Land and Water

Our team delved into the theme of “Land and Water” through an analysis of We Are the People of This Land, a poem by Roland J. Nadjiwon (May 1979) who is an Algoma University alumnus. We explored the poem’s different sections and linked them to the agricultural practices, the historical development of Algoma and the potential impact on animals it might have had. From the construction of industrial infrastructure to the alteration of river ecosystems by pipelines and dams, we traced the transformation of traditional ways of life. Our presentation also examined efforts towards reforestation, tree ceremonies, and Maple harvesting, showcasing the community’s resilience and ongoing efforts to commemorate their heritage and milestones. Through this exploration, we shed light on the intricate interplay between human activities and the natural environment, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural and ecological diversity.

Collage made by the students

From top to bottom:

(1) Stock taking

(2) Photograph of sheep on Shingwauk lawn

(3) Photograph of pigs behind a fence

(4) Photograph of a young boy with a bull

(5) Photograph of Fuller holding up two fish

(6) Photograph of a young girl with a bucket standing among chickens

“We Are the People of This Land” by Roland J. Nadjiwon

I feel that I should tell you

About the people of this land

I ask you please to listen

Understand it if you can

Our life blood is the rivers

Our flesh and bone the sod

We are the people of this earth

Placed here by Our God

You came with your gilded bible

Your god you said to trust

We learned your hymns of praise

While his image turned to rust

You brought us books and learning

You said we needed schools

We learned to read and cypher

Now we’re educated fools

You brought us beef and bacon

You drove the deer away

Today we cash our welfare cheques

And hunt at the Hudson’s Bay

You crawled from out your caves

Ten thousand years or more

We were cultivating corn

Twenty thousand years before

You dammed up all our rivers

Run its power in little wires

We told you the earth had power

You thought that we were liars

We shared this entire land

A truly democratic place

You fenced it back and forth

And called it real estate

We said this earth was our mother

Our mother could not be sold

But each of you a Judas

With thirty pieces of gold

You killed and buried Jesus

He arose and left this place

I guess I really can’t blame him

When I think of this human race

We used to have our spirits

They were always here before

But now we buy our spirits

At the local liquor store

You burned our shaking tent

Put a phone upon our wall

And charge outrageous prices

For a long-distance call

We knew about the universe

The animals, earth and trees

While you were telling people

That the moon was made of cheese

We had our herbs and medicines

We cured with drum and song

You lock us up in hospitals

And try to guess what’s wrong

You said it was the devil

He never did such good

When you crucified your God

I guess you never understood

You took away our tipis

Outlawed our right to roam

You built us all new houses

But you took away our homes

You shared with us your blankets

They were filled with your disease

Annihilating our people

The way you’re cutting down our trees

You brought war and destruction

You murdered your fellow man

We spoke of life and sharing

Now you try that if you can

We spoke of co-existence

The way all people should

But only your vengeful God

And only your laws were good

Perhaps there’s still a chance

I don’t speak of assimilation

For us all to co-exist

As unique and growing nations

I feel that I have told you

About the people of this land

I hope you tried to listen

I hope you tried to understand

Our life blood is its rivers

Our flesh and bone the sod

We are still the people of this earth

Placed here by OUR God