A new story.

Thomas King, a native, states "the truth about stories is, that's all we are"(1). A sentiment that kindled a flame as I entered into a new phase on my educational journey a few years ago.

During my life I collected stories, myths and formed images of what natives ought to be. The constructs were ambiguous to the truth. Those stereotypes which consume an indigenous culture in Canada also encroached on my ability to think holistically about what it meant to be native and how I perceive natives as well as myself.

The manifesto of this blog will be my account of debunking those myths, changing harmful stereotypes and informing others as well as myself in a holistic manner of what it means to be native.

The first binary I will encounter will be with Indigenous ideology and Western ideology as Thomas King recognizes "this pairing as a dichotomy, the elemental structure of Western society"(25). Western ideology plays an integral role in maintaining the status quo.  The controlling nature of Western ideology, or I should say the unnatural control of Western ideology limits the ability to think "freely" as natives, Canadians, and human beings. For example, the premise of First Nations as freeloading off Canadian society is viewed with negativity while corporations are looked upon as pillars for a better Canadian society. Thomas King puts this into a binary perspective and deconstructs the principles behind the capitalist system;

"First Nations as a Corporation

So if it's not racism per se, maybe you don't like us because we control large tracts of land and valuable resources, or maybe it's because we get government subsidies and "special" privileges. But none of these should present a serious problem. Corporations own land. They own resources. They get government grants and subsidies. It's one of the benefits of a free-market economy, where the facade of capitalism is supported by public largesse.

Matter of fact, if it weren't for the infusion of free public money into the private sector, capitalism would have a very difficult time maintaining itself. Just ask Air Canada or Bombardier or any of the major players in the Alberta oil industry"(145).

I have issues with the fundamental principles of corporations as they are entities with the power to control society, have more rights than the individuals within any particular society, and negate the emotional ties to the society the are entrenched in. A corporation is an illusion that allows the for dehumanization to occur as it allows for humans to run amok without any remorse. Our relationship with corporations has more to do with power, control and coercion than for the betterment of society. The blog will also delve deeper into other areas concerning our love affair with capitalism.

This is my first entry thank you for taking a moment to read this and it will progressively analyze issues with more depth and clarity in the future.

And of the few words I do know of my native language

Migwetch


-Adam

 Thomas King. The Truth About Stories: A Native Narrative. Minneapolis. University of Minnesota Press. 2005.