WATCH: Ryan Bellerose On The Indigenous Rights Of The Jewish People

On Thursday night, our contributor Ryan Bellerose – who is currently visiting Israel doing Zionist things – spoke about the indigenous rights of the Jewish people and how they apply in the world today, as well as how they affect the struggle of indigenous people worldwide.

A crowd of around 70, as well as many others online, were thoroughly informed and entertained by Ryan, who has the gift of the gab.

Now it’s your turn.

8 thoughts on “WATCH: Ryan Bellerose On The Indigenous Rights Of The Jewish People”

  1. i got to meet ryan when he was in the bay area. a truly gentle giant

    im glad, that i finally got to hear the story of him and his people, and how closely it fits with the jewish people’s narrative

    and its a wonder why more natives of the americas do not get it

    1. Mr. Kovacs, I am an American Indian who also wonders why there are not more of my fellow Natives who support Israel and take a stand against Anti-Semites. I suspect of what some of those obstacles are that prevent us from “getting it.” However, it is just my opinion.

      Please keep in mind there are over 500 federally recognized Indian tribes and Alaskan Native villages. Then there are the dozens of tribes that are state-recognized or are terminated tribes that still try to maintain a cohesive community and cultural identity.

      This is over 500 distinct communities / cultures that are many times wrapped up in their own internal politics and needs. Yes, an Alaskan Native Villager or Indian on the rez or in an urban setting… may not advocate for Jews in Israel… but how many USA Indians pay attention to issues affecting the New Zealand Maori, the Scandinavian Sami (Lapps), the Khoisan peoples of southern Africa or Aboriginals of Australia? Sadly, not as many as should.

      Heck, as an American Indian I am very well aware my nation has other “indigenous” peoples other than Indians…. such as Native Hawaiians or the Chamorro of the USA territory of Guam. There are even Metis people who live here… but it is Canada that recognizes Metis as an Indigenous community… the USA has not done this.

      So, Jews are indigenous… but they are ignored… along with other indigenous groups in the USA and abroad.

      Besides being involved to only see whats going on in our community… we are like the greater population of American people of being influenced by the Israeli bashing media. And if we send our youth to college we encounter anti-Israeli views on campus like other college students.

      I think these might be some of the contributing factors as to why we aren’t as supportive of Israeli issues as we (my fellow Indians) should be,

      Peace and Goodwill Dear Sir.

      1. the problem is more that many in the native american community, somehow find a kinship with the palestinian. i understand that the first peoples have their own issues to deal with, and they are many. i just wish those that find a kinship with the palestinian, would read about the history of the jewish people, and see how it is very much like theirs and not the palestinian

  2. I hate to use the comment system like this but I don’t know how often you check the “contact us” message box, I sent you a question regarding this but have not received a response. I don’t want to be pushy but it is time sensitive so if you could check that out it would be great. -Yosef Berger

  3. As a fellow Indian person in the USA; I just want to say thank you to Ryan for all of the advocacy work on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people. There needs to be more of us who embrace the Jewish people and advocate for them to be who they are- indigenous people of Israel.

  4. Ryan, did I pick up with this talk that you’ve gotten a status-card? You are right- you don’t need the Canadian government to tell you that you are Metis. We have the same thing in the States. Its so humiliating, frustrating and devisive.

    Questions such as…

    Do have a tribal enrollment card or CDIB?
    If not do you have a Letter of Recognition or other paperwork that would satisfy the Indian Arts and Crafts Law?

    Then there is what is your blood quantum? Does your tribe have a matrilineal or patrilineal descent requirement and if so do you qualify with having your Indian parent be “the right gender.”

    Then the… is your tribe state recognized or federal recognized or on petitioning status? Is your tribe one of the one from the Termination era (many such tribes have still tried to keep it together as not all had their terminations reversed)?

    If you don’t qualify for any of these… then can you still trace your heritage to which tribal roll or census… even if it is one not used to qualify for modern day citizenship.

    Then… if mixed racial you are judged by what other races your nation intermarried with… and are you part white with green eyes or part black with dark skin.

    How many traditional arts and crafts do you know? Can you speak the language? Were born on a rez or Nation (which isn’t always the same thing)…

    I could go on. There are so many ways in which we try to exclude and reject fellow Native peoples. But then having a “status” or tribal card allows some people to participate more in discussions, causes, organizations, cultural events or tribal politics, Because way too many times your voice cannot be heard or your participation in tribal life or culture is restricted if you are not an “official” Indian. At least that is what happens a lot in the States; am not sure how Canadian Indians treat non-status Indians.

    Ryan- more of our fellow Indians should follow your lead.

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