[Indigsol] RSVP: Redrafting the IPSM Ottawa Basis of Unity

[Indigenous Peoples' Solidarity Movement -Ottawa]

Hello to our supporters, and everyone else,

The IPSM Ottawa has been redrafting our basis of unity for several months
now.  We have still not decided on a final draft.

Below is the most current version of our basis of unity.  We encourage
everyone to contact us with their thoughts about the new basis of unity. 
Let us know what you like, as well as what you don't like about the
proposed changes.  Constructive criticism is appreciated

Also included is the IPSM Ottawa's old basis of unity.

New (proposed draft) Basis of Unity

The Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Movement Ottawa (IPSMO) is a grassroots
organization that directly supports indigenous peoples in diverse
struggles for justice and decolonization.  We believe that the  liberation
of non-indigenous people is also bound up in the struggle for
decolonization.  IPSMO is open to indigenous and non-indigenous people.

We provide support to actions and campaigns for Indigenous sovereignty,
self-determination, defense of the land, environmental justice, cultural
revitalization, the honouring of treaties and agreements and against
patriarchy and gender binaries.

We affirm the sacredness of Mother Earth, ecological unity and the
interdependence of all species, and the right to be free from ecological
destruction.

We support the right of the oppressed to self-defense.

We work in solidarity with indigenous people in local, national and
international campaigns, with the IPSM Ottawa’s emphasis being on local
and regional organizing.  As we act in solidarity with indigenous people
we build relationships where we can learn from indigenous knowledge.

We reject the white supremacist, capitalist, heteropatriarchy that is
colonial Canada.  We are committed to transforming colonial and oppressive
structures, systems and relationships.  We also work within our own
communities and ourselves to challenge the racism, lies, and half-truths
about indigenous peoples and colonization that pervade Canadian society.

We believe capitalism is a powerful force in the continuing exploitation
and oppression of indigenous and non-indigenous peoples.  We believe that
all systems of oppression, such as ableism, heteropatriarchy, religious
oppression, etc. are connected and must be opposed.  Therefore we reject
attempts to divide us and we cultivate alliances with other people,
organizations and movements struggling for justice, dignity and freedom.
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Old (current) Basis of Unity

The Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Movement – Ottawa (IPSMO) is a
grassroots organization that directly supports indigenous peoples in
diverse struggles for justice. We also work within communities to
challenge the lies and half-truths about indigenous peoples and
colonization that dominate Canadian society. The organization is open to
both indigenous and non-indigenous people, and focuses on local and
regional campaigns.

As we act in solidarity with indigenous people, we build relationships
where we can learn from indigenous cultures. By doing this, we can further
decolonize ourselves, and so learn to better challenge the racist and
colonial ideas that dominate Canadian society.

We provide support to actions and campaigns for Indigenous sovereignty,
self-determination, defense of the land, environmental protection,
cultural revitalization, and the honouring of treaties and agreements.



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Check out IPSMO's Videos:

http://ipsmo.wordpress.com/video-archives/

IPSMO's Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=120142932547&ref=ts