Eastern Door Volume 6 Number 30

Volume 6 Number 30

August 29, 1997

Pan-Indian Trade: OK?
By: Kenneth Deer

Can Kahnawake become a center for trade for Indigenous arts and crafts from Mexico? Is there a market for tourism from here to Oaxaca (pronounced Wa-ha-ka) and vice versa? Is there a possibility of using Indigenous Peoples in Mexico to manufacture goods for our entrepreneurs in Kahnawake?

These questions and more are about to be answered in a new research project by KEDA.

The Kahnawake Economic Development Authority has embarked on a new activity in the field of trade and tourism titled Project OK. The goal of the project is to study the feasibility of setting up trade relations with the Indigenous Peoples of Oaxaca, Mexico. Pan-Indian trade as coined by Andrew Delisle Sr.

OK is an acronym for Oaxaca/Kahnawake. This initiative is the brainchild of Andrew Delisle Sr. who first introduced the concept of trade with Mexico last spring when he visited Oaxaca as a private businessman. Delisle returned with Indigenous representatives from the communities and the state of Oaxaca. They presented to the business community of Kahnawake the various arts and crafts which the people of Oaxaca would like to be sold in Canada and the United States. A report of the presentation appeared in the May 16 issue of The Eastern Door.

Since that time, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake through KEDA has now become involved directly in developing this trade by acquiring funding to do a feasibility study. KEDA has received $75,000 from Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC) and a matching amount from the Department of Indian Affairs, Economic Development. Andrew Delisle Sr. and Carrie Lecroix have been assigned to Project OK and offices for the project has been set up in Plaza 138. The project began on August 1 and must be completed by March 31. 1998.

A six person Task Force has been created to oversee the development of Project OK. Three members are from Mexico and three from Kahnawake who include Grand Chief Joe Norton, Arnold Goodleaf, Director of the Inter-governmental Relations Team (IRT) and Andrew Delisle, Sr.

The Task Force is responsible for negotiating the final agreement between Kahnawake and relevant parties in Mexico. Jessica Hill, Director of KEDA, will be responsible for the research into marketing, distribution and financing of a trade network between Kahnawake and Mexico. Louis Burke, a retired trade commissioner has been hired as a consultant and will help in technical areas such as certification, customs, etc.

Role of KEDA

According to Hill, the idea is to develop Indigenous to Indigenous trade. Any individual can certainly go to Mexico and arrange their own contacts for trade but what about a community to community or Indigenous government to Indigenous government arrangement. In order to develop trade at that level, agreements have to be negotiated and signed with the Indigenous Peoples of Oaxaca.

KEDA itself is not trying to operate or run any international trade, according to Hill, but is only trying to facilitate the process of trade. Once an agreement is reached with Oaxaca, it will open doors for private businessmen to make contacts to begin this trade.

The project will look into how material such as pottery can be shipped to Kahnawake, how is it crated, transported and will the cost still make the selling price competitive while still giving a reasonable profit for the entrepreneur in Kahnawake and the craftsmen in Oaxaca.

"We have to see if it is worthwhile for us and for them," said Hill.

Hill just returned from a six day trip to Oaxaca along with Delisle and Sabastien Ieria,Director, Canadian Tourism Commission, Aboriginal Program from Ottawa. During the trip, funded by KEDA and Tourism Canada, Hill visited three communities and saw for herself the pottery, linens, tapestries and other crafts made locally by the Indigenous Peoples in Oaxaca. She described a well organized women's co-op which made and sold tapestries. The behaviour and strength of the women reminded her very much of the women here in our community.

Trade and Tourism

The Indigenous Peoples of Oaxaca are looking for someone to open up the North American market for their products and they are hoping Kahnawake could be the entry point. Project OK would look into the feasibility of opening a distribution network and develop a business plan. Agreements on trade issues will have to be negotiated between the various jurisdictions in Mexico, the state of Oaxaca, Canada and Mohawk territory.

Delisle believes that Canada and Mexico are interested in assisting this process outside of NAFTA in order to improve the socio-economic situation of Indigenous Peoples in both countries.

Tourism is another area where joint ventures or tours could be arranged. Hill described tours through the wilderness of Oaxaca by Native guides. These kind of ecological expeditions are very popular with many tourists and Kahnawake can help market these tours. As well, Mexican tourists may want to visit Kahnawake and Indigenous travel agencies in Mexico can send visitors to our new hotel complex.

Manufacturing

One of the more controversial aspects of Pan Indian Tourism and Trade is the concept to use Mexican labour to produce products which look like they were made in North America. In the future if there is going to be a substantive increase in tourist traffic in Kahnawake, the supply of crafts may not meet the demand. New and large sources of salable items must be found. The Project will examine if the solution could be the manufacture of goods in Mexico.

Delisle states that the object will not be to undermine the current artists in our areas but to manufacture goods that are not made locally. For instance blankets, table cloths, etc. that could be made with Iroquoian designs in Oaxaca and sold in North America under the trade mark of "Indians of the Americas." Project OK will develop the feasibility of the use of such a trade mark.

A local artisan, who asked not to be identifies, raised serious concerns about the possibility of losing their livelihood. The person feels that they will not be able to compete with the low prices of crafts produced in Mexico and that it is only a matter of time before that will happen.

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Membership discussion
By: Tom Dearhouse

The first of three special meetings on membership held Tuesday night at the KC hall differed from monthly community meetings by using a format of four small discussion groups; each group focused on one section at a time, notes were taken and then community members reported back to the larger audience.

The whole intent of the Information Task Force (ITF) is to inspire feedback and input from the community on the Mohawks of Kahnawake Custom Code on Membership, which now stands as draft number five.

In two weeks, ITF promises a full report on this meeting. Questions or requests for draft codes can be handles at the ITF office (former Brightsun Bakery).

Upon entering the hall, community members were assigned to groups of 14 or 15 people. At the very beginning, the ITF chairperson gave a reminder that this meeting was part of an ongoing process and nothing would be finalized this evening. As well, if people were not ready to give feedback or felt rushed, there would be other opportunities.

Two similar meetings are scheduled for September 23 and October 21 to complement the special radio broadcasts and 12 community workshops aimed to educate, inform and be a forum for receiving comments on the draft.

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Concert pulled off without a hitch
By: Harley Delaronde

Country superstar George Jones sang about not needing a "rocking chair" last Sunday evening at the Sports Complex before over 3700 appreciative fans. That tune could just as well have been the anthem for all the people behind the scenes who had a part in pulling off what has to rank as the biggest musical event in Kahnawake's history.

No one, from the promotion and security people to those involved in catering and sound, had time to rest their backside on an easy-going rocker anytime or that particular evening. From co-promoter Mouchie Goodleaf hauling guitars off-stage between sets to any of the 60 plus volunteers dashing to and fro taking care of whatever had to be done, the scene was in direct contrast to the east going style of Jones himself.

Putting on a show of this magnitude is certainly not for the faint of heart. With a slew of details and a precise time schedule, the promoters had to ensure that everyone knew their job and things went off without a hitch.

"We couldn't have pulled it off without all those volunteers," stated Mouchie, "They were the best people around." As a result of the well-run clock-work organizations, Jones was easily persuaded to sign a contract to return next summer. "I spoke to George for a few minutes afterwards and he said they had an excellent time here."

Echoing that comment were statements by various members of Jones' entourage. Drummer and road manager Bob Birkhead, who has been associated for 14 years with Jones' show talked about the hospitality and treatment that was received. "It was a good time...super. The fans were enthusiastic and we were treated just great."

Musical technician Tim Mehear who referred to himself as "Hovercraft" because "My feet don't touch the ground," talked about having caught a few of Kahnawake's best bass and pike in the quarry after some local insiders pointed him in the right direction. Mehear, who certainly lives up to his moniker by being constantly on the move, remarked that when he first walked into the arena the reverb or echo affect had him a bit concerned, but with the large crowd in attendance the acoustics improved by show time.

Another member of the road crew, who referred to himself simply as "A hillbilly originally from Arkansas" raved about the food provided by local caterer Louisa Deer. Actions speak louder than words and the hillbilly's three trips for what he referred initially to as "Canadian coleslaw" spoke volumes about his taste. After his first trip through, Deer's daughter Tootsie corrected the gentleman by labeling the dish "Mohawk coleslaw." Deer and her cooks prepared for 65, providing a selection of the basic "wedding fare" that most Kahnawakero:non are familiar with. It certainly appeared as though the turkey dumplings were another big hit.

Goodleaf's brother and CO-promoter Brian was the picture of cool throughout the evening. Minutes before the show was to begin, Goodleaf was able to remain focused and give an interview even while fielding countless calls and questions on his radio.

Ensuring me that his nerves were well in control, he did concede that at 10:00 a.m. in the morning the anxiety level had hit a peak. "They were supposed to be here at 6:00 a.m. and they only got here at 10:00 a.m. It was kind of like when you get married and you think something's going to happen and go wrong."

Goodleaf went on to talk about the eight months of preparation, the difficulty in keeping in touch with Jones during the previous week and the confidence he had that the show would be a success. When asked about the details he was concerned about Goodleaf replied, "My biggest concern now is to calm Mouchie down."

Local radio personality and show MC, Joe Delaronde enjoyed his view of the proceedings. "I'm excited to death," he said. "I knew it would be a success because George Jones is a viable recording artist now, not like others whose time may have passed. I knew he could fill this place." KRK's country disc Jockey Pete Timoney nodded his head in agreement.

Tiorahkwate Gilbert and Albert Curotte who combined to pull off a well-received musical welcome done in Kahnienkeha, certainly appeared to be beyond happy with their stage-side view of things. Gilbert explained that he had originally been asked to do a standard welcome, but decided that it would provide a unique touch to things if done in that manner. He appeared to be correct in his estimation.

Heading up the large group of security personnel was John K. Diabo. "Getting ready for this event we had to have a number of meetings," stated Diabo. "Communication is also key," he went on to say. That was evident, as just about all of the black-shirted personnel were equipped with some sort of portable radio, pager or whatnot.

Being near one of these guys meant you'd be instantly aware if someone even so much as stumbled on their way up the steps to the complex. According to security person, Kurt Two-Axe, the first car pulled into the parking lot at about 10:00 a.m. "There weren't any incidents at all. About the only thing that happened was at about noon, some guys were drinking a beer out front. We just asked them to put it away, that's all."

Another local volunteer Kevin Horn, besides giving credit to the planners for "doing their homework", spoke about the positive spin-offs of events such as this. "It's good press. It helps put us on the map. People had a good time, they came together as one." Horn assured me that he'd get involved again next year.

Next year will see Jones and possibly some other big name acts come to the complex, according to Brian Goodleaf.

Financially the show proved to be a success and should provide additional motivational fuel to push to get those acts to sign on the dotted line.

As with everything else there is always room for improvement. Additional parking would certainly help and the lighting and acoustics could be improved, but these would likely have to rank as minor details for the adoring 30-40 fans who were still gathered in the vicinity of Jones' custom-built touring buses well over an hour after the last few notes from the Jones Boys' band had echoed their way out of the site.

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Editorial

Is pan-Indianism right for Kahnawake?
By: Kenneth Deer, The Eastern Door

What is pan-Indianism? You won't find it in the dictionary but pan-Indianism translate roughly into all-Indian. It was a term first used in the early seventies to describe the growing Indian unity movement after the White Paper on the termination of the Indian Act was defeated.

As Indians across Canada organized and interacted with one another, in particular in urban and university settings, differences were put aside and a sense of solidarity permeated the Indian movement. Cities and universities began to become a melting pot where Natives of different Nations intermingled and intermarried. It no longer mattered if you were Cree, MicMac or Mohawk, we were all Indians and that was all that mattered.

This has lead to the blurring of Nationalities of each of the Indian Nations. Our cultures were being homogenized into all looking the same. Much like western-style pow-wows have encroached upon many native communities from coast to coast. Pan-Indianism has re-inforced the idea among non-Natives that all Indians are alike.

The term had fallen out of fashion by the time the eighties arrived. Now it has been resurrected by Mr. Delisle in the nineties to describe free trade among Indigenous Peoples.

With the creation of Project OK (short for Oaxaca/Kahnawake), the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake through the Kahnawake Economic Development Authority have embarked on a path toward international trade with other Indigenous Peoples that could lead to a pan-Indian movement: a melting pot of Indigenous cultures, arts, and crafts. But is that what we want?

We certainly have no quarrel with Indigenous trade where Oaxaca Indigenous arts and crafts are brought here and sold as products of Oaxaca. As long as the Indigenous People in Oaxaca get a fair return on their labour, we can do our part to improve their economies.

But if we are going to send our own arts and crafts to Mexico to be duplicated and returned to our communities to be sold to tourists as our own artwork or as some kind of hybrid Mexican/Mohawk craft, then there is something very wrong with this concept.

Arts and crafts are an intricate part of our culture, much like our language. They change and evolve over time but they are still ours and we control their development. Mass producing our arts and crafts for the tourist trade trivializes the meaning and cultural importance of these products. When our culture begins to be treated like a commodity, we lost that part of our culture.

We have been told that there is no intent to send our beadwork, as an example, to Mexico to be copies and sent back to Kahnawake in vast quantities at a much lower price. We hope that this is true.

In the meantime, to prepare for what may be a greater demand for our arts and crafts, the KEDA and Kahnawake Jobs Education Training Association (KJETA) should be preparing to protect and enhance our arts and craft industry by providing training and assistance to those people interested.

Further, judging from the noon talk show on K-103 on Thursday, August 28, the community must be kept informed about developments about such important issue as foreign trade. Project OK began on August 1. Yet were it not for the Native media in Kahnawake the community would still not be aware of its existence. Were it not for the vigilance of concerned individuals, the community would still be in the dark.

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