Join us at Ottawa Public Library – Main Library Auditorium on July 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM for a free, public, and timely discussion on Indigenous perspectives of colonization and how to fight back with Mi’kmaw land defender Sakej Ward. This event is held in collaboration with the Anishinabe Moose Committee, a grassroots Anishinabe-led committee working to prevent the declining moose population in their traditional territory .
Amidst the growing threats of climate change and recent draconian policies to expand mining, logging, oil and gas infrastructure, this event is a galvanizing call for settlers and climate activities to learn from and support the work frontline land defenders have done to protect the land and water.
Sakej (James Ward) is Mi’kmaw from the community of Esgenoopetitj. He was adopted into the wolf clan. Sakej has dedicated his life to living a warrior life. Sakej served with both the Canadian and American militaries, then after leaving the military, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a specialization in International Relations (Honors program) and a Master’s of Arts Degree in Indigenous Governance. Sakej transformed his military experience and university education into strategies, approaches, and methods to contribute to decolonizing Indigenous people. Sakej has a long history of protecting Indigenous people, communities, and homelands as well as our inherent responsibilities and freedoms. He has spent the last 32 years traveling North and Central America, helping groups pursue Indigenous nationhood and cultural resurgence.
Also presenting will be Waba Mako/Shannon Chief of the Anishinaabe-Algonquin Nation wolf clan. Waba commits to defense of her Anishinabe culture. She contributes at various levels to the decolonization and the restoration of the sovereignty of her people. Waba is an Algonquin Language Teacher who currently works for Kebaweok First Nation to revitalize the community’s language and also works full time as the coordinator for the Anishnabe Moose Committee.
This event is facilitated by Climate Justice Ottawa in collaboration with the Waba and the Anishinabe Moose Committee. Generous support was provided by the Youth Harbour, Research for the Frontlines, CAPE Local 502 (CIRNAC-NCR), and Seniors for Climate Action Now!
This is a free event, with all donations going to the Anishinabe Moose Committee.
