The contributors (all self-identifying as Settlers) of this project recognize the importance of centring Indigenous voices and perspectives in this work. The environmental justice movement would not be possible without Indigenous leaders and knowledge keepers.
How is Environmental Racism Impacting Indigenous Communities?
“The legacy of colonization has been passed down along with the legacy of pollution. The pollutants that my grandfather was exposed to have passed down, through the bloodstream, to me.”
Beze Gray, an Anishnaabe land/water protector Of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation
“Pollution has impacted food sovereignty. People in the Aamjiwnaang First Nation are losing access to traditional food sources due to the impact of pollution in the area. It is also impacting the traditional language. Because pollution has wiped out so many things in their community, we have lost traditional words. And we don’t have traditional words for the pollution that surrounds us.”
Beze Gray, an Anishnaabe land/water protector Of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation
Something very simple everyone can start doing to decolonise their minds is to get educated about the impacts they are making in the world. If you think about the food you eat, and the distribution, the transportation of food to big chains of supermarkets, all that is not sustainable. It’s all linked together. Support their local communities, their Indigenous communities by shopping local for their food.
Kanahus Manuel, an Indigenous leader of the Secwepemc First Nation
Guiding Principles for Non-Indigenous Allies
The Indigenous Allyship Resource Guide and Workbook (right) was developed by Kelbyann McKenzie (identifies as a Settler), Hannah Bull (identifies as Indigenous), and Corrina Reed (identifies as a Settler) at the University of Guelph.
This guide contains helpful definitions and exercises meant to help settlers explore how to meaningfully engage as an ally of Indigenous communities.
A few key takeaways include:
- Stop and listen
- Understand and reflect on your privilege as a settler
- Be mindful of the space you take up and recognize that allyship can take many different forms
- Learn to hold yourself and others accountable
- Respect lived experiences, cultures, identities, and knowledge systems different than your own
- Learn and relearn about Indigenous history
- Keep educated on current policies and reconciliation promises
- Support Indigenous businesses, creators, and movements
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