Niigaan: In Conversation wows crowd in Ottawa

While the marches in the streets and the round dances in the shopping malls have diminished, the spirit of Idle No More lives on in community-led teaching initiatives that aim to bring Canadians and Indigenous people together in mutual understanding and respect.

Niigaan: In Conversation organizes teaching events and panel discussions that feature Indigenous leaders, academics, and grassroots community members. Last night's event took place at the National Arts Centre, in Ottawa.

• Ryan McMahon: Idle No More fight continues after tough 12 months
• Idle No More protesters march to Parliament Hill
• NEW: Check out cbc.ca/aboriginal

Entitled Biiskaabiiyang: Returning to Ourselves, it was hosted by comedian Ryan McMahon and recorded for his Red Man Laughing podcast.

It was a year to the day since the first Idle No More national day of action and the beginning of Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence’s hunger strike, so each speaker reflected on that momentous period and what has transpired since.

The live panel discussion featured Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Derek Nepinak, Serpent River First Nation Chief Isadore Day, author Lee Maracle, writer and academic Leanne Simpson, journalist and academic Wab Kinew, teacher Celina Cada-Matasawagon, and academic Geraldine King.

They had the crowd of about 250 riveted to their seats for nearly two hours.

Each spoke of poignant personal reflections and how those moments continue to inspire their work today. McMahon began by explaining the importance of storytelling and sharing to raise awareness of Indigenous issues.

Maracle said Idle No More inspired expression and taught everyone to be visionaries for the young people. Nepinak explained how the movement was inevitable due to the breakdown of the bureaucratic process.

Day drew inspiration from the women who led it, and by the drum that became its soundtrack. King said of all the emotions that came with it, happiness and pride prevailed. Simpson saw Spence as a leader who helped women reclaim traditional leadership roles.

Cada-Matasawagon was inspired by how Idle No More motivated her students. Kinew mentioned how the organization and size of the movement is a mechanism that can be replicated.

Niigaan’s goal is to foster a good relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, and find a positive way to move forward in the wake of Idle No More’s peak on the streets. 

Each speaker spoke fondly of the positivity that endures today because of the Idle No More banner under which people across the country united.

And with the ongoing success of initiatives like Niigaan, it’s clear that many non-Indigenous people still want to learn about the issues Indigenous people are so passionate about.

The movement itself hasn’t disappeared. It’s just evolved in a way that can resonate more with Canadians, if they choose to learn.