THE URBANE INDIAN - Porn not best way to establish autonomy

Years ago, I had a friend who's life ambition ­ well, one of them anyways ­ was to write a book detailing the hundred most beautiful places in the world to make love. Needless to say, I was very eager to co-write that book with her but alas both it and the woman disappeared into the mists of what might have happened. Still, I thought it was a very cool idea. And, upon reflection, it still sounds like an interesting concept and I still wonder if such a book would be possible.
For obvious reasons, I would attempt to approach the book from an Aboriginal perspective, The 100 most Beauticul First Nations on which to make love. I can't really say how popular it would be but it would still be a fun book to put together. I could write about the austere beauty of Saskatchewan's Gordon's Reserve. I could wax poetically on the olichan scented breeze of Hartley Bay or sharing a passionate moment bathed in the lights of Casino Rama-the additional bonus being I could write the whole thing off as business expenses. My accountant would like that.
We all know the topic is there, waiting to be explored. But alas, for reasons unknown, Native people don't have a particularly strong reputation for things erotic, which is not only unfortunate, but wrong. I believe this is a gross oversight and something should definitely be done about it. For instance, we have the highest birth rate in the country, so we obviously know a few things about this topic. And its time to lift that blanket.
Historically many of our legends, those particularily involving Nanabush or other Trickster representations, were extremely erotic and graphic. Many were downright bawdy and would put most porn stars to shame. Unfortunately though, during what I refer to as the age of the C.C.E. (Canadian Christian Era), many were outlawed, discouraged, and abandoned as being obscene, leaving many with the impression traditional Native legends were just cute stories for children. Some were. But many weren't.
These inaccurate perceptions about the Indigenous hot and heavy need to be addressed, and in this day and age of instant media and communication, the sooner the better. I have a few suggestions on how to better celebrate and procreate (if that's the proper word) a better appreciation of First Nations sexuality.
First of all, almost everybody is familiar with the bikini wax known as a "Brazilian," because of those high cut bikini bottoms they like to wear down there. Let's Indigenize it and give it a cultural resonance. Instead, get an "Ojibway," which would be in the shape of a dreamcatcher (it's intricate and detailed work but Aboriginally well worth it). Or maybe an "Inuit," in the shape of an inukshuk (which traditionally stood as a guidepost for travellers. The metaphor works). Or how about a "Haida," shaped like a salmon (swimming upstream to spawn. Once more, the metaphor fits).
What's got me thinking about all this is that just a few weeks ago, the national media reported that there may soon be a Canadian Adult cable network coming to a television set near you, with at least 50 per cent Canadian content. Pretty soon, "paddling your canoe" and "he shoots, he scores" will have a whole new meaning. The Canadianizing of Porn, it kind of boggles the mind, doesn't it? Will a 24 replace the popularity of a 69? Maple syrup will supercede whipped cream. And our national symbol of the beaver- enough said. Anything is possible.
Why should Native people be left behind in this digital revolution? Granted, it's a sticky subject.
Many in our community, no doubt believe that porn may not be the best way to establish our independence and autonomy. Is the illegal sale of cigarettes a better solution? Nudity vs cancer ­ I wonder if the Assembly of First Nations needs to have a referendum on this? Or how about the profitable operation of casinos? None of them actually reek of cultural significance. Simply put, vice pays. We all know that. Native people know that as well as any other culture.
This new broadcast tendency also could be a potentially lucrative side business for APTN (the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network). They could start running shows like The Bushcombers or North of 69. Don't get me started on the "Poundmaker" and "Big Bear" mini-series. Once more, anything is possible.
I know this is a controversial issue. Anything to do with sex is, especially from such a conservative population as Native people. And Canadians. But I once compiled a book about Native sexuality, called ME SEXY, where I say that often the only impression the dominant culture has about anything to do with Aboriginal sexuality is usually dead hookers, high rates of STD's in First Nations communities, and Residential School sexual abuse.
Unfortunately, some of that is true, but its also like saying all White people are Latvian. And believe it or not, we tend to have a little more fun with the topic then the media will have you know.