150 years ago, the architects of Canadian confederation dreamed of a Canada united from coast to coast. They dreamed, also, of unfettered access to Indigenous lands, of the elimination of the “Indian problem” standing in the way of a white settler future.
150 years ago, Indigenous peoples rejected their destruction and refused to pave the way for a future Canada built on their bones.
Now, after over 150 years of resistance to colonialism, after nearly a decade of full-time re-occupation of their traditional territories, the Unist’ot’en clan of the Wet’suwet’en nation is poised on the cusp of a different future.
The Unist’ot’en imagine a future where they can live off the land.
A future where Wet’suwet’en children can grow up learning the cultural knowledge and skills of their ancestors from their elders.
A future where all Indigenous peoples can return home and find healing and renewal.
Unist’ot’en camp is living into this future by creating and maintaining a space where the seeds of decolonization are planted.
Through building a healing center, holding space for youth camps on the land, practicing the language, picking the medicines and protecting the clean waters of Wedzin Kwa from pipelines the Unist’ot’en are upholding their responsibilities to all life. In the spirit of reconciliation, we too must be responsible to the peoples whose lands we live on. We can commit to supporting this work.
150 years of colonialism has and continues to cause generations of harm to Indigenous peoples. This harm will take many years to halt and heal. If you have benefited from Canada’s legacy, we invite you to offer sustained support. As reparation. As reconciliation through action. As a commitment to the next 150 years of indigenous resistance, resurgence, and renewal.
Think beyond 150 by living into your responsibilities to Indigenous peoples. Start by becoming a monthly donor in solidarity with the Unist'ot'en.