Ellen Gabriel and the ‘watershed moment’ that was the Siege of Kanehsatà:ke | Face to Face

Summary

Ellen Gabriel, a renowned Indigenous activist and feminist leader, reflects on her pivotal role during the 1990 Oka Crisis in Canada. In a conversation with Dennis Ward, Gabriel discusses her newly published book, 'When the Pine Needles Fall,' offering an insider's perspective on the historical event. She highlights the misconceptions surrounding the crisis, the importance of sovereignty, and the media's role in shaping public perception. Gabriel also emphasizes the need for continued activism, self-care, and the optimism she finds in the youth's passion for social justice and environmental protection.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ellen Gabriel is a well-known Indigenous rights activist, feminist leader, and land defender, who gained national attention in 1990 during the Oka Crisis.
• 😀 Her book, 'When the Pine Needles Fall,' reflects on the 1990 siege from her perspective, aiming to reclaim the narrative surrounding the event.
• 😀 A major misconception about the Oka Crisis is that it was solely a confrontation with the Warrior Society, but it was actually a collective decision by the entire community to defend the land.
• 😀 The media's coverage of the Oka Crisis was divisive, with French and English journalists presenting differing views. Many sensationalized the situation, contributing to the criminalization of the Mohawk people.
• 😀 While there has been some positive change in media coverage of Indigenous issues, Ellen believes that the media could still do more to educate the public about Canada's colonial history and support reconciliation.
• 😀 Before the Oka Crisis, Indigenous communities, like the Mohawks, lived a simple life, but the event awakened many to the need to defend their land and sovereignty.
• 😀 Ellen Gabriel became the spokesperson during the Oka Crisis somewhat unexpectedly, as it was her turn to speak on behalf of the community. Despite initial apprehension, she was driven by a commitment to protect the land and sovereignty.
• 😀 The Oka Crisis had a significant impact on Indigenous communities worldwide, awakening people to their rights to sovereignty and land, and challenging the colonial system.
• 😀 Ellen emphasizes that Indigenous peoples' rights to self-determination have not been fully respected, and that current governmental policies are merely repackaged versions of colonialism.
• 😀 Ellen remains hopeful about the future, particularly due to the open-mindedness of younger generations, who she sees as the conscience of society and key to furthering Indigenous rights and environmental protection.

Q & A

What motivated Ellen Gabriel to write the book *When the Pine Needles Fall*?

Ellen Gabriel was motivated to write the book after years of wanting to document her perspective on the events surrounding the land dispute. She was approached by Sean Carlton, and together they worked on the book for two years. Gabriel felt it was time to reclaim the narrative of what had happened during the crisis, as there were many misconceptions and incorrect versions of the events.

What misconceptions about the Oka crisis does Ellen Gabriel address in the interview?

Ellen Gabriel highlights several misconceptions, including the fact that the barricade was put up by the community, not just the Warrior Society. She also emphasizes that the community was defending its sovereignty, not just reacting to violence. Additionally, she explains how the media sensationalized the events and helped criminalize the Mohawk people, obscuring the true cause of the crisis.

How does Ellen Gabriel feel about the role of the media during the Oka crisis?

Ellen Gabriel believes the media played a dual role. While it helped raise awareness about the events, it also contributed to criminalizing the Mohawk people. The media sensationalized aspects of the conflict, such as the presence of weapons, and failed to understand the historical context of the land dispute. This created confusion and frustration within the community.

Has there been any change in how media covers Indigenous issues since the Oka crisis, according to Ellen Gabriel?

Ellen Gabriel acknowledges some improvement in media coverage, especially since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. However, she feels the media could do more in educating the public about the history of colonization and the ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples. Gabriel believes that the media should play a role in reconciliation by promoting understanding and changing the educational system.

What was life like for Ellen Gabriel and the Mohawk communities before the Oka crisis?

Before the Oka crisis, life in the Mohawk communities was simple and quiet, with a strong sense of identity and shared values. However, there were internal struggles, partly caused by the Indian Act. The community was aware of the importance of land, but many were not fully engaged in resisting colonial actions. The events of 1990 awakened a deeper awareness of their rights and sovereignty.

How did Ellen Gabriel become the spokesperson for her community during the Oka crisis?

Ellen Gabriel became the spokesperson for the community because it was her turn, as there was a rotating system for speaking with the media. She was one of the few people who spoke French, which was important for communicating with surrounding communities. Though initially apprehensive, she took on the role because she cared deeply about defending the land and sovereignty.

What was the most significant development that came out of the Oka crisis, according to Ellen Gabriel?

The Oka crisis awakened many Indigenous people to their sovereignty and rights. It made people realize they didn’t need to wait for permission from government bodies like band councils to defend their land. It also helped to expose the ongoing oppression of Indigenous peoples under colonial laws and gave them a sense of pride and agency in standing up for their rights.

How does Ellen Gabriel feel about the current state of land rights and self-determination for Indigenous peoples in Canada?

Ellen Gabriel believes that governments have not changed their stance on land rights and self-determination; they have merely repackaged colonial practices with more politically correct language. She criticizes the policies that still force Indigenous communities to follow provincial rules and regulations, despite claiming to respect their sovereignty.

How does Ellen Gabriel feel about the anniversary of the Oka crisis and the ongoing struggles of her community?

Ellen Gabriel sees the anniversary as both a time for reflection and a reminder of the ongoing struggles of her community. While some want to forget, she believes the events of 1990 were crucial in awakening awareness of Indigenous rights. However, she feels that the anniversary is also marked by sadness, as the land dispute has not been settled, and the community continues to face economic and political challenges.

What advice does Ellen Gabriel give to activists facing criticism or discrediting in their communities?

Ellen Gabriel advises activists to stay grounded in their identity and ancestral teachings. She suggests ignoring critics and staying true to one's purpose. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, surrounding oneself with supportive people, and being resilient in the face of attacks, as activism, especially for Indigenous rights, is a lifelong commitment.