Here is what Tsuu T’ina Minor Chief Steven Crowchild said to Trump (as per National Chief Cindy Woodhouse via Facebook):
“When it came to that one individual, I almost didn’t stay. I was filled with rage and I knew by then, that the world was watching. I was going to go home, because I didn’t want to do anything to bring negativity to my people. However, I consulted with some close people, and based on wise feedback I stayed. Visibility is key, diplomacy is important. There was no one else there.
I prayed and tried my best to observe everything. I prayed to creator, my grandmothers, grandfathers, and my mom. I asked them to guide my words and actions in that moment. As I stood on the tarmac next to my good friend Jyoti, I watched Trump approach each delegate before me, and I thought of those suffering around the world, my son, my nation, my ancestors, and waited for him to approach.
Instead of war, I chose peace. Instead of hate, I chose love. Instead of hostility, I tried my best to show humanity. He was just another person, like the ones I greeted before him (some would say a horrible person and we all know many reasons why). I felt strong with my feather hat, which I received a transfer for yesterday, my treaty suit, my beadwork, and good medicine. I stood taller than him as a proud Tsuut’ina. Close as it gets.
I spoke my Tsuut’ina language. I showed him my treaty medal and told him it’s older than Canada and that this is native land. I spoke for my elders, babies, and future generations, and spoke for peace and protecting water for future generations. I tried to say as much as I could, as wisely as I could, while representing with honour and dignity. Whether he listened or not, time will tell.
I don’t care if it was anyone else, in fact, I wish I was someone else. But I’m glad that the world got to witness a treaty suit, treaty medal, beautiful beadwork, precious feather hat, and us. I take assurance in knowing a message of protecting water and peace was spoken to world leaders.”
Lady Gaga: "Trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love, the queer community deserves to be lifted up. Music is love. Thank you." #GRAMMYs
I promised to do a residential school denialism wrap-up thread, debriefing and revealing the denialism we saw in September with receipts, so here we go. I hope this is helpful to share etc. Sadly, there is too much to cover, so I’ve limited it to some representative samples 🧵
Best Actress nominee #LilyGladstone wore a custom gown created in collaboration with Creative Director Sabato De Sarno and Indigenous designer Joe Big Mountain of Ironhorse Quillwork to the 96th Academy Awards, where she was the first Native American woman to be nominated in the category for her role in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon.’ #Oscars
Local music legend Mark LaForme has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and great performances at a variety of venues and events over the years.
For more: https://t.co/5ZshqT9O0k