United Urban Warriors Society: ‘Respect existence or expect resistance’
By Leslie Knibbs
ESPANOLA—With sub-zero temperatures and an icy wind blowing, both young and old braved the cold standing up for protection of waterways. A core group of the United Urban Warriors Society (UUWS) protested against the pollution of water in rivers in lakes at Highway 6 and 17 near Espanola on February 25.
Isadore Pangowish, a Wikwemikong First Nation citizen, the Canadian Chapter President, and organizer of the demonstration, along with other members of the UUWS lived up to their mantra “respect existence or expect resistance” at the protest.
UUWS was established in the summer of 2012 by Lakota activist James Magaska Swan from Rapid City, South Dakota. According to Pangowish, friend of Swan since 2008, there are 24 Chapters across North America including one in Canada, which was formed in November 2012.
As a result of deep rooted concerns for First Nations, Pangowish has been an activist since 2008.
“I have witnessed the struggles our people go through on a daily basis from drugs, booze, low income families and children losing identities because of foster homes,” stated Pangowish.
With a firm commitment to First Nation rights, he participates in traditional ceremonies and is lead singer for Spirit Bear Drum. With the demonstrations he organizes, Pangowish hopes to educate people on First Nation struggles.
The turnout for the demonstration was small; however, not disheartened, Pangowish believes that the inclement weather kept many from attending. Those demonstrators present showed their unwavering support with a strong resolve to get the message out on preservation and protection of waterways.
“[Our local chapter is] a privately held, privately funded, entirely volunteer, non-profit Native Canadian community organization,” stated Pangowish. “Our purpose is social services to our people and social change for our nation. Donations are not tax-deductible. We will not solicit unless it is necessary to do so. Our blanket is out for anyone who would like to help support our projects.”
At the demonstration, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) under the direction of First Nations’ Liason Officer Todd Showan, managed traffic control. Highway traffic was stopped by police while demonstrators gathered in the center of Highway 17 to listen to speakers. Demonstrators included Elders Donna Pangowish from Wikwemikong First Nation and Peter Stoneypoint from Sagamok First Nation amongst others. According to local liaison officer Provincial Constable Francis Endanawas of the Sudbury Detachment said that there were about 13 officers policing the demonstration.
“I will keep fighting for water; I pray for a better society [to] stop being corruptive [run] by a poor government system,” stated Pangowish. “We must fight for rights, fight for our children and fight for mother earth in order for us all to survive. That’s when we’ll see the warriors on the front lines.”
Pangowish spoke of Uranium being dumped behind Espanola near the Spanish River and suggested multiple negative consequences have resulted down river towards Lake Huron. Another concern of the group is aerial spraying and suspected resulting in run-off of chemicals into streams, lakes and rivers.
Back in the summer of 2015, the group held a demonstration on August 19, demanding the government have an inquiry on Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women. The rally included Anishinabek Nation Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare who walked with the ‘warriors’ supporting their call for action.
Part of the United Urban Warriors’ Society mission statement reads, “As members and supporters of United Urban Warrior society…the issues we face and deal with are issues of Environment, Governance, Land and Treaties, Oppression & Genocide… Not only must we be Native rights activists we also must be social justice advocates.”
Saturday’s demonstration, although small in attendance, continues to show this group’s determination to make a difference.