May 2021 be the year land is once again refuge for Indigenous people
Leanne Betasamosake Simpson: During the pandemic, Indigenous people reconnected to their land, embracing bush life and learning to live in community with each other in times of trouble By Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
December 16, 2020 Dechinta students on the land during the Fall 2020 Semester on MacKenzie Island, outside of Yellowknife, Chief Drygeese Territory, NWT
(Courtesy of Morgan Tsetta)
Leanne Betasamosake Simpson is a Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg writer, scholar and musician and is a member of Alderville First Nation.
At the beginning of the pandemic, and at a time when Canadian government officials were locking down daily life and telling Canadians to stay home, Dene National Chief Norman Yakeleya echoed the words of his Elders and told his people, “go to the land.” Many did. Those that had the means went to cabins and canvas tents in the bush where good ventilation and physical distancin