13.2.10

2010 Olympics Token Tribute

 
No Olympics on Stolen Lands logo

Last night while the Olympic ceremonies were being broadcast, I was left thinking of bigger issues; like the genocide of First Nations people in Canada. I had just watched Niigaanibatowaad: Frontrunners which discusses one link of sport and residential abuse.

The movie (which evolved from a play) follows Thomas through his experiences in residential school and his subsequent guilt and pain. This film brings to light the effects of residential school. Thomas was selected to participate as a runner in the 1967 Pan Am Games in Winnipeg. In 1999 he was honoured at the opening ceremonies for the Pan Am Games and was apologized to for his experiences in residential school.

I left the film heavy-hearted as I think of the genocide of First Nations culture in residential schools and residual effects it has left for generations to come. My father had attended residential school and committed suicide way before there was any sort of apology given to his generation. I know I am still dealing with the affects of the residential school that he attended; I lost contact with my culture for many years and I am only now starting to regain it back.

So when I watched the Olympics opening ceremonies after the original broadcast I did feel proud that Native peoples were being included and celebrated in the production. I also am happy that it is the first time Indigenous people have been recognized by the International Olympic Committe as official host partners in any games.

But I can't help feeling like it's a little token. There is not doubt that Canada doesn't want to share it's long legacy of genocide toward the Native people of this country. This is why many Native people are asking for attention to our issues today, especially our stolen lands. The effects of this colonization are very much alive today. We have so many health, poverty, education, social issues which have many people living in third world conditions right here in Canada, in our backyards. Tomorrow is the National Missing and Murdered women march, which is to raise awareness for the 520 missing Aboriginal women over the past five years as to which there has been little done for them or their families.

So if you are wondering why Native people are protesting and are angry, that's why. Many are tired and fed up with trying to work within a system that has never worked for us. I am always saddened by the plight of many of my peoples and have worked very hard to become successful so that I might be able to help and give back to my community in some way.

My heart breaks when I see people attacking the Native protesters on Twitter. All I am asking you for is to take a minute and try to understand the Indigenous plight. This is not something that is so far in the past it has no effect today. It has a very strong effect. Colonization and residential school has influenced my father's suicide and has in turn affected my entire life. The pain is still present, it is still here. I would ask that you just listen, and ponder, and learn the real Native history that has been hidden from you. Here is a really great alternate perspective at Hidden From History.
Posted by Lisa ~ Urban Native Girl at 1:40 PM
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18 comments:

  1. I agree, but remmeber this struggle is everywhere with indigenous ppl, and were gonna be dealing with it for a long time, sadly. I was talking with one of the Chiefs the other night about these issues. He says this chance to represent the nations is just another step to getting these solved, thought its going to take time. I think ppl are forgeting the process of bureaucracy here, just cause they get millions to do a show like this doent mean they can just turn around and use it for improvments on other things. I think at this point any chance to represent the beauty of native culture to the world is a first step to making those in command realize the preciousness of native culture and how it should be preserved, and not just as a token.

    Overall I agree I just wanted to point that out.

    T
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  2. excuse my typos, lol was typing in a hurry
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  3. This is so well-written and I agree with you. There was a side of me that felt very proud to see our people at the Olympics and before the world dancing and representing our varied culture. It was nice to see Chiefs treated with reverence as leaders of a Nation. I was actually surprised at my feelings watching the footage since I had no plans to support the games for the very reasons you have stated. But, I can't help myself when I see Indigenous people in regalia dancing, I just love it.

    That said, the protest is justified and anyone with the facts should be able to see that. It's just my opinion but I see protest as a healthy thing, a facet of a healthy democracy. As a people, we have every right to tell our stories and we have a right to be angry when the truth of what amounts to systemic genocide is cleaned up or hidden from the masses to present an image of perfect "multiculturalism".

    Thank you for writing this, Lisa.
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  4. Thank you for blogging about this! I was having a hard time finding information on what the protesters were actually protesting about specifically - this made it a little clearer. Unfortunately, none of that information seemed to be made available by those I follow on twitter who are protesting. Whatever links they posted provided information that was unclear or only provided information on the protesters themselves, or photos of lines of police.

    I may not agree with everything they say, but I definitely don't agree with attacking them. I think it's great that they're trying to make people think about these issues - they do need to be addressed and discussed.

    What makes me sad is that I don't think that anyone - at least on the street level - is going to make a significant impact. From what I've read, there are thousands of protesters and at least a dozen *different* issues they are trying to get awareness for. I feel like all of them will be lost in the mix because there is no focus. :(
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  5. It is a fine thing for you to contribute to the dialog on these issues. Attitudes of others only adjust in the individual minds and where nothing is being said, people find little reason to question their views. As for understanding all the past and present injustices, one perhaps can only come to peace in long moments of isolation and meditation. From there it is possible that a path can be found to proceed for all. A voice is what makes the world hear, being united makes the world listen. Thanks for being one of those voices, Lisa.
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  6. Thosh - I agree that this is an Indigenous issue, it is happening all over the world and has for thousands of years. I chose to focus the topic to make it relevant to the Olympics being held in Canada. It is going to take a lot of work and a lot of time. It is great to see our culture celebrated, brought to the forefront in any manner. Thank you for your input. You are so blessed to be out there right now. Enjoy!

    Susan - Thank you for your inputs. I had no real plans of celebrating or opposing the Olympics. I didn't feel to weigh in on the situation, but last night's experiences led me to consider many things and feel a huge range of emotions, like yourself. I appreciate your read and comments :).
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  7. I'm not familiar with these "residential schools" you mentioned, maybe it's a Canadian thing. I'll have to check out Frontrunners so I can be better informed on the subject. I'd like to know more about the history of Canadian Indigenous people because I grew up learning about the US side. And American schools didn't teach that much outside of November. I had to do a lot of research on my own.

    Anyhow, great post! That's what makes your blog so cool. You touch upon thought-provoking issues as well as fashion and film.

    I didn't catch the opening ceremony because I forgot to DVR it. Oh well!
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  8. Gotta say...I agree with you both.

    Lisa - I had made a point the other day on my facebook page about the relevance of an event such as Black History Month and how our education system both in Canada and the US is failing to address the seriousness of Indigenious issues, whether it be learning about residential schools, the reservation system, loss of cultural identity and language, or the perpetual state of abuse (substance, physical, emotional, etc) that remains, cycling through our communities.

    That being said...I also see the importance in finding beauty even in the smallest changes that are taking place to better our people, better our communities, and better the overall understanding of who we are and what we currently stand for as native people.

    Highlighting the beauty of our culture, our essence, and our strength is a wonderful stepping stone...one that did not exist even 20yrs ago (re: the 10 native men running the torch, unable to enter the arena)...so yes we absolutely have a long way to go still in being seen and heard as individual native people, as communities, and as the indigenious population united...however...I feel that resentment only holds us back, whereas forgiveness is key in finding peace within, providing us strength to continue on sheding light on what has been our history...but will no longer control us in the present and future.

    We have a voice now. Thank you Lisa, for being one of these great voices, and for offering both sides for people to ponder!
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  9. for centuries, the "takers" have been increasing their wealth fr the oppression of the "givers". and it'll continue till we shift our consciousness, individually, and remember what good ol' Darwin observed: "the sumpathetic, courageous & faithful [to nature] will be evolutionarily-favoured". when ea of us realizes that the collective good is the responsibility of the individual - then things'll shift. will it ever happen? i dunno. but i do what i can, along w/ many mistakes, as i realize my potential here on the planet.
    natives n'er forget. some may appear to be 'bought' by VANOC, but hopefully they will use this 'leg up' to keep the pressure on the "takers". change is slow, but steady. that's evolution. those capable of adapting, survive.
    [my random two cents worth]
    keep truckin, Alpha-Baby!
    luv, TL
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  10. DJ TR-ONE/Fly Joint ProductionsFeb 13, 2010 01:46 PM
    Like you, I'm quite conflicted in my feelings of what's transpired with the Olympics this year. I loved hearing all of my non-Native friends and associates txt'ing me on my phone about the opening ceremonies. No, I didn't watch them. My mother opted to watch cooking shows and dvd's, instead.

    As wonderful as the opening was sounding... I can't but think how slight this gesture might truly be. In my own experiences of life, here in post-invasion America, the slightest show of superficial "honor" towards us by the immigrant populice tends to make them feel they've "done more than enough". I know for a fact the vast majority of Native/1st Nations people recognize this year's Olympics is a stepping stone... but the question in my mind is, "Does the rest of the world or the rest of the Western Hemisphere realize this is JUST a stepping stone?" Again, my past experiences say, no. This is an important point, in that if we NDNs are the only people recognizing this as a stepping stone, not much more progress will be made unless we do protest LOUDLY.

    This proverbial sugar pill cannot and will never make up for all the damage done to our communities, cultures, and people. What I do see in the near future is non-Natives speaking out against recent happenings on Mohawk Reserve land saying, "but we honored you at the Olympics!!! We've done all that can be done!!!" This of course is a lie. Ultimately, all of these immigrants could easily "go back to where they came from" all those centuries ago... Will this prime act of retribution ever happen? Doubtful. I will enjoy the Olympic opening ceremonies for the highly superficial act it was, though. I won't be viewing this act as something that really begins to even address the existence of all the issues facing NDN Country throughout the Western Hemisphere, though.

    Thank you, Lisa. Thank you for writing about this important topic. I will be writing about it in my own blog, but probably in not as kindly a manner as you have. Apegesh Ki'je Manitou jawenimig.
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  11. Urban native girl,
    I follow u on twitter & I had no idea that u lost your father in such a tragic way, I am very sorry for that, we all as natives have difficult realities to overcome. I want to comment on the protests & the opening ceremonies which i watched and had mixed feelings about. I have come to the conclusion that it was the right thing to do and believe me 50 years ago this would never had happened. sometimes we have to take little steps to make big steps and just being recognized is a good first step. We will never get our land back or even our languages. We have had to change and adapt but we have survived and we must make the most of what we have left and teach what we have left to the future generations. We still have our spiritual teachings & that can never be taken away. Yes we still have a long way to go in many directions but we are going in the right direction. Thank you for listening to me and thank you for bringing up these most sensitive and thoughtful discussions. Zibiquah
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  12. I think it's vital that the voices of the oppressed are heard, wherever and whenever possible. Too often people fear or ashamed of the truth. Rather than accept it they act offended. An acceptance of the truth would go far in righting wrongs, and not just in this particular instance.
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  13. I've been searching everywhere today to find insightful and informed commentary on last night's truly token attempt to mislead the world on Canada's treatment of indigenous people. Your post is right on the money, and written with the unique perspective of one with the authority to make these observations.

    I found this today on a comment board posting: "I think the ones who should be pissed are the aboriginal people not your average non-native Canadians. They like to pull out the native culture and claim it as its own for convenient reasons while the reality is that most Natives are living as fringes of society, social and economical outcasts resulted from a long history of abuse to their people and culture."

    The opening ceremony of any Olympic-level event is mainly a commercial to the rest of the world. I feel as if Canada deliberately set out to mislead the world by overplaying its hand. I was only slightly embarrassed by the initial welcome (despite the very unnecessarily unconventional "totem poles"). But at least it had some sort of real meaning. Yet then to force all First Nation people to keep hopping around for the entire parade of nations (surrounded by a bunch of awkward looking Caucasians dressed in puffy white outfits) was a demeaning overplay.

    Thanks for your excellent blog!
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  14. Thanks for this post. I wrote something for True/Slant about wishing Indian nations were invited to take part in the Olympics not only as hosts, but as participants in the actual games as their own sovereign nations. About time, no? http://trueslant.com/robcapriccioso
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  15. I think this is absolutely terrific reporting. Not only is it timely and thoughtful, but it gives particular insight into a set of "real" issues amongst native peoples and Canadians in general. I think that so much of the politics of race is caught up in a lot of politically correct language, which I guess in some ways "absolves" us from the negative realities of the situation, but it doesn't adequeately paint the picture. On the one hand I think that the Olympic organizers did what they thought was appropriate, and yet on the other hand, it wasn't "enough" and thus seen as "token." Perhaps in future, by virtue of this article and others like it, there can be a meeting of the minds so that gestures will be seen as genuine, and not token.
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  16. Sammi - you are right there are so many issues being protested, it is hard to understand what the issues at hand are. This site is good for explaining: No Olympics on Stolen Lands

    Sky - Thank you for your input and kind words.

    Karen - I love your openness to learn. Thank you for that. Here is a You Tube link to an old movie "Where the Spirit Lives" which is good for getting some understanding: Where The Spirit Lives. Older than America is a newer film by Georgina Lightning which also discusses residential school issues (and has Adam Beach in it).

    IsKwe Muzik - "I feel that resentment only holds us back, whereas forgiveness is key in finding peace within, providing us strength to continue on shedding light on what has been our history ... but will no longer control us in the present and future." Beautifully put.

    TL - you are always such a great supporter :).

    Zibiquah - Thanks for your words and for reading. I really do hope we can get our languages back. One day I will learn Tsilhqot'in. I am not sure when or how, but I will learn.

    giantspeckledchihuahua - It can be easier to ignore truths for sure.

    Thad - I am so glad you found this post. I was just reading that forum and wow there are some really uninformed people discussing the ceremony (i.e. "the real Canadian like Gretzky").


    Rob - Great piece there! Thanks for sharing.

    xobolaji - Yes I hope that the Olympics will think more carefully during their next inclusion of Indigenous Peoples. Thank you for your positive comment.
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  17. When I read this I wanted to thank you a lot for your contribution, but I didn't have anything valuable to add. Now I think I can add a comment about that last thought: "Yes I hope that the Olympics will think more carefully during their next inclusion of Indigenous Peoples"

    From what I heard in the peaceful protest near the Sochi 2014 pavilion on Saturday, Russia is pretty much silencing the fact that a genocide+diaspora happened there 15 years ago. Half of the population was killed, most of the other half was driven away from the lands they apparently had inhabited for 5000 years, they never were allowed back, and that has not been properly recognized yet. We're talking about hundreds of thousands of people here, by the own czarist archives, and that is in 1850's demographics.
    Some descendants from the Circassian people are trying to raise awareness about this issues, but it doesn't look like they are going to get even a token tribute from the Olympic organizers.
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  18. Well said "URBAN NATIVE GIRL STUFF" Good Blog.
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