Activists within the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) are pushing to get their leaders to cut ties with Israel, take a stand for Palestine, and end their partnership with Ben-Gurion University. Their efforts haven't exactly been appreciated by everyone.
Returning guest and Métis activist, Ben Nolan, explains the politics involved with the partnership and the reluctancy to end it. He recently withdrew his citizenship in the Metis Nation of Ontario (MNO) over THEIR silence on the genocide in Gaza. Read his letter here.
Ben also draws parallels to other comprador style positions the MMF, and its longtime President David Chartrand, have taken - like giving Bill C5 their stamp of approval, or standing with Winnipeg Police after they shot and killed Eishia Hudson.
It was the last mentioned which "galvanized" Sonja Stone, a registered social worker and member of the MMF Two-Spirit Michif Local to challenge some of the ideology permeating the MMF. She talks about the balance that's needed to maneuver through these discussions without fracturing the MMF community.
Sonja also shares very specific ways in which they organize to accommodate queer and neurodivergent members, and provide a space of care within the chaos of politics.
Similar to the treatment Palestinian solidarity activists have received inside other politicized spaces like the NDP, push back has come in all forms - sometimes openly hostile.
A third, anonymous member of the MMF tells the story of young Metis advocates shouted down and threatened with violence for bringing forth a motion on Palestine, and stresses the importance of "horizontal reconciliation" within the community.
Hear how these activists plan to push for change, fight for a Free Palestine, AND strengthen their bonds with the community at the same time.
If you'd like to contact Metis4Palestine: (email) metis4palestine{AT}proton{DOT}me or via https://chat.whatsapp.com/G10LkP4anLMCyjeF4Nd7VJ
Hosted by: Jessa McLean
Related Episodes:
- Whatever It Takes: Land Back (Sep 2022) Layla Staats and Skyler Williams of Six Nations of the Grand River, speaking about their efforts to ensure the survival of their community.
- Making Connections From Salish Sea to Palestine (Feb 2026) Sisters in film, Rawan Ramini and Jada-Gabrielle Pape were brought together for the film, From Salish Sea to Palestine. They joined Blueprints to talk about their use of the medium to make connections between movements, and tell the 'true stories' of their people.
- Exposing Toronto Police Tactics (Sep 2024) Activist and journalist Benjamin Nolan on the Toronto Police Services' violent responses to peaceful protests and their use of the knee-on-neck technique.
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