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Aaron Pete: As an Indigenous person, Trump’s annexation jokes are no laughing matter. I’m proud to be Canadian

Commentary

Herb Snake dances at a Canada Day celebration, London, Ontario, July 1, 2010. Dave Chidley/The Canadian Press.

The Indigenous-Crown relationship is a massive obstacle to ever becoming the 51st state

For the past few weeks, we’ve watched Canadian-U.S. political relations intensify with looming fears of 25 percent tariffs. We’ve watched Premier Danielle Smith and Premier Doug Ford lead the way in advocating for Canadians to find some way to avoid these costly tariffs. While many of us breathed a collective sigh of relief this week when they weren’t found in President Donald Trump’s executive orders on his inauguration day, it seems like they could still be imposed next month.

All the while, Trump continues to make jokes about Canada becoming the 51st state. Although this is clearly a troll from a man teasing and mocking soon-to-be former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, for many, the joke has gone on long enough.

While we’ve heard a lot of reactions from Canadians from many walks of life, one perspective I haven’t yet heard is the perspective of Indigenous Peoples. And if others aren’t willing to give it, I might as well give it myself as a First Nations council member with the Chawathil First Nation out in B.C. Similar to every other Canadian, Indigenous people should be equally concerned about the idea of being swallowed by our neighbours to the south.

Of course, there is an often troubling history between Indigenous Peoples in Canada and Europeans. But our history differs significantly from that of Indigenous Peoples in the United States, where there was far more war and bloodshed. Here in Canada, while our past is far from perfect, it reflects a distinct path of coexistence and collaboration.

Some First Nations folks may argue this Trump takeover threat is a modern-day repeat of colonial practices, which could further disenfranchise Indigenous people across Canada—the idea of even more land being forcibly taken over. Crucially, an annexation would also break historic promises, severing the founding relationship between some 364 First Nations, and the body they signed 70 treaties with, dating back to 1701: the Crown. Not to mention the implications for the protection of the Charter’s section 35 rights of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, it all raises serious concerns about how such foundational commitments would be upheld.

On the other hand, I know many First Nation people who have relatives across our southern border who lead very successful nations that are far outpacing Canadian Indigenous communities in terms of prosperity. Some Indigenous people here look jealously at the U.S. system that has supported Indigenous economic growth through sound policies like the Tribal Self-Governance Act of 1994, which recognizes tribal self-governance and means they can develop their economies without being under the watchful eye of government and its endless application forms, and in turn keep more of their own revenues. As Chief Clarence Louie from Osoyoos Indian Band in B.C. always says, “It’s the economic horse that pulls the social cart.”

The 51st state threat presents an opportunity to reflect on what it means for Indigenous people who have made such valuable contributions to Canada to actually be Canadian. This includes our service during both world wars, where First Nations soldiers fought not just for Canada but for shared values of justice and freedom.

Last year, I spoke with historian Scott Sheffield about Thomas George “Tommy” Prince, Canada’s most decorated First Nations soldier, who fought in the storied “Devil’s Brigade” (an elite Canadian-American commando unit).

“All my life I had wanted to do something to help my people recover their good name. I wanted to show they were as good as any white man,” he’s noted as saying.

The First Nations’ relationship with the Crown has been complex and, at times, deeply abusive over the past 157 years. However, we are now on a path toward reconciling not just our shared past but also our collective future. This commitment to continuous improvement is a core Canadian value rooted in our distinct conception of self.

We are a nation that has given rise to inspiring leaders like Wayne Gretzky, Gord Downie, Tommy Douglas, and Rick Hansen—individuals who set positive examples on the world stage. We have also achieved remarkable milestones, from leading the work on repairing the ozone layer to pioneering the process for extracting medicinal insulin, and of course, inventing ice hockey.

Equally important are the contributions of Indigenous Peoples to Canada’s identity. Terry Fox, a Métis man, captured the hearts of this country through his selfless efforts to crush cancer. We have gifted the world the birch bark canoe, snowshoes, and beautiful Northwest Coast totem poles. These cultural gifts are equally woven into the fabric of what it means to be Canadian.

Indigenous cultures teach us the importance of tomiyeqw— a Halq’eméylem word (spoken in B.C.) that reflects the principle of looking back seven generations and looking forward seven generations. It is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our actions across time and our responsibilities to guard the gifts all our ancestors passed down to us.

Trump’s jokes about Canada becoming the 51st state is a call to action for us to defend our beliefs, rise to the challenge of our time, become more unified, and develop a shared vision for the future.

As Canadians, non-Indigenous and Indigenous, it is time for us to collectively embrace this wisdom, reflecting on our past with honesty and humility, and planning our future with care and responsibility for generations yet to come.

Aaron Pete

Aaron Pete is a graduate of the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia. He is also a council member with Chawathil First Nation, the manager of strategic relationships with Metis Nation British Columbia, and the host of the Bigger Than Me Podcast.

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