Indigenous group defends the vulnerable

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/10/2021 (1448 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Around four years ago with the events of Standing Rock and the memory of Tina Fontaine’s disappearance and discovery of her body still fresh in their minds, a group of Winnipeg Indigenous people decided to form a sort of watchdog group to patrol the streets of Winnipeg.

Their focus was set mostly on the North End as well as Central Winnipeg and the West End, areas where many Indigenous people live. Membership has been roughly 12 to 20 warriors over the years and the founders were soon joined by others interested in their cause, including Trey Delaronde, with whom I recently chatted.

Trey, 26, is of Anishinabe descent and told me that his reasons for getting involved were to not only create awareness of injustices to Indigenous peoples but also to help the people who were victims of sex trafficking and drug addiction.

He also wanted to let people know that, unlike the image portrayed of Indigenous people over the years, “not all Indigenous people are drunks and drug addicts, many are professionals such as military, politicians and journalists as well as powwow singers and dancers.” 

Honorary FNIW member Colin Nabess, 35 and of Cree descent, who has only been involved for a short time, said that “my idea of an Indigenous warrior is someone who protects those who can’t protect themselves and that protection extends to all four races (as represented by the medicine wheel) because the human race is all one family.”

As I spoke with Trey and Colin, I could feel their sincerity, passion and devotion to not only the group but to all people. They truly care about everyone. While the word Indigenous is in the group’s name, they say people of all backgrounds are welcome to join their cause and that they are “there for everybody regardless of race.” 

Everyone who joins is asked to sign a code of conduct, much like the military or police. They wear military fatigues and realize that anyone who is part of their group is a representative of this fine organization and must behave accordingly. They said that they are “on duty” 24/7. Some members have been asked to leave for using drugs or alcohol.

The name Warrior in the title derives from the Anishinabe word for warrior, ogichidaa, in much the same way as the ancient Hind,u word Ksatriya means warrior or protector of society.

They have had many success stories in their time ,including rescuing women held against their will and exploited by unscrupulous people. Sex trafficking of vulnerable people is much more prevalent than many realize. And yes it does happen here in Winnipeg.

To learn more about the First Nation Indigenous Warriors you can visit their Facebook page.

 

 

 

Doug Kretchmer is a freelance writer, artist and community correspondent for The Times. Email him at quidamphotography@gmail.com

Twitter: @DougKretchmer