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The Winter We Danced
The Winter We Danced is a vivid collection of writing, poetry, lyrics, art and images from the many diverse voices that make up the past, present, and future of the Idle No More movement. Calling for pathways into healthy, just, equitable and sustainable communities while drawing on a wide-ranging body of narratives, journalism, editorials and creative pieces, this collection consolidates some of the most powerful, creative and insightful moments from the winter we danced and gestures towards next steps in an on-going movement for justice and Indigenous self-determination.
Royalties from the sale of this book will be donated to the Native Youth Sexual Health Network.
Royalties from the sale of this book will be donated to the Native Youth Sexual Health Network.
440 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2014
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365 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 28, 2015
What an amazing compilation of pieces about the Idle No More Movement! Everyone that lives in Canada and beyond should read this.
May 24, 2015
The Winter We Danced is amazing.
As a Settler observer, dreamer, and participant during the months of the #IdleNoMore movement that grew -- from a longstanding struggle for Indigenous sovereignty and ecological justice -- into a prophetic force across Turtle Island in those fateful closing months of 2012, reading this retrospective was a renewed emotional and intellectual challenges for me; one that left me by turns exhausted, reminiscent, and passionate in ways I hadn't experienced since those days of hope that we were finally coming together to heal the broken, abusive relationships that characterize Canada's/Canadians'/Settlers' relationship to original peoples, place, and each other.
The book is unique in its approach, and as fellow radical reader Scott Neigh wrote about it, "It is... an impressive example of a movement attending to memory." The Winter We Danced is made up primarily of articles, creative writing, poetry, photography, and visual art, and ceremonial storytelling that was born from within #IdleNoMore and in a significant was constitutive of the movement. And it does so in nearly chronological order, although split into thematic sections, that allows the reader to journey alongside the drummers, singers, organizers, and protesters as the movement developed. In this way, it's possible to see how, over a matter of days, Chief Theresa Spence's hunger strike reverberated across the country, touched the lives of so many, and united a diversity of voices with a common message, one that is emphasized throughout the book: survival, pride, relationship, decolonization, and love, especially love for land.
The thematic sections that structure are broken down to first describe the historical and political context that gave rise to #IdleNoMore; then, the second section, "Singers and Drummers" provides the contributions of a variety of movement participants from every party of the country between Nov. 2012 - March 2013. The third section, "Friendships" branches out to explore the impact beyond indigenous communities and Settler participation in the movement, where another wide range of writers spoke to the fundamental decolonizing projects underway to repair, heal, and transform relationships between Settlers and Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island. The final section challenges readers to think about the future beyond Idle No More, about ongoing work and our role in said transformation.
The writing in the book is incredibly accessible, even by academic writers who in other spaces can be much more difficult. And yet, its accessibility doesn't necessarily make it easy. As a reader, I was reminded of the vastness of the challenges that face us in keeping alive the fires of the hopes and dreams lit by INM, and of how much work there remains to do to change the political realities of Canadian colonialism. And in reading the many commentaries around Chief Spence's momentous, ceremonial, and self-sacrificing fast, I remembered back to my own rage at Stephen Harper's utter dismissal of Spence and the call to restore nation-to-nation relationship; rage that continues to instruct my thoughts about the coming election, which Harper hasn't faced since the challenges posed (and by him, ignored) by #INM (and Occupy, et le printemps d'erable).
But mostly, the book is a solid reminder of Idle No More as one step of many in the rebirth and resurgence of Indigenous nations, as portrayed by Tara Williamson's beautiful closing piece, "This is Ceremony." After 375 pages, her story brought the book to a close in a way that turns everything before it into poetry, into magic, into spirit & ceremony. It was this piece that let loose my tears, and left me wondering if it would have meant the same to me had I not (sometimes impatiently) traveled through those hundreds of pages beforehand. One thing is for sure: it would still be special even if you hadn't. Likewise, I hope that The Winter We Danced is interpretable, meaningful, and helpful for readers who weren't there. And I'm going to trust that it is.
As a Settler observer, dreamer, and participant during the months of the #IdleNoMore movement that grew -- from a longstanding struggle for Indigenous sovereignty and ecological justice -- into a prophetic force across Turtle Island in those fateful closing months of 2012, reading this retrospective was a renewed emotional and intellectual challenges for me; one that left me by turns exhausted, reminiscent, and passionate in ways I hadn't experienced since those days of hope that we were finally coming together to heal the broken, abusive relationships that characterize Canada's/Canadians'/Settlers' relationship to original peoples, place, and each other.
The book is unique in its approach, and as fellow radical reader Scott Neigh wrote about it, "It is... an impressive example of a movement attending to memory." The Winter We Danced is made up primarily of articles, creative writing, poetry, photography, and visual art, and ceremonial storytelling that was born from within #IdleNoMore and in a significant was constitutive of the movement. And it does so in nearly chronological order, although split into thematic sections, that allows the reader to journey alongside the drummers, singers, organizers, and protesters as the movement developed. In this way, it's possible to see how, over a matter of days, Chief Theresa Spence's hunger strike reverberated across the country, touched the lives of so many, and united a diversity of voices with a common message, one that is emphasized throughout the book: survival, pride, relationship, decolonization, and love, especially love for land.
The thematic sections that structure are broken down to first describe the historical and political context that gave rise to #IdleNoMore; then, the second section, "Singers and Drummers" provides the contributions of a variety of movement participants from every party of the country between Nov. 2012 - March 2013. The third section, "Friendships" branches out to explore the impact beyond indigenous communities and Settler participation in the movement, where another wide range of writers spoke to the fundamental decolonizing projects underway to repair, heal, and transform relationships between Settlers and Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island. The final section challenges readers to think about the future beyond Idle No More, about ongoing work and our role in said transformation.
The writing in the book is incredibly accessible, even by academic writers who in other spaces can be much more difficult. And yet, its accessibility doesn't necessarily make it easy. As a reader, I was reminded of the vastness of the challenges that face us in keeping alive the fires of the hopes and dreams lit by INM, and of how much work there remains to do to change the political realities of Canadian colonialism. And in reading the many commentaries around Chief Spence's momentous, ceremonial, and self-sacrificing fast, I remembered back to my own rage at Stephen Harper's utter dismissal of Spence and the call to restore nation-to-nation relationship; rage that continues to instruct my thoughts about the coming election, which Harper hasn't faced since the challenges posed (and by him, ignored) by #INM (and Occupy, et le printemps d'erable).
But mostly, the book is a solid reminder of Idle No More as one step of many in the rebirth and resurgence of Indigenous nations, as portrayed by Tara Williamson's beautiful closing piece, "This is Ceremony." After 375 pages, her story brought the book to a close in a way that turns everything before it into poetry, into magic, into spirit & ceremony. It was this piece that let loose my tears, and left me wondering if it would have meant the same to me had I not (sometimes impatiently) traveled through those hundreds of pages beforehand. One thing is for sure: it would still be special even if you hadn't. Likewise, I hope that The Winter We Danced is interpretable, meaningful, and helpful for readers who weren't there. And I'm going to trust that it is.
December 30, 2014
A book every Canadian should read to better understand First Nations people, to see the duplicity of Canadian governments, and to celebrate the awakening of activism in Canada. The Winter We Danced is a collection of scholarly, artistic, and every person contributions to the Idle No More Movement.
December 16, 2017
We dance
to soften the hard lumps
that have formed
in the heart
p7
As far away as Spain where I found myself when the Idle No More movement exploded back in my country, I heard the drums. By the time I was back in Canada, things had settled down somewhat but the vitality and creative energy of that time continue to evolve. This comprehensive compendium both documents the rise and peak of Idle No More, placing it in context and tracing its logic but it also points to possibilities for the immediate and long-range future.
Part of the problem is that the federal "Indian" policy still has, as it's main objective, to get rid of the "Indian problem." p39
Decolonization is the process whereby we create the conditions in which we want to live and the social relations we wish to have....to reconfigure our communities. p50
The articles written represent the multiple points of view across the country as people came together in flash dances that could occupy a whole shopping plaza. There was also the fast by the chief Theresa Spence Attawapiskat that went on for 6 weeks, and the support of the world.
For their message articulates well the disillusionment that has overcome so many regarding the state of the world, and is an inspiration for those who fear nothing can stand up to the corrupt system "set up to oppress rather than help us. " p191
We must not let the hatred and misconceptions that others have within them silence our voices. p224
to soften the hard lumps
that have formed
in the heart
p7
As far away as Spain where I found myself when the Idle No More movement exploded back in my country, I heard the drums. By the time I was back in Canada, things had settled down somewhat but the vitality and creative energy of that time continue to evolve. This comprehensive compendium both documents the rise and peak of Idle No More, placing it in context and tracing its logic but it also points to possibilities for the immediate and long-range future.
Part of the problem is that the federal "Indian" policy still has, as it's main objective, to get rid of the "Indian problem." p39
Decolonization is the process whereby we create the conditions in which we want to live and the social relations we wish to have....to reconfigure our communities. p50
The articles written represent the multiple points of view across the country as people came together in flash dances that could occupy a whole shopping plaza. There was also the fast by the chief Theresa Spence Attawapiskat that went on for 6 weeks, and the support of the world.
For their message articulates well the disillusionment that has overcome so many regarding the state of the world, and is an inspiration for those who fear nothing can stand up to the corrupt system "set up to oppress rather than help us. " p191
We must not let the hatred and misconceptions that others have within them silence our voices. p224
March 23, 2018
Almost every review I've read suggests that this is a book every Canadian should read. I wholeheartedly agree. On the surface, this is a look at the Idle No More movement from inception to the end of Chief Theresa Spence's hunger strike and the sunset of the Harper years. That is just the thin surface of the deep, immense lake that is this book.
From the well thought out editorials and essays to the personal and emotional narratives; from the intense poetry to the art and photography, this book is imbued with the spirit of Indigenous people. Their voices are strong and clear, and it is entirely to our detriment that we refuse to listen. Read it from beginning to end. The final entry is an incredible narrative written by Tara Williamson called "This Is a Ceremony". When you finish this book, put it immediately back into your TBR pile, and next time you pick it up, read that last entry first. It ties so much together.
From the well thought out editorials and essays to the personal and emotional narratives; from the intense poetry to the art and photography, this book is imbued with the spirit of Indigenous people. Their voices are strong and clear, and it is entirely to our detriment that we refuse to listen. Read it from beginning to end. The final entry is an incredible narrative written by Tara Williamson called "This Is a Ceremony". When you finish this book, put it immediately back into your TBR pile, and next time you pick it up, read that last entry first. It ties so much together.
Read
July 27, 2015http://rabble.ca/books/reviews/2014/0...
Review by Lindsey Cornum
When you hold The Winter We Danced, you hold more than a book. Edited by the Kino-nda-niimi Collective and gathering together more than 80 different contributors, it is a text bursting at the seams with collaborative fervour. With the addition of visual pieces, including paintings, photographs, posters and a substantial addendum of resources and organization information, this collection extends outside its own covers to participate in the larger movement it describes.
Subtitled "Voices From the Past, Future, and the Idle No More movement," The Winter We Danced encapsulates the incredible output of writing that began in December 2012 and continued through the winter months of 2013, during the time better known as the beginning of Idle No More (INM).
Pieces range from scholarly breakdowns of legal and government policies, to poems, manifestos and textual collages of social media rinteractions. Together these pieces take the reader through INM's historical antecedents to the Round Dance Revolution, Chief Theresa Spence's hunger strike and Shawn Alteo's January 11 meeting with PM Stephen Harper. The book does not conclude in the current day but instead ushers us into the future armed with knowledge and resources to continue resisting.
By now most know INM began as a teach-in about Bill C-45. However, it is also obvious that it was never just about that particular legislation. INM was a renewed declaration of refusal. Native people have always fought back against continuous assaults on their lands, lives and bodies and INM simply provided what contributor Jarett Martineau might call a new "hub" around which to organize that collective struggle. The movement also addressed the urgent need to revise public understandings of the relationship between Canada and First Nations.
Read more here: http://rabble.ca/books/reviews/2014/0...
Review by Lindsey Cornum
When you hold The Winter We Danced, you hold more than a book. Edited by the Kino-nda-niimi Collective and gathering together more than 80 different contributors, it is a text bursting at the seams with collaborative fervour. With the addition of visual pieces, including paintings, photographs, posters and a substantial addendum of resources and organization information, this collection extends outside its own covers to participate in the larger movement it describes.
Subtitled "Voices From the Past, Future, and the Idle No More movement," The Winter We Danced encapsulates the incredible output of writing that began in December 2012 and continued through the winter months of 2013, during the time better known as the beginning of Idle No More (INM).
Pieces range from scholarly breakdowns of legal and government policies, to poems, manifestos and textual collages of social media rinteractions. Together these pieces take the reader through INM's historical antecedents to the Round Dance Revolution, Chief Theresa Spence's hunger strike and Shawn Alteo's January 11 meeting with PM Stephen Harper. The book does not conclude in the current day but instead ushers us into the future armed with knowledge and resources to continue resisting.
By now most know INM began as a teach-in about Bill C-45. However, it is also obvious that it was never just about that particular legislation. INM was a renewed declaration of refusal. Native people have always fought back against continuous assaults on their lands, lives and bodies and INM simply provided what contributor Jarett Martineau might call a new "hub" around which to organize that collective struggle. The movement also addressed the urgent need to revise public understandings of the relationship between Canada and First Nations.
Read more here: http://rabble.ca/books/reviews/2014/0...
September 19, 2014
The Winter We Danced, is a book that acknowledges the depths and similarities the Anishnaabe people have toward the effects/processes of settler colonialism/Americanization of Indigenous nations in the United States, a perspective that many in Indigenous studies are not aware of. Through the personal reflections of many Indigenous and non-Indigenous supporters, The Winter We Danced, has created a text that may help serve if not stir many other Indigenous nations to come together as one and let the political platform know that the Indigenous people are, indeed, idle no more.
July 23, 2016
This great collection provides an overview of the history, direction and momentum of the Idle No More movement which started in Canada in Nov 2012. It provides reprints in one place of some of the most influential voices and blog posts from the Winter of 2012-2013 along with some new interviews and a wonderful collection of images.
December 21, 2014
A beautiful book, not only because the amazing breadth and depth of the material...the volume itself is a book-lover's treasure. Do yourself a favor and keep one on your bookshelf, your desk, or by your bed. Read an entry each night, maybe. Be inspired by its humble testimony.
March 5, 2018
I wouldn't say this book is rated based on a scale of enjoyability as the majority of the book is a stinging reminders of colonialism and it's failures in protecting indigenous populations. This is required reading for Canadians.
The sheer number of essays made it easy for me to understand indigenous concerns and the decolonize movement as common themes emerged through a number of perspectives. These issues include:
• Protection of natural resources, including waterways
• Fair compensation for native land exploitation
• Fear of loss of culture/land (one in the same)
• Canadian racism, apathy and ignorance
• Lack of justice in Canadian courts
• The many murdered and missing indigenous women
• Lack of easy collaboration with the Canadian government
• Distrust of chiefs and their ability to reflect values in decision making
• Continued erosion of self governance rights and freedoms
• A lack of clear definition towards a state of decolonization
This was such an eye-opening read for me as a previously uneducated and ignorant settler. I'm saddened by the scope of the issues presented and it's easy to lose hope as the answers to these problems seem insurmountable. There is also a real lack of answers as to the preventative measures available to early settlers in how relationships with indigenous populations could have been handled.
I'm going to read the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples next to continue my education.
#decolonize
The sheer number of essays made it easy for me to understand indigenous concerns and the decolonize movement as common themes emerged through a number of perspectives. These issues include:
• Protection of natural resources, including waterways
• Fair compensation for native land exploitation
• Fear of loss of culture/land (one in the same)
• Canadian racism, apathy and ignorance
• Lack of justice in Canadian courts
• The many murdered and missing indigenous women
• Lack of easy collaboration with the Canadian government
• Distrust of chiefs and their ability to reflect values in decision making
• Continued erosion of self governance rights and freedoms
• A lack of clear definition towards a state of decolonization
This was such an eye-opening read for me as a previously uneducated and ignorant settler. I'm saddened by the scope of the issues presented and it's easy to lose hope as the answers to these problems seem insurmountable. There is also a real lack of answers as to the preventative measures available to early settlers in how relationships with indigenous populations could have been handled.
I'm going to read the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples next to continue my education.
#decolonize
March 18, 2022
I think every Canadian should read this book. I did a lot of unlearning and learning while reading, which I loved and really valued about this book. It includes interviews and various articles, not to mention poems and music lyrics. It was beautifully woven together and I found myself getting very emotional at parts. It's not the easiest read (which I don't think it's meant to be) but it's a very important addition to add to your bookshelf.
Read
September 14, 2014Reviewed here.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews