We want to protect our Quebec culture. First Nations want to protect their threatened cultures. As we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day and National Day of Quebecers this week, a question arises: why not create a coalition between our nations? Not a paternalistic coalition where Quebecers would play the orchestra conductors, but a real coalition where the parties would find their account, with respect.
What would be the advantage for Quebecers? Benefit from Anglo-Saxon sympathy, favorable prejudice towards First Nations cultures; sympathy which is certainly not shared for Quebeckers. In addition, also obtain that the Aboriginals appointed to positions of Canadian importance, such as that of Governor General or as a judge of the Supreme Court speak French, English and the Aboriginal language of the chosen candidate. If that means nominating Quebec candidates, “so be it”.
There are very good trilingual Aboriginal candidates, especially in Quebec, and they will be able to have their chance. Finally, we can also break this concept pushed by part of the English-speaking majority, putting Quebecers and First Nations in opposition.
What benefit for First Nations? Far be it from me to speak on their behalf, but here are some possibilities. Rather than always seeing yourself on the fringes of the Caucasian majority, find a partner with a certain balance of power, a majority on a large democratic territory, to lead the fight for cultural diversity starting from Quebec. I understand that First Nations should thus associate themselves with one of the assimilators of the past; which is not obvious. But I think they are pragmatic enough to consider their advantage in doing so. The James Bay and Paix des Braves agreements make me optimistic about this.
On the other hand, Quebeckers will have to demonstrate exemplary good faith so that yesterday’s victims join their executioners. Why not embark on the path of promoting all local cultures in Quebec. It means Quebec culture and its French language, but also the cultures of the First Nations and their languages and Quebec Anglophones and their language. In the latter case, enhancement means above all to contain, without denigrating or combating this admirable culture. However, I do not question that the common language of Quebec remains French.
Marginal benefits could arise from such a coalition. The first would undoubtedly be to lessen the shame of these nations in relation to each other, given the painful history of their coexistence. The second could be the contribution of the First Nations to a much greener Quebec ecological program; I believe that we have many lessons to learn from the First Nations with regard to sustainable development.
It could also be a start towards a real reparations program for the First Nations where I would see our ultra-rich, having built their fortunes on the exploitation of natural resources in indigenous territories, transfer (see being forced to transfer) their funds hidden in tax havens to an investment fund for First Nations.
If a political party offers me this desire for a coalition between Quebeckers and the First Nations, I will vote for it this fall.