Robert Animikii Horton
(Bebaamweyaazh)
Anishinaabe Nation, Treaty #3 Territory

THUNDER BAY - Boozhoo Nindinwemaaganatok (Hello, my Relations)

First and foremost, I would like to extend a heartfelt and sincere “Miigwech” and “Thank You” to all those here in Anemkii-Wiikwedong and all areas of the Thunder Bay region that have been so supportive of Idle No More.

Idle No More – Not Idle

Community (and the community heartbeat defined by engagement, awareness, and understanding across any line) truly is the life-spark when our shared dreams and common ground become shared efforts and a common purpose for the well-being of generations to come and generations we may not meet in our day.

We, Idle No More, still remain committed and dedicated to cultivating awareness and knowledge about the myriad of legislations such as Bills C-45, C-428, S-2, S-6, S-8, S-212, C-27, and the First Nation Education Act which seek to dismantle indigenous connection to treaty, inherent rights, and sovereignty (as a legislative jigsaw to the 1969 White Paper) as a means to open the door to massive resource exploitation and degradation in Canada.

We are also committed to re-establishing and honouring the Nation to Nation, cooperative relationship envisioned by those who negotiated treaties and relationships forged so long ago with us (and those to come) in mind. Eko-Zaagateg. Eko-Nitaawigig Mashkosi. Eko-Bimijiwangin Ziibiin. (As long as the sun shines. As long as the grass grows. As long as the rivers flow.

We still stand firm to help ensure positive and healthy futures for each of our children and grandchildren collectively and for the lands we share and which provides us life.

To me, it sheds a new, vibrant light on the importance of community and when we begin to reclaim the humanity endemic within partnerships.

To me, it was the same partnership and relationship that pulsed in the heart of a number of those present at the signing of treaty when land and space was shared, just as it exists in those of us today who seek positive, cooperative relationships between our families and communities within the towns and cities we share, as well as between our Nations. (And to be sure, the Idle No More waters are still stirring across Canada – as strong currents rather than still waters.)

To me, it is alive and well when we listen with open minds, open hearts, and work with one another to dispel common, overstated, popular myths that maintain poisoned relationships that have existed for far too long.

Since December, I have no words for what I’ve witnessed since sacred fires were lit all across Canada and also right here in Thunder Bay. I’ve witnessed indigenous people and Canadians come together collectively in support of common ground.

Together its clear we understand the importance of the land we share, placing shared significance on the well-being of our coming generations that will share this space and place long after we are gone. Together, we remain committed to inherent rights and well-being, re-establishing our Nation to Nation cooperative relationships, and working for a better tomorrow which we all can envision but sometimes wonder how to arrive there.

Since December, I’ve seen a number of our young people find their voices, walk taller, and walk in purpose and pride with connection to ceremony, their clans, knowledge and connection of who they are, as well as a passion to become involved in matters that affect their lives and our lives collectively.

And since December, I’ve witnessed many open hearts come together to dispel common myths, challenge matters that disempowers relationships we’ve inherited (and responsibilities kept alongside the benefits which we’ve all inherited) and to honour matters which empower such relationships (and outcomes) which we see too few and far between these days.

In the end, it is the unity in community that sparks the awareness (either small or significant), that offers clarity, enhances support, and cultivates hearts and minds to seek change in a world which yields most painfully to change.

And for that support and involvement, I extend my hand with kindness to all those who have been so supportive here in Anemkii-Wiikwedong. Gichi Miigwech.

From Nation to Nation, in Sincerity and Solidarity

In the spirit of Sovereignty, in the spirit of Kindness

Robert Animikii Horton

(Bebaamweyaazh)

Anishinaabe Nation, Treaty #3 Territory

Robert Horton’s family stems from Chief Mawedopenais (Mawintoopinesse) of Long Sault Rapids, spokesperson for negotiations and agreements of Treaty #3 at Harrison Creek at the Northwest Angle in 1873.