“I’m here as an act of global Indigenous solidarity, and there are many, many people, many Indigenous nations across Turtle Island, that support the Palestinian people and their liberation struggle.”

These powerful words were spoken by Kanahus Manuel, a member of the Secwepemc Nation, during a recent protest in support of the Palestinian people. As an Indigenous woman from Canada, she stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their ongoing struggle for liberation.

But why is it important for Indigenous nations across Turtle Island to support the Palestinian people? The answer lies in the shared experiences of colonization, oppression, and resistance.

Indigenous nations across Turtle Island, also known as North America, have a long history of colonization and displacement. The arrival of European settlers brought violence, disease, and forced assimilation upon the Indigenous peoples of this land. This resulted in the loss of land, culture, and sovereignty for many Indigenous nations.

Similarly, the Palestinian people have also faced colonization and displacement at the hands of the Israeli government. Since the establishment of Israel in 1948, Palestinians have been forced from their homes, their land, and their livelihoods. They have endured decades of occupation, violence, and discrimination, all in the name of a false notion of “security.”

The struggle for Indigenous sovereignty and Palestinian liberation are deeply intertwined. Both groups have been subjected to settler colonialism and have had their rights to self-determination denied. Both have been forced to navigate and resist oppressive systems that seek to erase their existence.

But despite these shared experiences, Indigenous nations across Turtle Island have been standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people for decades. From the American Indian Movement’s support for the Palestinian cause in the 1970s to the recent protests and statements from Indigenous leaders, there has been a strong and unwavering support for the Palestinian people.

This support is not just limited to words and gestures. Indigenous nations have also taken concrete actions to support the Palestinian cause. In 2016, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe passed a resolution in support of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. The BDS movement, inspired by the successful boycotts against apartheid South Africa, aims to put economic and political pressure on Israel to end its occupation and human rights violations against the Palestinian people.

In addition, Indigenous activists and organizations have also traveled to Palestine to show their support and learn from the Palestinian struggle. These visits have resulted in powerful connections and solidarity between Indigenous and Palestinian communities.

The support from Indigenous nations across Turtle Island for the Palestinian people is not surprising. As Indigenous peoples, we understand the importance of standing in solidarity with other oppressed communities. We know that our liberation is tied to the liberation of others and that our struggles are connected.

But this support is not just about solidarity. It is also about recognizing the commonalities between our struggles and learning from one another. Indigenous nations have a long history of resistance and resilience, and we can offer valuable insights and strategies to the Palestinian people as they continue their struggle for liberation.

As Kanahus Manuel stated, “We are here as an act of global Indigenous solidarity.” This solidarity is a powerful force that transcends borders and unites us in our shared struggles. It is a reminder that we are not alone in our fight for justice and that we have each other’s backs.

In conclusion, the support of Indigenous nations across Turtle Island for the Palestinian people is a testament to the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities. It is a reminder that we stand united in our struggles against oppression and colonization. And it is a call to action for all of us to continue standing in solidarity with one another, as we work towards a more just and equitable world for all.