Tell us – what's it like to take on the Ontario government in court? “It felt really empowering. (The case) has been happening for quite a while now and has been just a vast process. Everything you do in a court case sets precedence, so even with the smallest wins you get further and further, […]
Tell us – what's it like to take on the Ontario government in court?
“It felt really empowering. (The case) has been happening for quite a while now and has been just a vast process. Everything you do in a court case sets precedence, so even with the smallest wins you get further and further, which is something that feels really powerful about it.
We have such a strong stance on what we consider Indigenous Law – protecting future generations, which felt really cool. Something I really focused on for this is that youths' voices should matter in Canadian law and I think that’s something that we’re doing really well in representing in this court case.
It's been really interesting, especially coming from a 2-Spirit, Indigenous youth perspective of feeling that extra cautiousness and nervousness within the legal system. So I’m feeling the importance of taking such a hard stance too.
Like to be challenging this whole thing, it also feels really good, identity-wise —to be a small representative in this court case because we all come from different backgrounds, areas, stages in life. I feel like my representation has felt important to me.
My affidavits (in the courtroom felt like a really good representation of the worries and focuses on climate change in my own life.”
What are your hopes for the appeal?
“My hopes are, our end goal – for Ontario to change its (climate) targets, for that goal to be met and for the government of Canada to take a more considerable stance like basing their target on science.”
How do you think growing up in Aamjiwnaang has shaped your perspective and approach to your work?
“I really notice the impacts of the petrochemical industry, specifically fossil fuels and how they’ve had an impact or make that feeling of worrying about the impacts of climate change more of a reality.
So I feel that role and responsibility within my own life of needing to speak up for things like the Great Lakes because they connect so much and my own home territory is so embedded and connected by the Great Lakes system.
Talking about our ecosystems and seeing how even our own culture and revitalization is impacted by climate change even in today's world with storms, and warming (temperatures) – these have really impacted the ways we have been able to practice our own culture and language. It’s already so different, even just from my grandmother's day and age.”
Can you share more about your role and responsibilities as a Land and Water Protector?
“I really like the term climate activist and I feel like my own description of it is my role and responsibility within community, especially my own community of Aamjiwnaang.
I feel those urgent calls to take on that role of taking up space and talking about climate and the importance of climate change.
I think the amazing thing about court cases is that precedence is set so that future youth can go forward with their own governance systems and ask for more work towards climate change, because it's our futures that will be seeing more and more of that change.”
What would you say to someone living in Aamjiwnaang or Sarnia that may also be worried about what is happening to our land, water, air…planet?
“I would say what has helped me with my own worries and feelings – there are so many feelings that come up that I feel when even talking about that.
One of the distinct ones is grief.
For me, participating in language classes or reconnecting to culture in any kind of way – and that’s not even just for Indigenous youth – for people to connect to their own culture in land based things. This has been the ultimate thing for me that has given me even more drive and understanding on the ways that these things can be affected. Whether that's colonization itself or climate change – it gives me a broader understanding and solidarity for other communities, even like Palestine right now.
What I would offer someone else is just get involved with language and culture and feel more connected to your own teachings and knowledge about the land that is available and waiting for you.”
What is something that gives you energy/ helps build you up to be able to do the work that you do?
“I do sugar bushing – tapping maple trees and making maple syrup. I traditionally hide tan deer and am learning quite a bit about moose. I’ve been learning Anishnaabe and a little bit of Lenape – those are two of my Nations.
I have also been really caring for Lenape seeds so Tobacco, Squash, Corn and Beans but also any kind of gardening stuff has been really reconnective and restorative for me and finding ways for youth to become connected to those things too.
I do work with the Niizh Manidook Hide Camp so am able to create a safe space for other 2 Spirit people to learn more about land based things and hide tanning.
Hide tanning has been my self care and the thing that I put into to help me.”
What’s next for you?
“We are waiting to hear back on the appeal, so that could happen within this year, I think if really lucky. Because we had our court case in January and it’s supposed to take up to 12 months, I guess with the most stretch we could find out next January.
That feels really exciting, like it’s a wait but I feel like a year passes by so quickly so we will find out about our appeal and that’s a big ‘what’s next!’”
