I recall many years ago in my search for identity, I heard a teaching saying that we are all connected. My colonized mind questioned this, as I thought we were all individuals. I was assimilated through the education system to have linear thinking and to believe we were all our own individuals. I didn’t question these western ideologies as I was a walking example of a colonized person. It was not until I started my post-secondary education, that I started to learn my culture and identity and questioned these western ideologies. As this self discovery began to challenge my values and beliefs, I started to dig deep for cultural identity and more information on this concept that we are all connected.
First Nations methodologies state that we are all interconnected, what happens to one person then ripples out, and impacts those around them. The Elder stated, “The hurt of one, is the hurt of all. The honour of one is the honour of all. It is a concept of deep ecology and the interdependence of all living things.” This teaching caused a paradigm shift in my perspective. It impacted my decision making as I began realizing that my actions impact those around me, especially the ones I loved.
Fast forward to today, I keep this teaching in mind when I’m thinking about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. Many non-Indigenous people feel that these recommendations do not and will not impact them.
This is not the case. On Sept. 30, the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, a CBC reporter asked me, “Why is today important for all Canadians?”
My response was, “The honour of one is the honour of all.” I explained, “When Indigenous people succeed, this impacts all Canadians. If we are provided adequate resources and the government honours the treaties, we can prosper and continue to rebuild our Nations.” I added, “This will address the over-representation of Indigenous people in the justice system, the healthcare system, and Child and Family Services, to name a few. Addressing these issues will result in healthy families and communities. For example, healthier families and communities may help address long wait times at hospitals. It will address the very high cost of incarcerating people, and that funding can go to community programs such as sports and recreation. We all win.”
The positive outcomes are endless, but we cannot wait for the government to relinquish control without allies. All Canadians need to start putting pressure on their elected officials to honour the Treaties and the TRC’s Calls to Action, UNDRIP, and MMIWG2S’s Call to Justice. To conclude, when Indigenous people succeed, all Canadians succeed. The honour of one is the honour of all.
Chantell Barker
Getchi Nodin Ikwe