Understanding Events Surrounding the Wet'suwet'en Lands Dispute
The recent protests at Tyendinaga and across southern Ontario in support of the Unistot’en camp on Wet’suwet’en territory have raised questions and a desire to more fully understand this situation for many of students, staff and faculty at Ontario Tech. The Reconciliation Task Force and Indigenous Education and Cultural Services (IECS) staff recognize that the Wet’suwet’en dispute represents an important moment in Indigenous-non-Indigenous relations in Canada. We see this as an opportunity to support community learning on Indigenous land relationships, historical background and contemporary issues that lead to such disputes, and address the lack of knowledge that often leads to racism and stereotyping, in tune with our mandate to fulfill the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Together, we offer several selected resources as “conversation starters” that will help you bring context to sound bites and reactive, often hurtful, comments on this issue. We hope that greater understanding will contribute towards building respectful, peaceful and mutually beneficial dialogue and relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in our community and across Canada.
As an Indigenous student, you may be feeling vulnerable. If so, please reach out for support to indigenous@ontariotechu.ca.
IECS programming, including cultural activities, workshops, speakers and film nights are open to all students in the Ontario Tech community. We also provide specific learning opportunities for faculty and staff. Visit the resources room at the Baagwating Indigenous Student Centre at 151 Athol Street East (beside the 61 Charles Street Building in downtown Oshawa) to learn more about Indigenous peoples, perspectives, histories and contemporary issues.
Resources
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Academic resources
The Ontario Tech Library has an Indigenous studies research guide containing resources to raise awareness and increase knowledge of Indigenous and colonial histories, and residential schools and their ongoing impacts. Visit the libraries at the north and downtown Oshawa locations and ask a librarian for more information, including books and films.
The below resources require signing into the Ontario Tech library:
Indigenous land and resource management rights
Indigenous Peoples in Canada; Environmental Issues
Indigenous Peoples in Canada; Land Claims and Rights
Treaties Recognition PlaylistOther academic resources:
Aboriginal Rights Claims and the Making and Remaking of History
From Treaty Peoples to Treaty Nation: a Road Map for All Canadians
Keeping Promises: the Royal Proclamation of 1763, Aboriginal Rights, and Treaties in Canada On Being Here to Stay: Treaties and Aboriginal Rights in CanadaThe Journey of Reconciliation : Understanding Our Treaty Past, Present and Future
The Right Relationship : Reimagining the Implementation of Historical Treaties -
Allyship
Indigenous Ally Toolkit (PDF)
The Indigenous Ally Toolkit from the Montreal Urban Aboriginal Community Strategy Network – by Dakota Swiftwolfe (content) and Leilani Shaw (design), and see the Toolkit for more contributors. This helps guide non-Indigenous people as allies with Indigenous communities.The Wet'suwet'en, Governments, and Indigenous Peoples: A 5 Step Plan for Reconciliation
In a series of short articles, Bruce McIvor of First Peoples Law explains the Wet’suwet’en lands dispute, why RCMP enforcement is problematic, and suggests a reconciliatory pathway forward. “The Wet’suwet’en, Governments and Indigenous Peoples: A 5-Step Plan for Reconciliation” February 20, 2020.Wet'suwet'en Supporter Toolkit 2020
Here is the Wet’suwet’en Supporter Toolkit including the history of the Unistot’en Camp. -
Additional background information
View the University of British Columbia's, Indigenous Foundations for short written articles on topics ranging from Indigenous lands and rights to identity to global issues.
Watch the CBC documentary hosted by comedian Ryan McMahon: Colonization Road: the path of reconciliation is long and winding, November 24, 2017.
View the University of Victoria’s, Indigenous Law Research Unit for videos explaining traditional Indigenous laws, and their contemporary relevance.
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Disrupting stereotypes
Disrupting Stereotypes from Indigenous perspectives
Dr. Jean-Paul Restoule and Dr. Angela Nardozi discuss “Disrupting Stereotypes” from Indigenous perspectives. This webinar addresses teachers, but we can all learn from it. October 23, 2018.Give the Wet'suwet'en space to conduct their law-making, away from barricades
Douglas Sanderson explains the differences between the roles of hereditary chiefs and elected chiefs on Wet’suwet’en territory, and suggests a pathway for dialogue. “Give the Wet’suwet’en space to conduct their law-making, away from barricades” February 24, 2020. -
In the news
Alderville First Nation statement
Alderville First Nation, a Mississauga community located south of Rice Lake, made a statement of peaceful support for the Wet’suwet’en and Indigenous land rights on February 28, 2020.Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief holds a news conference on Wet'suwet'en protests
Assembly of First Nations press conference with National Grand Chief Perry Bellegarde, and Chief Don Maracle of Tyendinaga, among others, discussing background and reasons for protests, and calmly calling for listening and dialogue. CPAC – Cable Public Affairs Channel, “AFN National Chief Hold Press Conference on Wet’suwet’en protests” February 18, 2020.Mississauguas of Scugog Island First Nation press release
Ontario Tech is located on the traditional territory of the Mississauguas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN). The MSIFN's press release explains why Indigenous people protect the land, and calls for dialogue overuse of force. February 26, 2020.Wet'suwet'en Conflict, Aboriginal Peoples Television Network
A helpful resource centralizing Indigenous perspectives on news and other issues is the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network – APTN. This is a link to their ongoing reports on the Wet’suwet’en situation.
