Here We are on Stolen Land, Your Homeland

Abstract

This poem acknowledges the historical stewardship of Turtle Island (North America) by Indigenous peoples, emphasizing that colonization is an ongoing issue. A person of color, an immigrant, seeks guidance from Indigenous communities on building relationships and connects the decolonization efforts in the Global South with those needed on Turtle Island. The text highlights a positive moment in Canada's social justice history, marked by the shocking discovery of children's bodies at a residential school in Kamloops, British Columbia, in 2021. This event prompted the cancellation of Canada Day in many areas and the establishment of Orange Shirt Day as the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, dedicated to commemorating Indigenous human rights. The apology from the Pope in 2022 for the Catholic Church's involvement in genocide, particularly through residential schools, is also mentioned. The prose celebrates the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities and their leadership in climate justice. The writer humbly calls for open dialogue and acknowledges that many settlers of color have not established relationships with Indigenous communities. Ultimately, the text emphasizes the importance of profound respect for the Indigenous stewards of the land.