I am Aboriginal

Page 21

At a powwow recently, I saw a Native person walking the grounds wearing one of those "I AM CANADIAN" T-shirts that are so popular these days, several years after the similarly popular television commercial of the same topic. On the shirt were a series of pithy and semi-humorous observations about the Canadian lifestyle, as opposed to the American way of life.

Yet, most First Nations people would argue that they are first and foremost (insert own First Nations here) before they are Canadian as a matter of Indigenous pride. Except, of course, when travelling abroad. In places like China and Cuba, when I say I'm Ojibway, I get blank stares. "Canadian" cuts the explanations down quite considerably. So, in order to achieve a kind of cultural pride parity, I would like to substitute this humble alternative for the "I AM CANADIAN" T-shirt campaign.

I have a dream catcher, but it was given to me by a white person.

I do not own a canoe, but I know somebody who does.

I have lived here forever, but have only been a citizen since 1960.

I've never rubbed noses as a sign of affection, but I'd be more than willing to try.

I do not personally have a land claim, but I have not ruled out the possibility.

I have enjoyed watching Graham Greene on television, and reading the other Graham Greene's novels.

I have lived on the reserve and in the city.

I watch APTN and CNN.

I am Ojibway/Cree/Iroquois/Haida/Inuit/etc., but I am also Canadian.

I personally have never worn buckskin, but I do support that Indigenous right.

I am not from India, but I do like their food.

I am better with a video game, than with a bow and arrow.

Contrary to popular belief, I do pay taxes and like you, I find it annoying.

I was at Oka, if not in body then in spirit.

I have ridden a horse, if not in body then in spirit.

My great great grandmother was part white, but that doesn't change anything.

I have never hunted buffalo, but I've eaten their wings.

Contrary to popular belief I prefer my baloney raw, not fried.

I love going to a powwow as much as I love going to a hockey game.

I am glad you had a Native friend once, but I'm sorry, I do not know all of the approximately one million people of Aboriginal heritage in Canada.

Yes I have seen Dances With Wolves, but it is not my favorite movie.

I drive a Chevy pickup, a Ford Escort, a Kia Sportage, a Hyndai Tucson, and a Kawasaki.

I listen to country music, rock, rap, blues and opera.

I have blonde/brown/black/red/grey hair.

I have a university degree.

I own my own house, and it is not a tipi.

I AM ABORIGINAL