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Fashionable Settler Language: Same Wolf, New Clothing

Writer's picture: Christine VanagasChristine Vanagas

Updated: May 23, 2023

There is a new designer label called ‘Ally’ making its way through reconciliation circles. While I am not necessarily questioning the intentions of those who are making intentional efforts to produce change and support Indigenous decolonization, I am merely pausing to reflect on the implications behind broad adoption of such a term.


Webster's Dictionary describes “Ally” as both a noun and a verb. The active term is defined as forming “a relation by similitude, resemblance or friendship.” As an Indigenous Believer, I think it is useful to also consider a biblical understanding of the term. The concept of ‘Ally’ is depicted in the Old Testament at least 32 times. Often the term is interchanged with the word ‘lover’. This is not meant to reflect a physical state of the relationship, but rather depicts a high degree of intimacy.


God’s allyship is described by the psalmist as: “He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. He is my shield, and I take refuge in him” (Psalm 144: 2 NLT). In fact, the previous verse describes how God prepares His ally for war and battle. Note the characteristics of this relationship - God defends the psalmist from persecution of his enemies and desires abundant blessing for him. I am in no way implying that those who choose to become Indigenous allies are to be positioned as 'saviors'; rather the relationship depicted in the psalms implies a deep trust. God's allyship stands with us, builds us up, it is faithful and equips us to persevere in difficult times.


Classmates outside Lac La Ronge Residential School - Source Unknown

Considering the above definitions in comparison to the experience of Canada's Indigenous nations, it should not be difficult to understand why there are Indigenous people who are wary of "the Settler's New Clothes." There are many examples over the past few centuries where the settlers were anything but allies to Indigenous nations. We must, therefore, ask to what degree does this new terminology erase the theft of land and children, murder, and destruction of language and culture that came alongside colonialism and settler nations? How easy does the term 'Ally' allow one to undress from Canada's colonial oppression and re-brand oneself with a friendlier garment for the sake of moral exhibitionism?


While many see these errors as ‘the past’, it is undeniable that Indigenous people are still living with the consequences of that oppression. In fact, the Bible states, "Cruel rulers are not your allies; those who make oppressive laws" (Psalm 94:20 NET). Some may be quick to point out that they 'didn't make the rules', but can you be an Ally if you do not acknowledge how you and/or your ancestors may have benefited from racist and oppressive policies, such as, the Indian Act? One might even take this verse further and examine our businesses and organizations where oppressive policies, values, business culture and systemic barriers quietly linger in our corporate closets.


This is not meant to blame and shame those who truly wish to correct the errors of our collective history. Truthfully, everyone is needed if we wish to leave less of this work for the next generations. The bible stresses the importance of forgiveness (Romans 12:9), and also the blessing that unlocks when we are in unity (Psalm 133: 1-3). Even so, there is a emptiness in assuming the ‘allyship’ brand in the absence of doing the important work of building genuine friendship and intimacy with Indigenous nations. The relationship between God and the psalmist is an example of such incredible closeness, but we are also clear that it required ongoing, personal commitment and investment. It shows us that one cannot be one's true friend without knowing one's personal experience and who they truly are.


This collective past must be fully acknowledged, I believe, because there are spiritual realities related to healing and decolonization. We read in the Bible that "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so they may have life, and may have it abundantly" (John 10:10 NET). God is often blamed when history is penned; however, I would point out that colonialism wears all the vestments of the thief in this verse. It is important to recognize it as such, I believe, because Proverbs 6:31 states that “if he [the thief] is caught, he must pay back seven times what he stole” (NLT). This is, therefore, one pathway in support of Indigenous peoples reclaiming their knowledge, practices, identities, languages, systems of stewardship and sustainability, governance, etc.


I believe that Godly allyship, worn correctly, upholds truth in order to bring restoration and healing. It resists entrenching itself in defensiveness such as "white fragility" and courageously exposes the harms and theft of colonialism. While we cannot change what was done, genuine allies must first do their own work so they can stand beside Indigenous people, dismantle the weapons of colonialism, and support Indigenous efforts to reclaim all that the thief has stolen.


Heavenly Father,

You are the maker of Heaven and Earth! Numerous and precious are Your thoughts about each and every one of us (Psalm 139: 17 - 18). You chose each of us to come to this world at such a time of this. As such, I have faith that You have equipped each of us for truth, reconciliation, allyship and friendship. 

In Joel 2:25 Your promise is that You will restore the years that the locust, the swarming locust, the canker-worm and the caterpillar have eaten. It is Your intention that we have life and that we might have it more abundantly (John 10:10). Help us to align our actions to Your thoughts and intentions for creation and our nations at this time . Help us to be vessels that bring love, healing, hope, respect and peace.

I ask that You order our steps for this journey ahead and let not any iniquity have dominion over us (Psalm 119: 133). Make our hearts malleable so we can becomes godly allies to one another - to help one another as You intended when You placed us here.

Amen!

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