The Imagine… redesign reflects the idea that the Landback movement is focused on: an inclusive and deeply relational interaction with the land, holding it as precious.
I use the Dalkelh phrase Yun Wha Nilh Ni – Yun Wha Nohl Ni which has the meaning of enjoying your life on this earth but in a way that reflects a relationship of care for the earth itself, the opposite of our modern and destructive capitalist system of engagement.
In this type of caring relationship, I imagine a world that we can comfortably exist in, that takes care of us as much as we take care of it.
Title: Land Grab - This Land is Mine!
There have been a myriad of ways the canadian government has removed Indigenous peoples from their traditional territories, from the decision-making process around these territories, and from the way they relate to these lands and territories. The Indian Act was comprehensive in its wish to remove agency from the Indigenous peoples in respect to the land around them.
Fantastic Four #247 had a beautiful cover to redesign with elements highlighting the land grab, but also some of the lesser-known individuals in Indigenous oppression.
Reading about Frank Oliver and people like him gives me a sense of the roots of modern politics in this and many other countries.
In the case of the Indian Act in particular, he is responsible for the 1911 amendment that is known as the Oliver Act. Affecting section 49a of the Indian Act, it allowed for forced removal of Indigenous peoples from the close proximity to a town of eight thousand or more people. With this amendment, the federal government gave itself the power to displace Indigenous peoples in order to gain access to sought-after land. How convenient for them.
Inspiration cover
Marvel Comics Fantastic Four #247
October 1982
Cover Artist: John Bryne
Writer: John Bryne
Penciler: John Bryne
Inker: John Bryne
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Letterer: Jim Novak
Editor: Jim Salicrup, Lance Tooks