A Quaker friend of mine from Saskatchewan recently sent me an article posted on Sikh24 dot com – a fascinating and sensitively written article in solidarity with Idle No More. The Sikhs are prominent members of our local community. The writer(s) outline what their people have gone through in suffering the negative effects of colonialism and explain how they can relate to what our First nations have suffered. I learned a lot by reading this description of some of the non-violent acts of heroism performed by past leaders of their community. While the article expresses solidarity with our First Nations, it shows a special understanding of the especially tragic situation here in Canada:
Yes, one hundred and seventy years ago the British annexed Panjab and ended Khalsa Raj. But the British did not exile us from our own villages and towns. The British did not take our land and build new cities. The British did not migrate to Panjab and force us to live on inadequate reserves.
The article mentions heroic acts by historic Sikh leaders in defending the rights of non-Sikhs in India. Two of those leaders are Gurus Nanak and Tegh Bahadur.
Guru Nanak Sahib:
We need to demonstrate our commitment to the revolutionary message of Guru Nanak Sahib, that every human being contains equally an aspect of the divine and that we are all truly worthy of having our basic human needs and rights protected and defended.
Guru Tekh Bahadur Sahib gave his life in the year 1675 to oppose the forced conversion of Hindus.
The fact that recent “settlers” in Canada can relate so sensitively, and bring a fresh perspective, to the plight of our long-abused native peoples is a very encouraging sign.
We can learn much from them.
mightyturk 