First Nations show solidarity in call for change

For the past two weeks, the legislature grounds have been home to the amazing teepee war.

It all started back in February when a group of protesters set up camp and called it Justice For Our Stolen Children. It was partly a reaction to the trial of Gerald Stanley in Battleford and a list of other issues.

On Monday, June 18, the Regina Police Service removed the protest camp so the Provincial Capital Commission could make room for the beer garden on Canada Day. The police acted with restraint and dignity. They let the sacred fire burn out on its own, and it was apparent that they respected the protesters and their symbols.

For First Nations people, the sight of elders and women being carried out by police was too much, and people rallied to the cause.

The Provincial Capital Commission badly underestimated First Nations’ resolve and a few days later a teepee appeared again. Over the next week, they continued to spring up like mushrooms. As of Thursday, there were nine and four more were confirmed on the way.

The teepees came from First Nations from the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council as well as various individuals.

The government and the PCC wasn’t prepared for the solidarity and resolve shown by the First Nations and their supporters in Regina. The PCC continued in their opposition and made what can be called a stupid, hamfisted move, demanding that the police remove the protesters. Police maintained that there is no threat to public safety and refused to carry out the order. The PCC was livid; three times they made the request, and each time they were turned down.

The weaponization of the police force is a common practice of governments and their agencies. This practice is widely used in the United States and totalitarian countries. The police are used to carry out unpopular decisions and support the status quo.

The Regina Police Service, on the other hand, is involved in building relationships and serving all the community. Police don’t like to drag old people and women away from a demonstration. It’s demeaning and indicates a breakdown in community relations.

Also, the government must remember that 18 years ago a group of farmers occupied the legislature and stayed in the building for a week before they were forcefully removed. That was inside the legislature and not outside in a public park. There can’t be a law for Indians and not for farmers.

This whole imbroglio has taken on a complexion of being about the protest and not about the source of the protest. From the start, the protest was about obtaining “justice for our stolen children,” with emphasis on the harm done by the residential schools and the ’60s Scoop. The government hasn’t addressed that issue, instead preferring to go after the tactics.

This is reminiscent of the NFL protest, where players have taken a knee to protest police violence against young black people in the United States. The reaction from President Donald Trump has been to remain silent and go after the tactic. It’s a time-honoured approach to avoiding an issue and demonizing the participants.

Today the protesters will hold a trespasser’s powwow beginning at noon, followed by a concert. The group’s members are having a lot of fun with the play on words, calling the celebration a “pre-Canada Day celebration” and making no apology that they are regarded as trespassers.

Premier Scott Moe has stated that government officials will hold a meeting with the protesters at Fort Qu’Appelle on Monday. For an unknown reason they are not meeting at the protest site, even though it is more convenient for all parties.

The premier has said that the camp must be removed, and it looks like action will be taken after Monday’s meeting. This will appeal to the Sask. Party’s base and not do any harm to the government. On the other hand, the Indigenous people will see clumsy bungling and no attempt to discuss the issue and reconciliation.

This whole event has been history-making. This is the first time the chiefs and First Nations have taken direct action by erecting the teepees in defiance of the PCC and its bylaws. The province’s lack of compassion and meaningful consultation only serves to reinforce an unworkable status quo.

It’s time for change, and this could be the first battle in a coming war.