BELLINGHAM, Wash. – ”The ice at the polar caps is melting as we are standing here talking.”
Those words, spoken by Onondaga Nation Faithkeeper Oren Lyons, motivated the indigenous leaders assembled for the July 31 – Aug. 2 Indigenous Treaty Gathering at Lummi Nation to set aside the original agenda of discussing the merits of a proposed treaty to instead revamp the treaty document for immediate signing by indigenous nations.
Chief Jaret Cardinal, son of the late Sucker Creek Cree First Nation leader Harold Cardinal, was the first to suggest the change. He said, ”A few years ago, I had some involvement in working with First Nation’s government. During that time, a message was received saying some people wish to make a treaty. Since that time, our people have had a few years to consider and see what is happening. We have taken the time to go through ceremonies to seek guidance and get direction to come and negotiate this treaty. The time is right for the indigenous tribes to stand together to help combat the problems of global warming. The significance of this treaty is that we are being given the opportunity to do something. Action is important. Time is something we have little of if we are going to address the environment. If we are to truly have a strong voice, then we need to have global economies where international trade is required.” full story
