Red Power
Red Power, a concept that emerged in the 1960s, describes the rise of a shared awareness among the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island of their unique rights and identities.1 Red Power was a wave of momentum that pushed existing struggles of Indigenous resistance to the forefront. This momentum was created during an era of anti-war protests. Widespread social change was ushered in by young people gathering, especially on college campuses, to protest government war-making in Vietnam.2 Red Power was also inspired by Black Power, a similar concept used to describe movements for Black liberation that arose primarily in the United States as well as the Pacific Islands.3 During the Red Power era of the late 1960s and early 1970s, Indigenous activists used strategies like occupying buildings, organizing mass cross-country protests, and hosting community gatherings to discuss current events. These strategies combined traditional Indigenous leadership with new ways of organizing that were inspired by the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Red Power helped affirm the agency of Indigenous peoples, where Indigenous peoples have full control over their own lives and nations without external influence. This is important because governments have long tried to control Indigenous peoples by, for example, making it illegal for Indigenous peoples to practice their cultures, speak their languages, and raise their children. However, we must note that Red Power is not just something of the past. The values and mobilizing efforts of Red Power have been passed down through generations of activism and are still alive and well today. Indeed, we stand witness as Indigenous activists from around the world continue pushing back against settler-colonial systems and structures.4 Red Power is usually associated with the United States because many movements there were very influential and gained international attention. However, the spirit of Red Power could not be contained in just one country. For example, in 1973, Arthur Manuel (Secwépemc) organized a twenty-four hour occupation of the Department of Indian affairs (now called Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada).5 Over three-hundred and fifty Indigenous youth from various nations participated in the occupation. Image 1. News article about the occupation of Indian Affairs. (September 15, 1973). Kainai News, 5(11). This lesser-known example shows that many Indigenous peoples in Canada were active participants in Red Power mobilizations. While the occupation of Indian Affairs is a powerful moment of Red Power activism in Canada, it is just one example among many. As we explore the exciting world of Red Power and reflect on how the movement may have shaped the world today, we must consider that people have different opinions about the role that Red Power played in organizing Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island. As with all labels, we should be careful when describing certain groups and events as being a part of the Red Power movement. Often, more context is needed to best understand how Indigenous activism has looked at different historical periods. What we may mean when we talk about Red Power is diverse, and there’s a wide array of different strategies and futures to which people are working towards. 1. Turtle Island is a term used by Indigenous peoples to refer to North and Central America.2. For more on youth activism during the Vietnam War era, visit an interactive website created by the University of Washington’s Antiwar and Radical History Project.3. The movement was founded in 1966 by Bobby Seale and Huey Newton, who met at Merritt College in Oakland, California. However the movement had a global reach including offshoots created in Australia (the Black Panther Party) and Bermuda (The Black Beret Cadre).4. These systems use violence to divide Indigenous nations, limit Indigenous autonomy, and take over Indigenous lands and resources.5. Arthur Manuel was a prolific political leader for the Secwépemc Nation. His father, George Manuel, served as president of the National Indian Brotherhood and the World Council of Indigenous Peoples.
Charges denied
In this letter, Gerry Larkin responds to critiques of NARP by Chief John George. She clarifies the purpose of NARP and asserts the importance of political change that questions the legitimacy of ‘old leaders’. Citation: Vancouver Sun (April 2, 1968). Charges denied. Pg 5. Found in https://www.proquest.com/hnpvancouversun/docview/2240399412/3233CCFFFEB84FC6PQ/128?accountid=13800&sourcetype=Historical%20Newspapers Leave a comment Cancel reply Logged in as Jacquelyn. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message*
Indian official decries Red Power movement
This article provides a critique of the Native Alliance for Red Power (NARP). It quotes Smin Baker, Chairman of the Squamish Band. Additionally, it provides details about a demonstration where eight NARP members protested the Federal all-candidates meeting. Citation: Vancouver Sun (June 22, 1968). Indian official decries Red Power movement. Pg 67. Vancouver, BC, Canada. Found in https://www.proquest.com/hnpvancouversun/docview/2240392902/E204839505D45D0PQ/54?accountid=13800&sourcetype=Historical%20Newspapers Leave a comment Cancel reply Logged in as Jacquelyn. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message*
Crisis and resolution for B.C Indians
This ad promotes a series of talks titled ‘Crisis and Resolution for BC Indians’. Tony Antoine organized and spoke at the event as a representative of the Native Alliance for Red Power. Citation: Vancouver Sun (January 4, 1969). Crisis and resolution for B.C Indians. Pg 11. Vancouver, BC, Canada. Found in https://www.proquest.com/hnpvancouversun/docview/2240355845/E204839505D45D0PQ/48?accountid=13800&sourcetype=Historical%20Newspapers Leave a comment Cancel reply Logged in as Jacquelyn. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message*
Band Chief slams ‘Red Power’ group
This article is a critique of a protest hosted by the Native Alliance for Red Power at a meeting for residential school officials. Includes critiques from Chief John L. George of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Citation: Vancouver Sun (March 21, 1968). Band Chief slams ‘Red Power’ group. Pg 37. Vancouver, BC, Canada. Found in https://www.proquest.com/hnpvancouversun/docview/2240377199/E204839505D45D0PQ/45?accountid=13800&sourcetype=Historical%20Newspapers Leave a comment Cancel reply Logged in as Jacquelyn. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message*
Indians condem ‘Red Power’ group
This article outlines criticism of a protest held by the Native Alliance for Red Power against a meeting of residential school officials It includes criticisms from Chief Dan George of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Chief Albert Douglas of the Cheam Nation. Citation: Vancouver Sun (March 20, 1968). Indians condem ‘Red Power’ group. Pg 37. Vancouver, BC, Canada. Found in https://www.proquest.com/hnpvancouversun/docview/2240790453/E204839505D45D0PQ/44?accountid=13800&sourcetype=Historical%20Newspapers Leave a comment Cancel reply Logged in as Jacquelyn. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message*
Racism on juries charged
This article is about a call for change from Native Alliance for Red Power (NARP) member Ray Bobb, who advocates for Indigenous peoples to be tried by all-Indigenous juror. The article uses racist language, dismissing the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in prison. NARP warns of escalated actions if demands such as this one are not addressed. Citation: Vancouver Sun (January 24, 1969). Racism on juries charged. Pg 3. Vancouver, BC, Canada. Found in https://www.proquest.com/hnpvancouversun/docview/2240453053/E204839505D45D0PQ/41?accountid=13800&sourcetype=Historical%20Newspapers Leave a comment Cancel reply Logged in as Jacquelyn. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message*
Kindness kills Indian
This article is about a conference at York University about ‘the Canadian Indian’ where Native Alliance for Red Power member Tony Anoine discusses the profound impact of cultural genocide. Citation: Vancouver Sun (October 26, 1968). Kindness kills Indian. Pg 13. Vancouver, BC, Canada. Found in https://www.proquest.com/hnpvancouversun/docview/2240793345/E204839505D45D0PQ/40?accountid=13800&sourcetype=Historical%20Newspapers Leave a comment Cancel reply Logged in as Jacquelyn. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message*
Dr King’s death in vain, says professor at UBC
This article is about the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King. It concludes with a quote from Native Alliance for Red Power member Gerri Larkin, who expresses hope that Indigenous people will be inspired by the resilience of Black people and rise up to assert their rights. Citation: Vancouver Sun (April 9, 1968). Dr King’s death in vain, says professor at UBC. Pg 15. Vancouver, BC, Canada. Found in https://www.proquest.com/hnpvancouversun/docview/2240776499/A09CD4CF534F483FPQ/38?accountid=13800 Leave a comment Cancel reply Logged in as Jacquelyn. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message*
Indians hit ‘treaty violations’
This article is about a demonstration held in solidarity with a Mohawk blockade at Cornwall, Ontario for recognition of the Jay Treaty. The Jay Treaty outlines that Indigenous people can cross freely from Canada into the USA. Ten members of the Native Alliance for Red Power attended this event, showcasing that Indigenous activism involves transnational alliances with other First Nations, and transnational causes – such as cross-border movement. Citation: Vancouver Sun (December 23, 1968). BC Indians hit ‘treaty violations’. Pg 7. Vancouver, BC, Canada. Found in https://www.proquest.com/hnpvancouversun/docview/2240552955/A09CD4CF534F483FPQ/30?accountid=13800&sourcetype=Historical%20Newspapers Leave a comment Cancel reply Logged in as Jacquelyn. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message*