Tuesday 25 February 2014

Launch of Crowd sourcing Campaign to support the work of land protection

What:

Non-Violent direct action training and strategic paths forward. This is imperative in order to adequately defend the rights of our people & the environment.

Background:

Idle No More cofounders, Jessica Gordon and Nina Wilson have worked  openly since the resurgence of the struggle for Indigenous and Environmental rights.  They have tirelessly and relentlessly dedicated themselves to assisting grassroots members receive knowledge on the current landscape of grassroots organizing.  They understand the importance of knowledge and training in order to advocate effectively, But more importantly, they have always known and seen the importance of boots to the ground activisim.

  Months ago was the time to begin establishing training for direct action and protection of land but due to some challenges this valuable work was delayed. Jessica and Nina, recently found themselves at the fork in the road; one of which to continue advocating and build awareness or one of instilling and facilitating the tools needed for what it will come down to – front line protection not only of our peoples rights, but of our very existence.
Nina and Jessica are now asking for your assistance in helping them be conduits for grassroots Non-Violent direct action training and strategic paths forward. We believe this is imperative in order to adequately defend the rights of our people and the environment.
Front line training and rights recognition are at the forefront of the work we will need to ensure protection of Mother Earth and Sacred Sites.
Some of the capacity needed to fulfill these goals are;
NVDA trainers to travel to central areas and provide training for attendees to take back home and share knowledge and strategy, this is the very definition of Grassroots, do not just advocate for the people, but train them to advocate for themselves more effectively.
Building on and establishing working relationships for Sacred sites and Water protection.
Research and knowledge acquisition to compile and share with communities.  Compilations of work will be in the form of templates, workplans and possible solutions.  Funds will be directed to a coordinator to compile and focus on this solely.
Website to provide a central area in which information will be shared.
We thank you for helping us be of service.  All financial information will be available on the mentioned website.  If in the future we are able to raise more funds , we will use have funds accessible to those communities and individuals doing the same work and mission. Every journey begins with the first steps, and every avalanche begins with just one snowflake.
Miigwech
Jessica Gordon, Cree/Anishinaabe Treaty 4 Territory
Nina Wilson, Treaty 4 Territory
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/protection-of-the-sacred-elements/x/6499983


***Difference between Nina Wilsons Crowd sourcing campaign and joint campaign:
Where Nina's camp is specific to site and infrastructure, these campaign funds will be directed to:
NVDA trainers to travel to central areas and provide training for attendees to take back home and share knowledge and strategy, this is the very definition of Grassroots, do not just advocate for the people, but train them to advocate for themselves more effectively.
Building on and establishing working relationships for Sacred sites and Water protection.
Research and knowledge acquisition to compile and share with communities.  Compilations of work will be in the form of templates, workplans and possible solutions.  Funds will be directed to a coordinator to compile and focus on this solely.
Website to provide a central area in which information will be shared.
ANCESTRAL CONNECTIONS

Along my most recent journey over the past year I have decided the best way to contribute to our struggles as stewards of the land and as women, is to focus on our first roles which are are to protect and teach.  To do this effectively I am hoping to build a community from the ground up. What was first planned as a year round cultural camp has now blossomed into a self sustaining, environmentally friendly training centre and nationhood building community.

I prayed on a name and for direction on what is the best way to move forward and after the name came to me everything else has been falling into place.

"Ancestral Connections", will be a place of solace, determination and resiliency.  The benefits of this camp/community will be of youth, women and men's empowerment, justice, self determination, community reciprocity and responsibility.

Our Vision for not only the camp/community itself but as an ‘organization’ is to:

"Build Nationhood through resurgence of culture, language and land use.  We will share best practices on models practiced, research compiled and facilitate community engagement"

Goals for the camp are:

"To provide space for ceremony, rites of passage, tradition teachings, education and celebrations"

"To model and facilitate a sustainable and responsible community"

"To work at restoration, protection and reclamation of sacred and historical sites"

Organizational Structure:

Firekeepers Council;

Elders, Women, Youth and Men established to advise on the activities within the camp/community.  Access to knowledge keepers, spiritual advisors.

Education and Resource Council;

Advisors in a variety of capacities with knowledge on Justice,  Education, Language,  Environment & Governance. Sub committees will be established to research, compile and disseminate with any interested parties other than the camp/community and Ancestral Connections board of directors. 
Training in areas such as; land stewardship, community engagement,  family wellness, language amongst many more will be provided as a directive of education or sub committees.

Land Use Council;

Vested community members and supporters will work at reclamation & protection of sacred and historical sites.
Advisors and professionals will work with partners in developing community and political engagement for more sustainable and renewable energy practices in local and surrounding territories.  
Renewable and sustainable energy practices in action will be a major part of the camp/community.  Permaculture, sustenance, medicine harvesting, composting, and nearby bird sanctuary among many more projects will be models to inspire others.

Please join me in the beginning of something great.

Miigwech
Jessica Gordon