Notes from the International Indigenous Leadership Gathering 2011

Last weekend I made it out to my 3rd year of the International Indigenous Leadership Gathering. I have watched this event grow and been moved many times by the speakers, the graciousness of the hosts, the beauty of the songs and ceremonies and the setting itself. Last year I noted the increase in non-native "hippie" attendees which ballooned this year, most likely thanks to Facebook. When I arrived I almost felt like I'd arrived at a Rainbow Gathering. I found this un-nerving and later learned more about the tensions between the First Nations and the hippies, which is nothing new in itself, especially not in that general region. Years ago there was a conflict between Rainbow people and First Nations when a regional Rainbow was set to happen around Cashe Creek, not far from the area we were near Lillooet. Not to say there have not been numerous harmonious merging of hippie and Indigenous cultures but I tend to find that it's usually been when there's a 3:1 ration of indigenous to hippies that it's been the best combination. This is simply because hippies are wanna be indigenous people and could benefit to learn more from indigenous people and when this is the case it is often very beneficial. Hippies simply don't have the degree of historic experience to really say they have that understood, particularly not young generations of hippies.

Obviously I am not trying to be anti-hippie, since I am probably easily identified as being one myself. I write this mainly because it's been my struggle to merge or unite with indigenous people for many years now. Many first dates it feels like. The ability to forge long term relations with indigenous people is something new on both sides. So when I see Rainbow kids disrespecting traditions unconsciously it truly upsets me because it feels like they're undermining a delicate historical process which is still underway. I felt after leaving the gathering that next year there needs to be A LOT more front loading of background and context to the IILG and that it needs to ward off too strong an association with Rainbow Gatherings. Let Rainbow Gatherings be Rainbow Gatherings but the International Indigenous Leadership Gathering has its own unique role to play.That said I heard of many hippies who learned a lot of protocols and demonstrated their use like true ambassadors. Big ups to those people.

As to the First Nations and other indigenous cultures represented and to be represented in future I would hope that they can learn ways to bring more education not soley in the form of speakers but also in workshops that allow more questions and exploration by seekers, which is what many hippies are. From what I heard in the closing ceremony I think that might be a direction that next year's IILG could take since the suggestion was for the attendees to be the "leaders" and for each to bring their own voice to the prophecy of 2012 and what the future holds.

This note is not cut and dried thoughts on the subject, indeed they are still ripening. There are so many nuances that I think will come out hopefully by a continued dialogue and tagging in comments by others who were there. I really hope we can collectively digest what happened last week and contribute towards the future of IILG with our best foot forward. I think a lot was learned on both sides. Last year we had a post-IILG council at 121 Studios in Vancouver with 2 Maori attendees from the IILG which really helped place the energies many of us felt. Let this note serve to help similarly.

Big respect to Darrell Bob and his family, The St’át’imc Chiefs’ Council, Jackie Andrew and all the guest presenters, volunteers and beautiful attendees who came out. I also give great appreciation to the ancestors that were present and helping us to grow wiser and connected despite the kindergarten stage many of us are in as far as forming this unity.

From my ancestors to yours,

Sobey