Living in Indigenous Sovereignty

In the last decade, the relationship between settler Canadians and Indigenous Peoples has been highlighted by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the Idle No More movement, the Wet'suwet'en struggle against pipeline development and other Indigenous-fed struggles for Indigenous sovereignty and decolonization. Increasing numbers of Canadians are beginning to recognize how settler colonialism continues to shape relationships on these lands. With this recognition comes the question many settler Canadians are now asking: What can I do? Living in Indigenous Sovereignty lifts up the wisdom of Indigenous scholars, activists and Knowledge Keepers, who speak pointedly to what they are asking of non-Indigenous people. It also shares the experiences of thirteen white settler Canadians who are deeply engaged in solidarity work with Indigenous Peoples. If Canadians truly want to live honourably with Indigenous peoples, laws, and lands. Carlson-Manathara and Rowe argue, they will pursue a reorientation of their lives toward "living in Indigenous sovereignty" - living in accordance with an awareness that these are Indigenous lands, containing relationships, laws, protocols, stories, obligations and opportunities that have been understood and practised by Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial. This reorientation has the potential to fundamentally shift our current relations as we find a new way forward, together. Murray Angus, Adarn Joseph Barker, Dave Bleakney, Elizabeth Carlson-Manathara, Sherry Copenace, Niizhosake, Saagimaakwe, Aimée Craft, Joy Eidse, Victoria Freeman, Sieve Heinrichs, Chickadee Richard, Dawnis Kennedy, Kathi Avery Kinew, Susanne McCrea McGovern, Yvonne Pompana, Gladys Rowe, Leona Star, Silvia Straka, Rick Wallace, Monique Woroniak