EXERCISE 3- Idol No More/ Music and Expression/ Earth Revolution

Learning Objectives

In this exercise you will become familiar with the following:

• Idol No More
• EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Ta’Kaiya Blaney "Are we at a point of unity?".
• EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Ta’Kaiya Blaney on "incorporating music and expression.
• What is the traditional music of your territory?
• EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Ta’Kaiya Blaney on speaking for the environment, affirmation of self-identity and fighting for culture.
• A CALL TO ACTION: Earth Revolution video

Idol No More

The Story

Idle No More has quickly become one of the largest Indigenous mass movements in Canadian history – sparking hundreds of teach-ins, rallies, and protests across Turtle Island and beyond. What began as a series of teach-ins throughout Saskatchewan to protest impending parliamentary bills that will erode Indigenous sovereignty and environmental protections, has now changed the social and political landscape of Canada.

The National Day of Action on Dec. 10th, inspired thousands of people to action, committing themselves to ongoing resistance against neo-colonialism. In a few short months, Idle No More has become the center of media attention, drawing millions of people to our websites, twitter account and face book pages every day. It has also brought together a number of solidarity groups and allies looking to work against the current and pending governmental policy that impacts on collective rights, social safety nets, and environmental protections.

The impetus for the recent Idle No More events, lies in a centuries old resistance as Indigenous nations and their lands suffered the impacts of exploration, invasion and colonization. Idle No More seeks to assert Indigenous inherent rights to sovereignty and reinstitute traditional laws and Nation to Nation Treaties by protecting the lands and waters from corporate destruction. Each day that Indigenous rights are not honored or fulfilled, inequality between Indigenous peoples and the settler society grows.

This website seeks to provide ongoing information on the historical and contemporary context of colonialism, and provide an analysis of the interconnections of race, gender, sexuality, class and other identity constructions in ongoing oppression. This website also seeks to make visible what has often been untold - some of the powerful personal stories of those who have been moved by the spirit of Idle No More. Idle No More has provided hope and love at a time when global corporate profits rule. We invite everyone to join in this movement.

http://www.idlenomore.ca/story

DISCUSSION POINT: ARE WE AT A POINT OF UNITY?

MUSIC AND EXPRESSION

"Music is an ingredient in the fabric of our society!" Ta'Kaiya Blaney

What is the traditional music of your region?

The Mi'kmaq Honour Song

DISCUSSION POINT: WHO SPEAKS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?

DISCUSSION POINT: WHAT IS YOUR BLUE PRINT FOR YOUR FUTURE?

CALL TO ACTION: EARTH REVOLUTION