How Settlers can better Serve the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn

On December 1st, 2023 Pikwàkanagàn First Nation Chief and Council has declared a State of Emergency, and as such the leadership is seeking support. Canadians, new settlers, and descendants of settler people can help.

First though, Pikwàkanagàn First Nation is the closest First Nation to Canada’s capital region. As a matter of fact, through Canada’s processes of genocide which include legislative and policy manifestations, denying Algonquin their very own land and resources while at the same time offering free land grants to settler people, Canada parliament buildings, supreme court, governor general’s residence, and the majority of its national museums all illegally squat on Algonquin territory.
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Here are three actions that you can take today:

1.  Donate to the Enaji Madinamage - MIDJM/The Sharing Place Food Bank. This food bank serves the Pikwàkanagàn First Nation community as well as the surrounding area of Golden Lake.
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https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/enaji-madinamage-midjmthe-sharing-place-food-bank/

2.  Donate to Omamiwinini Pimadjwowin: The Algonquin Way of Life Cultural Centre. One goal this initiative has is building a new Cultural Centre and Museum - a place to share Algonquin culture, traditions, language, and art forms are honoured and celebrated. This capital project is said to require $5 million dollars.
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https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/omamiwinini-pimadjwowin-algonquin-way-of-life/

3.  The Truth and Reconciliation Commission forgot to mention the need for people to decolonize their Last Will and Testaments and their final obituary. Do you live, work, or recreate on Algonquin land? If so, consider gifting an element of your final estate back to the Algonquin. You can donate to the charities above, or you can contact the First Nation directly. You can also ask family and friends to ‘in lieu of flowers’ donate to the Algonquin Anishinaabe.
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https://www.algonquinsofpikwakanagan.com/

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Lynn is an author, advocate, artist, and public speaker. Her work encompasses both anti-colonial work and the celebration of Indigenous knowledge. She challenges Canada’s practices, policies, and laws of colonial genocide such as the land claims and self-government process, sex-discrimination in the Indian Act, the continued destruction of Akikpautik / Chaudière Falls–an Anishinaabeg sacred place, and Canada’s lack of policy addressing Indigenous women and girls with disabilities who are bigger targets of sexual violence. 

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