This August 9th, we observe the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with a focus on “Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact.”
Wanuskewin balance and harmony four elements, fire, earth, air and water, are taught through the 6 directions of the medicine wheel.
South Great Grand Spirit Thunderbird, Okimaw Piyisiw rain, water
East, the sun, Kisikaw Pisim, warmth and light,
West Grandfather wind, Kisinipaw Otin, providing the four seasons,
North is Kisinipaw Pawkaw Mostos, the Spirit of the Buffalo.
The Sacred, the Great Spirit, Kici-Manitou is White above and
Mother Earth, Mamawow Nakwaimo Aski, is Green below.
These Indigenous groups, choosing isolation or new contact with the outside world, face distinct and often overlooked challenges. Their right to autonomy, as outlined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, is critical to their survival and well-being.
In Canada, the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities has been starkly represented in art exhibitions like Carey Newman’s Witness Blanket. This powerful collection of 880 objects, documents, and photographs reclaimed from residential schools and other institutions serves as a poignant reminder of the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples.
The exhibitions highlight the devastating effects of colonial policies, including the forced assimilation and trauma inflicted through residential schools and other forms of systemic oppression.
Artists such as Ruth Cuthand and Robert Houle have used their work to address these historical wrongs. Cuthand’s beadwork, reflecting the Swampy Cree term eh ateh pahinihk ahkosiwin (loosely translated as “sickness that is spreading to many”), vividly portrays the impact of diseases introduced by Europeans, like smallpox, which devastated Indigenous populations.
This devastation was not just physical but also deeply affected the social and cultural fabric of Indigenous societies. The spread of diseases like smallpox, measles, and tuberculosis, which Indigenous peoples had no immunity against, led to significant population declines and cultural disruption.
The effects of these diseases, alongside forced labor and exploitation during the fur trade era, are detailed in historical accounts such as James Daschuk’s Clearing the Plains. Daschuk’s work sheds light on the severe consequences of disease on Indigenous communities, including the loss of knowledge holders and the disruption of entire cultures.Despite these challenges, the resilience of Indigenous peoples shines through their resistance and recovery efforts. Art and cultural expressions play a vital role in documenting these histories and fostering healing.
On this International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, let us recognize the strength of those who continue to protect their rights and cultures while advocating for a future where their autonomy and well-being are fully respected and supported.
For more insights into these issues and ongoing efforts for reconciliation and healing, explore the Witness Blanket and other resources dedicated to preserving and honoring Indigenous histories and contributions.
An Apology, A Pill, A Ritual, A Resistance
Benefits to involving diverse cultural perspectives in projects
International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032)
International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development The “International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development 2024-2033” highlights the importance of embracing diverse ways of understanding the world and acknowledging how all elements of nature are interconnected. This decade focuses on integrating indigenous science and traditional knowledge with conventional scientific practices. It’s essential to balance the universal nature of science with the need to challenge and rethink traditional knowledge systems, fostering dialogue and collaboration among different types of knowledge.
Native American disease and epidemics
Project creates understanding about Indigenous teachings from the land
The untold story of the Hudson’s Bay Company
Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action
http://www.friendsareas.ca
For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park
For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
For more information:
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com
Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )
Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!
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United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
- Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
- Make it your own
- Spread the word about the UN Decade
- Let’s Bring Back Forests
- Let’s Green Our Cities
““Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker
Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life. 