Access to land is imperative to both Indigenous Nationhood and the Canadian nation-state; however, there remains irreconcilable tensions as expressed within Treaties, UNDRIP, and Sections 25 and 35 of the Constitution Act. The legacy of settler colonialism continues to build federal legislation that does not recognize land as having agency to advocate for itself and its desires. As such, Canada’s recent enactment of Bill C-5 represents its ongoing paternalistic investments that prioritize expediency and efficiency between economic trade relations among provincial and territorial bodies. The passing of the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act raises questions about Canada’s intentions, including their impacts on and consequences for Indigenous Nations, and their considerations of governance, consultation and access to always-already Indigenous Land and notions of “Land Back.” Join us for a roundtable discussion with Kakeká ThunderSky, Taylor Galvin and Ben Linnick, local Indigenous activists who share their concerns with Bill C-5 and the (re)building of Canada that continues to serve “its” national interests and built environments.
Kakeká ThunderSky is a young Anishinaabkwe with roots in Poplar River First Nation, Treaty 5 Territory. She is a former kid in care born and raised in Winnipeg Manitoba. She is a dedicated mother of two beautiful girls, passionate land and water defender, grassroots community organizer and a member of the Thunderbird clan. Kakeka is strongly driven by her values, and holds the notion that we have a responsibility to be a good ancestor and a good relative. These morals are the base of all of her work. Kakeka has organized and volunteered in Winnipeg for many years now, helping run community giveaways and gatherings that align with the themes of anti-violence, land and water protection, harm reduction and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2 Spirit people. Land, water and sky protection and child advocacy are her passions. She has witnessed a direct link between the two as we have a responsibility to both the children and land. Kakeka has done work in Winnipeg to answer nationwide calls to action and has travelled across so-called-Canada to stand in direct solidarity with land and water defenders. She believes direct action rooted in culture and ceremony is necessary to get the children and land back. Kakeka works as the Northern and Rural Engagement Coordinator for the Climate Action Team and sits on the steering committee for 8th Fire Rising.
Social Media Handle: 2braidzikwe
Taylor Galvin is an Anishinaabe graduate student at the University of Manitoba pursuing a Master of Environment & Geography. She is an environmental activist and a dedicated land and water protector. Living and working in the bush, she combines traditional knowledge with scientific research to preserve ecosystems and advocate for environmental justice. Her work as a knowledge carrier highlights her deep connection to her culture, which guides her efforts to uphold First Nations sovereignty and nurture reciprocal relationships with the natural world. With extensive experience in community-based monitoring and collaborative research, Taylor is committed to ensuring First Nations-led environmental stewardship remains at the forefront of her work.
Ben Linnick is a Métis and Ukrainian land-based educator, activist and advocate. Now calling Winnipeg home, he was born and raised in Flin Flon, Manitoba. The environmental impact that mining activity had on the town and surrounding area served as the backdrop for his understanding of the land, how people relate to it, and our collective responsibility to care for our home.