Peace River Rising: The link between violence against Indigenous women and violence against the land

Summary

This transcript follows a 28-year-old Indigenous woman from the Prophet River First Nation as she reflects on the environmental and social changes in her community due to rapid industrial development. She discusses the impacts of oil and gas pipelines on traditional lands, raising concerns about contaminated food sources. She also connects the violence against Indigenous women to the exploitation of the land, sharing personal stories of trauma and resilience. Despite these challenges, she emphasizes the power of reclaiming her voice and advocating for the next generation of Indigenous youth.

Takeaways

• 🌲 The speaker is a 28-year-old member of the Prophet River First Nations, witnessing the drastic changes in Fort St. John and the Peace River Region over the past two decades.
• 🏠 Traditional lands and childhood gathering spaces have been transformed into housing developments and inaccessible areas due to pipelines and industrial growth.
• 🍓 There is growing concern over the safety of traditional foods, such as berries, due to contamination from industrial development.
• 💔 The speaker reflects on the connection between violence against Indigenous women and violence against the land, especially in regions driven by the oil and gas industry.
• 👮 In 2014, Fort St. John had the highest per capita crime rate out of 33 communities in British Columbia, largely driven by the oil and gas industry boom.
• 😞 The speaker experiences anxiety and discomfort from the influx of male workers in the area, contributing to a noticeable shift in the community dynamic.
• 🚌 The fly-in, fly-out work culture has led to a transient workforce, which often lacks connection to the land and community but benefits economically from it.
• 👟 The speaker recounts a distressing encounter with a vulnerable young Indigenous woman, triggering memories of personal experiences with sexual violence.
• 🛑 The speaker emphasizes the importance of fighting against the cycle of violence and advocating for the safety and well-being of Indigenous women and girls.
• 🙏 The speaker finds strength in prayer and community, using these practices to support not only the land but also the workers, families, and those affected by the impacts of industrial development.

Q & A

What major changes has the speaker witnessed in Fort St. John and the Peace River Region over the past two decades?

The speaker has seen dramatic changes, such as areas once explored as a child being transformed into housing developments to accommodate new families and workers, as well as traditional gathering places disappearing or becoming inaccessible due to pipelines and industrial development.

What concerns did the speaker's grandmother express during a berry-picking trip?

The speaker’s grandmother asked if the berries they were picking were safe to eat, a question that the speaker found difficult to answer confidently, highlighting concerns about the safety of traditional foods in areas impacted by industrial activity.

How does the speaker connect violence against Indigenous women to violence against the land?

Initially, the speaker saw violence against Indigenous women and violence against the land as separate issues. However, through personal reflection and observation, they realized that the two are interconnected, especially in regions affected by rapid industrial development.

What observations did the speaker make about the gender ratio in the region after returning from living in the south?

Upon returning from the south, the speaker felt overwhelmed by the disproportionate number of men in the area, which caused them anxiety, especially in public spaces like grocery stores, highlighting the impact of the transient workforce in the oil and gas sector.

How does the speaker feel about people who work in the region and then speak negatively about it?

The speaker is frustrated by people who work in the region, particularly in the oil and gas industry, but then go home and talk negatively about the area. They feel that these individuals should show more respect for the land and community that provides their livelihood.

What distressing experience did the speaker have when they encountered a young Indigenous woman by the Peace River?

The speaker encountered a distressed young Indigenous woman, underdressed for the weather and showing signs of vulnerability. This situation reminded the speaker of their own experiences with sexual violence and the risks faced by vulnerable women in the region.

How has the speaker’s personal experience with sexual violence impacted their life?

The speaker has endured multiple instances of sexual violence, which deeply affected them, leading to struggles with addiction and a long journey toward reclaiming their voice and power.

Why does the speaker feel protective of young Indigenous girls and women in their community?

The speaker feels protective of young Indigenous girls and women because of their own experiences and the potential dangers these young individuals may face. The speaker wants to create a safer world for them, where they are not subjected to violence or exploitation.

What role did prayer play during the speaker’s participation in an event near the Site C construction zone?

During the event, the speaker and others prayed for various groups, including the workers, office staff, the land, water, animals, and people affected by the Site C project. The act of prayer was a powerful and emotional experience, offering spiritual support to those impacted by the development.

What message does the speaker convey about the importance of using their voice?

The speaker emphasizes that silence is not an option, as it leads to erasure, invisibility, and death. They believe that their voice, along with the collective voice of the people, represents life and is essential for addressing the issues facing their community.