Indigenous peoples have been confronted with Trump-like leaders for centuries. Here’s what we’ve learned – Toronto Star
March 19, 2025
Canadians are in a state of high anxiety.
There is certainly cause for significant concern: a foreign power makes threats to one’s sovereignty, expresses an entitlement to one’s lands and resources, and demeans and degrades one’s leaders and system of government. Similarly — and understandably — Canadians are examining what type of leadership they need in this moment, and whether Prime Minister Mark Carney should ultimately be elected to a hold that post.
Here’s some advice. While this moment might understandably feel new, different and threatening for the vast majority of Canadians, for Indigenous peoples, it’s is as old as Canada itself. And we’ve learned many lessons about leadership, collaboration and survival along the way. Canada’s leaders can learn from Indigenous leaders about how best to respond to a threat we understand well.
