Idle No More to welcome Oprah Winfrey to Coast Salish territory

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      When media icon Oprah Winfrey takes to the stage tonight (January 24) in Vancouver, she'll be greeted by thousands of screaming fans (including our very own Carolyn Ali).

      Meanwhile, outside Rogers Arena, she's set to receive a bit of a welcome from the Idle No More indigenous-sovereignty movement.

      Organized by the Indigenous Action Movement (which earlier this month put on an Idle No More rally at the Peace Arch border crossing in Surrey), this evening's candlelight rally is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at the Vancouver Public Library's central branch. "Event goers will bring a photo of one of their ancestors, to pay homage to ancestors and residential school survivors past, who fought for Indigenous rights and who did not survive to witness the resurgence of First Nations self-determination," a news release from Coast Salish activist Kat Norris states.

      The tentative plan is to kick things off with a Salish welcome and prayer ceremony, and speakers at the library. Then rally participants will move over to Rogers Arena for a round dance with singing and drumming.

      Organizers are planning to bring a sign reading "Unofficial Salish Welcome Oprah!" Norris's release notes: "It’s been pointed out that Oprah has been given a traditional West Coast Indian name. We wonder, does she remember what it is?"

      Comments

      8 Comments

      Kat

      Jan 24, 2013 at 1:17pm

      Oprah's bakwam name is Nox'solaga. From the 'Namgis First Nation Of Alert Bay BC, Canada.

      Kat Ttitalga'we Hunt.

      stefaneechi

      Jan 24, 2013 at 2:11pm

      What does Nox'solaga mean?

      Louise

      Jan 24, 2013 at 2:57pm

      Welll, why would she go to Vancouver, how about us ... the forgotten one in near north ....

      Lou-ann Ika'wega Neel

      Jan 24, 2013 at 3:52pm

      Nox'solaga means "Knowledgeable Woman", and the name was given by Chief Peter Smith of the Musgamagw-Tsawataineuk people, during his potlatch in Alert Bay

      Vanessa Smoke

      Jan 24, 2013 at 5:17pm

      So glad she is visiting a Nation, any one to start, at least she is with us. Sekon from Akwesasne, New York.

      Patty Aiken-Buffalo

      Jan 24, 2013 at 7:03pm

      Sure hope she interviews Chief Spence ... It's a Great Day in Native Land... Finally..Oprah..Welcome Welcome Welcome...

      Janie Jones

      Jan 24, 2013 at 7:12pm

      Why would Oprah support apartheid?

      Scott sands

      Jan 25, 2013 at 10:49am

      Damn, quit giving out names or adopting a damn celeb. into ones natio .....geez kiidaa