Part 2 of our series on Indigenous foodways and features Ed Jensen of Secwepemc Nation in south central British Columbia.
Just as his Nation embarks on an historic Title Action to assert Indigenous sovereignty over traditional territories that were never ceded through treaty, Jensen is involved in practicing, teaching and breathing life into Secwepemc hunting traditions. Grounded in Secwepemc laws that were taught to him by his uncles and grandfather, Jensen is bringing those traditions forward by teaching new generations of Indigenous - and non-indigenous - people about stewardship practices grounded in reciprocity and respect.
The type of knowledge that Ed Jensen speaks about as a hunting guide and carrier of Secwepmec traditions is part of the evidence being gathered to form the basis of the Title case: proving that aboriginal ownership of, and jurisdiction over, lands and waters pre-dates colonization relies on oral histories like the ones Jensen is carrying.
Jensen’s work involves not only carrying and passing knowledge, but in creating artistic and functional hunting tools based on the designs of his ancestors. He’s one of the world’s pre-eminent flint-snappers; his studio in Kamloops is full of beautifully wrought spears, arrowheads, and bone-handled knives that are made entirely from natural materials. Another way that Jensen shares his knowledge is through mentorship - just as his own uncles did with him, Ed is bringing up a new generation of Secwepmec hunters, and working to change the culture of hunting from the collection of trophies, which is what it has become in mainstream, colonial society, to a practice that is about deep attunement with the land and deep relationship with the animals themselves.
S3 E7 - Fostering Care with Bryant Doradea - HK aka Higher Knowledge
S3-E6 Voices of Wood Buffalo: Guest Episode with Louise Romain
S3 E5 Gitxaała Nation takes on the Mineral Tenure Act in B.C.
S3 E4 Meet the Gitxaała Challenge Intervenors
S3 E3 A different kind of mining company
The Fight Against Big Mining: Guest Episode with Gitxaala Nation’s legal team
The Constitution Express with Doreen Manuel
Season 2 Bonus: Private Prosecutions of Indigenous Land Defenders
S2 E8 Cedar Sisters: Haida lawyer Terri Lynn Williams Davidson
S2 E7 - Restorative Justice with John Reilly
S2 E6 Nancy Turner: Cultural Refugia
S2 E4 Heiltsuk Granny's Gardens with Jess Housty
S2 E3 Indigenous Power with Judith Sayers
S2 E2 Full Fledged Tricksters with Val Napoleon and the Indigenous Law Research Unit
S2,E1: Making History with Tsilhqot'in Chief Russ Myers Ross
Episode 7: Decolonise Now! with Nikki Iyolo Sanchez
Episode 6 - Music Sweet Music: "We are the Stronghold" Benefit Concert
Episode 5 - The Great Way of Decision Making: Constituting Indigenous Law with Dr. John Borrows
Episode 4 - COVID Capitalism: The Case Against Coastal Gas Link with Caily DiPuma
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