Image by: Russell Green
Tansi Nîtôtemtik,
It is hard to believe that the semester is finishing, and with it my time as a Member of Team ReconciliAction YEG. I joined this project because I wanted to explore the ways in which Indigenous Governance can help us all create a better society. This experience has allowed me to study this question by learning about Indigenous history, contemplating current problems and opportunities facing Indigenous Peoples, and pondering future strategies to improve the lives of the inhabitants of Turtle Island. For this, I am thankful.
I have been a resident of these lands for my whole life. In this time, I have been able to observe governance structures all around me – from informal small-town gatherings to formalized procedures in Alberta’s courts. Indigenous Governance systems, while diverse, are special and informative. The power of resiliency, community, solidarity, and togetherness are dominant in Indigenous worldviews. As we enter trying and uncertain times, these are lessons that we should all keep with us. I will hold them close.
Before I sign off, I must mention some very important people. I want to thank Audrey Barr and Levi Foy, two mentors and friends that graciously allowed me to interview them about their approaches to Indigenous Governance. The ability to document Audrey’s experience with Indigeneity in labour unions[1] and Levi’s experience with Two-Spirit Activism[2] was an insightful and fun part of this experience.
Further, I would like to thank Elise Wouters, Alanna Wiercinski, Kira Davidson, and Kailey Hubele for including me on the team this semester. I know that I had big shoes to fill in taking over for last semester’s contributor Sheila Raffray. I learned important lessons of collaboration and teamwork from you all. I know all of you will be incredible lawyers and members of the community. I look forward to seeing where life takes you all.
Lastly, I want to end this journey where I began it. In my first post,[3] I told the story of visiting teepee rings near my hometown. I vowed to remember that Indigenous Peoples and their systems of governance were present long before settlers came to Turtle Island. The photo I have used above is of the rolling, grassy hills surrounding those teepee rings. I will continue to hold that memory, and the lessons that I have learnt from working on this project, with me as I grow.
Until Next Time,
Russell Green
Member of Team ReconciliAction YEG
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[1] Team ReconciliAction YEG, “Indigenous Leadership in Labour Unions: Profile of Audrey Barr” (4 March 2020), University of Alberta Faculty of Law Blog, online (blog): <ualbertalaw.typepad.com/faculty/2020/03/indigenous-leadership-in-labour-unions-profile-of-audrey-barr.html>.
[2] Team ReconciliAction YEG, “Two-Spirit Activism: A Profile of Levi Foy” (5 March 2020), University of Alberta Faculty of Law, online (blog): <ualbertalaw.typepad.com/faculty/2020/03/two-spirit-activism-a-profile-of-levi-foy.html>
[3] Team ReconciliAction YEG, “Meet ReconciliAction YEG’s Newest Contributor: Russell Green” (10 January 2020), University of Alberta Faculty of Law Blog, online (blog): <ualbertalaw.typepad.com/faculty/2020/01/meet-reconciliaction-yegs-newest-contributor-russell-green.html>.
