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Freedom From Colonization

Urgent: Ongoing Colonization

As Albertans, we must acknowledge that colonization isn't just historical - it's happening right now through policy decisions, resource allocation, and systemic discrimination. Through our tax dollars and silence, we enable ongoing colonization of Indigenous peoples and lands. This systemic violence threatens everyone's freedom, and we must take responsibility for ending it.

Land Back Wisdom

"You can't claim to love Alberta while disrespecting its original caretakers."

Call Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations Email Minister of Indigenous Relations

Call Dan Williams, Minister of Municipal Affairs Email Minister of Municipal Affairs

Why Do We Need Freedom From Colonization?

Because somehow we went from "this land is sacred" to "this land is for sale." Let's talk about why true freedom means acknowledging and addressing the ongoing impacts of colonization in Alberta.

Our Current "Reconciliation" System

The Colonial Experience Today

  1. We acknowledge we're on Treaty 6, 7, or 8 territory
  2. We continue business as usual
  3. We call it "progress"
  4. We ignore ongoing land disputes
  5. We celebrate diversity without addressing inequality
  6. We repeat until someone calls it reconciliation

What Real Freedom From Colonization Looks Like

  • Land Back (not just land acknowledgments)
  • Indigenous sovereignty (not just consultation)
  • Cultural restoration (not just cultural appropriation)
  • Economic justice (not just symbolic gestures)
  • Environmental stewardship (not just resource extraction)

But What About Modern Society?!

Plot Twist

Decolonization doesn't mean reversing time - it means creating a future where Indigenous peoples have their rightful place as nations within nations.

The Real Issues

Land and Resources

  • Treaties are agreements between nations, not surrender documents
  • Resource extraction isn't development
  • Water rights aren't commodities
  • Sacred sites aren't tourist attractions

Cultural Freedom

  • Our languages aren't dead, they're suppressed
  • Our ceremonies aren't illegal anymore, but barriers remain
  • Our traditions aren't your festival fashion
  • Our stories aren't your marketing material

Economic Justice

  • Poverty isn't traditional
  • Clean water isn't optional
  • Healthcare is a treaty right
  • Economic development means Indigenous-led development

Pro Freedom Tip

If we think decolonization is too radical, let's remember that colonization was pretty radical too.

What Decolonized Systems Look Like

  • Indigenous governance models respected
  • Treaty obligations honored
  • Traditional knowledge centered
  • Land stewardship restored
  • Cultural practices protected
  • Economic sovereignty supported

What We're Missing

  • Real nation-to-nation relationships
  • Indigenous legal systems recognition
  • Land return mechanisms
  • Cultural restoration funding
  • Environmental co-management
  • Economic self-determination

The Economic Reality

When we support decolonization: - Communities heal - Environments recover - Cultures flourish - Innovation includes traditional wisdom - Everyone benefits from Indigenous knowledge

Reality Check

Reconciliation without decolonization is just colonization with better PR.

The Bottom Line

Freedom from colonization means creating a future where Indigenous peoples can fully exercise their inherent rights and where treaties are honored as sacred agreements between nations. It means understanding that decolonization benefits everyone, not just Indigenous peoples.

Let's Get Involved

Ready to support decolonization? Let's start by: - Learning true history - Supporting Indigenous-led movements - Respecting treaty obligations - Backing land back initiatives - Amplifying Indigenous voices

Remember: Real freedom means freedom for everyone, and that includes freedom from the ongoing impacts of colonization.

Sources & Evidence

Treaty Violations

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

  • The MMIWG Inquiry identified genocide against Indigenous women and girls in Canada
  • Indigenous women face a murder rate of 6.79 per 100,000 - drastically higher than non-Indigenous women
  • Alberta has one of the highest rates of MMIWG cases in Canada
  • Implementation of the 231 Calls for Justice remains incomplete
  • Source: MMIWG Final Report - Reclaiming Power and Place

Indigenous Overrepresentation in Systems

Land and Resource Extraction

  • Resource extraction on Indigenous territories often proceeds without free, prior, and informed consent
  • Oil sands operations impact Treaty 8 communities' traditional territories and livelihoods
  • Indigenous-led environmental monitoring faces funding challenges
  • Source: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
  • Source: Keepers of the Athabasca

Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action

  • Canada has only fully completed 13 of 94 Calls to Action from the TRC
  • Alberta has been slow to implement provincial-level recommendations
  • Education curriculum changes remain incomplete
  • Source: Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

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