Pacific Peoples' Partnership

Connecting Indigenous and Pacific Peoples

Red Tide 2018 Recap

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RedTide: International Indigenous Climate Action Summit – Building a Collaborative Legacy to address Climate Change.

By April Ingham, Executive Director, PPP & Collaborator for RedTide

My introduction to Pacific Peoples’ Partnership (PPP) began with a wonderful publication entitled “Pacific Promises.” This was jointly authored by interns Stephanie Peter of the Cowichan Tribes on Vancouver Island and Deyna Kiriata Marsh of the Cook Islands, two young women who represent diverse nations within the North and South Pacific. Together, they crafted a work of fiction about a friendship that began with a message in a bottle, and what would lead to life changing global experiences for two young girls. The story felt very personal to both women, as the exchange powerfully illustrated their own unique biospheres, and the impacts that climate change is inflicting on their families, peoples and homelands. Ultimately, the story presents a hopeful message about solidarity, global citizenship and the promise of our youth.

As was illustrated so beautifully in this special publication, connecting peoples North and South for culture and knowledge exchange, as well as working intergenerationally within communities to build up our youth, is central to PPP’s work. Over the years we have produced 23 Pacific Networking Conferences (PNC), which are typically held in Canada every 2-3 years to address topical Pacific and Indigenous matters. Past conferences have focussed on critical topics including: West Papua human rights, Truth & Reconciliation in the Solomon Islands, and in 2015 we held “Rising Tides: Our Lands, Our Waters, Our Peoples”  which focussed on experiences of climate change within Indigenous communities.  

“Rising Tides” was a participatory and creative program developed and hosted with the direct support of several Coast Salish Nations in Canada. Within this we explored resilience, innovation, climate change adaptation, and the importance of traditional knowledge to ensuring our sustainability. The conference was blessed with the attendance of Ora Barlow-Tukaki, a strong Māori woman with a grand vision. This multitalented educator, performance artist, activist and community connector told PPP of a vision to host an international Indigenous climate action gathering in her traditional Māori territory of Te Whānau-A-Apanui. PPP welcomed the opportunity to help coordinate a PNC inspired conference in the South Pacific, and was honoured to work alongside Ora and her husband Ray’s organization Toitoi Manawa Trust to help make this a reality.

For two years preceding the RedTide: International Indigenous Climate Action Summit, PPP along with fellow Canada based partners – Indigenous Studies at the University of Victoria, and Indigenous Climate Action worked jointly to assist Toitoi Manawa Trust, and their Māoriand New Zealand counterparts, to realize the vision of hosting and organizing this important summit.

From the beginning the process was collaborative, kicked off with a virtual International participatory visioning exercise with Indigenous climate activists, educators, traditional knowledge keepers and leaders to help guide program development and build Indigenous global solidarity for RedTide.  

Rooted by this collaborative process, with incredible support and participation, we held RedTide this past May 1-6, 2018. This was no small feat as the Summit was located in Toitoi Manawa Trust’s homelands, which was once a whaling community, and located in one of the more remote coastal areas of Aotearoa NZ. The rich landscape and biosphere here are 97% Māori owned and controlled, with the nearest township an hour away. Given the remote location, coordination and promotion was understandably a bit of a challenge. We wondered: would internationals come that far? How would delegates get to this location? The answer was simple: yes they would come, and by any means necessary. Delegates biked, bussed, hiked, camped, flew, carpooled, tented and hitchhiked! Nearly all the guests had an interesting tale to share about their travels to Te Kaha and of the warm hospitality that awaited them at both of the hosting Maraes.

RedTide began May 1, 2018 with welcoming protocol at Pahaoa Marae, followed by two days of solid conferencing designed specifically for youth. Over 100 youth primarily from Māori communities attended, some making a three hour round trip just to participate. Others living locally would stay late into the night, in support of their family members who volunteered to host the guests at their Marae. PPP was delighted that Vancouver Island youth delegate Kalilah Rampanen (Ahousaht/Cree), also a performer at our 2015 Rising Tide Conference, was sponsored to attend largely thanks to crowdfunding donors and the support of Indigenous Climate Action.

It was my greatest pleasure to accompany these youth as they traversed, and excitedly participated in dynamic daily sessions. They included those relating to water health and fish monitoring (at the riverside); and about reading Tohu (the signs) through hands on participatory learning sessions led by Māori Traditional Scholars; or at creative spaces where they explored 3-D design technology, spoken word and GIS mapping.  

For me, the highlight was exploring the Māori Stardome. Laying on the floor inside a large bubble similar to a bouncy castle and surrounded by people of all ages, we looked starward and learned directly from expert Māori Astronomy researcher and educator Dr. Pauline Harris. She captured our imagination and wonder through a guided presentation, utilizing a special 3-D stargazing projector to educate and awe her students about Māori astronomical star lore, traditional navigation and the Māori Moon calendar.

More and more people began to arrive in advance of the main summit. As they settled in, our Coordination Team along with the host community hoisted a massive marquis tent on the grounds of the historic Te Kaha Marae which was the site of the main RedTide summit.  On opening day May 3, dozens of visiting delegates were officially welcomed onto the Marae.  Walking up together we were surprised to see a drone flying overhead recording the ceremony. However, this did fulfill an important goal of RedTide which was to make the proceedings accessible to all who are interested.  

Over the three days that followed 200+ community members and delegates came together for meal prep, cleanup, groundskeeping, daily sharing, and communal living on the Marae. From early morning to late at night we witnessed fascinating keynote speakers, inspiring presenters and young leaders. Together we shared in song and feast, enjoying creative pursuits, educational environmental outings, and ultimately learning together and building community.  Sessions covered diverse themes such as Climate Justice and Indigenous Peoples; Youth in Climate Change; Community Resistance against Environmental Racism through Reconciliation; Customary knowledge; Organics and Community Resilience; Coastal Inundation; Recycling; Maramataka (Māori Calendar), and Climate Education Toolkits & Research.

In particular I was jolted by the powerful words issued by Indigenous rights and environmental law expert Dayle Takitimu –

“Close your eyes and you will find the solution to climate change it is in your DNA…Indigenous people have a particular worldview, this positions us within the world, not masters of it… The planet does not need saving, it is US that needs saving, we will make ourselves extinct…  Stop playing the power game – play the sacred one – it is more empowering… Indigenous peoples have a special role to play due to our unique relationship with the earth.”

So many inspiring speakers and participants shared throughout the program. The richness of the experience was overwhelming. Invaluable connections were made, ideas exchanged, and solidarity built. From the very beginning of planning in late 2015, those that contributed to the vision put forward by Toitoi Manawa Trust all agreed that we wanted to ensure a legacy. Our 16 year old youth keynote speaker Manaia Sorensen, fresh from a regional win for her speech “Five Embarrassing Things you Didn’t know about Climate Change”, seemed profoundly inspired by RedTide and ended up taking her message directly to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand. She was even photographed in the “Boss’s” seat alongside PM Ardern just a few days ago. This is the future!  

 

Achieving legacy is an ongoing goal and true outcome of RedTide, and PPP is deeply  honoured to be a part of this important movement. Together we built community, celebrated young leaders, inspired action and introduced new career pathways for youth. We created educational curriculum and resources that will contribute to climate education worldwide. The events were historically marked by a RedTide carving residency and the resulting creation of two poles by Master Carver Michael Matchitt. The poles were gifted by Michael to a new regional school which is currently under construction and set to open in 2021. Another enduring legacy is the REDTIDE Rangatahi Roopu – a community launched Youth Group.

As mentioned in Ora’s Reflections on RedTide, the gifting of cultural property was also an important component of the program. It was to this end that I felt honoured to carry “Little Dream”, a cedar carved miniature dugout canoe, with me to Aotearoa. The canoe was carved by talented Ahousat Carver and PPP friend Moy Sutherland, and then gifted by him and his daughter Pawa Haiyupis (who contributed significantly to the development of RedTide). “Little Dream” was gifted ceremoniously with the cultural support of Kahlilah and the Turtle Island delegation to all those that keep the spirit of RedTide alive. The canoe will journey to each coordinating community now and into the future, with the next confirmed landing planned for Vancouver Island in 2020. It is to this end we welcome you aboard this vision, and encourage your support of PPP along with our partners as we work towards hosting the next RedTide!  

 

GRATITUDE:  So many people and organizations contributed to making RedTide a reality. Here are but a few: University of Victoria, Indigenous Climate Action, MetaMāori Science & Digitech, E Tu Whanau, Te Runanga o Te Whanau, Southern Trust, Nga Whenua Rahui, Eastbay REAP, Coast Community Board, Opotiki District Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, LUSH Handmade Cosmetics, Kiwis 4 Kiwi, Forest & Bird, Michael Matchitt, Te Runanga o Te Rarawa, Te Puni Kokiri, Department of Conservation, Hataraka Ngata Gibson of Crazy Hat Productions, IFIP (International Funders for Indigenous Peoples), Mark Gauti from T’Sou-ke Nation for the creation of our amazing logo, and to all those that contributed to crowdfunding and participated in envisioning RedTide.

 

In closing, PPP wishes to acknowledge Toitoi Manawa Trust and the amazing people of Te Whānau-A-Apanui upon who’s lands and territories these historic proceedings were held.  Your hospitality was beyond amazing and you will forever be remembered. Thank you for allowing PPP to be part of this amazing vision, and we look forward to seeing you again in 2021 for the raising of the commemorative poles!.

– – – – – –

 

To learn more about the 2018 RedTide program check out the following stories and links:

www.redtidesummit.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/RedtideClimateActionSummit/

https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/23-05-2018/iwi-and-the-fight-against-the-rising-tide-of-climate-change/

https://thebeacon.co.nz/2018/05/climate-waka-launched/

https://thebeacon.co.nz/2018/04/red-tide-calling-mayday-2/

2018 One Wave Gathering!

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Pacific Peoples’ Partnership is proud to announce our 11th annual One Wave Gathering! Beginning September 1st with the opening of MediaNet’s new Flux Gallery, we present our digital media installation: The Longhouse Legacy Exhibition.​ In tribute to The Longhouse Project and last year’s anniversary event, the impressionistic digital collage will be projected in the shape of a cedar house front. Opening night will also welcome representatives of Vaka Taumako, to premiere the Polynesian wayfinding documentary ​We, the Voyagers.​ Throughout September, the gallery will run a variety of North and South Pacific documentary screenings, interviews, as well as Indigenous scholar, artist, and youth presentations.

The exhibition and documentary showings will lead up to our signature One Wave Gathering celebration at Centennial Square on September 15th a free event from 12:00-6:00 pm. Program highlights include North and South Pacific presentations, art, food, as well as opportunities to explore social and environmental causes pertinent to the region. Join us for a day of dance, song, and celebration; You can enjoy some authentic indigenous cuisine with the Songhees Seafood and Steam food truck, and browse the village of local artisans, artists, and NGOs working on Pacific issues.

We Welcome your participation – get involved as an NGO, Vendor, or Artist! One Wave Gathering 2018 will include a showcase of NGOs and vendors whose mission aligns with our own. This includes (but is not limited to) social and environmental organizations, Indigenous and youth artists, and vendors that use recycled, eco-friendly, locally made or locally sourced materials. New and returning artists and organizations interested in taking part can fill out our Google form.

We gratefully accept sponsorship and participation from local businesses, organizations and groups, including volunteers! For more information you can check out our website or facebook page, and contact our program coordinator:                                                                       
Dana Johnson
Program Coordinator
dana@archive.pacificpeoplespartnership.org

 

Fill out our Volunteer Form before August 27th if you are interested in being a part of the 11th annual One Wave Gathering. All volunteers will receive training on how to hold the space in a way consistent with the values of the area.

 

We are grateful to the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, One Wave Gathering is held on Lekwungen territory, and made possible with the consent and consultations by hereditary and elected leaders, elders, youth, artists and community members. We thank the dedication of our partner MediaNet, and community partners.

PPP Staff Update

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Siobhan at One Wave Gathering 2017, photo by Dan Craig

Early this May PPP was sad to see Siobhan Powlowski head off to new Executive level opportunity in Vancouver, BC.  Siobhan left a powerful legacy at PPP that benefited our organization in many ways, this included work with our society transition and with the development of new programming that if successfully funded, will greatly benefit women in the South Pacific.  Siobhan’s heart was always firmly placed in service to South Pacific and Indigenous peoples, her unique approach was recognized through the award winning community based arts programming she helped create: the 2017 Longhouse Project and One Wave Gathering.  We wish Siobhan all the best in her promising future.  PPP is happy to report that Summer Students Extraordinaire Austin Willis and Dana Johnson are back on the Team again this Summer to help produce the 11th One Wave Gathering, watch for more details as they are also producing an important media artwork to commemorate last year’s program!

With honor and respect to Chief Andy Thomas

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E! UA MALILIU TOA! UA MAUMAU AUPEGA O LE TUA! Alu ia male manuia lau malaga Chief Andy! Fa’amaise atu le Atua i le tina male fanau, fa’apea lou aiga! uo ma e masani male mamalu o ou tagata nu’u!

We wish to express our deepest respect and gratitude for the late Chief Andy Thomas, hereditary leader of Esquimalt Nation and knowledge keeper. We are forever grateful for Chief Andy’s generosity in time and wisdom, and for how he taught us to do our work in a good way — even guiding us when we made mistakes with laughter and humility. His family and nation are held close to our hearts as they navigate this deep loss.

Chief Andy was a great leader. We deeply admire his lifelong commitment to raising awareness of the injustices done to his people, and to ensuring that the mistakes of history never be repeated again.

Having worked closely with Chief Andy on youth leadership projects, we particularly remember Chief Andy’s fierce advocacy for the youth of his nation. He held an intense compassion, loyalty and pride for each and every youth, and it was clear to us that they brought him the utmost joy.

We are thankful to have worked with this great leader, and honored to have learned from him.

Thank you, Chief Andy Thomas. You will be deeply missed in our community.

New Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise: A Hopeful Sign?

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By Arthur Holbrook, PPP Board Member

Porgera Mine, Enga Province, Papua New Guinea. Image courtesy of: Catherine Coumans, MiningWatch Canada 

Recently, the federal government announced the creation of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The ombudsperson “will be mandated to investigate allegations of human rights abuses linked to Canadian corporate activity abroad. The CORE will seek to assist wherever possible in collaboratively resolving disputes or conflicts between impacted communities and Canadian companies. It will be empowered to independently investigate, report, recommend remedy and monitor its implementation.” (Global Affairs Canada press release, Jan. 17, 2018) An initial focus of the ombudsperson will be extractive industries and the garment sector with additional sectors being added
after one year.

The new government initiative comes at least partly in response to events at the Porgera gold mine in Papua New Guinea. In May 2017 MiningWatch Canada brought two women who had suffered sexual abuse at the hands of the mine’s security personnel to Ottawa to testify about the abuses suffered by local people living near the mine. The women met with a number of parliamentarians, civil servants and media. They also spoke at the annual general meeting of Barrick Gold, the Canadian company that owns the mine.

Catherine Coumans, Asia Pacific Coordinator for MiningWatch Canada, stated that Canada’s, “record of mining in Papua New Guinea is one of social and environmental degradation. It includes destruction of river habitats and fisheries and systemic failures to recognize and deal with human rights abuses. These abuses include the rape of local women by employees of Barrick Gold’s Porgera Mine. … This case highlights a pervasive problem faced by people living around the world who suffer abuses related to mining. It is well known that it is very difficult for poor, marginal and often illiterate people to access justice in many countries where Canadian mining companies operate. This case highlights that we also cannot rely on companies’ own remedy mechanisms to provide equitable compensation in such serious cases. It is high time for Canada to step into this remedy gap by creating an effective remedy mechanism in Canada.” (MiningWatch Canada, 9 May 2017)

Interviewed for this article (29 March 2018), Coumans said it was too soon to tell whether the appointment of an ombudsperson would be an effective tool. The exact mandate of the new ombudsperson has not yet been made public and the proposed budget for the office is less than MiningWatch hoped it would be. Coumans is waiting to learn more about the independence of the new office, specifically regarding its investigative powers with respect to compelling documents and witnesses, and its staffing. If the ombudsperson has an adequate budget and is mandated to operate independently, he/she can prove to be an effective tool. A notice of opportunity for the new position will soon be posted so Coumans expects the position will be filled by the end of the summer.

However, even if the ombudsperson is an effective force against human rights and environmental abuses by mining companies, it will have limited reach in areas of concern to PPP because its oversight will be limited to Canadian companies. For example, it will have little effect on some of PPP’s long-standing partners in Papua New Guinea. The Frieda gold and copper mine, in the headwaters of the Sepik River, is 90% owned by Chinese interests and 10% by Australian ones. The company’s plan to barge ore down the Sepik will bring the social and environmental threats of the mine to the doorstep of our friends and partners.

There are a number of gold and copper mines in PNG but ownership is mostly Australian, South African and, in the case of the Ok Tedi mine, the scene of a major environmental disaster, the government of PNG. PNG, after the British-Australian company BHP ended its ownership, is purportedly now using profits from the mine as part of a remediation program on the river systems affected by the release of mine waste.

Porgera Mine protest- 2017- Enga Province, Papua New Guinea. Photo courtesy of: Catherine Coumans, MiningWatch Canada

About 60 per cent of the world’s mining companies are based in Canada, making Canada the ideal place to pioneer ways to ensure mines respect local people’s rights when operating abroad, according to Julia Sanchez, President-CEO of the Canadian Council for International Cooperation. Pacific Peoples’ Partnership applauds the Canadian government’s initiative, and looks forward to monitoring how it will positively affect South Pacific nations and our partners there.

 

Pearls of the South Pacific Polynesian Luau on 26 May 2018

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Pearls of the South Pacific Polynesian Luau on 26 May 2018

Pearls of the South Pacific (PSP) dancers reflect different island heritages such as Samoa, Rotuma, New Zealand Maori, Fiji, Hawaii, and Tonga as well as Canada. Many of the young dancers are second generation islanders born in Canada with the desire to learn and pass on their culture’s stories and dances. Whether as part of the audience or as a participant, the PSP performances clearly resonate with their colorful dances, costumes and melodies represented in a variety of dances from the islands.

Based in Victoria, PSP is a Polynesian multicultural dance group started in 1997 by Muavae Va’a after he moved to British Columbia from the island of Samoa. “I have had the privilege to work and dance with many youth as they grew up within the group and also with many who have joined the group as adults.” Today Muavae and two of his children, Tua and Penina, continue to dance with the group that he started.

“Over the years we have shared our dances at many events in Vancouver Island communities and on the B.C. mainland, including Folk Fest Victoria, Greek Fest, One Wave Festival, First Nations Pow-wows and many weddings and family events. Looking forward to our next 20 years, it is our desire is to see this beautiful and unique culture shared with all who are committed to harmony and peace within the multicultural society that we live in.”

Pearls of the South Pacific Fund Raiser
Join PSP for an exciting colorful evening of dances and songs including all the flavours of an authentic Polynesian style feast with a traditional pig roast. As part of the evening, the popular South Pacific band, Tradewinds, will serenade guests with charming music from Western Samoa, New Zealand, Rotuma, Hawai`i and Fiji. Definitely an event for the WHOLE FAMILY!

Money raised on this joyful evening will go toward purchasing materials to create new authentic costumes while continuing PSP’s goal of passing on traditions to the next generations. The group also hopes to create a modest travel fund that will allow it to accept invitations for the first time to perform at some events and festivals a little farther from home.

Where: 7728 Tetayut Rd, Saanichton, BC at the Tswout First Nations Gymnasium.

Date and Time: Saturday, 26 May 2018. Doors open at 4 p.m.; Feast Served at 5 p.m.; Entertainment at 6:30 p.m.

Ticket Prices: Adult = $35 (18 years and up); Seniors = $25 (65+); Students = $25 (13 to 17 years)

Tickets Available: Eventbrite  or Alcheringa Gallery, 621 Fort St, Victoria. Tel: 250-383-8224.

 

Hold the dates! May 1-6, 2018 in New Zealand

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Red Tide Indigenous Climate Action Summit

Pacific Peoples’ Partnership (PPP) typically produces a major international Pacific Networking Conference (PNC) every two years or so in Canada. We have held 23 so far. The themes and content of the conferences are always timely and on point, because they were developed in collaboration with our South Pacific and Canadian Indigenous partners.

In 2018 we are excited to be co-hosting our first-ever Pacific Networking Conference in the South Pacific!

Toi Toi Manawa Trust and Pacific Peoples’ Partnership are thrilled to co-present Red Tide: International Indigenous Climate Action Summit in the Māori tribal lands of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, an iwi located in the eastern Bay of Plenty and East Coast regions of New Zealand’s North Island.

The main convening dates are confirmed for May 1 – 6, 2018.

May 1 & 2, 2018 – Youth Conference

May 3 – 6, 2018 – Full Summit

A wonderful pre-conference protocol program is also in development with more details to come, as is an artist residency.  See additional information on our website www.redtidesummit.com

Join us in discussing and strategizing as we integrate Indigenous environmental science, activism, scientific observations and Indigenous youth involvement. The Summit will feature keynote speakers, interactive cultural sessions, open spaces and a festival of artists that will activate and rejuvenate this global movement.

Indigenous scholars, activists, allies, knowledge keepers and artists are invited to share, co-create, and connect ideas, impacts and stories related to climate change.

We are seeking donations towards the travel costs of delegates. Please donate now to help fund an Indigenous delegate to the gathering. 

We welcome your thoughts and inputs on this developing program at:  toitoimanawatrust@gmail.com or info@archive.pacificpeoplespartnership.org

10th Annual One Wave Gathering

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By all measures, the 2017 One Wave Gathering was a resounding success. All participants, be they local, Nuu-chah-nulth, Kwakwaka’wakw or South Pacific Islanders, were extremely pleased with the participatory, inclusive and educational proceedings. A number of elders were moved to tears and speechlessness by the unprecedented and historical importance of this event.

– April Ingham, Executive Director of Pacific Peoples’ Partnership

As an annual event hosted by PPP, One Wave has celebrated international Pacific community, arts and culture in Victoria, British Columbia since 2008. In 2017, motivated by ongoing steps towards First Nations reconciliation and global Indigenous movements, PPP presented an enriched and expanded One Wave Gathering.

This year’s theme, “healing through celebration,” permeated every aspect of the event creating a supportive village atmosphere while celebrating and honouring all those in attendance.

To all that have made this vision a reality: hay’sxʷqa. Read our full acknowledgement here.

The Longhouse Project saw the raising of four longhouse structures designed by youth artists on the BC Legislature lawn.

This event was unprecedented: a gathering of many communities from across the North and South Pacific. Guided by their unique customs, protocols and histories, they came together on the British Columbia Legislature lawns as a village. Through this Gathering, thousands of members of the Victoria public, including political leaders from various levels of government, had the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with one another in authentic spaces.

Thanks to the BC Legislature invitation for the Gathering to use the lawns overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour, it was the first time in many generations that four longhouses stood on this former traditional Lekwungen village site.

One of four longhouse structures raised at the BC Legislature.

This year, One Wave Gathering was marked by a unique symbolic installation: the Longhouse Project. Under the direction of Nuu-chah-nulth artist Hjalmer Wenstob, and with the active support of the BC Legislature, four First Nations and Maori youth were selected to design art for the façades of the temporary longhouses. The houses were created in the styles of the Coast Salish, Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, and South Pacific Islands respectively. Inside each longhouse, community members from each area had full rein in creating welcoming and educational interactive spaces for the public throughout the day.

Longhouse designs were created by Sarah Jim (Coast Salish), A.J. Boersen (Nuu-chah-nulth), Juliana Speier (Kwak’waka’wakw), Jazzlyn Markowsky (Maori) and a phenomenal dance curtain, later gifted to Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, was created by James Goldsmith-Brown (Esquimalt Nation). The journey of youth, participating artists and community members who produced and programmed within the longhouses was captured in a documentary to be showcased at PPP’s upcoming AGM and Holiday Feast on December 10.

What we wanted to do was bring people into our homes, truly and honestly do it. Bring people into our homes and share. Share a meal, conversation and story, and learn a little bit about each other and the history and how we can move forward together.

– Hjalmer Wenstob (Lead Artist, Nuu-chah-nulth)

Esquimalt Nation Chief Andy Thomas addressing the One Wave crowd

Hosted on Lekwungen territory, the Gathering’s organizers worked respectfully with Songhees and Esquimalt Nations to ensure the event was meaningful to both Nations. This led to a second unprecedented aspect of One Wave Gathering: all materials and signage on site were produced in both English and Lekwungen.

Chief Ron Sam of Songhees Nation, Chief Andy Thomas of Esquimalt Nation and Joan Morris of Songhees Nation opened the event by speaking to the Indigenous history of the Inner Harbour area, including customary place-names and sites of significance. They also spoke about the impact of colonization on the area.

South Pacific community delegation before conducting protocol with local First Nations

Two Lekwungen dance groups (Lekwungen Dancers & Esquimalt Singers and Dancers), two Polynesian dance groups (Pearls of the South Pacific and Tusitala Polynesian Dancers), one Kwak’waka’wakw dance group (Kwakiutl Dancers) and one Nuu-chah-nulth dance group (Ahousaht Dance Group) presented on the main stage. The dance presentations ended with a participatory dance for all the public led by the Kwakiutl Dance Group.

A big part for me was that everyone came together and that we all celebrated as one race, the human race; I hope that eventually more and more people come each year and that soon racism and stereotypes end for everyone. 

– A.J. Boersen (Nuu-chah-nulth), Longhouse Project Youth

During the day, the City of Victoria’s Indigenous artist-in-residence Lindsay Delaronde facilitated a corn-husk doll-making activity with public participation, and partnered with Tlingit artist Nahaan to produce a theatre piece called Remembering. Nuu-chah-nulth elder Moy Sutherland Sr. guided the public in games of slahal, a traditional bone game that in years past was an important fixture of the local economy.

At the end of the day, Pacific Peoples’ Partnership was pleased to partner with the Moose Hide Campaign for a public feast featuring both local and international foods.

All on-site signage was translated into Lekwungen.

One Wave 2017 was an outstanding program with a wide range of community impacts, and we are still actively consulting the community around how to move the program forward. Were you at One Wave Gathering, and do you have an idea to share? We would love to hear from you.

Feel free to email deputy@archive.pacificpeoplespartnership.org with your comments and feedback, or get involved next year!

View more photos in our Facebook album.

Please donate today so that we can continue to produce One Wave Gathering.

The reality of climate impacts in the South Pacific

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Women at a village feast in Toukou, Fiji.

Reflections from our Executive Director and Board President

Dearest PPP Friends and Family,

This past summer hundreds of wildfires scorched Canada from coast to coast, with the majority burning in British Columbia and Alberta. An iceberg the size of Prince Edward Island in Canada (roughly 5,660 km²) broke off Antarctica. The extreme unseasonable and devastating effects of climate change are now impacting us in every corner of our world.

And yet, our South Pacific friends living in some of the most affected nations of the world strongly remind us: “We are not drowning, we are fighting.” And so must we, as this is a matter of not only climate justice but our very survival globally. These passionate words were shared by Pacific 360 Warrior Mikaele Maiava live from Samoa during PPP’s Livestream event “Pacific Streams: Community Narratives on Climate Change” (sponsored by our long-time partner CAPI – Centre for Asia Pacific Initiatives.) Watch it here:

PPP is serious about addressing climate change. This past summer I had the opportunity to participate in the Climate Reality Project Climate Leadership Corps Training with Former US Vice President Al Gore in Bellevue, Washington. Over 800 delegates inspired to be Climate Leaders attended, in fact this the 35th cohort was one of the largest to date. This was encouraging, as the fight in the USA against climate change has taken such a disastrous turn under the current US administration.

Despite that administration’s decision to withdraw from the Paris agreement on Climate Change, the very future of our world depends on our solidarity, so what an inspiration it was to participate alongside youth, scientists, Indigenous leaders, activists, inventors, teachers, retirees, and countless volunteers impassioned to take a stand and make a difference. We represented so many walks of life, and together we will unite in the fight against climate change.

Tokou Village house and boat, May 2017

Earlier this year I visited the Fijian town of Toukou on Ovalau Island. Here I was reminded of the continuing risk and ongoing climate devastation faced by those most vulnerable geographically. I was there to represent PPP and our donors who are providing support through our Pacific Resilience Fund to assist with the recovery efforts at the Loreto Catholic School which was nearly leveled last year.

My tour took place during unsettled tropical weather that alternated between continual rain deluges and wind storms. This made it even more difficult to bear witness to the damage from both 2015 and 2016 cyclones on this small historic island.

It was heartbreaking to consider that the community could be hit by yet another cyclone before they can recover from the last, especially since so many families have had to leave the island to pursue employment and find accommodations and education on the main island due to this accumulated damage.

Students of Loreto School in Toukou, Fiji.

With this realization, the fight can seem hopeless, but it is not hopeless if we take action now. Pacific peoples are strong and resilient. They advocate for “1.5 to just survive” and are counting on us all to do our part. In Bonn Germany, Fiji just hosted the UN Climate Change Conference (COP23). They brought a traditional Fijian canoe or drua, which serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and unity. This also serves to remind us that “The whole world is in the same canoe.”

“We need COP23 to accelerate climate action,” says Nick Nuttall, Spokesperson for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. “The meeting is a staging post on our irreversible path to a low-carbon future, a path that we need to go on further, faster, together.”

In response to our shared climate crisis PPP has been developing a three year climate action response that includes knowledge sharing components, including two conferences. The first is Red Tide, our International Indigenous Climate Action Summit (May 2018 in Aotearoa) in followed by a youth climate summit in 2020 in British Columbia.

We are also embarking on a research program in partnership with the Indigenous Governance program at the University of Victoria to inform future policy and program development, and hosting public engagement activities such as our annual One Wave Gathering and our educational program FrancOcean Pacifique. Also in design is a Pacific Eco Youth Alliance, and a growing media hub.

PPP is contributing to many networks and community engagement projects both domestically and internationally, ultimately building solidarity and resolve together within our global community.

For Pacific… Peace… In Solidarity,

April Ingham, Executive Director & Mua Va’a, President

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Supreme Court rules to destroy largest collection of residential school documents

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Canada’s largest collection of residential school records will be destroyed in 15 years

This spring, Pacific Peoples’ Partnership staff provided communications support to the Coalition for the Preservation of Truth. Many Pacific Peoples’ Partnership supporters helped spread the word and generously donated to the #StandForTruth campaign to fund their Supreme Court challenge.

On May 29th, 2017, the Coalition appeared as interveners in the Supreme Court of Canada to challenge the impending destruction of over 38,000 residential school records. The Coalition was a broad alliance of residential school survivors and intergenerational survivors that recognizes the ongoing impact of residential school trauma, and that formed to advocate for the preservation of these documents, while respecting individuals rights to privacy. 

On October 6th, 2017, the Supreme Court ruled that the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) had intended for the IAP process to be a confidential and private process and as such, all IAP documents will be destroyed after 15 years. This outcome has the potential to impact efforts to reconcile survivors and intergenerational survivors with Canada for years to come.

The Independent Assessment Process (‘IAP’) was created by the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement in 2007. Through the IAP, victims of serious physical and sexual abuse in the residential school system accessed a second level of compensation from the Government of Canada. Thousands of documents were generated in this process and as a result, the IAP files represent the single largest collection of residential school records.

The Coalition had argued that the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement was akin to a treaty with Indigenous peoples. This was not accepted by the Supreme Court, who narrowly interpreted the Settlement Agreement as a contract.

The Coalition is disturbed by this ruling. Although there will be a mechanism for living survivors to consent to have their records destroyed, what about the many more survivors who have already passed away? The ruling does not distinguish between different types of records. What about procedural documents? How will the IAP ever be examined and held to account if there is no record of the process?

The court ruled that disclosure of IAP records would be a greater injustice than the destruction of records, arguing that most participants in the IAP never expected the information to be shared. Privacy and archival legislation, which have many mechanisms to protect the individual privacy rights of survivors, were not given any weight.

The trauma of residential school has and will continue to ripple through communities across Canada. We share a responsibility to ensure current and future intergenerational survivors can access specific knowledge about what led to their broken communities, fragmented families and loss of language and culture. In the same way that future generations have the right to clean air and water, the Coalition continues to believe that future generations have the right to know their historical record through the content of these documents.

Neither the Supreme Court decision nor the IAP process itself was consistent with Indigenous laws, which are rich, textured, and full of space to hold differences of opinion. Indigenous teachings hold that we can just as truly dishonor our ancestors and future generations as we can our living family. The Coalition believes that this decision is a demonstration of why sensitive cultural differences of opinion cannot be resolved in a colonial arena.

To continue following this important issue, please visit Stand For Truth on Facebook.

Pacific Peoples’ Partnership has been a strong advocate for truth and reconciliation movements across the Pacific, including in East Timor and the Solomon Islands. We continue to support peace efforts amidst 30 years of ongoing genocide in West Papua.

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