I think many of us who try to take on an allyship position struggle with knowing just what an ally is, if we are doing well enough in our allyship, and if we are seen in that light. I plan to put together a lesson plan for allyship, for those who would like to work in this role, improve in this role, or are just interested in learning, but it will not be until I take some real classes that directly focus on this. I may use the program at the college I graduated from, I just haven’t made a choice yet. As I recently attended a webinar that discussed some of this, when it comes to indigenous peoples, I decided to add this post about an ally toolkit shared during the webinar. This is from a free published PDF that does not belong to me, but much of what I write here will be paraphrased or pulled directly from it. As I usually do with such literature, I am providing a citation and link in the list at the bottom of the post. I recommend going to the link here: Indigenous Ally Toolkit and reading the publication. If you open it in Microsoft Edge there is even a reader that can read it out to you.
In the toolkit Dakota Swiftwolfe discusses how the term ally has become somewhat of an identifying term used to symbolize a token identity, a kind of badge indicating those wearing it are “one of the good guys”. Though there are multiple terms, whatever you call yourself, this pamphlet was written about the role for those who want to be an ally to indigenous people. It is more specifically directed towards those coming to Turtle Island in Montreal. Of course, this does have a lot of overlap for allying with other groups. As Dakota states, “being an ally is not a self-appointed identity and requires you to show your understanding through actions, relations, and recognition by the community.” I will start this off with the steps listed and discussion, then I will include several terms with definitions provided, and finally I will include several of the suggestions to avoid or to do. Again there are no hard fast rules to all this, it is an ongoing, never ending journey that should help you to learn and grow, working better in an allyship role, if you chose to continue, but it doesn’t end, you don’t become an expert or anything, and it isn’t about you.
- Step #1
Be Critical of any motivations.
If you decide to do this kind of work there are some questions you need to ask yourself: “Does my interest derive from the fact that the issue is currently “buzzing”?”
“Does my interest stem from the fact that the issue will meet quotas or increase chances of any funding?” “Does my involvement hijack the message and insert my own opinions or values instead of respecting those of the Indigenous communities?” “Am I doing this to feed my ego?”
This work is not for self interest or an extra-curricular activity. Still, there are things you can focus on and keep in mind while trying to ally with others. There are no hard rules to this, no tip to always follow at all times, but these suggestions can help to guide you in this journey. Work to actively support their struggle. Speak up, even if you’re scared. Transfer some of the benefits you experience from your privilege to those with less privilege. Acknowledge their conversation, their story is not about you. Equating or comparing their experiences to your own may help within yourself to build empathy, but stating or expressing that also takes the focus from them and places it on you.
This kind of work is about recognizing every person’s right to human dignity, respect, and equal access to resources. This goes beyond checking off an action list, it is not a competition, it is a way of being and doing. It means you need to self reflect by checking in with your motivations, as well as debriefing with community members in an ongoing continuing process. It should be a way of life, not a spare time, now and then activity.
- Step #2
Start Learning
Educate yourself on indigenous people. Educating yourself is an ongoing process. You will never be an expert, but you can always learn and grow, and you can work in allyship. Some good questions you can ask yourself in the learning process are: “How can I use this new information in my everyday life?” “What steps can I personally take to amplify marginalized voices that are too often silenced?” “What do I have and how can that be leveraged?” “How can I use my position & privileges to listen, shift power dynamics and take steps towards reconcili-action?”
Always remember that indigenous people are grandparents, parents, children, siblings, doctors, teachers, social workers, entrepreneurs, & artists – they are human beings. They are present and thriving in countries that expected them to die off and continue inforcing structures of oppression today- Indigenous people are resilient!
- Step #3
Act Accordingly
The work of being an ally is a lifelong process rooted in action. It requires humility and ongoing critical self-reflection. It isn’t a badge of honour, but it is a sign of privilege. To truly engage in allyship it is crucial to establish a direct line of communication. It could be a friend, acquaintance, classmate, co-worker or other community member directly involved or impacted by the struggles. It could also be through a voluntary position at a community organization. If you enter indigenous land acknowledge that you are a guest, recognize multiple nations exist on that land, and respect all their cultural protocols and traditions.
Ally Tool Kit Terms
Being an ally is about disrupting oppressive spaces by educating others on the realities and histories of marginalized people.
ACCOMPLICE
An accomplice works within a system and “directly challenges institutionalized/systemic racism, colonization, and white supremacy by blocking or impeding racist people, policies, and structures”.
CO-RESISTOR
Being a co-resistor is about standing together, as an ensemble, in resistance against oppressive forces and requires constant learning. It is combining theory and practice by establishing relationships and being deeply involved within a community that informs how one listens critically, understands an issue and influences the way they go about disrupting oppressive institutions and systemic systems.
FIRST NATION
First Nations are the descendants of the original inhabitants of Canada. Various nations, beliefs, & languages exist within this group. There are 10 First Nations in Quebec.
MÉTIS
The Métis are a post-contact Indigenous People. Métis refers to people with roots in the Red River community or other historic Métis communities. While métis refers to people with mixed Indigenous ancestry.
INUIT & INUK
Inuit is the term for Indigenous peoples from Arctic North regions of Canada, Greenland and Alaska. Inuit is the plural form, while Inuk is the singular form.
ANISHINAABEG
This is what the Algonquin people refer to themselves as. Their ancestral territories include regions in Quebec, but subgroups have migrated further West into Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.5 The word roughly translates to “the authentic people” or “real people”.
TURTLE ISLAND
This is the name given to North America by some Indigenous Peoples, such as the Iroquois, Anishinaabeg, and other Northeastern nations. The term originates from their various creation stories.
INDIGENOUS & ABORIGINAL
These are umbrella terms to include First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in Canada. Both terms are used internationally to define the original habitants of colonized countries, with Indigenous being the most favoured term. However, it is always respectful to be specific about the Nation you are referring to; use the term that they use to self-identify.
NDN
This term started off as online slang and is about First Nations reclaiming the word “Indian”. Only Indigenous Peoples can use this term.
KANIEN’KEHÁ:KA
This is what the Mohawk call themselves and roughly translates to “people of the flint”. They are also one of the original nations that called the island of Montreal their territory (Tiohtià:ke).
TIOHTIÀ:KE & MOONIYAANG
The Kanien’kehá:ka call Montreal Tiohtià:ke, which roughly translates to “where the boats/rivers meet”. The Anishinaabeg word is Mooniyaang; roughly translating to “the first stopping place”.
TWO-SPIRIT
Two-Spirit is an umbrella term that includes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trans/gender non-conforming identities and is what the “2S” stands for in LGBTQ2S. The term was intertribally adopted in Winnipeg during a gathering in the early 1990’s. Traditionally, people who were Two-Spirit were thought as being “born in balance” and held specific roles within their communities. The term is an act of resistance against settler colonial forms of sex/gender, meaning that only
Indigenous people can identify as being Two-Spirit.
SETTLER
This term is used to describe people whose ancestors migrated to Canada and who still benefit from ongoing colonialism. This could be also applied to “settlers of colour” but doesn’t apply when referring to people who are descendants of slaves, considering they did not come to this continent willingly. Keep in mind the various intersections of a person’s identity and how this translates into the types of privileges they are either afforded or withheld.
POW WOW
A traditional First Nations’ gathering and celebration of dance, song, socializing and honoring of a rich heritage. Not to be used to describe a meeting or group of people.
Things you should avoid
TERMS AND STATEMENTS THAT ARE NOT OKAY FOR YOU TO SAY:
• Indian
• Savage
• Half-breed
• Red skins
• Eskimo
• Squaw
“CANADA’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES” or “OUR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES”
The Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island are not owned by Canada or by any individual, which is the way the language makes it out to sound. Try to say “the Indigenous Peoples of what we now call Canada” instead.
“THE INDIGENOUS CULTURE”
This is too broad considering that hundreds of Indigenous communities, nations, languages and cultures exist within Canada. Instead of singular, try using plural forms instead. Even better, try being specific about the nation to avoid pan-Indigenizing. I.e. “My Kanien’kehá:ka friends from Kahnawà:ke” or “the many Indigenous cultures.”
“YOU’RE INDIGENOUS? YOU MUST BE AN ALCOHOLIC”
This is incorrect, perpetuates false stereotypes, and is a generalizing and discriminatory view to have. Even if you are referencing a joke you heard, just avoid saying this altogether.
“WHY DON’T YOU JUST GET OVER IT?”
Inuit were still being forcefully relocated well-into the 1950’s and First Nations were not allowed to vote in federal elections until 1960.9,10 The last residential school was closed in 1996.11 Today, Indigenous children make up over half of all children in child care.12 These recent acts of colonization did not happen hundreds of years ago and Indigenous people are still healing and dealing with oppressive structures. One does not recover from traumatic events overnight, much less systemic oppression that took place over hundreds of years and that continues to this day.
“CAN YOU AND YOUR PEOPLE FORGIVE MY PEOPLE FOR WHAT WE DID?”
Guilt should not be the main reason for why you want to be a part of ally work. On top of that, no one Indigenous person can forgive an entire population, nor are they the spokesperson for the entire Indigenous population. As you educate yourself, you may grapple with these feelings of guilt and that is completely normal but what are more important are the steps and actions that you take afterwards – not being forgiven.
“YOU PEOPLE WERE CONQUERED”
Surviving genocide is a revolutionary act and by saying this you are both condoning and celebrating genocide.
Things you should do
Ask what you can do
Build relationships based on mutual consent & trust
Workplaces & Organizations Should Do
Properly remunerating and crediting Indigenous people for their knowledge & time.
‘Passing the mic’ to Indigenous people at events, in the arts, in music, in film, in theatre, and in making decisions that affect them.
Recognizing that Indigenous Peoples have ownership, control, access, and possession of their information, knowledge, experiences, and stories.
Citations:
Pixabay image by Vicki Nunn
Montreal Urban Aboriginal Community Strategy Network by Dakota Swiftwolfe Indigenous Ally Toolkit
