First Nation youth welcomed the arrival of the Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseego-stamok protest walkers at Queen’s Park in Toronto August 8.
The protestors completed a 22-day, 700-kilometre walk from Timmins at a rally along with First Nation youth groups Youth Rising Together and Okiniwak. The walk and gathering were organized by these youth movements to show their opposition to Ontario’s Bill 5 and Canada’s Bill C-5.
These government bills prioritize resource development over environmental assessments and consultation requirements. They also fast-track projects in special economic zones, many of which are in First Nation territories.
At Queen’s Park, they were greeted with a traditional pipe ceremony led by Conrad Iahtail (Nahpaysh Miishenish Aisipi), of Attawapiskat and traditional drum performances.
“It was an emotional arrival for us all as it was a very powerful journey where we made so many connections,” said walker Tristan Ashishkeesh from Attawapiskat.
“We wanted to take part in a grassroots movement that represents First Nation youth and show everyone that we are only answerable to our ancestors, our Kookooms and Mooshooms and to the Creator. We are not tied to any political organization which is why we created this movement because we only have our voice and the fire within us,” he said.
Ashishkeesh stepped away from his position at the Ojmibway Cree Cultural Centre in Timmins as he felt that he could more freely take a stand against government legislation through a grassroots movement.
At the event, he was joined by other youth leaders and his grandmother Angela Ashishkeesh, a residential school survivor from Attawapiskat. Elder Ashishkeesh gave an emotional speech in English and Cree to show her support for the youth.
The rally was attended by Attawapiskat Chief Sylvia Koostachin-Metatawabin and Mushkegowuk Council leaders Grand Chief Leo Friday and Deputy Grand Chief Amos Wesley.
Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseego-stamok (meaning “Uniting the People to Stand Together”) is headed by organizers Tristan Ashishkeesh, Sage Iahtail, Craig Koostachin and Todd Spence. They were also supported by Konstantinov Wesley, Rick Cheechoo, April Atlookan and many other family, friends and supporters.
Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin of Nishnawbe-Aski Nation joined the walkers at the start of their journey. Over their 22-day journey, walkers were supported by the communities of Apitipi Anicinapek, Matachewan, Temagami and Nipissing, as well as organizations and businesses including Canadore College, the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre and Big Canoe Indigenous Market.
Okiniwak is a First Nation youth movement founded by Ramon Kataquapit of Attawapiskat and Kohen Mattinas of Lac Seul First Nation. Their movement has been at the forefront of events to heighten public awareness of Indigenous displeasure of government legislation that would affect the future of First Nation communities.
“We held this rally to welcome the youth walkers from Timmins and to also bring together Indigenous northern youth and urban youth as a show of solidarity,” said Kataquapit. “We hold these rallies to give a platform to the youth to speak to the world without having to go through any chief or any organization, so that our message can be directly heard.”
Unfortunately, Okiniwak co-leader Mattinas could not attend the event, but stated in a phone interview, “We want to show everyone that we are stepping up; we are the noise makers and that through unity we strengthen our voices. We are not waiting our turn to speak, we are taking a stand now to protect the land and our rights to ensure that not just First Nation youth, but future generations are represented.”
Youth Rising Together is a movement based mainly in Timmins and led by Katherine Jeremiah-Génier, Keira Spence and Shem Mattinas.
Spence, from Moose Cree, said, We wanted to add our voice to this rally and let everyone know how these bills will negatively affect our communities in the Treaty Nine territory.”
“I come from a family of leaders and their legacy has always inspired me to take a stand for our communities,” said Mattinas, who is part of Moose Cree and Attawapiskat.
“Our main message is to ask all governments to listen to our communities, especially our youth and our Elders. The proper way to go about making major decisions is to consult with those people that will be most affected by any changes.”