The Indigenous Solidarity Working Group aims to connect groups and individuals into a coalition of allies to support, facilitate and stand in solidarity with Indigenous initiatives. This includes actions ranging from fundraising to administrative support to front-line action. We are committed to a process of decolonization and peaceful coexistence between Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples, communities and nations through creative co-resistance to colonialism and its manifestations of patriarchy,capitalism, racism, heterosexism, ableism, western privilege and corporate hegemony. This may take the form of talking circles, informal meet-ups, discussion panels, social gatherings, sharing food together, teach ins, resurgence action and creative decolonization projects.

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The ISWG started as a group of individuals perceiving a space needed for allies to critically engage with the violence of colonial oppression and work to end it. Some previous work involved actions such as supporting the W̱SÁNEĆ nations in reclaiming the name of PKOLS, and direct action to oppose the construction of a house on Grace Islet.  Our immediate goal is to begin fostering relationships with indigenous communities on the south island to listen and learn about what we can do to advance the process of decolonization and indigenous resurgence here. 

Proposed upcoming actions include:

1. Marine Water Quality monitoring and ecological restoration to support indigenous food systems - pilot project for  the foreshore areas of indigenous communities on the Saanich peninsula.

2. Reclaiming Indigenous Names for residential school survivors (waiving administrative fees for personal name changes, a recommendation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission).

3. Community Tool Shed - supporting ecological restoration and indigenous food and medicinal systems at Meegan (Beacon Hill Park, Victoria).

4. Reclaiming Indigenous Place-Names / Decolonizing Settlers Names in the City of Victoria (Begbie, Trutch, Sutlej, Denman, Cook, etc).

5. Encouraging Allyship - Ongoing opportunities for settler people to learn about, and become involved with, the decolonization process in respectful and culturally appropriate ways.