The burden of reclamation

This article was written for RTOERO by Shaneeka Forrester, Cree artist, mother, and advocate from Brunswick House First Nation, planting roots in Simcoe County, Ontario. Shaneeka has been writing content for our district newsletter package for two years. This piece was included in our September 2024 package, ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. We’re sharing it on our blog with Shaneeka’s permission.

The process of reclamation is something frequently spoken about in Indigenous communities. During the intentional erasure of Indigenous people, many pieces of culture were taken away and prohibited. Efforts to stop the continued erasure of Indigenous culture are rooted in the idea that reclamation is essential for the longevity of Indigenous ways of being. Reclamation is often spoken about when discussing cultural practices, language, land and knowledge.

Oxford Dictionary defines reclamation as “the process of claiming something back or reasserting a right.” The Truth and Reconciliation Commission laid out its calls to action, many of which are rooted in the principles of reclamation. Non-Indigenous individuals can support reclamation by honouring the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action and cultural reclamation efforts in their area. Assisting in researching, writing and creating strategic pathways forward are also steps non-Indigenous individuals can take in supporting reconciliation and reclamation efforts in their area.

Although reclamation is the basis of many initiatives across Turtle Island, it is important to acknowledge that it is not happening out of interest but rather because of necessity. In order for Indigenous culture to thrive for many generations to come, it is essential that reclamation takes place. Reclamation is not a choice by Indigenous groups. It is a reaction to the oppressive systems set in place to purposely assimilate Indigenous people into a new identity created by the colonizing majority.