Indigenous Sovereignty Week 2010 — Indigenous Resistance and Renewal November 21-28. 2010
The purpose of this week is to build local relationships between groups and individuals, disseminate ideas of Indigenism, and generally, contribute to building a cross-Canada movement for Indigenous rights, self-determination, and justice that is led by Indigenous communities but with a broad base of informed support.
There will be a range of events, including speaking events, cultural or arts events, and ceremony where appropriate. Speakers will include activists and leaders of struggles, elders, Indigenous intellectuals, and supporters.
Canada‘s Indian policy in 2010:
This year, the Canadian government has renewed an aggressive policy of assimilation of Indians. Despite all the apologies and high-minded words from elected officials over the last few years, this policy is the same Indian policy the government has pursued since the 1850s. From Tom Flanagan and the Fraser Institute, there is a push for privatization of reserve lands and conversion of Aboriginal title into fee simple on a small percentage of traditional territories. The comprehensive claims process and the regional treaty tables continue to push First Nations towards extinguishment of title using a range of carrot and stick tactics. Indigenous Peoples who fight back too hard against the assimilation agenda, like the Algonquins of Barriere Lake, are targeted for special repression.
However, Indigenous Peoples across Canada are not backing down in their demand for respect for Aboriginal title and rights. Increasingly, bands are dissatisfied with the comprehensive claims process, which results in permanent extinguishment of title in exchange for a small amount of cash and a fraction of the land rights. Communities from coast to coast are continuing to assert their rights to self-determination, and choosing to chart their own destiny, insisting on consent for resource extraction and industrial activity on their lands, and insisting on their right to choose how they will govern themselves. The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations is calling for the elimination of the Indian Act and the refounding of the relationship between First Nations and Canada on a basis of Aboriginal and treaty rights.
Please keep checking http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=170827162936733 as details may change.
Schedule of Events:
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21
>> Ceremonial opening
5pm-7pm
Native Canadian Centre of Toronto
16 Spadina Road, just north of Bloor.
>> “The Scars of Mercury”
7pm-9pm
A film about Grassy Narrows & a talk by Grassy Narrows community member Warren Aschopenace
Native Canadian Centre of Toronto – 16 Spadina Road, just north of Bloor.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22
>> Fighting for Indigenous education
7pm-9pm
UTS, 371 Bloor Street West, between Huron and Spadina (to be confirmed)
=================
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23
>> Every inch of our land is who we are: protecting mother Earth, protecting traditional knowledge
7pm-9pm
Fitzgerald Building, Room 103, University of Toronto – 150 College Street
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24
>> Igniting resistance through Indigenous Bodies: Sexuality, Two-Spirit and Creativity
6pm-9pm
Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, 16 Spadina Road, Toronto
=================
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25
>> Peaceful march on child welfare issues
11am
Meet at Queen’s Park at 11AM. There will be a feast at the end of the march.
Hosted by Grass Roots Committee of Ontario
>> The Privatization of Reserve Lands: the Conservative shortcut to assimilation of status Indians?
7pm-9pm
Music Room at Hart House (University of Toronto), 7 Hart House Circle
=================
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26
>> Tkaronto – Film Screening
1pm-3:30pm
University College Room 179, 15 Kings College Circle
>> The Aboriginal City – panel discussion
4pm-6pm
University College Room 179, 15 Kings College Circle
>> Indigenous Law, Justice, Governance
7pm-9pm
Wilson Hall 1016, New College, University of Toronto
=================
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27
>> Mobilizing support for Canada to implement the United Nations Declaration on the RIghts of Indigenous Peoples
11am-2pm
Location, TBA
>> Great Indian Bus Tour
1pm-4pm
The Native Canadian Centre
16 Spadina Road – north of Bloor
details: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=148694568510339
>> MUSKRAT magazine Launch & Creation Tales
7pm-10pm
Walnut Studios, 83 Walnut Avenue (near Bathurst and King)
===========================
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28
>> Strategies of Sovereignty
9:30am-5:00pm
Symposium on building new relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and working in solidarity
#30#
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