Olympic Week!

It's been an exciting week of the Olympics, and you'll see in the coming sections why it's a highlight even in this article. Celebrations abound!

Indigenous and Allies are all welcome!

Let's get to it.

??Hero of the Week: Shalaya Valenzuela

In this week's episode, where we are highlighting a lot of the Olympics, Shalaya Valenzuela is our Hero of the Week! She is a member of the Tseshaht First Nation, and she joined her team in winning a silver medal in women's rugby 7's this week. She is becoming such an amazing role model for our youth.

"Being Indigenous myself, being from a small town and also being a youth in [foster care], I think I can relate to a lot of youth," Valenzuela said.?Valenzuela said that she hopes that Indigenous youth who spent time in foster care know that they too can make it far in their dreams.? "Anything is possible. I made it so there's no reason why they can't as well," Valenzuela said.?

??Music of the Week: Junos Indigenous Voices

I'll return to updating the IndigiBeats 365 Playlist on Spotify soon, I promise!

For the time being, make sure to check out this article and the music provided by Joel Wood, Cikwes, and Digging Roots!

“If you believe in who you are, where you come from, your language, your identity, your culture it’ll take you to places you’ve never even dreamed of.”?– Joel Wood

??3 Posts from this Week:

• It's been an exciting week of the Olympics, and part of that for me has been keeping track of our five Canadian Indigenous athletes that are competing! Among the 10,500 athletes from around the world, these ones are making us so proud.

• A tremendous settlement has been reached in British Columbia, as Esk'etemc (Alkali Lake Indian Band) has reached a $147 million settlement after 131 years of water rights loss. This is going to set quite the precedent for areas all over the country that have been prevented from their water rights. I'll be attending their celebration this afternoon, so I'll post some pics from the event in the comments later this same day!

• Kitselas First Nation, along with the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia, have initiated the draft Kitselas Treaty! This demonstrates progress toward Kitselas implementing their right to self-determination and realizing their vision of a better future for their communities. The close of these negotiations signifies the renewal of the nation-to-nation relationships between these three forms of government.

??Recommendation of the Week: W?nipêk, by Niigaan Sinclair

A book by one of my go-to sources of Indigenous truths and stories, Niigaanwewidam Sinclair . I am so excited about this book, and I think you will be too, once you look into it. Already a National Bestseller, this book will be a keystone for decades to come on Canada's complex history.

At a crucial and fragile moment?in Canada's long history with Indigenous peoples, one of our most essential writers begins at the centre, capturing a web spanning centuries of community, art, and resistance.?Based on years' worth of columns, Niigaan Sinclair delivers a defining essay collection on the resilience of Indigenous peoples. Here, we meet the creators, leaders, and everyday people preserving the beauty of their heritage one day at a time. But we also meet the ugliest side of colonialism, the Indian Act, and the communities who suffer most from its atrocities.?Sinclair uses the story of Winnipeg to illuminate the reality of Indigenous life all over what is called Canada. This is a book that demands change and celebrates those fighting for it, that reminds us of what must be reconciled and holds accountable those who must do the work. It's a book that reminds us of the power that comes from loving a place, even as that place is violently taken away from you, and the magic of fighting your way back to it. (From McClelland & Stewart)

??From Michael:

Our big announcement has finally come:

Michael is now the candidate for BC NDP Cariboo-Chilcotin!

“Michael Moses has deep roots in Cariboo-Chilcotin and understands what will make life better for people who live in this community,” said Premier David Eby. “People here deserve a champion like Michael who is on their side — building housing, improving healthcare and lowering costs. Michael will defend people against the reckless cuts to hospitals and schools that we’ve seen before and John Rustad and his Conservative Party are planning again.”

If you would like to support our campaign and support an Indigenous candidate achieve a voice in our British Columbia legislature, please consider volunteering or donating!

For other updates, please check in to Michael's LinkTree: Michael Moses LinkTree | Find all of Michael's Links!

We also have a group; please join us at Canadian Indigenous and Allies | Groups | LinkedIn

and one on FB, too: Canadian Indigenous and Allies | Groups | Facebook

If you're reading this right now, I genuinely hope this Indigenous content can provide some light and hope into your week.

Feel free to connect with me directly here on LinkedIn!

Your three best ways of supporting Michael's Indigenous advocacy:

1. ?? Thank you for Reposting, Commenting and Liking this Indigenous resource! ??
2. ? Read more and sign up at Michael Moses' website.
3. ?? Support Michael in being elected to our BC government!

#Indigenous #IndigenousCulture #Allyship #Olympics