Idle No More

Tue, 2013-01-01 11:22

6079_Smith_W

I don't think the question is so much one of whether a tactic is right or wrong. There are enough examples of both made by ALL groups.

It's a question of who is making the decisions and running the show. A certain tactic might not seem wise to you or me, but then, we probably don't understand everything that went into that decision.

And secondly, it's ultimately not a popularity contest, nor is it a case where support for goals needs to be contingent on being part of the decision.

I'm not saying you were implying that ilha formosa, but non-FN support is not the central consideration here.

Tue, 2013-01-01 11:31

#103

ilha formosa

I bolded what I feel are key points for non-indigenous people to learn. Why we are Idle No More - Pamela Palmater

Quote:
The creation of Canada was only possible through the negotiation of treaties between the Crown and indigenous nations. While the wording of the treaties varies from the peace and friendship treaties in the east to the numbered treaties in the west, most are based on the [b]core treaty promise that we would all live together peacefully and share the wealth of this land.[/b] The problem is that only one treaty partner has seen any prosperity....Canada has not yet seen everything this movement has to offer. It will continue to grow as we educate Canadians about the facts of our lived reality and the [b]many ways in which we can all live here peacefully and share the wealth.[/b]

Tue, 2013-01-01 12:07

#104

6079_Smith_W

ilha formosa wrote:

What would you say is the central consideration?

Survival.

And I'd say that has a different meaning for people who don't have a roof over their heads or clean water to drink than it does for you or me.

I'm not saying that we should all STFU about tactics if we see something that may be truly harmful, but when it gets to the point that someone is willing to starve herself to death because there is no other way to get the message through to our government the question of whether a blockade is good PR is pretty small. After all, these are issues that have come down to deadly force a number of times already. I am sure those who take these steps are aware - again, probably more aware than you or me - of the risks and dangers involved.

Tue, 2013-01-01 12:10

#105

ilha formosa

6079_Smith_W wrote:

non-FN support is not the central consideration here.

What would you say is the central consideration? I see this as a fork in the road for Canada, whether it will be a place that shows respect for Mother Earth or not. It's about far more than improving physical living conditions for indigenous peoples. It's about acknowledging and halting a slow motion [genocide/ecocide/culture-cide] - these 3 are interlinked. I see it as going beyond legalities - it's about making sense of why indigenous and non-indigenous people are on this land together.

The movement is also about all Turtle Island and the whole of Mother Earth - it's all tightly interconnected.

Tue, 2013-01-01 12:14

#106

ilha formosa

No dispute with you there.

Tue, 2013-01-01 12:16

#107

6079_Smith_W

Just on the question of waterways protection, this bill reminded me of two assaults - the proposed road up the east side of Lake Winnipeg, and the paving of Omands Creek in Winnipeg - which now could not be stopped.

In the latter case a WInnipeg resident got in a canoe (and voyageur garb, for effect) and paddled down the creek which I am sure many Winnipeggers thought was just a ditch, in order to prove that it was a navigable waterway, and fell under federal protection.

So when we talk about how this assault should be answered, I know there isn't going to be agreement by everyone on what to do, but I am sure there are many looking and asking why many of us are not far more outraged.

Tue, 2013-01-01 16:10

#108

NDPP

Let's Call on FN Gov Leaders To Be 'Stupid No More' - by Kevin Annett

http://terracedaily.ca/show10657a/LETS_CALL_ON_FN_GOV_LEADERS_TO_BE_STUP...

"The little jerk behind the big mask emerges..."

More on Kevin Annett here:

Truth and Native Abuse

http://thetyee.ca/Views/2008/04/30/TruthAndAbuse/

Peoples Voice: Pagan Media Bites

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/peoplesvoices/2012/11/23/prof-jim-craven-wi...

"Blackfoot elder and Professor Jim Craven speaks to his Kevin Annett experience.."

Tue, 2013-01-01 16:44

#109

6079_Smith_W

Kevin Annett has no more authority to lecture FN leaders or Native people than I do. And he has a load of ulterior motives of his own.

Tue, 2013-01-01 19:02

#110

arielc

Everybody has their own motivation.
The search for the 'correct' perspective is futile.
It's the struggle and awareness and discussion of various approaches that is the movement drawing people forward. We all have something to contribute to the discussion and action for change. Dissing each other or otbers sucks the energy needed to go forward. We're all pieces of a puzzle, stronger linked together. There is no one 'correct' piece. We're all part of the picture.

Blockades are part of the picture too, since defense and fair compensation ofor use of use of traditional Indigenous land is the key issue. I'm impressed at how effectively they've been used by INM actions: As info-teaching opportunities for local populations, commercial-industrial-economic disruptions, often time limited ... I think the judicious use of blockades is serving its educational purposes well.
"You're on our land, and not sharing its wealth fairly" is always an important reminder.

And isn't that what Harper's war is all about? Continuing to use and abuse the land for maximum profit regardless of damage and without honouring the.Crown's treaties and obligations to share equally with Indigenous Peoples.

That's what Canadians need to understand: That Harper, it appears, will let Chief Theresa Spence die rather than do business with Indigenous Nations according to our own laws, and with integrity.

That's our honour, our integrity on the line, and Harper squanders it ... to protect private profits.

Tue, 2013-01-01 20:43

#111

NDPP

First Nations Chiefs Contemplate 'Breach of Treaty' Declarations, Indefinite Economic Disruptions - by Jorge Barrera

http://aptn.ca/pages/news/2013/01/01/first-nations-chiefs-contemplate-br...

"...During three days of meetings and teleconferencing, chiefs from across the country discussed a plan setting Jan.16 a day to launch a campaign of indefinite economic disruptions, including railway and highway blockades, according to two chiefs who were involved in the talks who requested anonymity.

'The people are restless, they are saying enough is enough,' said one chief, who was involved in the discussions. 'Financial impacts are imminent if there is no response.'..."

Tue, 2013-01-01 22:14

#112

arielc

Yes ... and this suggests that others don't want the Chiefs thinking they're taking control ... a gentle reminder from the women ... ? :) http://www.calgaryherald.com/touch/story.html?id=7761260 [I] On Monday, the founders of Idle No More issued a statement distancing themselves from native chiefs who claim to be acting on behalf of the campaign. “The Chiefs have called for action and anyone who chooses can join with them, however this is not part of the Idle No More movement as the vision of this grassroots movement does not coincide with the visions of the Leadership,” said the statement, released on Idle No More’s official website. “While we appreciate the individual support we have received from chiefs and councilors, we have been given a clear mandate … to work outside of the systems of government and that is what we will continue to do.” [/i]

Wed, 2013-01-02 00:21

#113

sknguy II

arielc wrote:
...we have been given a clear mandate … to work outside of the systems of government and that is what we will continue to do.” [/i]

The systems of govenments have been the institutions of the status quo. And they're a part of this system which maintains Haper's hold on funding as his ace up his sleeve against the Indigenous Institutions. As well, there are those who would be willing to cut deals with Harper simply to preserve these status-quo agencies.

For many Chiefs, those who don't wish to appropriate the INM movement, they'd felt betrayed by these political institutions. Among all Chiefs there are those who are entirely frustrated by the status quo (like Chief Spence), and unfortunately, there are those who feel that, in their very narrow and unthinking views, there is a benefit in maintaining the status quo. I'm not sure that this particular "dissident" group of Chiefs had made it clear enough that their actions are independent of INM.

The one thing that is clear to everyone who opposes the status quo is that the relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canada must fundamentally change. For too long the ability to trully self-govern, return to a healthier social structure, and revive our Indigenous obligations have come with strings attached through the agreements we abided by... with the federal or provincial governments generally calling all the shots. Ultimately the goal is for a return to selfdetermining societies.

I didn't, and I'm not sure that I still do, agree with the actions of this group of Chiefs. But I guess they felt the need to take some kind of action, considering the direction, or lack of direction, of the funded agengies who supposedly represent them.

Wed, 2013-01-02 03:59

#114

onlinediscountanvils

NDPP wrote:
More on Kevin Annett here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOYWEi6lXCI

Wed, 2013-01-02 04:03

#115

onlinediscountanvils

ilha formosa wrote:
A nicely timed blockade, to pique the attention of people travelling perhaps to reach New Year celebrations. I wonder how many people are aware of the issues and think like the author? How many are more inclined to believe the Conservative spin? What is the risk of a tactic assisting the Conservative spin at a given moment or phase?

I agree with quizzical in [url=http://rabble.ca/comment/1374235#comment-1374235]#50[/url], and would also wonder what risks there might be in being overly concerned about what settlers might think of various tactics

Wed, 2013-01-02 08:39

#116

Maysie

Globe and Mail: Idle No More protests beyond the control of chiefs

Quote:
The Idle No More movement is broadening into a call to shake off apathy, absorbing a range of issues from aboriginal rights and environmental safeguards to the democratic process. And as it swells, organizers are warning first nations leaders that the movement will not be corralled by aboriginal politicians even as the country’s chiefs look to use the protests’ momentum to press Ottawa on treaty rights and improved living standards.

.....

“While we appreciate the leadership’s support of Idle No More, they cannot take the lead on this,” said Sylvia McAdam, one of the founders, who lives on the White Fish Lake reserve in Saskatchewan. “Our voice as a grassroots people is about sovereignty, honouring the treaties, and sustainable, environmentally friendly ways to extract resources.”

Ms. McAdam said the elected chiefs are forced to operate under the Indian Act. “Their voice is restricted,” she said.

.....

The movement’s immediate aim has been to force the Harper government to withdraw Bill C-45, a budget implementation bill that passed in December and includes changes to Species at Risk and Navigable Waters legislation that opponents claim will put resource development ahead of environmental protection.

But organizers are also taking aim at a slate of some 14 pieces of legislation, including some still pending, that they say will diminish their treaty rights and ensure they continue to be left behind in the country’s economic development. And they want acknowledgment from Ottawa that first nations are sovereign and must consent before any development can proceed on their traditional lands.

Anyone who doesn't know the goal(s) of Idle No More isn't paying attention.

I find it hilarious (and incredibly disrespectful) that some non-Indigenous folks here can't seem to get that we are not the leadership, and will never be. We can be allies and supporters, that is all, and that is enough.

Wed, 2013-01-02 09:30

#117

clambake

There was a blog that reposted some of the quotes from the Sun News Facebook page in response to this protest. I almost threw up a little in my mouth. Cannot believe the ignorance and overt racism of many Canadians.

Wed, 2013-01-02 09:32

#118

Slumberjack

Usually we find it's the police state that categorizes people and tells them what they can be, but it's not always the case.

Wed, 2013-01-02 10:18

#119

kropotkin1951

clambake wrote:

There was a blog that reposted some of the quotes from the Sun News Facebook page in response to this protest. I almost threw up a little in my mouth. Cannot believe the ignorance and overt racism of many Canadians.

Democracies do not slip into fascist states without the acquiescence of a large part of the population. Canada has many racists who believe that we need more security and law and order. We all need to engage those people wherever we find them in our communities. It is my experience that if one confronts racism that is being spewed in public you uncover allies very quickly and most times the racist scum retreat with their tails between their legs. If you let them spew then others in the group get the impression that racism is the norm. It doesn't have to be the norm but we all have a role to play especially those of us who by the luck of birth have privileged status in this society.

We also must realize that when it comes to racism there are racists of every ethnicity. It is as common to hear racist anti-FN's views from people of Asian descent as it is from white people.

Wed, 2013-01-02 10:33

#120

clambake

kropotkin1951 wrote:

clambake wrote:

There was a blog that reposted some of the quotes from the Sun News Facebook page in response to this protest. I almost threw up a little in my mouth. Cannot believe the ignorance and overt racism of many Canadians.

It is my experience that if one confronts racism that is being spewed in public you uncover allies very quickly and most times the racist scum retreat with their tails between their legs. If you let them spew then others in the group get the impression that racism is the norm.

This can be a problem with segregated online groups like fringe Facebook pages. This may be the norm for some of these people within their communities too. The fact that they can post this anonymously allows them to spew this hatred with ease. How do we engage these people then? I almost feel like messaging some of them directly. Or maybe circulating their quotes online as a method of public shaming

Wed, 2013-01-02 11:53

#121

KenS

The on-line stuff:

My suggestion is to save your energy for where you can do something. Like Krop said, engage people in your communitie(s).

One thing to keep in mind: MOST people simply do not get treaty rights. But it is a simple concept. There is a lot of racism behind why people understand what treaties are, but dont see why it applies. You dont have to hit them in the face to explore that.

Wed, 2013-01-02 12:19

#122

KenS

"Engage people" is a segway to what ilha formosa was saying.

The number of people directly effected by the blockades is small. The ones that get angry about their inconvenience, oh well. [Big deal.]

Now I'm sure there are LOTS of non-aboriginals who watch it on the news, and think it's going too far, whiners, whatever. Explain to us what it is we are losing by their negative opinions? The alternative is what? We've had plaenty of that.

And excepting the people who are unreachable no matter what.... and no matter how many of them they are, they are, uh, unreachable anyway....

For all the rest with their negative opinions... those are tentative.

It's a teching opportunity. And I'm not just saying that.

Wed, 2013-01-02 12:19

#123

KenS

"Engage people" is a segway to what ilha formosa was saying.

The number of people directly effected by the blockades is small. The ones that get angry about their inconvenience, oh well. [Big deal.]

Now I'm sure there are LOTS of non-aboriginals who watch it on the news, and think it's going too far, whiners, whatever. Explain to us what it is we are losing by their negative opinions? The alternative is what? We've had plaenty of that.

And excepting the people who are unreachable no matter what.... and no matter how many of them they are, they are, uh, unreachable anyway....

For all the rest with their negative opinions... those are tentative.

It's a teching opportunity. And I'm not just saying that.

Wed, 2013-01-02 12:22

#124

ilha formosa

An **incredibly** good and important article here. The way out of this mess has already been outlined by the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. RCAP should become a household name among all Canadians, even Stephen Harper. Every word is quotable in this well-written article, which leads to a wealth of other resources. There is no need for conflict if only non-indigenous people wake up. This looks like a good starting point.

Quote:
“Canada is a test case for a grand notion – the notion that dissimilar peoples can share lands, resources, power and dreams while respecting and sustaining their differences. The story of Canada is the story of many such peoples, trying and failing and trying again, to live together in peace and harmony. But there cannot be peace or harmony unless there is justice. It was to help restore justice to the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Canada, and to propose practical solutions to stubborn problems, that the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples was established.” - page ix, A Word From Commissioners

I put my trust in the author of this article by saying it seems the solutions and demands are already, pretty much, well laid-out.

I'll dig into the other links when I can. For now, thank you âpihtawikosisân!

Wed, 2013-01-02 13:07

#125

KenS

I didnt hear beans until there were blockades. Actually caught in one.

Happens I had been in the US [and driving home when I hit the 401 blockade], so all I knew was what I saw in Canadian media. But that would be true also of the 'most people' you are talking about. What round dances?

Wed, 2013-01-02 13:41

#126

ilha formosa

Round dances on youtube conveyed through social media. Also, I'm not talking about getting people to just "hear about" INM, I'm talking about getting people to support it. It's no use if people only hear about it through a Conservative bias and don't understand the movement. Media exposure does not equal support.

Anyway, I don't want to continue this line of argument anymore. The movement has a life of its own, and it looks like the RCAP report deserves more attention.

Wed, 2013-01-02 13:51

#127

Boom Boom

INM has the potential to force the government to back down on bills that negatively affect First Nations - and, by extension, all of us. We should all support INM any way we can.

Wed, 2013-01-02 18:01

#128

arielc

Boom Boom wrote:

INM has the potential to force the government to back down on bills that negatively affect First Nations - and, by extension, all of us. We should all support INM any way we can.

Absolutely.
Time for all of us to stand up to Harper and demand that he speak to Theresa Spence.
I'd like to see him face the women founders of Idle No More too.

Thu, 2013-01-03 05:03

#129

NDPP

Terrance Nelson: US Relations and FN Blockade, Jan. 16 - Letter to Chief Fox

http://bsnorrell.blogspot.ca/2013/01/terrance-nelson-us-relations-and-fi...

"Terrance Nelson discusses upcoming rail and pipeline blockade and US relations..."

Thu, 2013-01-03 05:53

#130

ilha formosa

It's the Harper government that needs to be isolated and marginalized. I hope all the bigoted comments are starting to sound more and more hollow to average Canadians, and even to bigoted Canadians. Come to the mainstream, Stevo, and meet Chief Spence. Good photo op.

The RCAP looks like a starting point for long-term solutions. Passing Bill C-45 says all the work of that Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples belongs in the trash.

Quote:
[Written by another female aboriginal holder of a law degree:] You don’t need to reinvent the wheel here folks. So much work has already been done to come up with practical solutions to identifiable problems, and it’s a damn shame that most Canadians have never read a single word published by this Royal Commission.

Thu, 2013-01-03 05:55

#131

ilha formosa

Much of what I've said before my last post was based on a few premises, which may be right or wrong:

1) The Conservatives and their corporate (and religious?) masters would try to isolate, marginalize and depict as extremist the INM movement, and make it seem like a tiny blip on the radar, thereby making it easier to dismiss, and if need be, easier to use extremely repressive means to silence the movement.

2) The worst has to be assumed about the extremes that Harper and his 'experts' lurking in the background will go to. I think he would literally establish a dictatorship (with Vic Toews at head of state surveillance ) if conditions were right. My 'working assumption' is that Harper IS making contingency plans for a round-up and repression campaign after violence breaks out. My working assumption is that he and his closest of advisers actually WANT violence to break out.

3) The way to make INM more robust is to convince a large portion of the non-indigenous population that fulfilling this movement's goals will benefit all Canadians. See above post on the RCAP.

4) A greater emphasis on "feel-good" and constructive methods such as round dances and teach-ins are more effective in winning over non-indigenous hearts. The round dances in the malls just before 12/21 is what helped INM blast off. I'll venture to say that the drumming and dancing is awakening helpful spirits - at least living human ones.

Thu, 2013-01-03 09:45

#132

ilha formosa

Also from the above post, written by Terrance Nelson.

Quote:
[January 27, 2010:] To believe that this next generation will remain peaceful at the 63rd level of the United Nations Living Index is not realistic...I now predict that there will be serious problems in Canada between indigenous people and the government. If Americans understand the impact it will have on their oil companies operating in Canada, they may realize that indigenous human rights in Canada is not a simple "internal domestic" matter. My community is typical of most First Nations, we have 75% unemployment. In 1993, police snipers came into our community. In Winnipeg, the Canadian Army stood on standby as police took away our gaming rights. In the last two decades America has learned a lot about Native Americans. They can teach Canada that allowing indigenous people to be part of the economy is the road to creating the hope that nullifies protests.

[Jan. 2, 2013:] The impact of a National Action on Railway and Pipeline set for January 16th maybe considered "terrorism" if other countries are not properly informed regarding human rights violations in Canada.

Giving fair warning of upcoming action if grievances remain unaddressed.

Thu, 2013-01-03 09:49

#133

arielc

O dam ... navigation problem!

... economic interference will occur.
I think Harper is more greed driven than 'hawkish' per se, so I would expect him to try to intervene in some way - likely underhanded, divide and conquer-is - but I just don't see how he could proceed with the planned massive resource extractions without serious economic impacts from Indigenous actions. I just don't see why he is taking the 'silence' route instead of engaging in negotiations - the Crown's duty to consult and accommodate would seem like the logical, reasonable approach ... and the legal requirement. There is no doubt in my mind that more will be lost via unrest and disruption than would be 'given up' via impact-benefit agreements.
Am I missing something here?
Terrance Nelson's strategy is a good one ... More lobbying of investors would help ... If THEY demand negotiated impact-benefit agreements as a condition of investing, that would be very powerful.
h

Thu, 2013-01-03 10:06

#134

arielc

NDPP wrote:

Terrance Nelson: US Relations and FN Blockade, Jan. 16 - Letter to Chief Fox

http://bsnorrell.blogspot.ca/2013/01/terrance-nelson-us-relations-and-fi...

"Terrance Nelson discusses upcoming rail and pipeline blockade and US relations..."

"In 1994, President Clinton had to deal with the Mayan uprising when it caused the American dollar to tumble in international markets. International investors pulled out in huge numbers from publicly traded U.S. corporate investment in Mexico. How much do Americans have invested in Canada and that would the economic effect be for the United States if an indigenous uprising occurred in Canada? Before we ever get to that point, is it important for you and your staff to be aware of indigenous issues. This of course is the real power of Indigenous Peoples ... the power to scare off investors. Harper seems to take the approach of 'letting the law take its course, which takes some time so economic intercerence

Thu, 2013-01-03 10:32

#135

lagatta

Here is a horrific (racist, sexist, politically reactionary) hate crime against an Indigenous woman in Thunder Bay. The criminals actually cited Indigenous demands in their assault:

(I also posted this at Bread and Roses)

A racist, sexist hate crime in Thunder Bay.

Quote:

A candlelight vigil to pray for female victims of crime was held on Wednesday night at a reserve adjacent to Thunder Bay, where the unnamed woman is recovering. She has told police she was assaulted, strangled and left for dead by two men who hurled racial epithets and denounced indigenous rights.

http://http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/thunder-bay-sex-assault-hate-crime-probe-sharpen-focus-on-native-womens-plight/article6885373/

This racist, sexist violent hate crime should also be judged as an attempted murder, leaving someone for dead in the winter cold.

I am so utterly furious about this. This could happen to my Aboriginal cousins or friends. It is very similar to the sexual assaults as war crimes the Nobel Women's Initiative studied and denounced at a conference I took part in a year and a half ago...

Another article, from APTN. The victim was just walking along a city street to a store when she was grabbed:

http://aptn.ca/pages/news/2012/12/30/thunder-bay-police-investigating-alleged-raced-based-sexual-assault-against-ontario-first-nations-woman/

Thu, 2013-01-03 10:38

#136

ilha formosa

Quote:
CANADA'S DEATH CAMPS Mohawk Nation News. Jan. 2, 2013. The “Indian” reserves are concentration camps for Indigenous people, designed to breed hopelessness, suicides and eventually death. The world is seeing hunger striker Chief Theresa Spence as a victim of this policy...Over 100 million of our people in the Western Hemisphere perished in the biggest holocaust in humanity. Prime Minister Pudge Harper and Jim Flaherty’s Bill C-45 is singling out our children for destruction...In the 1930s Nazi doctors were invited by Canada to do medical research on our children and then kill them...Near Chief Spence’s community of Attawapiskat the DeBeers Diamond Co. built a modern settlement with plumbing and hydro for the workers in the mines. The native people are being poisoned to death from the environmental destruction. DeBeers wants them removed so they can destroy everything. The CEO of DeBeers told the CEO of Canada, Harper, not to speak to Chief Spence...We will assert ourselves as the true people of Onowaregeh, Great Turtle Island.

Thu, 2013-01-03 10:58

#137

Boom Boom

arielc wrote:
I think Harper is more greed driven than 'hawkish' per se, so I would expect him to try to intervene in some way - likely underhanded, divide and conquer-is

I don't know for certain, but I suspect federal governments in Canada have been playing the "divide and conquer" game against First Nations for ages. But with his insatiable greed for resource extraction - for example, Harper believes the tar sands are the key to Canada's economic future - Harper is raising the strategy to new levels. The bastard has to be stopped.

Thu, 2013-01-03 11:07

#138

6079_Smith_W

@ lagatta

I heard that on the radio this morning.

The fact that they told her they had struck before and would strike again? It is nothing short of terrorism. At least they seem to be taking it seriously and considering it what it is - a hate crime. We'll see how much effort is made to bring the perpetrators to justice.

It was also surprising to hear that in the Sarnia blockade CN went so far as to sue the chief of police, since they didn't think he was serving their interests as well as they thought he should. They certainly notice when public officials are in any way responsive to the people rather than property.

Thu, 2013-01-03 13:02

#139

arielc

@boom boom

RE Harper's "greed for resource extraction"

I don't understand why Harper doesn't just negoutiate fair shares of revenues with First Nations. He's chewing off his own arm, causing certain disruption of resource development, scaring off investors ... and thus reducing federal resource revenues anyway!

Not only is he being a cold-hearted. Aho, he's being a loser idiot too. Is this just macho ego crap? Is he really that stupid? I always gave the man credit for some intelligence, albeit of the limited greed-driven variety, but he's even risking his beloved oil sands developments now! For what?

Thu, 2013-01-03 13:35

#140

Serviam6

I'm sure I'll take a verbal beating here for even bringing it up but my best friend was hired off the reservation near Sarnia when CN did a recruiting thing in the area. He's telling me that there are a considerable number of FN locals in the area who are upset with the roadblock because it's hurting their business and work. He's said there is even a lot of talk about people from the G20 riots in TO going down to Sarnia to stir the pot. There were a few facebook pages from locals who were protesting the protest but he said their coming down just as fast as they're going up. It sounds like a mess down there.

I'll try and track down some of the pages he was talking about for credibility.

Thu, 2013-01-03 13:56

#141

kropotkin1951

The G20 riots in Toronto? Are all the people who protested in Toronto now to be considered rioters? Using prior activism as a negative is not a very progressive way to look this movement. Who are these outsiders that need to be hunted down and blamed for misleading the naive people involved in the grassroots INM? What kind of nefarious political agenda might they have? Could they be anarchists or maybe communists or some other equally vile political ideology that would be totally incompatible with aboriginal ideals. Unlike of course the current Canadian capitalist model that has given your friend a job.

But don't worry or be afraid because I am sure that thereare numerous spooks following any of those nasty radicals and documenting everything.

Thu, 2013-01-03 14:43

#142

6079_Smith_W

@ Serviam6

So it's a complicated situation? How is that a surprise?

According to the interview I heard part of the reason why the chief of police was targetted was likely because of the close tied between the city and the FN, and the fact that he was in a position to see all sides and not blindly follow the interests of the railway and government.

Thu, 2013-01-03 15:23

#143

Serviam6

6079_Smith_W wrote:

@ Serviam6

So it's a complicated situation? How is that a surprise?

According to the interview I heard part of the reason why the chief of police was targetted was likely because of the close tied between the city and the FN, and the fact that he was in a position to see all sides and not blindly follow the interests of the railway and government.

I'm googling some of that now. It's nice to see police forces having a good relationship with FN's compared to the RCMP out west.

Fri, 2013-01-04 03:19

#144

NDPP

Documents Show Plenty of Money Flowing Through Spence's Reserve

http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/politics/archives/2013/01/20130103-...

"Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spencer's household made as much as $250,000 in the fiscal year ending March 2011..."

The inevitable Sun smear job which cannot possibly be true and they should be taken to court for these obscene lies.

Fri, 2013-01-04 04:43

#145

ilha formosa

While there may be some corruption among FNs (as if they're supposed to be angels among us while living in squalor), this article doesn't even attempt to show an overall picture. It's distorted, maybe slanderous.

Fri, 2013-01-04 05:25

#146

ilha formosa

Quote:
For the Idle No More protesters to have a political impact, they will have to hit the Tories where it hurts — by turning their non-aboriginal supporters against them. And this is where some activists are overplaying their hand; blockading train tracks and threatening, as one group is now doing on Facebook, “to escalate this to a point where we shut down the country,” is unlikely to win friends or influence people. Spawning widespread frustration risks squandering public sympathy for Chief Spence and her cause. Canadians who support the protesters’ message but object to their tactics may end up neutralized politically, to the Tories’ advantage.

If that happens, the country will be worse off for it, because there is more at stake in Idle No More than the protests’ own success. A bona fide movement for reconciliation between aboriginal peoples and the Crown should be a meaningful opportunity to teach Canadians that aboriginal rights are constitutionally guaranteed, that the legal relationship between First Nations peoples and the federal government predates the latter, and that Canada’s success as a multinational society depends on our ability to reckon with the difference and injustice that have always defined us. This could be a moment, in other words, to talk seriously about the burden of our own history.

But none of it will come to pass if Idle No More loses its coherence...

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/op-ed/Idle+More+needs+over+Harper+h...

Fri, 2013-01-04 05:45

#147

Slumberjack

Losing coherence has never deterred the scum at the Ottawa Citizen from pursuing their own objectives.

Fri, 2013-01-04 07:26

#148

arielc

It's interesting that the threats of blockades are now coming from Canada's Band 'Chiefs', not from so called 'splinter groups', while peaceful educational strategies are the focus of the real grassroots Idle No More led by women, elders and youth. :)

I do find something of value in the Citizen op-ed as I think his overall point is correct: Canadians don't respond sympathetically to sustained disruptions of their daily routines, but do support INM's more educational approach.

Blockades are best aimed at commercial/industrial corridors for. Economic impact, while commuters can be viewed as potential supporters. :)

Fri, 2013-01-04 07:37

#149

Maysie

Quote:
"It is time to quit being loyal Canadians, we don't need the white man's money. We need a share of our own wealth." "There's only two ways to deal with the white man. Either you pick up a gun or you stand between him and his money." Terrance Nelson Chief, Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, Manitoba, May, 2007.

Fri, 2013-01-04 07:55

#150

arielc

Terrance Nelson is a visionary in action. His strategy of lobbying and educating US government and, more importantly, INVESTORS, is brilliant.
If the tar sands becomes totally undesirable as investments by US citizens and companies ... there goes Harper's pet project and perhaps his supporters too.
'Standing between the corporate powers and 'their' money is a useful strategy.

Just a comment about the role of police: Most police forces in Canada swear to uphold the Constitution ... and post-Caledonia, they are now very aware that that includes Aboriginal and treaty rights. They won't make fast and violent moves

Fri, 2013-01-04 07:58

#151

arielc

The RCMP, on the other hand, can't be trusted. Their 'oaths' are to obey orders and keep silent about ANYTHING they see.

Idle No More

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