*Indigenous peoples solidarity group

The Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Working Group came together in September 2005. IPSWG aims to create opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members to participate in education and action against colonization and in support of Indigenous peoples’ inherent right to self-determination and self-governance of Indigenous territory.

IPSWG Working Mandate

The Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Working Group acknowledges and gives thanks to the Lekwungen (Songhees), Esquimalt and Wsanec Nations (Pauquachin, Tseycum, Tsawout and Tsartlip). It is on the territory of these Coast Salish Peoples that this group exists and operates in what is colonially known as “Victoria, British Columbia.”

The Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Working Group aims to create opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members (including students and youth) to participate in education, mobilization and action against colonization and in support of Indigenous peoples’ inherent right to self-determination and self-governance of Indigenous territory.

This group arose out of a desire to participate in the decolonization movement by truthfully confronting the Canadian state and society’s continued occupation of Indigenous territories and the exploitation of Indigenous peoples, including cultural genocide, forced assimilation and the criminalization of resistance. The group operates on the understanding that non-Indigenous people are deeply infected by a colonial mindset and need to actively work to unlearn racism.

IPSWG will invite community members of local Nations to provide guidance for the group’s direction and activities. This organization, as it evolves, intends to develop into a resource group that Indigenous communities can access for support. IPSWG is based out of VIPIRG — the Vancouver Island Public Interest Research Group (www.vipirg.ca) at the University of Victoria.

(Archived location on website: https://www.vipirg.ca/archive/campaigns/ipswg/ )