In an interview on Unreserved, Dr. Suzanne Shoush and Mskwaasin Agnew shared their experience participating in a flotilla journey to Gaza. Despite the risks involved, Agnew’s statement that “it’s actually more dangerous to do nothing” resonated with Shoush as they embarked on the mission to break Israel’s naval blockade and provide aid to Gaza. Both Toronto-based health-care providers and Indigenous women, they joined the Canadian Boat to Gaza contingent in a demonstration of global Indigenous solidarity.
Drawing parallels between their histories of colonization and that of Palestinians, Shoush and Agnew felt a strong sense of unity and duty to take action. This sentiment is shared by many Indigenous individuals across Turtle Island, who are showing support for Palestinians through various means such as protests, community gatherings, and artistic expressions.
Following a UN inquiry’s conclusion that Israel’s actions in Gaza amounted to genocide after severe unrest, a ceasefire was implemented in October. However, the need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza remains critical.
Agnew, a Cree and Dene harm reduction practitioner, and Shoush, a Coast Salish-Sudanese physician, were part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s journey. While Shoush returned home due to technical issues with their boat, Agnew continued on the larger ship named Conscience. The Conscience was intercepted by Israeli forces near Gaza, leading to Agnew and other Canadians being detained before eventually being released.
Agnew’s activism is deeply rooted in her Indigenous culture, emphasizing the interconnectedness of struggles. Shoush felt compelled to join the coalition as an Indigenous person, driven by a sense of duty to prevent further injustices similar to those faced by their ancestors.
Agnew highlighted the disproportionate impact of intergenerational trauma on Indigenous communities due to historical injustices, drawing parallels with the Palestinian experience. She expressed concern about the long-term effects on future generations in Gaza, echoing the importance of collective global Indigenous solidarity to mitigate harm.
Both Agnew and Shoush underscored the support from their Indigenous community for their efforts, emphasizing the shared goal of seeing an end to settler colonialism and genocide in Palestine.
