After 18 months of learning from numerous indigenous educators, wisdom keepers, elders, and several recent ceremonies, we come to a crossroads where we are called to decide on a next course of action. At the Talking circle on Wednesday 30th August we gathered to discuss the way ahead for the movement, how have we (that is, allies) been changed in our personal decolonization? How are we changing our own cultures through respect and restoration of original indigenous principles? How might we be allies to an Indigenous Toronto and Canada going forward?
​
We were pretty happy with the turnout and very much with the level of depth and engagement. We’re in a process of drawing a community of spiritual sisters and brothers sincerely drawn to supporting the 7 Generations. Since this is 140 years or so, we ought to start considering this a community of cultural foresight as well as support for the balance of our ecologies and people in the near term.

While this initiative is extraordinarily life affirming, without the support of a large segment of non-Indigenous people, we won't collectively transition to a way of life in harmony with our Mother. Indigenize or Die is proposing to build this support base of allies from the ground up - community or neighbourhood based, Indigenously led talking circles of people committed to creating a socially just, ecologically sustainable and spiritually fulfilling world -- leading to a broad based gathering of allies who together with the Indigenous women decision-makers will be a force for change.

The image below captures the highlights from the discussion.
​

Over the past 18 months, the curated monthly series of  Indigenize or Die has evolved from being largely conceptual (either we as a society adopt an indigenous world view of interconnectedness and reciprocity with all life or we won't survive) towards a trajectory that is increasingly active in building life affirming pathways for the continued well being of the water, land and future generations. Our process has enabled connections with such groups as Naadmaagit Ki (Helpers of the Earth), Toronto Parks 40 year revision and a leader of the Mississaugas of New Credit - the legal rights holders of the land upon which Toronto now sits. Each of these has led to progressively greater opportunities for decolonizing and re-indigenizing Toronto.

At this point we are turning toward serious reflection on our purpose and opportunity as a learning group. We see that the next steps are necessarily to move toward taking action on our commitments, on becoming true allies in  the movement toward reconciliation (e.g., acting on the TRC) and cultural regeneration, not only for justice for  Indigenous peoples but for the future of us all.

While we recognize the necessity of decolonization, many non-indigenous observers wonder about how we can participate authentically, in a good way, and especially how we can be effective allies without inadvertently colonizing.. This discussion was a step towards becoming effective allies in support of this rapidly evolving indigenous-settler relationship.

Welcoming the Mother Earth Water Walkers & Great Lakes Canoers on Toronto Island.
Saturday July 1st

​The ceremony was a great success, despite some delays and rain. Here's a link to the Toronto Star photos by Alex McKeen https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/07/01/in-photos-honouring-the-water.html

​We were greeted by the Arythmics band who accompanied us to the beach and ceremony fire circle. As the Picking Up the Bundles canoe approached, Josephine went out to greet Edward George, leader of the journey who has been keeping pace by canoe with the Walkers all the way. The beautiful ceremony was led by Deb Danard with Grandmother Waterwalker Josephine Mandamin and Edward.