Niigaan: In Conversation, a grassroots Ottawa project led by four Indigenous community members who have held 13 public events since March of last year, partnered with Winnipeg-based Ojibway/Métis comedian Ryan McMahon to host a live panel discussion recording for his Red Man Laughing podcast. The event was also a fundraiser that included food, live music, hoop dancing and an art auction.
Introducing the event, Niigaan organizer Linda Nothing explained how Niigaan came into being, not with the goal of being political. Instead, the aim is to shift thinking in settler society and help re-establish Indigenous ways of living and Indigenous laws to achieve success.
… Read full article at: http://www.ammsa.com/publications/windspeaker/panel-reflects-idle-no-more
Reflecting upon 1 year of Idle No More – Biiskaabiiyang: Returning to Ourselves, featuring (L-R): Wab Kinew, Celina Cada-Matasawagon, Geraldine King, Leanne Simpson, Serpent River FN Chief Isadore Day, Lee Maracle, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Derek Nepinak, and host Ryan McMahon.
Intros by Niigaan organizers Linda Nothing and Jocelyn Formsma, followed by stand-up segment by Ryan McMahon and then the panel discussion.
Hoop dance by Theland Kicknosway (separate video).
December 10, 2013 at the National Arts Centre, Ottawa.
*Note: At the event, there was a special announcement from Ryan McMahon:
Red Man Laughing will be coming to CBC Radio this year!
Ryan’s notes on the discussion:
Winter Time is the time of year where the earth becomes covered in snow. It’s a time for rest and reflection. Last winter we rose. We did not rest, we did not reflect. We took to the malls, the streets, and the hills. The community rallied around, there was a desperate feeling, people gathered at teach-ins, the scent of medicines was everywhere. We need to get that energy back. Niigaan: In Conversation asked ourselves, what happened to the fire? The problems are still here, we still have work to do. Let’s get together as a community and talk about our future.
A few highlights from this talk that you should listen for are:
- Lee Maracle talking about the prophecy that told us that we’d be teaching the world about the power of our drums & community.
- Chief Isadore Day breaking down the importance of self care and taking care of the homefires.
- Leanne Simpson sharing her thoughts on the Wampum Belt – letting us know what the belt DOES mean to her and what it DOES NOT mean to her.
- A spirited and heart felt discussion on education for Native Youth (FNEA rejections) – we can/need to take better care of our young people as they head to institutions.
Websites: Niigaan.ca — RedManLaughing.com
Video (2hr20min) by Greg Macdougall, EquitableEducation.ca
Or listen to the podcast at Red Man Laughing
Theland Kicknosway – Hoop Dance:
Interdependent media & in-person learning opportunities for those who are inspired to be part of movements for social justice.
