higher colonial learning

Today was my first day back to school and I had trouble being cool (not remembering whether Shrubs said I should wear my backpack with one strap or two) and grinning like a fool...man it was a beautiful day. :D I had three classes today, all short on the first day: POLI 300B: Early Modern Political Thought, POLI 348: International Security and ENGL 395: Literature of the First Peoples of Canada and the United States. Tomorrow I have East Asian Politics (POLI 318). I'm almost done my first reading assignment (I bought most of my books last week) and am still adjusting to the fact that I am now a full time student. It's a little hard to describe, and I find it easy to take for granted the significant shift in gears and life that is going on - no job, full time school (20,000 new school mates), no car, new pad, no dogs (still looking for good homes for Pongo and Cheyenne by the way), new town, missing friends and family (especially lil Kashus)...sigh. I'm at the same time, excited and a little fearful. As usual dear readers, I will keep you in the loop.

p.s. I can see better without my pirate patch, and hear better without that squawking parrot on my shoulder.

2 more sleeps...

Yay! She's back!

Who or what did you think I meant? How well do you know me anyway? How far back into the vague mundane archives have you gone? I'm speaking of course of my Apple G4i Book, who I shall nickname, Guadalupe just because that name has always put a smile on my face. I brought her into the Mac hospital July31st and I just got her back today. She had to have two busted power cord pins removed and a new cd drive/burner put in. Looking at the invoice, I'm now glad I sunk over 300 clams into the extended warrenty 19 months ago.

Anyways, not too exciting, but I am happy to have her back. I'm sitting in somewhat familiar surroundings - the Serious Coffee on Douglas in Mituunii with an iced americano in hand of course ;-D. What is exciting is that I start school again in a little over a week! I'm down trying to find a pad and pickings are slim it seems. In addition to cruising around and calling prospective landlords, I dropped into the Uvic bookstore and picked up about 7 of the 10-12 books I will need this semester. I will keep you, my faithful readers, posted on the forthcoming Decolonizing Adventures of Dubya.

3:55

It's almost the end of the work day, I'm listening to Blackfire and I feel like moshing.

...some people fought back...

I've recently had time to reflect. I've also been inspired by the actions and discussions I have had with certain friends and family members recently. A lot has been said about the current state of affairs of Indigenous people, our people. Quite simply to quote one of my hereos, "we're getting the shit kicked out of us right now." Our adversaries (imperialist settlers, governments and companies who wish only to expolit us, our culture, lands, waters and resources in case it's not obvious) have learned well. For the most part, the aboriginal leadership no longer believe we are at war, let alone a stage of crisis requiring something immediate. Economic development, capacity building, joint-ventures have become the new battle cries. They are our friends now. We no longer want to rock the boat, because we are in it too, trying to get ahead, trying to be progressive, trying to create economic opportunies for the people. [And in case that last sentence didn't reek with enough sarcasm, I say, "bull shit!"]

We are at war. And we are losing and it's even more complicated than it was for our anscestors. To borrow a quote from one of my favourite pop-culture indulgances (BSG): "Our children need to know that some people fought back, and others collaborated." Each of us, each of our communities have Indigenous laws, that supercede the prestige or authority of any one person. It is true that most of those laws are no longer adhered to. Much of our ways have been relegated to the trash heaps of tokenism. And while I agree that many of our practices must adapt, I believe that we cannot truly thrive as Indigenous people unless we breathe life back into our sacred principles and responsibilities.

Knowing this, it begs an obvious question: What am I doing right now, to further the revival of those laws, principles and sacred responsibilities?

bananas give me heartburn

It's confirmed. Bananas give me heartburn :( After careful testing, data gathering and analysis I have determined that I can no longer consume peanut butter and banana sandwiches without paying the price. Damn you Jimmy and your JD Squishy Ways!!! I used to have the gut of a young man...sigh. Ah well. I must take full responsibility.

Speaking of paying attention to these sorts of things, I unofficially announce my intention to begin walking a better path, setting aside the ways W the pirate and adopting the ways of W the student/jedi/aspirant witwaak. This will coincide nicely with my return to school. As some of you already know, I will be returning to UVic shortly, re-entering my 3rd year towards a BA in Political Science. Specifically, I will be taking 5 Poli. Sci. courses this semester: International Security, International Politics: Mideast, International Politics: East Asia, Early Political Thought and Aboriginal (:p) Self Government. I will be leaving my cushy brown bureaucratic job and returning to school full time, and thus will begin the simplified living of W. I'm sure I will be counting on the generosity of family to help out with salmon and other game to supplement my KD and Mr. Noodles. In addition to the spartan living, I will be selling my car, keeping my moto, but riding my bicycle more. Over the past 2 years I have gradually gotten rid of lots of "stuff" so the transition shouldn't be too much of a shock.

Yesterday, I decided to simplify my cyberlife as well, and I'm happy to announce that myspace has won the battle of the pseudo-networking-thinly-veiled-singles-sites and I will be closing my bebo and hi5 accounts shortly, once I find a reliable person to carry on the management of my hi5 Eduardo Galeano group. The cool tunes ultimately won the day, although the bebo quizzes and polls are kinda fun in an obbessively narcissistic way (to quote one sarcastic Gitxsan sister).

Next fun task: Look for a place to live in Mituunii. Wish me luck!

Video: George Galloway on Israel and Lebanon

The Coup

What a weekend! I need another weekend to get over my weekend. Saturday night me and a few comrades went to see The Coup in Victoria. It was a kick ass show. It was off the hook. They raised the roof. Haha, What are the kids saying these days? Groovy? The shizzly dizzly bizzly? The Coup almost defy classification...I mean if one had to choose, one might say hip hop, but they also come with a real band, with real instruments which is always cool for a live show and one can't forget tha FUNK. Their tunes are easy to dance to and they came with enough energy at the right points to get at least Fish in a moshing mood. On top of it all, they are seriously political and socially conscientious, which is exactly what the Goin' Coastal crew are into. After the show I bought their new CD, Pick a Bigger Weapon (notabley, Succha and I - aka, the "friendly fellas" bought our CDs - while Fish and 'Rica were given their CDs free...lol). I highly reccomend you either buy or charm your CD...check out a few tracks at: http://www.myspace.com/thecoupmusic.

Anyways, back to my sedate bureaucratic life to get the rest I need from my action-packed 3-day weekend (I didn't even tell you about the other two nights and days full of action, adventure, vino, a lil veritas, intrigue, chillin', swimmin', family fun, card playin', ah the pirate days are numbered...)

Birthday Wishes for Mom

My Mom. Where do I start? She loves us kids so much It's overwhelming but certainly appreciated. She inspires me to become a parent myself, and not just so she can have more grandchildren but to share life experiences and unconditional love...sigh. I am a fortunate son indeed. And she still spoils me. Last week while we were at Costco, she told me to pick out some stuff for my return to student life, that she was going to pay for. Of course it being Costco, I ended up with 12 bars of soap, 4 tubes of toothpaste, two giant bottles of shampoo and 16 of the lastest, snazziest 5-blade razor refills. I can't even begin to start how much this woman does for me and my sister and her husband and my new nephew. We are truly blessed.

Mom, you are my foundation and support and I will be forever grateful to have been born your son. You are a constant source of love, encouragement and inspiration. I appreciate your patience and understanding and the way you listen to my wacky points of view and love me anyway. I love that you worry when CSIS sends an agent to talk to me but you still support my desire for truth and justice for our people. I love that you encourage me to stay positive and not give in to the dark feelings and depression that so often accompanies this lonely road. I know that I will never be alone with a mom like you.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today my pops, Wickaninnish of Ahousaht is 62. He is truly one of my heroes. Like all heroes he has made his share of mistakes but he is a man of principle and integrity and I could not be more proud to be his son. About 19 months ago we almost lost him - he suffered a heart attack. Today he is the epitome of physical health, watching what he eats and walking my dogs twice a day. Last August he became the proud grandparent of my sister and Gord's son, Kashus.

Especially during these times of political pragmatism, I am honoured to have a father who is committed to authentic Nuu-chah-nulth principles. He inspires me to do the right thing, even if it hurts financially or otherwise. He has the spirit of a warrior and a strong love for our Nuu-chah-nulth ways, teaching us the language of our ancestors.

Dad, I love and respect you dearly and look forward to the day when you can share your teachings with my children as well.

Your son, Na'cha'uaht

Dad

Kleco Allah C'est Friday!

It's Friday afternoon and as far as I can tell, the quietest time on the internet. I'm listening to Al Green's "Let's Stay Together." These songs don't bother me anymore. :D Progress! It's a wonderful tune...gotta love that old soul music. Once again it reminds me of Sunday mornings when I was still running around in PJs. Imagine it's about 9am and you hear music coming from upstairs. My father has the stereo cranked up and he's listening to Al Green, Sam Cooke, The Four Tops, Temptations, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye. He's groovin' on the couch reading the newspaper and mom is in the kitchen frying bacon (hey, it was the 70s!) The sun is shining. You run upstairs, hair all messy, sleep in your eyes and get some love from the 'rents. Next you go see if you can bug your older sister. Despite your ability to annoy her, one day you will both grow older and the love between you is stronger than you ever imagined possible, but for the moment there can nothing more fun than to make her mad while she tries to catch a few more winks, until you get chased around the house screaming and laughing with glee and fear at the same time. Just some fond memories.

What a week. Last weekend my buddy, Scott got married. It was beautiful and I was moved...Yes stoic W is capable of shedding a tear or two in the name of beautiful things :.I And then Pirate W took over, a little vino and old high school mates and underlying thoughts of Hezbollah/Israel/Lebanon/Palestine/The Godfather (not sure where that came from) and dancing to 80s and 90s tunes...yikes. I am humbled and plan on seeking reinstatement to the Jedi Order...lol.

Today at work, I was reminded of this poem I wrote last September. It made me smile. I've actually been in a really good mood the last two days. I had a good chat with my father yesterday as well as my friend Lahalawutsaa't. It's important for like minds to keep working together and reminding each other "what it's all for." Even us true believers get down from time to time (see the last 8 months or so of W's life). It is important to remember that there is a better way and that there is a difference between acknowledging reality and accepting it. Viva la rebellion!

O calm, dishonourable, vile submission!

I don't know why I thought of such an obscure reference. I'm speaking of Act 3, scene 1 from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Perhaps the themes of doomed romance and tragedy still resonate with me. The line by Mercutio in response to Romeo's bended-knee placating of his enemy Tybalt accurately captures how I feel about my father's home community Ahousaht, giving Premier Campbell a Nuu-chah-nulth name.

I'm trying to work through the logic of the move, and of course my cousin, A-in-chut (AFN Regional Chief and Ha'wiilth) has provided some reasoning. He states the honour is not without consequence and is intended to push him the right direction. I hope so. And unlike so many other times with "aboriginal leaders" where the talk is big and the action is absent, I hope everyone is sincere about this.

I guess I am not the diplomat that people have always thought I would be. Am I regressing or just fulfilling my role? Perhaps I will feel different in time. I don't know. What would happen if we all compromised? Would we all get along? It sounds like it might make sense. Yet I can't ignore this profound sense of indignation. I once wrote that amongst all the things that younger (perhaps naive and immature) Indigenous people detest about the behaviour of our mainstream aboriginal politicians, it's the submission and seeming indignity that is hardest to take. Perhaps I will feel differently in time. Perhaps.

fyi...websites updated...

kumtux and the Nuu-chah-nulth Stop The Violence websites have been updated. I can't believe it has been almost three months since I updated kumtux, but today I announce the launch of Wasase a larger movement that I have been involved with, in addition to the local stuff. Regarding the local stuff, if you go the updates page on the Stop The Violence website you will see we are attempting to keep the ball rolling on this important initiative to end internal violence and promote a return to balance in our families and communities. Whew, someday I'm going to have to consolidate these webs...

July 11th - Fish's Revolutionary Birthday

On this day in 1990, my buddy Fish says he was born. Today is the anniversary of the beginning of the so-called Oka Crisis. Specifically, it is the anniversary of the failed SQ raid on the Mohawk barricades at Kahnesatake and the immediate set up of the Kahnawake sympathy blockade of the Mercier Bridge. Hard to believe I was 17 at the time and as apolitical as I may have been, the stand taken by our Kanien'kehaka sisters and brothers will always resonate with me and inspire me. Someday soon, I hope inspire other 17 year olds to stand up with dignity and respect.

kleco, kleco!

[I recommend York and Pindera's People of the Pines for a detailed account of the history and crisis.]

#48 - Completed

Number 48 on my list of 101 things to do in 1001 days was, "Not use my mobile phone for a whole week (7 days = 168 hours)." Well as some of you may have noticed I was a little hard to get a hold of - Risky even went so far as to leave an excessively profane yet humourous message - at least I was laughing even if he wasn't - on my voice mail on the last day (yesterday). Actually it was kinda nice to not have one electronic leash on for a whole week. As it relates to organizing and da revolution, I often wonder what life was like before MSN, Gmail, e-mail, listserves, news groups, message boards, cell phones, text messaging, chatting, faxing and morse code...are we really more plugged in or are we unplugging from RL (real life)? Certainly organizing the last lil shindig I participated in was made easier by e-mail, but there's also something irreplacable about live, human contact. At the very least, I recommend unplugging as often as you can and connecting with real, live flesh and blood peeps - ironic to make such a statement on my BLOG, I know. btw, imo :p lol, lmao, ttyl

dubya dubya dubya

Viva la Nuu-chah-nulth rebellion!

brrrrrr......

Fake smiles after Roots and I take a 6am dip in the Pacific Ocean in Tla-o-qui-aht territory.

Dogs with purpose

As I headed out of town this morning I noticed a dog walking swiftly down Redford Street in Port Alberni. It reminded me of other times I have seen dogs walking briskly down a road or sidewalk. I always wonder where they are going. It's different than a dog who has recently escaped their yard and is bounding between all the interesting smells they come across until they are recaptured by their owners or picked up by the SPCA. And it's different than seeing a dog lying around in the sun or guarding the home. These dogs seem to have another purpose, a drive, a direction. It always makes me wonder what could be so important? Where are they from? Where were they and where are they headed so intently? Just a few mundane thoughts of owner of two of my own mutts...

sigh...

I took this picture as I sat in the back of an obnoxiously big SUV-limo driving on Beach Avenue in Vancouver. I was visiting my old stomping grounds last weekend to partake in a variety of stag-related activites for my buddy Scott. He's getting married in 3 weeks. The day began with my riding like a maniac to catch the 8:30 ferry. I have been having battery problems so upon disembarking from the ferry, one of the deck-hands offered to give me a push so I could jump-start the ole gal. I made it to Fraserview Golf Course in time for our 11:23 tee-off. It turns out Saturday was the hottest day of the year so far in Vancouver. I'm glad I decided on my moto, even though I had to rent clubs and pack what I could in my teeny tiny tankbag. After a poorly-played but fun round of golf I had a quick visit with Ly (of previous FUH2 fame) before heading to the barbeque and subsequent evening of debauchery. I actually ended up calling it a relatively early night at 12:30am after having forgotten my credit card at one establishment and then not being able to find the next venue. I hopped in a cab and headed to chez mama. Ah well, I had fun and needed to catch up on my winks after two previous nights of very little sleep.

Sunday morning, well afternoon, I managed to crawl out of my old single bed from back in the day that my mom still keeps in her guest room and go for the "cure" with Scott. He swears by eggs benny in helping one feel human after a night of mass consumption - even though I was pretty mellow, it was my third night out. After picking up my moto, which by some grace of the Battlestar Galactica Gods started without a hitch I headed to the land of the rich Indians (lol, Squamish) and met up with Old Man Rivers. We had a good chat on the pier near Ambleside. In OMR I trust. Dirka, dirka.

[I can't stand Norah Jones. Don't ask why.]

It has been a crazy-busy couple of weeks and I have been somewhat negligent in posting here. So there was my buddy's stag party. I good friend of mine is going through difficult times and well it just sucks and I wish it were 6 months from now for her. I've had my ups and downs lately as well. I find when I am not distracted by something, meaningful or not, I am feeling exceedingly lonely...still working on the whole being alone without feeling lonely thing. :p

[Break-up songs still suck. I'm glad Mexico got knocked out of the World Cup.]

The previous weekend: Father's Day. I took my pops out for breakfast (note to self: remember to update my list), and then we went for what is normally my only round of golf of the year. I know some of my revolutionary friends are cringing but I refuse to feel bad about this annual tradition I share with Wickaninnish. After golf, and some lying around watching some football on the telly, we had lunch with my sis, her husband and my neph. Here is a picture of his lemon-face:

Intellectual Warriors?

I have always been a reluctant warrior. Most times I have felt the term to be pretentious. More recently, I have preferred to be on the path of being a Nuu-chah-nulth Witwaak. Semantics and subtleties aside, I should update you on my activities this past week. I am beginning the second and last week of an Indigenous Governance seminar course at the University of Victoria. It's called the ILF: Indigenous Leadership Forum (or as I have come to call it: the Indigenous leprechaun Front, for no other reason than to bring some light-heartedness to a sometimes heavy-hearted endeavour). Dr. Taiaiake Alfred has gathered about 40 students and community leaders and activists from all across occupied Canada, the north and even one student from south of the border to further the process of creating political alternatives (to existing federally-funded Aboriginal institutions) that truly meet the needs of our people. It has been challenging to say the least. Despite our commonalities, we also possess many differences as Indigenous peoples. The challenge will be to build upon the commonalities and not let our differences divide us to the detriment of all. It is my hope that a national network will be established that can support local organizing, for my heart remains at home with my people, the Nuu-chah-nulth and Tsimshian. I will let you know how it goes in future posts. Cuu for now...(academic)W

Is freedom overrated?

A friend of mine watched Braveheart again last night and we are both feeling a little frustrated about the current state of affairs in Indigenous/Aboriginal politics. I suggested after lunch, "perhaps freedom is overrated." Maybe people don't want it. Maybe it only matters to the few of us who are cursed with some (perhaps pretentious) sense of awareness or knowing that things are not as they should be....sigh. What say you?

As the Nation Turns

I'm not sure if I find it funny or disturbing that more people were curious about my blind date than a recently posted poll saying that Canadians wanna unleash the hounds (police, paramilitary, military) on us po' lil Indians. Probably both. In retrospect, I realize that perhaps I DID show a little too much W-shoulder in the blindfold picture...haha. What can I say, I had just hopped out of the shower and it was a last-minute inspired moment to do a lil self portrait, seeing as how this was the first time I had ever gone on such an occasion. It turns out it was not as blind as I thought. I ended up having sushi and lively conversation with a highschool penpal from back when you were just a loaf of bread. I will respect my dinner companion's privacy and leave it at that :p

Meanwhile, back in the rain forest...

Yes, 60% of your fellow, friendly (ahem) CANADIANS would much rather the whole Six Nations Reclamation at Caledonia thing go away through the use of FORCE. Is it just me or do the world renowned peacekeeping nationals occupying our lands get cranky when they can't get to Tim Horton's as quickly as they used to? Come to think of it, I can think of one Indian in particular, who orders 2 XL triple triples on her insanely long commute to work! For the record, I have not actually seen her grumpy, in fact she smiles and laughs just a little too much for my liking (jk), but as far as I can tell she's a peaceful woman. Perhaps the Canadians actually feel guilty and are trying to cover up their living off the avails of crimes against humanity by lashing out (you know how actual people in your life/home/workplace do that when they feel guilty or cornered?)

What do you really think? Indulge me.

CTV Poll Results

The Six Nations reclamation in Caledonia, Ontario and subsequent roadblock and dispute has been brewing for over two months. For Indigenous people the dispute has been ongoing for over 200 years. The www.citizensofcaledonia.ca are calling the Indigenous people terrorists and suggesting that the good Canadian tax-payer has put up with enough from the colonized riff-raff. Over 1,200 voters in a www.ctv.ca poll give their opinion on how to resolve the native standoff. There is so much I could say, including the biased questions but I will save that for another day perhaps and let the numbers speak for themselves:

Question: How do you think the government should resolve the native standoff in Caledonia, Ont.?

Use force 755 votes (60 %)

Continue negotiations 344 votes (28 %)

Give in to native demands 151 votes (12 %)

Total Votes: 1250

going where this W has never gone before...

Yes, for the first time in my nearly 33 years, I am going on a blind-date :I Wish me luck. Updates to follow.

The Movement has begun...

The Stop The Violence march is over. It ended where it began: In Tla-o-qui-aht territory with the women saying, "enough! Stop the violence!" I am still overwhelmed and "processing" the impact of this march on me and the people we met thoughout our homelands. As I drove Chiinuuks and Muhwa home to Mituunii late Sunday night, I remarked in somewhat stunned disbelief, "Wow...we actually DID SOMETHING!" Chiinuuks grabbed my hand and with a big smile said, "We did!" and it is just the beginning. This Stop The Violence march has now become a movement. In listening to the voices of the women and children we have begun to restore balance to our lives, families and nations.

Consistent with our ways, our principles, "hish-uuk-ish tsaa'waalk," it has always been about something bigger and yet that bigger goal was never going to be achieved until we started somewhere small. More discussion and action will come. It is true that our hearts are heavy with the suffering our people have endured and inflicted upon each other, but we also have hope and our hope is not merely a pragmatic response to the pain. It is rooted in the courage of those many people, young and old who stood up, some for the first time, and said, "Enough! No more! We have grown weary of surviving. We are taking back our lives, our communities, restoring balance to our families and we will live again, thriving as strong, dignified Nuu-chah-nulth people."

My tears are mixed; of pain and joy. My resolve to do my part, to live as a strong, healthy Nuu-chah-nulth man with integrity, compassion and love is unwavering. Our renewal has begun.

[Click here for latest photos from the march.]

Indian Fighting Skills

I first came across this online over a year ago, and perhaps needing a good laugh, I decided to look for it again, googling "Indian Fighting," "American Indian Fighting styles" etc. This guy is named Randall Brown and at some point he discovered he had some "Serious Indian blood in him" lol.

You can check out the full pitch here but here is an excerpt:

The best part: Though Indian fighters trained their entire lives... the actual MOVES they use are amazingly easy to learn.

You don't have to be a big guy. You don't have to be in super-hard-ass shape (or even be in shape at all, really). No special skills are required, no strength, no nothing.

The fact is... you can just WATCH these kill moves... and suddenly be more dangerous than you ever imagined. Instantly.

So why all the secrecy? The few Indians who practice these nasty killing arts aren't eager to share them with the civilization that almost wiped them out. Jeez, you can understand that.

LMAO

Stop the Violence

I've been busy working on a new website for the upcoming Stop the Violence march in Nuu-chah-nulth territories. You can find it here. We are down to the last few days of planning this march and people are getting excited. There are a lot of last minute preparations to do and people to talk to but I am confident we (there are many dedicated organizers) will pull it off. The message is one that is so critical in our communities right now: Stop the violence. Learn your history. Restore balance. Our families are precious. Demand respect, integrity and accountability. Live a Quu'as life.

Check it out, especially for updates and photos as the march progresses through the territories: www.stoptheviolencencn.org.

has it really been almost 2 weeks?

My apologies dear readers. I've been somewhat delinquent in posting to this blog lately. It's been a busy 12 days. Where do I start? School I think. My friends, family and observant patrons will know that I have been taking an online course this past semester: IGOV 384 through the University of Victoria. I've received A's for all my assignments so far, with the results from my participation and final paper components to go. Wish me luck. Oh, and word around the campfire is I may get my final paper published in a left-wing rag. I'll keep you posted.

I think I am finally over my cough.

That mountain (Lau Wel New), I mentioned in a previous post, well I've climbed it 4 times since. That along with my recent self-imposed denial of evil colonial carbohydrates should get me back in shape just in time for swim suit season. Did I say this last year? Back to the mountain, fight the power Menethia! We got ya back.

Yesterday, I responded to the call from our Vancouver sisters and brothers to help with security at the Six Nations Deterrence Rally. Not to rain on anyone's parade but generally speaking, I am not a big fan of the whole rally, protest, march thing. This one was different though. The feeling, the energy in the air was different. It reminded me of 1990. People, specifically Indigenous people are feeling indignant and dignified again, even though some people are not sure why. They just know that it is a good time to be Indigenous.

Let's see what else did I get up to? I'm reading a REALLY good book: Women of Maize. I am only on page 88 but so far I find the voices of these Indigenous women from Chiapas powerful, inspiring and humbling. For all you rebels and closet-rebels out there, I highly recommend it.

Oh, one last thing. I posted a guest column, "Detoxing From Canada" on my other blog. It was originally published here, the words of a cool settler indeed.

cuu,

Mt. Lau Wel New

Yesterday I completed #12 on my list. The mountain was Mt. Lau Wel New (aka Mt. Newton to the local settlers). It was not as big a mountain as I had originally conceived when I drafted my list and I did not 'conquer' it. I was humbled by it, and not just because I have pneumonia or some other plague that makes me cough up my lungs and it kicked my butt, but because of the significance of the mountain to my brothers and sisters of the territory. It probably took about 30 minutes to get to the top and I know that I was going pretty slow, but the view from the top made it feel like we were on top of the world and at a very special place indeed. I am not as well-versed in the local stories as I would like to be to share it with you but I look forward to learning more especially as development threatens this beautiful place. I will keep you, eager reader, informed and enlightened as best I can.

201 Today :D

As I sat upright, left hand on my thigh, riding my motorcycle into the town of Ladysmith I felt like a conquering hero. This morning I finally did it. I've been thinking about this one (#22) for some time. On a long, straight, downhill strip of highway between Chemainus and Ladysmith, much to the chagrin of my mom, Margo and even Scooter I think, I managed to get the old 599 up to 201. :D I probably could have pushed it a little further but at that speed, one doesn't even want to sneeze or breathe for that matter, so the time between getting to the goal and freaking out with sudden paranoid images that one might describe as "human scab" and "cheese grater" is very short indeed. Another one bites the dust! :D

Is Google Radical or is it just me?

I've been using Google Mail for a few months now but it took me until just last week to notice something. Google is radical. I started to notice a pattern as I was reading an e-mail from my good friend, Chiinuuks. As Old Man Rivers has pointed out in his review/endorsement, unlike other free webmail services GMail uses only very subtle advertisements (text only). There is a single line of "news" on the main screen and a series of sponsored links on the right side of the e-mail composition screen. Much more pleasant than the pop-ups and large ads advertising free iPods or online dating sites I can assure you. At first I thought it was funny that it would show a link for Frantz Fanon and then I noticed it was always telling about Indigenous issues, protests in France, organic, fair-trade food and so on. I then remembered what I friend told me sometime ago. GMail scans my outgoing and incoming e-mails for keywords and then lists related news items and advertisements. A little spooky, but so far I am finding it innocuous enough. What do you think?

Well, it is April, for all you bureaucrats, the beginning of a new fiscal year. Spring is here. I lost my mobile phone and digital camera on the weekend. Time to turn over a new leaf and all the other good cliches. Seriously, time to reduce and/or eliminate some of the contradictions in my life. Dubya is feeling humble today.

google chatting with the "old man"

Not my old man, but Old Man Rivers...

3:40pm

me: How does this one work?
OMR: Like magic
me: My first google chat
OMR: lol. I like it alot better then msn except not as many people are on here
me: Yeah...
OMR: One day though Google Talk will become the future
me: I like the fact that it is not as big and gaudy as MSN...like the e-mail
OMR: ...and full of ads
me: Not full of bright, pop-up ads
OMR: Gmail will be the future
me: No beautiful smiles for singles sites etc.
OMR: lol :)
me: Even the emoticons got out of hand on msn
OMR: haha. Custom emoticons
me: I hate those loud ones on hi5. I think I am becoming more of a minimalist.
OMR: Yeah, I had to disable the function to see custom emoticons. Minimalist...hmm.
me: Simplifying my life
OMR: I cant remember if thats what I want to be
me: Trying to...less clutter
OMR: Yes
me: More of what's important or maybe so much going on right now that it feels that way
OMR: lol. My dream house will be a minimalist house. Actually, there is no way I could do that
me: futons
OMR: lol. There was something I wanted to be that as an "ist" or "ism." I can't remember what though
me: Hmmm...Not tha shizzle?
OMR: Oh well...

Some Other Spring

sung by Billie Holiday...

Some other spring
I'll try to love
Now I still cling
To faded blossoms
Fresh from worn
Left chrushed and torn
Like the love affair I mourn

Some other spring
When twilight falls
Will the night bring
Another to me?

Not your kind
But let me find
It's not true that love is blind
Sunshine's around me
But deep in my heart it's cold as ice
Love, once you've found me
But can that story unfold twice?

Some other spring
Will my heart awake?
Stirring to sing
Love's magic music
Then forget the old duet
Love in some other spring?
Spring?

written by: Irene Kitchings / Arthur Herzog Jr.

V For Vendetta

I went to see V for Vendetta on the weekend. I have been looking forward to it since I first saw the trailer online last month. The first thing I heard was it was produced by the Wachowski brothers, the guys who brought us one of my other favourite movies, The Matrix. Even though I was dissapointed in the 2nd and 3rd Matrices I heard some interesting early buzz about this latest project.

There seemed to be some early speculation that it would cause a lot of controversy, especially among neocon circles. Without spoiling too much of it for you, the story takes place in a dystopian future England where society is highly structured and the government rules with fear and propaganda. The protagonist V, is branded as a terrorist and while one is left to question his motivations and strategies, he is clearly painted as the hero.

I won't tell you any more other than some of the thoughts it provoked. I thought a lot about ends-means consistency and the ethics of using particular strategies for political effect. I also thought about the ethics and effectiveness of what I will characterize as "severe indoctrination." One reviewer described the film as a revolutionary call to arms. I don't think I would go that far but it did provoke some interesting thoughts as well as being entertaining. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Mohandas K. Gandhi

Whew! I finally finished "Gandhi, An Autobiography: The Story Of My Experiments With Truth" and I am still processing it. I am finding it difficult to offer a definitive opinion about the man and his work. Obviously, one cannot ignore his contributions to the theory and practice of non-violent militancy/non-cooperation/resistance (Satyagraha). He also set an extremely high standard with regard to personal conduct, integrity and self-restraint. What I am having difficulty with was his apparent allegiance (in his own words) to the British Empire, especially during the Zulu War, Boer War, and World War I. Additionally, there seems to be a lack of solidarity with other Indigenous people, specifically the Africans during his 15+ years in South Africa.

His autobiography admittedly paints broad strokes and I will have to research many more sources to get a better understanding of the man, time, context and other players involved. I do admire his unwavering commitment to the truth, something I wish to emulate in my own life.

[P.S. Reading Gandhi's autobiography was no. 49 on my list and writing 100 posts on my blogs was no. 81.]

W-licious

Citizens of Springfield... I have been sporadically updating lately I know. My first excuse is that I was in Vancouver (aka the big smoke) last week and I stayed with my mom who believes that internet access is an unnecessary expense and usually I have to find an internet cafe or other wireless location. My second excuse is I have been running around the woods like a fool and working like mad on a homework assignment, which I submitted this afternoon. FYI, I am doing well so far and my future as a rebellious academic looks promising. Humble beginnings I know, but I have no where but to look up at that ivory tower and see if I can't spread a lil camouflage along the way ;-)

Women scheme and men are idiots

I'm pretty sure that I will never be a bonafide opera critic, but generally that is what I got from the The Marriage of Figaro performed at the Chan Centre at UBC on Sunday. Oh and they all had great voices. In particular, I liked the signing of Cherubino, a role I assume was originally written (by Mozart) for boy sopranos, but in today's "civilized" times is performed by a young(ish) woman.

I have long appreciated opera, classical music and other colonial favourites and despite nodding off a couple of times, which ALWAYS seems to happen to me at live musical performances of any kind no matter how much I enjoy them, I really did enjoy my first live opera. Kleco Ly, for getting the tickets and accompanying me and of course for nodding off a couple of times yourself so I didn't have to feel bad! ;-) Another one (#40) bites the dust off my list.

This is NOT it!

I don't have the answers...yet. I have some good ideas and believe it or I am actually implementing some of them. I realize that change often takes longer than we might like, but right now I feel impatient. This morning as I drove to work in my sensible, no-frills Honda civic (with over 300,000km on it), sipping my cafe americano, I yelled out loud at the top of lungs. Fear not, I did not have any passengers to frighten, nor did I do any dangerous swerving, but I was struck by a moment: Something in my gut screamed that this world, our place in it, as it is right now is not right. It can be a hard feeling to describe in theory but I can sure tell you how it feels.

500 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
Are we INSANE? As Indigenous men, how can we tolerate that?
As human beings?
Somewhere in the neighbourhood of 30,000 children die from hunger EVERY SINGLE DAY.
Youth suicide epidemics. Our people are killing themselves.
If you talk to some elders, this phenomenon is a recent one...it is very much a legacy of colonialism.
Diabetes? Super Big Gulps. Give that kid a lollipop.
Can't concentrate or sit still? Here, have some ritalin.
Bored? Here, have an X-Box.
Want a treaty? Special price: Your soul.
Let's reconcile. Don't worry, I'll be gentle.
Only if you Indians would go to school. Get a job. Be a consumer.
Be Canadian...a friendly country for sure, polite too.
Wanna fight? Go to court...go ahead. I dare you.
When you win you lose. When you lose you really lose.
Maybe you lost before you started.
Any other tools I can try, master?
Get Rich or Die Trying? Get Free or Die Trying.
Got Fish? Got KD?
Play bingo. We laugh.
Drink. We laugh.
Stick that needle in your arm. We laugh.
We cry.
We scream.
Why is freedom so impractical?
Why are radicals vilified? Crush dissent.
We are used to obeying orders, even a stern look or tone will do it.
Why is dignity radical?
Where is hope? In the Canamerican dream? Boy that Hummer is the shizzle.
I can be like you.
I can be better, really I can.
Forget about creating a strong sense of identity based purely on Indigenous values, principles and worldviews. The imperial vision will do nicely.
I can oppress my brother.
I can be progressive, practical, forward-thinking, a leader.
WTF?!?!
Are you happy?
How is your soul doing?
Who are you?
What makes your life worth living for? What would you die for?
AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!
Breathe.
Let go of your illusions brother.
Let go of your fears sister.
Be free.
Be Indigenous.

Another way of life is possible.
Live your dreams.
Start now.
Right now.

"Stupid F#$%ing White Man"

I'm not sure if it is the best line in the movie, but it certainly is funny, at least to my Indigenous and not-so-easily-offended non-Indigenous friends. The movie I am referring to is Jim Jarmusch's Dead Man, not to be mistaken for Dead Man Walking which was also released in 1995 with Sean Penn. I dig this film. I did not see it for the first time until last summer when I finally bought the dvd. I have seen it in its entirity and in parts several times since. I have noticed, however that some people find it odd, slow and boring. I guess it is not for everyone, or perhaps it depends on your mood. I appreciate the subtle humour, in particular the portrayed differences in worldviews and understandings of the two protragonists, William Blake and Nobody (Xebeche). It's cool also to see some Makah relatives in there at the end.

Here is some of the dialogue that made me laugh:

(William Blake and Nobody are riding their horses in the forest)

William Blake: Nobody, um, shouldn't you be with your own tribe or something?

Nobody: My blood is mixed. My mother "Ungumpay Pacane"(sp?) My father is "Absoluca" (sp?) This mixture was not respected. As a small boy I was often left to myself. So I spent many months stalking the elk people to prove I would soon become a good hunter. One day finally, my elk relatives took pity on me and a young elk gave his life to me. With only my knife, I took his life. As I was preparing to cut the meat, whitemen came upon me. They were English soldiers. I cut one with my knife but they hit me on the head with a rifle. All went black. My spirit seemed to leave me. I was then taken east, in a cage. I was taken to Toronto, then Philadelphia, and then to New York. And each time I arrived in another city, somehow the whiteman had moved all their people there ahead of me. Each new city contained the same white people as the last. And I could not understand how a whole city of people could be moved so quickly.

If you have seen it and love it or hate, let me know what you think. Leave a comment.

"It is not power that corrupts but fear"

- Aung San Suu Kyi

how much do you cost?

After several hours of listening to First Nations representatives and Provincial Government representatives parry and joust over resource management issues a colleague asked me, "When are we going to stop being so nice?"

I replied, "When they stop paying us." :I

a day of romance

I have not asked anyone to be my Valentine. No one has asked me. I have no Valentine. I am Valentine-free. No one loves me. :I Haha, sorry, I just wanted to say that. On a day when my mind and heart are not muddled by the virtual-insanity that is love - I am free to talk about another kind of romance. First, I love the quote above, by Che about revolutionaries being romantic and not at all pragmatic. I am also reminded of the advice of a well-known Nuu-chah-nulth politician a few years ago. "Don't be a romantic" he urged. "Our communities cannot afford romantics."

While I had a healthy respect for his intelligence, I could not disagree more with his politics or advice. I think the money-minded pragmatists have had their share at the helm of our wayward communities. I think that precisely what we do need are romantics, visionaries, and leaders of honour and integrity that will inspire the people. Our people are starving right now. They are materially poor, many are culturally poor, socially destitute, spiritually lost and most of all they lack hope. The so-called BC treaty process does not inspire. Specific Claims do not inspire. Interim measures do not inspire. Consultation and Accomodation does not inspire. Being Canadian does not inspire.

I say we are due for a renaissance of romance and dreams and hope. Isn't it ironic that even in a society so entrenched in practical, consumerist, materialist, individualist values honours, or at least acknowledges those it has martyred - those dreamers and romantics that chose to fight the status quo and work toward the building of brighter future, and future of indpendence and freedom. I for one, have chosen my lot. A thousand times yes, I am a romantic.

Hope Springs Eternal

Here is a picture of my neph (whom you might remember from such posts as, "Fight the Power" and "Power to the (lil) Peeps") and my father, Wickaninnish. I have a tremendous amount of love and respect for both of them. My nephew is a beautiful combination of my sister, her sensitivity and love for life and my brother-in-law with his calm, caring nature and warrior spirit. My father is one of a few true believers of his generation. There are more and more of us of the younger generation who still work and fight for what it is to be truly Quu-as, but he is a rarity is seems. I thank Naas for everyday that I have my father who teaches me what he knows of the old ways so that we may breathe life into our Indigenous values, principles and ways of life again.

A bit of mushy entry I know but I have been very active and pensive lately and I am thinking a great deal of how and when and why we must continue to fight, to protect, to respect and hold up all that is sacred and right and true about our Indigenous ways. Our days are here and now. Act now brothers and sisters. I am with you till the end.

bad beats

I have not played poker that long - perhaps over 5 months I have played 10 times (winning 4 times), but this past Thursday I suffered my worst beats thus far. Ok, so I'm at my cousin's place, sippin' juice, eatin' some potato chips getting ready to give my best poker :I and take him, his woman (Chequita) and Buster for their $25 buy-ins. We're playing Texas Hold'em and the first hand is dealt.

I try not to grin as I peak at my pocket ACES (spades and clubs). I ante conservatively hoping to draw em all in. The Flop is layed out and I think there were two more spades...looking promising for a flush as well. I bet a little higher, then the Turn, another spade. That's it, I'm going all in! I think I can't lose, seeing as I have the high spade right? Well Moyses Alou there calls my all-in, so I think he must have the queen or king of spades and is betting that I don't have the ace. Well my anticipation of whiping out my cousin on the first hand is dashed when the River turns out to be a jack of spades and he has, according to him, his first straight flush ever! Trumps my ace-high flush, and in one hand I'm gone.

You think I would have learned my lesson. I'm a pretty bright guy. You would think I could take a cue from the poker gods.

I buy back in at $10. The next hand is pretty uneventful and I fold. The 3rd hand (yep, only third hand of the night) I have two pair, and it's looking pretty good as Buster and Moy folded, so it's just Chequita and I. I go all in, anxious to get back into contention. and she calls. :I She also has two pair, only higher than mine. 3 hands, $35 down. I'm almost in shock and so I don't react as negatively (even in good humour) as you might expect. 3 hands and all of 10 minutes perhaps. So I offer to deal for the next half hour or so, just so I can feel I am getting SOMETHING for my $35 contribution.

Well at least tonight I can have the goal of lasting more than 10 minutes. I have learned what happens when I win twice in a row. Reckless W no more.