100 Sisters on Security: Indigenous Rights and Forest Defence

We currently live in a world that is not only threatened by war and conflict, but also ravaged by the climate crisis. We have much to learn from the traditional knowledge and the relationship with Mother Earth that is nurtured by Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous communities in Canada continue to face many challenges despite the country's promise of Truth and Reconciliation. Their commitment to natural laws is frequently in direct conflict with colonial Canadian laws, while Indigenous individuals are disproportionately represented in statistics involving incarceration, violent crimes, poverty, lack of healthcare, and poor housing.

In the first of our 100 Sisters on Security series, where women speak on topics related to security and defence that are particularly pertinent to women, Ha-ma-yas Stewardship Network Guardian for the Da’naxda’xw/Awaetlala First Nation Rainbow Eyes discusses her experiences as a forest defender at Fairy Creek, Indigenous leaders in high-ranking political roles, and the tragedy of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada. Rainbow Eyes is also of Scottish and British descent, bringing a unique and valuable perspective to the relationship between traditional stewards and the land they protect.

"We have two laws that we're meant to follow: our natural Indigenous laws, which are here, it's in our DNA to protect Mother Earth and this is what we're meant to be doing. But, we also have this colonial law that the colonial court system wants us to follow," Rainbow Eyes explains, "We're arguing the fact that Indigenous and natural laws are actually a higher umbrella than the colonial law system. We will always follow in our ancestors' footsteps."

As a forest defender, Rainbow Eyes has spent much of her time trying to protect the sacred Old Growth of Fairy Creek, much of which has been destroyed by poorly regulated logging and deforestation. Indigenous protesters fight for the deferral of Old Growth logging and against the destruction of what remains of their sacred forests and endangered wildlife. Peaceful protest activity in what has been said to be one of the largest instances of civil disobedience in Canadian history has included blockades and social media campaigns.

Rainbow Eyes also shares her thoughts on Indigenous people in leadership roles and what that could mean for Indigenous communities. She speaks highly of individuals and communities that have stood in solidarity, but questions whether the system could ever be considered supportive of Indigenous culture, heritage and rights. Discussing the violence and tragedies that so often involve Indigenous communities in Canada, she describes how having Indigenous presence in a colonial government could have significant impact on Reconciliation and healing.

"The Indigenous voice is here to guide from a good place and from a good heart, connected to the ancestors, connected to Mother Earth," she says, "The Indigenous people are known to be a community and to work together. This is the basis of Indigenous culture all around the world."