Content Warning: colonialism, genocide and state-sponsored violence
*Follow @freepalestineyeg for actionable advice on how you can advocate for the Palestinian people in amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton) – including attending solidarity marches, donating money, and accessing information on how to contact your elected officials.*
Decolonization must hold value across the world – not just here on Turtle Island. pipikwan pêhtâkwan stands in solidarity with the people of Palestine. We call for a ceasefire in Palestine and an end to genocide. It is unsurprising for us as Indigenous Peoples on occupied Lands to watch as Canada continually supports genocide, not only here, but in the Lands outside our colonial borders.
To call out Israeli occupation and colonialism is not antisemitism. pipikwan pêhtâkwan stands with the many Jewish people who advocate for peace and Palestinian liberation. No one is illegal on stolen land.
We’ve watched as the world has attempted to dehumanize Palestinians, calling innocent people “terrorists and animals”. This is an experience Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island are familiar with, having been described as “heathens, pagans and infidels ” to justify genocide by Canada.
We understand how colonialism continues to demonize entire Peoples in the name of western values – values rooted in genocide, ethnic cleansing, and assimilation – tools which have built the foundation of colonialism.
Every child matters. To date, it is estimated more than 10,000 Palestinian people have been murdered – half of whom were children. Canada, which continues to occupy Indigenous Lands, supports Palestinian genocide, just as it has supported genocide on Turtle Island since colonization.
Canada voted against the recognition of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East; against a resolution reaffirming Palestinian refugees are entitled to their property and the protection of Arab assets and property rights in Israel; and against a resolution to condemn Israel’s illegal settlements in occupied Palestinian Territory.
Israeli apartheid is illegal under international law – a crime perpetrated against 5 million people. Zionist colonial violence has affected Palestinian people for 75 years in the largest open-air prison on the planet.
The Palestinian people have the right to resist and defend themselves against occupation and genocide.
pipikwan pêhtâkwan urges all people to use their voice in resisting colonialism: listen to Palestinian voices, their calls to action and continue to elevate them via social media, write to your elected officials, and help by donating to Palestinian charities.
Call and email our elected officials and demand a ceasefire in Palestine now!
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – (613) 992-4211 | justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland – (613) 992-5234 | chrystia.freeland@parl.gc.ca
Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly – (613) 992-0983 | melanie.joy@parl.gc.ca
Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen – (613) 995-0777 | ahmed.hussen@parl.gc.ca
