We have recently witnessed a number of protests against the Olympic Torch Relay and the 2010 Winter Games by a tiny group of self-described “anti-racism” demonstrators who claim to be acting on behalf of Indigenous People in British Columbia. They claim to represent the traditional people whose lands have purportedly been devastated for the purposes of the 2010 Winter Games, and often cite grievances relating to Indigenous Peoples elsewhere in the province. These disgruntled few are doing their level best to put a damper on Indigenous pride and our newfound sense of shared celebration, shared success.
Let us be clear: They are not acting on our behalf. Not on behalf of the Four Host First Nations — the Squamish, Lil’wat, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh, who are the traditional owners of the territories in which the Games will take place and who are now working hard to make Aboriginal participation the defining element of the Games.
Some of the protest actions are deeply hurtful, deeply disrespectful to Indigenous Peoples and our sacred protocols. Never again will we allow outsiders to try to steal our voices, especially in our own territories.
We speak for ourselves now. Make our own decisions. Act in our own enlightened self-interest.
We are not naïve. Indigenous Peoples understand there is a wide diversity of opinion when it comes to the Games and the Olympic Torch. Everyone has a right to their opinion, a right to peaceful protest. We respect that.
But, in our view, some protesters are just plain wrong. Especially if they barge into our traditional territories with bullhorns and balaclavas, claiming to speak for us. It is ironic to hear non-Indigenous Peoples standing in our territories screaming – No Olympics on Stolen Native Land – as if the land they live on and carry out their daily business was not also stolen.
Perhaps some don’t understand the extent to which Indigenous Peoples respect each other’s territory. We would never barge onto someone else’s land to hold a protest or assume that it is okay to speak on behalf of other Indigenous Peoples. It breaks every rule of our Longhouse traditions, every rule of protocol and respect. It just isn’t done. We would never go to the territories of other Indigenous Peoples and criticize the people and their leadership.
Then, too, we suspect some of the protestors have not done their homework. Perhaps they don’t realize just how much Indigenous Peoples have, and will benefit, directly and indirectly, from the Games.
Consider that the FHFN are setting a notable human rights precedent as full partners in the planning and hosting of the 2010 Winter Games, as this partnership is based on recognition of our traditional territories, our right to be involved in decision-making over matters that may affect our traditional territories and our right to self determination. Our nations are basing their involvement on the assertion of rights and title.
We are also using this partnership to protect our traditional territories and sacred places, and to raise awareness about them as well as our protocols, languages, culture and traditions. We believe that these actions are in keeping with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and that this precedent will benefit Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia and around the world. We are not waiting for Governments, rather, our involvement in these Games, on so many levels, gives life to the Declaration.
Beyond these issues, there are other legacies associated with these Games for our people and for Indigenous Peoples across this country – employment, contracts, youth legacy funds – the list is extensive.
Little wonder we reject outside voices trying to speak on our behalf. Aboriginal peoples do not need to be reminded of the devastating social realities we see every day in our communities.
But some protestors are making a terrible mistake. By disrespecting our culture and the decisions made in our Longhouses, by barging onto our traditional territories, they are playing into the politics of appropriation that put us into this situation in the first place.
And they willfully disregard the facts. The overwhelming majority of Aboriginal peoples from across the country are supporting the 2010 Games in a groundswell of enthusiasm eager to take part. Filled with a newfound sense of pride that can only be described as transformative, they are eager to showcase their arts, culture and business skills to visitors from around the world.
We fought to participate in the Games. As full partners. We fought for the jobs. We fought for respect. We are determined to take every opportunity to change things for the better, to create a better life for our children.
Success builds on success. Making history, we will become the high-water mark for all future Games. Protest or no protest.
About The Four Host First Nations
The Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations are the owners of the traditional and shared territories in which the Games are being held, and they have used this opportunity to assert rights and title over the territories. This is the first time in history that Indigenous Peoples have been recognized as full partners in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and more importantly, the first time in history that the IOC and the Organizing Committee have recognized and respected traditional territories.
This news release was published on the Four Host First Nations website on February 15, 2010.
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