Over the past couple of days I have received a few inbox messages asking me to get involved in rallies or to lead a road block. Ive been asked if Im getting political again or if Im generally involved in the cause being led by #Elsipogtog First Nation. After a few deep breaths, heres what where Im at: Im trying really hard not to get too involved in the bullshit with the RCMP, gas and oil industry and the government- but it is really difficult when you hear the lies and see the tactics. Why am I trying to keep my distance? I have many reasons, but essentially I have expended a lot of emotional energy the past year arguing with my own people over the role of Chiefs, so-called grassroots, Idle No More intentions and Indian Act bull crap. So many are ready and willing to fight each other when we clearly have abusive enemies right in front of us, and quite frankly deleting and blocking gets trivial after a while. I empathize with our people who are out there trying to raise awareness, but I cant do another round dance when guns are being pointed at elders. If I were involved Id like to see us be more creative and turn up the political heat. If I were asked my advice heres what I would say: Gandhi proved that you can garner international attention without violence, even tho the ones on the other side use violence. Peaceful resistance can be powerful but it requires a great deal of commitment and courage, not sympathy. Dont seek pity from the general public, it comes across as weak and begging. If we want to make a difference we need to have resolve and conviction and accept that we are dealing with a racist government and ignorant corporate sponsors- this is knowledge that may need more attention, but it does not need to come as a surprise and it does not need to come across as a question- ie Why are they doing this to us? We know why- racism is a hateful disease that does not need to make sense to be real. No one should see us crying on the internet. No one should see us screaming and running from the RCMP when we are defending our own land- let them shoot if they want to shoot. If we believe in the cause then well stand by that cause and take it as far as it needs to go. But for crying out loud have a plan and be strategic. Dont just stand in the way and get arrested- instead, get a high profile, well protected person arrested- create attention through conviction and intelligent strategy, not through pity. We need to understand and accept that there is no straight line in war and yes, we have been at war with this government for some time now- but its not a typical war, its a war about strategy over land and citizenship. We must accept that everything we touch is funded through either the government or their corporate sponsors- all of us, not just Chiefs, not just Canadians and tourist, but all of us are victims of a capitalist lie. However, we must also accept that their money is not born out of thin air. They ride on the backs of hardworking people and they steal resources that dont belong to them. They create laws to protect corporations and and to keep people under control- then they site the rule of law when First Nation citizens call them out on their manipulative system. They are the masters in manipulation and lies- theyve been doing it for generations. Dont fight them with their strengths- use your own strengths. Channel your inner spirit. Channel your courage. Focus on truth and justice. Focus on your own convictions. Convince yourself that you will die for your cause because hell, we all have to die sometime why not die for something worthwhile. But....I digress, as I said, Im trying really hard not to get too involved. I dont have the emotional energy right now- perhaps Ill wake up on Monday morning and things will be different, but for now- Im going to do my best to do what the majority of our people are doing- support from the outside and try to find a way to make a contribution to the cause while working for a living. You may judge me and you may criticize me, but Im being as honest as I can be right now and thatll have to do. I know that we are not being as effective as we can be. I know that we are running on a hope and a prayer and I also know that hopes and prayers alone dont win wars. If I do decide to throw myself back into this fight like I did last winter- and I have not made that decision- I can promise you this, I will not get arrested without a plan, I will not participate in a public round dance unless its part of a ceremony or a strategy and I will not declare a hunger strike without accepting the concept of death. Have faith. Believe in your cause. Believe in yourself and believe in each other. Weve been through worse. Be safe and be smart. Love, peace and respect- Jode Kechego.
Posted on: Fri, 18 Oct 2013 23:42:29 +0000
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