Stories of Decolonization — Land Dispossession and Settlement - theHumm September 2020
Stories of Decolonization — Land Dispossession and Settlement - theHumm September 2020
By — Susie Osler
How many of us know the history of the lands we inhabit? For settlers, do we know the stories of our ancestors’ arrival to these lands, and whose lives were embedded here prior to their arrival? Whose voices created the official historical record of this country that predominates? Whose voices have been silenced, ignored or not told? And how are our own personal histories interwoven with the colonization of these lands? Are we willing to actively engage with these questions? These are some of the themes featured in the thought-provoking short film Stories of Decolonization — Land Dispossession and Settlement.
At the end of July, the National Farmers Union (NFU) and the Lanark County Neighbours for Truth and Reconciliation (LCNTR) co-hosted a virtual screening and ensuing conversation about this timely film. With 256 registrants for this Zoom event, it has become clear there is a growing readiness to engage with the unsettling truths of settler history in Canada. Stories of Decolonization is a short but powerful documentary collaboratively produced by Liz Carlson, Sarah Story, Gladys Rowe and Teddy Zegeye-Gebrehiwot. The film weaves together the stories of a diverse group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people — each grappling uniquely and personally with the injustice of historical and continued (illegal) appropriation of Indigenous land, settler privilege (their own, in some cases), the erasure of Indigenous experiences, histories and rights, and their efforts to do something about it.
It’s the ground we stand on… How do Canadians feel about living on someone else’s land? Well, we don’t like to think about it! — Murray Angus, Canadian activist, and co-founder of Nunavut Sivuniksavut
Dark truths can be hard to accept — perhaps in part because it makes it more difficult to forget, deny, or avoid doing something about it! But denial makes us complicit.
So…what to do?
This is one of the questions that Stories of Decolonization effectively asks us to consider. The 27-minute film was followed with a very engaged 90-minute Q&A session with a “virtual panel” that included several of the film’s creators and a few of the Indigenous and non-Indgenous “stars” featured in the film (Chickadee Richard, Steve Heinrichs and Monique Woroniak). There was a huge amount of interest from viewers who tuned into the Q&A in learning more about, and/or supporting, settler land return strategies and initiatives that are beginning to pop up across North America with more regularity — initiatives that include direct land return (i.e. a settler transferring property to a First Nation); support for Indigenous resurgence and struggles for jurisdiction over traditional territories (i.e. the Wet’suwet’en); and shared, or solely Indigenous, stewardship of land conservation and land trusts.
Though not yet commonplace nor straightforward, supporting such land reparation and return initiatives helps others recognize that confronting the problem and injustices of land dispossession, and the subsequent need to “normalize” the idea and practice of land return, are central to decolonization. It seems clear that we will witness a growing number of imaginative examples of this in the future.
If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together. — Aboriginal activists group, Queensland, 1970s
Instead of taking a divisive approach or providing pat, simple answers to the questions of its subject matter, Stories of Decolonization invites and inspires settlers to undertake the work of learning about both our personal histories within the context of colonization, and the actions or commitments we are ready to undertake within the framework of that knowledge. Truth-telling, though often challenging, has the ability to clear the air, to generate greater trust, and to initiate a transformative, creative and healing process both within ourselves and in the relationships we cultivate. This is an opportunity that is open to each of us to explore in our own ways.
Colonialism was, and is, a choice that Canadians make every day… It’s a choice to maintain and uphold a system that is based on the hyper-exploitation of the land and of Indigenous peoples… it is a choice to maintain a system that overwhelmingly promotes greed over creation. — Leanne Betasomasake Simpson, Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg scholar, writer and artist
Visit storiesofdecolonization.org to watch the film and read more about the people involved. Listen to the online event/Q&A session at youtube.com/watch?v=9YTy5DgjV_Q . There is also an excellent curriculum guide that everyone (including teachers) will find very helpful in deepening into the questions posed by the film. It would work well as a discussion guide for a community screening of the film. You will also find links to numerous resources on some of the topics and historical contexts the film addresses.
Gratitude from the Lanark County Neighbours for Truth and Reconciliation lanarkcountyneighbours.ca to the NFU for cohosting with us — and especially to the filmmakers and panelists who generously contributed their time and candid remarks to the conversation following the screening.
Finally, participants at the event were asked to donate to the Ardoch Algonquin Culture Camp, supporting the transfer of knowledge from elders to youth. Please consider donating at apagidiwag.org .
Lynn Melbourne — A Gift for People - theHumm September 2020
By Sally Hansen
Art… and Soul
Re-gifting is frowned on in some circles, but when your gift is a talent for capturing the character, the strength and the internal beauty that people wear on their faces, sharing that gift becomes an act of kindness, empathy and generosity. When tragedy struck in March at Almonte Country Haven, a long-term care home with 82 residents, local portrait artist Lynn Melbourne used her talent to reach out to the devastated residents, their families and their caretakers.
......
25th Annual (1st Virtual) Fibrefest - theHumm September 2020
Fibrefest is once again taking over Almonte from September 11–13 (with workshops beginning on the 10th). Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the festival will look a little different in 2020 as it moves online to comply with public health advice and regulations, but the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum (MVTM) is excited to welcome you for our fourth year of hands-on workshops… albeit this time virtually. This is a unique opportunity to involve friends and family from further afield who may not be able to ......
BOTR’s New “COVID Fighter” Fall Series - theHumm September 2020
By — James Doran
Blues on the Rideau at The Cove in Westport had to cancel the last three shows of their 2019/20 Season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like everyone, we were hoping things would be back to semi-normal by now and the 2020/21 Series would be able to proceed. Sadly that hasn’t happened yet. Given the safety protocol measures still in effect, there was no way we could return with the traditional format – full electric bands, 100+ capacity, buffet dinners, packed dance floor etc.
So it was ei......
Warden’s Slow Roll & Official Alameda Opening - theHumm September 2020
The Lanark County Warden typically hosts a fundraising event every year. In the past this has been a golf tournament during the month of August, but with COVID-19 and the gathering restrictions, Warden Brian Campbell wanted to change things up and host an outdoor family event to highlight the OVRT and all of the wonderful work that has been done to make it an accessible trail for everyone to use.
After discussions with Jeff Mills and Stephen Brathwaite, the concept of a “Slow Roll for Unit......
“Market Masala” Child Haven Fundraiser - theHumm September 2020
Organizers are excited to announce a fun and safe event in support of Child Haven International this fall. This year’s event takes place on Sunday, September 27 from 3–5pm at the Carleton Place Market Square, an outdoor covered space. All proceeds go to support destitute women and children in India, Nepal, Tibet and Bangladesh.
You will have the opportunity to attend this outdoor market-style event and enjoy Indian music and culture, shop the international sales bazaar, get henna body ar......
Recreating Creativity — Classes during COVID - theHumm September 2020
The pandemic has dealt a huge blow to artists and performers, cancelling gigs by the gazillion and making it difficult for people to teach art, theatre, music and movement. Fortunately, creators are, well, creative by nature, and many of them have been hard at work figuring out how to continue to keep students engaged and learning. Below, a few teachers and studios explain how they are doing just this in our area.
The Almonte Dance Company is committed to providing a fun, safe environment for......
Back to School 2020: Choose Your Own Adventure - theHumm September 2020
By Sarah Kerr
Ah, the back to school season is upon us! The joy of shopping for school supplies, that fresh new outfit and shiny new shoes. The little rush that parents get when they think about sending their kids back to full day daycare — I mean, full day learning — so we can make up the hours lost over summer and try to keep our jobs. Oh wait, this is 2020? Damn!
Wait — are you sending your kids back? Yeah, me too. Well, I think so. I might just wait to find out what the school has to s......
Picnics and Musicand Trains, Oh My! - theHumm September 2020
By John Pigeau
In one sense, this summer has reminded me a lot of the summers of my childhood — everybody wants to be outdoors. We’re all like kids again, darting out the door on the last day of school, whooping at the sunshine and gulping in the fresh air, itching to do something, anything, but be cooped up inside. Nearly everyone is camping or glamping or spending a week or a weekend at a cottage. Lots of folks are hitting the beaches and plunging into lakes. They’re walking and cycling, golfing and hiking an......
Recreating Creativity: Visual Arts - theHumm September 2020
CHANNELS at Sivarulrasa Gallery
From September 2 to October 9, Sivarulrasa Gallery is pleased to present CHANNELS, featuring works by artists Deborah Arnold, Elaine Carr and Wendy Robertson. “Channels” suggests waterways or pathways; a transmission of frequencies or ideas; explorations of both inner and outer worlds. The exhibition can be viewed in person during regular gallery hours, Wednesdays to Sundays from 11am to 5pm.
Deborah Arno......
What’s Black and White and Hard to Move? - theHumm September 2020
By Meriah Caswell
Do you want to move a library?
It’s big, and it’s coming up fast. We need your help to do it.
In October 2020 the Carleton Place Public Library will relocate to The Station Active Living Centre while the Beckwith Street location undergoes some much-needed interior renovations. Of the library’s 40,000-item collection, about 1500 items will be moved to the Station for circulation. The rest of the collection will be boxed up for safe storage.
In planning the move, our staff have......
Yarrow (Or, a Conduit Conducting Energy Between the Cosmos and the Earth) - theHumm September 2020
By Susie Osler
Our lawn for the first half of this summer, when temperatures were sizzling and rain was scarce at best, was left to its own devices — the mower forgotten in the barn for over a month. Without the weekly subjugation to the blade, the diversity of plant life in the lawn began to announce its presence. The wild plants able to thrive in droughty heat seized their opportunity, rising above the parched and browning grass.
Yarrow was, to my eyes, one of the most beautiful and prominent of these plants.......
Union Hall Crafts at Almonte Farmers’ Market - theHumm September 2020
By — Linda Camponi
The Union Hall Community Centre, located at the intersection of Wolf Grove and Tatlock Roads, is a Registered Charity, owned and operated by the local community. Rentals of the hall and its exterior sign form the basis for our annual budget. Private donations and financial support from the Municipality of Mississippi Mills supplement this income.
Come and visit our booth at the Almonte Farmers’ Market on September 12 and 19, where we will be selling hand-crafted items made by Unio......
Plenty for Everyone: an Interview with Joanna Jack of Plenty Canada - theHumm September 2020
theHumm is reaching out to members of our Ottawa Valley community to ask how they are finding ways to use their gifts and skills in these challenging times. Today’s subject is Joanna Jack, Programs Manager at Plenty Canada, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that facilitates access to and shares resources with Indigenous peoples and other community groups around the world in support of their environmental protection and sustainable development goals. We contacted her to find out about som......
How Do I Know Thee? - theHumm September 2020
By Glenda Jones
Years ago I had a bright yellow snowsuit that I wore all winter. Yes, I looked like Big Bird, but everyone knew where to find me at our events. One summer day, I met someone who nearly passed me by, and then returned to say, “I didn’t recognize you with your clothes off”. I kid you not! When I retired the yellow suit, it was as like a stone in a pond: no one looked for me, no one found me, and we passed on our event duties to the next eager parent.
How do we recognize each other when we’re h......
Middleville Museum to Re-open on Sept. 5 - theHumm September 2020
The Middleville and District Museum (located at 2130 Concession 6D in Middleville) will once again be welcoming visitors starting on Saturday, September 5. They’ll be open from 12–4pm that whole weekend, including Labour Day Monday. For the abbreviated 2020 season entry will be by voluntary donation, and the Museum will be open every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday Monday, or by appointment, through Thanksgiving weekend. Please note that masks will be mandatory in the museum; they w......
Livin’ the Dream - theHumm September 2020
By David Hinks
Twelve-hour days, six days a week outdoors in the hot sun, worrying about the lack of rain, lettuce going to flower and becoming bitter way too soon — all for remuneration way less than minimum wage. Yet Alberto Suarez professes to be living the dream, doing exactly what he wants to do as he puts his beliefs and values into each and every day. And I have to admit that I greatly admire what he is doing and the values that he is living.
Alberto and his partner Joanna have developed a small fa......
Notes from The Lanark Climate Network - theHumm September 2020
By — Chandler Swain is a member of the Communications working group of the Lanark Climate Network
In our house, getting a new edition of theHumm at the beginning of every month is a treat. No matter what is going on, knowing that our community is full of amazing and creative people, events and projects is always an inspiration.
To add to this monthly feast for the mind and soul, the Lanark Climate Network will be sharing its activities to collaborate, advocate for and build a fairer, greener, sustainably prosperous Lanark.
Since the lockdown and other measures were ......
Addressing the Perils of Sex Work - theHumm September 2020
By — Susan Fisher
When I first began supporting Willow’s, a struggling Vanier drop-in centre for sex trade workers, I wanted to help others who needed a hand. I had no clue this would lead me to a series of crash courses on Canadian law, community safety, human rights, and harm reduction strategies for the most vulnerable of our citizens. I also learned the distinction between sex work (voluntary) and trafficking (forced), both of which are happening in all corners of Lanark County. This is not a big city problem......
Beer! Where? Here!!: an Interview with Daniel Post - theHumm September 2020
theHumm is reaching out to members of our Ottawa Valley community to ask how they are finding ways to use their gifts and skills in these challenging times. Today’s subject is Daniel Post, an Almonte-based web developer who recently created and launched CraftOttawa.ca — an online guide to the region’s craft liquor scene. We contacted him to find out what inspired him to do so, and what he thinks of the area’s spirited offerings.
theH......
What’s So Funny?! — an interview with Rachelle Elie - theHumm September 2020
theHumm is reaching out to members of our Ottawa Valley community to ask how they are finding ways to use their gifts and skills in these challenging times. Today’s subject is Rachelle Elie — the world-travelling, award-winning comedian and Rag Bag Cabaret host who now calls Almonte home crowningmonkey.com . We contacted her to find out how she has been faring for the past few months, and how she plans to get people laughing again.
th......
Caring for the County: an Interview with Fraser Scantlebury - theHumm September 2020
theHumm is reaching out to members of our Ottawa Valley community to ask how they are finding ways to use their gifts and skills in these challenging times. Today’s subject is Fraser Scantlebury, the outgoing Regional Director at United Way East Ontario — Lanark, and a long-time community volunteer. We contacted him to find out how he’s feeling about stepping down from the position that he has held so capably for the past 7 years (while being at United Way for a total of 9 years and 7 month......
Stories of Decolonization — Land Dispossession and Settlement - theHumm September 2020
By — Susie Osler
How many of us know the history of the lands we inhabit? For settlers, do we know the stories of our ancestors’ arrival to these lands, and whose lives were embedded here prior to their arrival? Whose voices created the official historical record of this country that predominates? Whose voices have been silenced, ignored or not told? And how are our own personal histories interwoven with the colonization of these lands? Are we willing to actively engage with these questions? These ar......
Aug 31 Amanda Keeley Quartet
Aug 31 Merrickville Antique Artisans Show
Aug 31 - Sep 2 Sundance Artisan Show
Sep 7 - 8 Fibrefest
Sep 7 - 8 Natives & Clay
Sep 8 Music at Mera: Nathan Sloniowski
Sep 11 Community Open House
Sep 12 Opening Celebration of the new Art Hub
Sep 13 Jason Kent
Sep 14 Art in the Yard
- Wendo Van Essen — Nothing Felt Better
- Be a Wild Child — Roar Against Climate Change!
- MUSICwestport Festival A Fun, Free Event in Beautiful Downtown Westport!
- Misi Zibi Mamidosewin (The Gathering Place)
- 40 ArtistsAlong a Riverbank Outdoor Show on Labour Day Weekend
- Paint the Summer Returns to Westport
- Stone Fence’s Miss Pringle’s Mini-Skirt
- Blueberry Teaat Union Hall
- Come to the North Lanark Highland Games!
- Almonte Potters Guild Open House