and immigrants.

“An immigrant comes to a land to find a place to integrate, to be a part of the existing culture,” LeFort said. “A settler is someone who comes and settles or, in the case of Canada...occupies. The majority of Canada is an occupied state.”

The night ended with everyone sitting in a circle and sharing their own visions of what the future may look like.

“People sharing resources...and territories,” said one person.
“A revolution in how we build homes,” said another.
“Changing our relationship with control,” a third shared.

The event began around 6:30 p.m. and ended by 9.

“We invite you, over the course of the year, together to learn – for the current settlers – how to be real immigrants,” said Best, who's been involved in restoring indigenous culture and knowledge for over four decades through activism and innovative business ventures. “And to change the relationship with the people of this land and with the land itself, in order to move to a different kind of future, one that isn't killing us.”
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The next meeting will be on Wednesday, Mar. 2.

Graphic recorder Patricia Kambitsch (playthink.com) with her harvest of the evening (see detailed photos below.)