Allyship with Indigenous peoples Turtle Island

Beyond Lip Service: Forging Authentic Allyship with Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island

The concept of Turtle Island, a name used by many Indigenous peoples to refer to the continent of North America, carries with it millennia of history, culture, and profound connection to land. Yet, this rich tapestry has been violently disrupted by centuries of colonialism, displacement, and systemic injustice. In the face of ongoing disparities and the urgent need for justice, the call for allyship with Indigenous peoples has grown louder. But what does authentic allyship truly entail, beyond performative gestures and well-intentioned but ultimately superficial support? It is a demanding, continuous, and often uncomfortable journey, requiring humility, education, and a steadfast commitment to decolonization and Indigenous sovereignty.

True allyship is not a static identity one claims, but an active, lifelong practice. It is not about feeling good, nor is it about seeking validation or centering settler guilt. Instead, it is about shifting power, amplifying Indigenous voices, and actively dismantling the colonial systems that continue to oppress and marginalize. As Indigenous scholar and activist Chelsea Vowel often articulates, "Allyship is a verb, not a noun." It demands consistent action, accountability, and a willingness to step back and follow Indigenous leadership.

The foundational premise for any genuine ally must be a deep and critical understanding of the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism. This means grappling with the realities of land theft, the devastating legacy of residential schools in Canada and boarding schools in the United States, the breaking of treaties, and the systemic racism embedded within legal, political, and social institutions. For instance, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action, released in 2015, laid bare the cultural genocide committed through the residential school system and provided a comprehensive roadmap for reconciliation. For allies, engaging with these calls, understanding their scope, and advocating for their implementation is a crucial first step, extending far beyond simply acknowledging the land one stands on. While land acknowledgements are a useful starting point, they become performative if not accompanied by tangible action and a commitment to Indigenous rights.

One of the most critical aspects of allyship is prioritizing and amplifying Indigenous voices. This means listening intently, without expectation or interruption, to the experiences, perspectives, and wisdom of Indigenous individuals and communities. It involves stepping aside when an Indigenous person is speaking, ensuring their narratives are heard directly, rather than being filtered or interpreted by non-Indigenous intermediaries. This applies to media representation, academic discourse, political advocacy, and everyday conversations. Allies must actively challenge dominant narratives that often erase or distort Indigenous histories and realities, working to ensure that Indigenous self-determination in storytelling is paramount.

Education is another non-negotiable component of allyship. Non-Indigenous individuals must take on the labor of learning, rather than expecting Indigenous people to educate them. This involves seeking out Indigenous authors, historians, artists, and knowledge keepers. It means understanding the diversity of Indigenous nations across Turtle Island – the distinct languages, cultures, governance structures, and spiritual beliefs of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Native American, and Alaska Native peoples. A critical understanding of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which affirms the collective and individual rights of Indigenous peoples, is also essential. UNDRIP, for instance, includes the right to self-determination, traditional lands, and cultural practices – principles that underpin much of Indigenous advocacy today.

Beyond listening and learning, allyship demands tangible action. This manifests in various forms:

1. Advocacy for Land Back and Treaty Rights: Many Indigenous nations across Turtle Island are engaged in struggles to reclaim ancestral lands or have existing treaty rights upheld. Allies must understand that "Land Back" is not simply a slogan, but a multifaceted movement encompassing legal challenges, direct action, co-management agreements, and the return of land for housing, cultural practices, and economic development. Supporting movements like those protecting the Wet’suwet’en territories in so-called British Columbia or the ongoing efforts to address land dispossession in the United States, demonstrates a commitment to Indigenous sovereignty.

2. Addressing the MMIWG2S+ Crisis: The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit+ people is a harrowing testament to systemic violence and neglect. Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit+ individuals face disproportionately higher rates of violence. Allies must advocate for the implementation of the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into MMIWG in Canada, and similar initiatives in the United States, demanding governmental accountability, increased resources for safety, and an end to gender-based violence rooted in colonialism. The inclusion of "Two-Spirit+" acknowledges the unique vulnerabilities and cultural significance of Indigenous LGBTQIA+ individuals.

3. 

   Supporting Indigenous Self-Determination and Economic Reconciliation: Allyship means supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, businesses, and governance structures. This can involve purchasing from Indigenous entrepreneurs, advocating for equitable economic opportunities, and challenging policies that hinder Indigenous economic development. It also means respecting Indigenous governance and legal systems, and advocating for genuine nation-to-nation relationships rather than paternalistic oversight.

4. Environmental Justice: Indigenous peoples have long been stewards of the land and hold invaluable traditional ecological knowledge. They are often on the front lines of environmental battles against resource extraction projects that threaten their territories and the planet. Allies must stand in solidarity with Indigenous environmental defenders, recognizing their inherent rights to land and water, and supporting their efforts to protect Mother Earth. The fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock, though ultimately unsuccessful in its primary goal, became a powerful symbol of Indigenous-led environmental resistance and global solidarity.

5. Challenging Racism and Discrimination: Allyship requires actively confronting and challenging racism, both overt and subtle, in one’s own circles, workplaces, and communities. It means speaking up against stereotypes, microaggressions, and discriminatory practices. This also involves recognizing and dismantling anti-Indigenous bias within systems like healthcare, education, and the justice system.

Authentic allyship will inevitably involve discomfort. It means confronting one’s own biases, acknowledging complicity in colonial systems, and accepting that mistakes will be made. When mistakes occur, the response must be to listen to feedback, apologize sincerely, learn from the error, and adjust behavior, rather than becoming defensive or withdrawing. The focus must always remain on the needs and goals of Indigenous peoples, not on the ally’s personal feelings or perceived virtue.

Ultimately, allyship is not a temporary trend or a superficial act of solidarity. It is a long-term commitment to justice, equity, and the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island. It is about working towards a future where Indigenous sovereignty is not just recognized but fully realized, where cultures thrive, languages are revitalized, and the deep wounds of colonialism begin to heal. This journey requires courage, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to walking alongside Indigenous peoples, guided by their wisdom and vision, towards a truly decolonized and just world for all. The path is complex, but the destination – a world where Indigenous sovereignty and well-being are paramount – is profoundly worth the journey.