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June 12, 2006 - 15:20 ET
Attention: Assignment Editor, Business/Financial Editor, News Editor, Government/Political Affairs Editor
VANCOUVER, BC, PRESS RELEASE--(CCNMatthews - June 12, 2006) -
UNION OF B.C. INDIAN CHIEFS
CHIEFS COUNCIL
JUNE 7TH - 8TH, 2006
VANCOUVER, B.C.
Resolution no. 2006-15
Re: Six Nations: Haldimand Tract Lands
WHEREAS the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island enjoy undiminished traditional, inherent, judicial and Constitutional rights to their Indigenous homelands and territories;
WHEREAS the Government of Canada has consistently refused over the course of history and deliberately refused to recognize and reconcile the unresolved land rights issues of the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island;
WHEREAS the outstanding issues associated with the conveyance of the Haldimand Tract Lands in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Haldimand Proclamation of 1850 need to be resolved to the satisfaction of the Six nations of the Grand River Territory;
WHEREAS the unresolved land rights issues of the Haldimand Tract Lands have resulted in a 100 day ongoing violent standoff in relation to a proposed commercial housing development known as the Douglas Creek Estates;
WHEREAS as tensions and frustrations escalate, the potential for violence continues to increase on a daily basis;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs fully supports the ongoing efforts of the Clan Mothers and Traditional Chiefs of the Iroquois Confederacy to achieve a peaceful resolution of the violent land rights dispute at the Douglas Creek estates subdivision site at Caledonia, Ontario; and
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs call upon Prime Minister Steven Harper and Minister of Indian Affairs Jim Prentice to personally intervene in this violent land rights dispute and fully assume and immediately act upon the Government of Canada's constitutional, judicial and fiduciary responsibility to peacefully resolve this outstanding land rights issue and subsequent escalation of violence in Caledonia, Ontario.
THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT in the event that the Government of Canada, through the Prime Minister Steven Harper fails to uphold its responsibility the UBCIC shall support the intervention of Rodolpho Stavenhagen in his role as the United Nations Special Rapporteur, Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Indigenous Peoples.
Moved: Chief Fred Sampson, Siska Indian Band
Seconded: Chief Archie Pootlass, Nuxalk Nation
Disposition: Carried
Date: June 8, 2006
For further information: http://www.ubcic.bc.ca
ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA CHIEFS
SPECIAL CHIEFS ASSEMBLY ON EDUCATION
DAKOTA TIPI FIRST NATION
MAY 30-JUNE 1, 2006
RE: SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL RAILWAY BLOCKADE
WHEREAS, the Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation will initiate a railway blockade on Thursday, June 29th at 4 p.m. and will end on Friday, June 30th at 4 p.m. to force the Canadian government to establish a reasonable time-frame for settlement of land claims; and
WHEREAS, the purpose is to send a message to the federal government and all Canadians that resource wealth of our lands are what supports every Canadian; and
WHEREAS, Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation is asking for other First Nations to support in a national railway blockade to demand an answer from Canada.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chiefs-in-Assembly support the one day blockade by the Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation.
Moved by: Chief Terry Nelson, Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation
Seconded By: Chief Morris Shannacappo, Rolling River First Nation
Lubicon Lake Indian Nation
P.O. Box 6731
Peace River, Alberta T8S 1S5
Telephone: (780) 629-3945
Fax: (780) 629-3939
May 1, 2006
The Hon. Jim Prentice
Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
The Honourable David Ramsay, Lib, MPP
Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs
Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs
720 Bay Street, 4th floor
Toronto, ON M5G 2K1
Dear Sirs;
I have been following the situation at Caledonia with great concern.
The people of Six Nations have consistently supported our people in our efforts to protect our Traditional territory and achieve a just settlement of our long-standing land rights dispute. The Lubicon people wish to express our solidarity with our sisters and brothers of Six Nations at Caledonia in their effort to protect their lands and resolve their longstanding land rights dispute.
Both of our peoples have stood up for our rights in a peaceful and respectful manner. We have been patient. We have tried to find ways to co-exist with your governments and with the people that surround our lands. Yet Canadian governments have used dialogue not as a means to resolve disputes but as a way of forestalling resolution while business interests steal every last thing of value from our lands.
When we challenge this duplicitous behaviour we are criminalized and attacked. Canadian courts are used to provide legal cover for the continued theft of our lands and resources. Police are sent in to break up our protests.
Yet, if Canadian governments continue to avoid negotiated resolutions to long-standing disputes, what options do we have? Should we allow corporations to destroy our lands, our livelihoods, our way of life, and to take what is rightfully ours? Should we allow governments to claim that they are sincerely seeking to resolve these disputes while they allow others to forever alter the very lands which are the subject of our disputes?
The people of Six Nations at Caledonia have decided to protect their lands before they are irreparably altered. We support them in their stand.
We ask that the governments of Ontario and Canada cooperate with the people of Six Nations at Caledonia and negotiate a just resolution of their land rights in good faith. We ask that no further attacks on their encampment by police or any other parties be allowed while the parties seek a just resolution of their land rights.
And we ask that the governments of Ontario and Canada commit to a freeze on further development in areas where the rights to the land are in dispute unless the aboriginal people have provided their full consent to the activity.
Only when all parties must find a just resolution before any are allowed to advance their interests will there be any incentive to resolve the many long-standing land rights disputes which are before us.
Sincerely,
Bernard Ominayak
Chief, Lubicon Lake Indian Nation
cc The people of Six Nations at Caledonia
April 21, 2006
NEWS RELEASE - for immediate release
NAN urges Ontario and Canada to work with Six Nations to resolve Caledonia land dispute
THUNDER BAY, ON Friday April 21, 2006: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy is calling for Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Jim Prentice and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty to work with leadership of Six Nations to reach a mutually-benefiting resolution to the current Caledonia land dispute to end the current occupation over the Six Nations-Haldimand Tract.
"I urge Minister Jim Prentice, Premier McGuinty, and Minister Ramsay to assist and facilitate possible options for a resolution to the occupation,” said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy who represents 49 First Nation communities in James Bay Treaty 9 territory (two-thirds of Ontario). What's needed now is an immediate peaceful solution with a long-term plan to properly implement a process to expedite the resolution of ongoing land disputes across the province and country.”
Specific recommendations to implement a mutually-benefiting resolution were made by Beardy via letter to Minister Prentice and Premier McGuinty dated today.
The people within Nishnawbe Aski territory experience similar frustrations when it comes to land disputes and increased presence of police to solve issues that only the governments have authority to solve, particularly the most recent situation involving mining in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inniuwug,” said Beardy. “After almost two months of occupation, it’s about time Ontario and Canada put their commitments to solving the issue into place.”
For more information please contact:
Jenna Young
Director of Communications
Nishnawbe Aski Nation
(807) 625 4952
(807) 628 3953 (cellular)
July 11, 2006
To the people of Six Nations.
For several years, the Yosher Jewish Network for Social Justice has actively opposed the colonial practices of Israel towards the indigenous Arab population of Palestine. As Jews, we have felt a particular responsibility to protest actions that have been carried out by a government purporting to act and speak on behalf of Jewish people everywhere.
At the same time, we are also Canadians, and as we protest the colonial practices of Israel, we feel an equal responsibility to denounce colonial practices here in Canada. For too long, the cooperative efforts of the various levels of Canadian government and private industries have collaborated to cheat Aboriginal peoples of their birthright, deny their status as nations, and impoverish their communities. We of the Yosher Jewish Network for Social Justice would therefore like to express our solidarity with the people of Six Nations as they continue their peaceful resistance to the theft, occupation, and destruction of their lands.
As we stand with the Six Nations in their struggle for dignity and self-determination, we call on the federal and Ontario governments to settle the ongoing dispute in Caledonia justly and expeditiously and return all lands that rightfully belong to the people of Six Nations.
In solidarity,
Yosher Jewish Network for Social Justice
June 21, 2006
National Aboriginal Day
International Peace and Unity Day
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Turtle Island
To all Canadians,
We, the undersigned agencies and individuals extend our support of the Clan Mothers of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Confederacy Chiefs, and the Six Nations Confederacy, in their intention to return to traditional governance as they were prior to the imposition of the Indian Act and 'Band Council' system. As we understand the tradition of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Women are the Titleholders of the land and we respect that tradition. In this woman-led struggle, the Haudenosaunee people are an inspiration to feminists, human rights workers, and Indigenous people everywhere.
In solidarity,
Daphne Jackson - South African Consulate General - Assistant to the Consul General
Beth Jordan
Managing Director
Adobe Consulting Services
Toronto, Ontario
Dorothy Goldin-Rosenberg, Environmental Health Educator, MES, Phd
Toronto, Ontario
Anna Willats, Professor in the Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate Program at George Brown College
Toronto, Ontario
Willi Nolan, Miq-mac
Good Life Gathering Place Project,
New Brunswick
Boo Watson, Chris Smith, Nick Ladkin
Toronto’s Air Apparent
Savoy Howe, Toronto Newsgirls Boxing Club
First Nations Environmental Network, Steve Lawson – National Director
Fatima Jaffer, Coalition of South Asian Women Against Violence,
Vancouver
Elvira Williams
Humanitarian Award Winner
Florida, USA
Judy Konaka, Administration
Women's Support Network
Ontario
Doreen Bernard, Mi'kmaq woman of the Shubenacadie Band
Erin Lee-Todd, Public Education Co-ordinator, Interval House of Ottawa
Carol Latchford
Ernestine's Women's Shelter
Program Director
Florence Hartshorne
Chair - Victoria Status of Women Action Group
Bill Williams, President United Native Nations Local 510
On behalf of our membership of 1200 adults.
UNITED NATIVE NATIONS Local 521
Victoria B.C.
Paul M. Lagace, C.D., B.A.
Rural Community Counsellor
ASK Wellness Centre
Kamloops, B.C.
Alys Murphy, Women's Support Network of York Region
Newmarket, Ontario
Cindy L'Hirondelle, project coordinator, for the Victoria Status of Women Action Group
Marisa Thornhill, Public Education & Outreach Worker, Women's Support Network of York Region
Darlene Juschka, Coordinator, Women's Studies
University of Regina, SK
Ann Rose, Transitional Housing and Support Worker
Ernestine's Women's Shelter
Etobicoke, Ontario
Martin Dufresne, Secretary
Montreal Men Against Sexism
Montreal, Quebec
Eileen Morrow,
Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses,
Martina Lynch, Isle of Man, British Isles
Rosetta Springer, President, Diversity Accord Associates Incorporated, Toronto, Ontario
Josephine Grey program coordinator LIFT , Toronto, Ontario
Vicki Chartrand, Macquarie University, Australia, Higher Degree Research Candidate
Judy Rebick - CAW Sam Gindin Chair in Social Justice and Democracy, Ryerson University
Magaly San Martin, Parkdale Community Legal Services Toronto
Mahaila Scott, chair of the University of Regina Women's Centre
Dr. Victoria Bromley
Pauline Jewett Institute of Women's Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa
Amanda Davies
Millican-Ogden Community Association
Calgary, AB
Gita Hashemi, Creative Response
Don Weitz, antipsychiatry/social justice activist, Toronto
Paul Kellogg
Editor, Socialist Worker
Alice Perrin (elder, Yellowknives Dene First Nation): “I support all First Nations fight for Self-
Determination of our Aboriginal Inherent Rights, and the Clan Mothers-Beholder to the
Ancestors, consolidated Aboriginal power and our continued struggle with the Liberals and now
the Conservatives. It was Sir John A. MacDonald who actioned the Indian Act when he was
prime minister, a Conservative, passed in 1876 when the Liberals were in power.
Holly McKenzie
Women's Studies student, University of Regina
carol howe, Indianbrook reserve # 14 , nova scotia Canada
Anna Willats and May Lui, Co-chairs - on behalf of
The Mayworks Festival of Working People and The Arts
Florencia Berenstein and Michelle Albert, staff
Mayworks Festival of Working People and the Arts
Nell Thurlow & Reinaldo Contreras (Calgary, AB)
Rosa Barker - PhD candidate in the Department of English at Queen's University, Vice-President
(Internal Graduate) of the Society for Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS) at Queen's University
Janice Murray MLPC candidate (worker politician) Etobicoke-Lakeshore, Ontario
Philip Fernandez.
Spokesperson, People's Front
Roberto Verdecchia
Humanist Movement
Travis Tomchuk
PhD candidate in history at queen's university and member of “No one is Illegal” – Kingston
Melody Andrews
Siya:m (Traditional Family Leader)
Shxwowhamel First Nation
Barbara Hurford, Therapist
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Toronto, Ontario
Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence against Women and Children
Toronto, ON
Orion Carrier, Engineering Student, Victoria, B.C.
Engineering Student, University of Victoria
Derek Simon, Toronto
Diane Perry, Victoria, B.C.
Tony Vearnals England UK
Sue Pearson, Vancouver, B.C.
Melissa St.Germaine-Small, Grimsby, Ontario
Erika Shea, Carlton University Student, Ottawa, Ontario
Julia Rogers, educator, Toronto, Ontario
M. Louise Marchand, M.A. Legal Studies
Ottawa, ON
Marianne Park, Woodstock, Ontario
Helen Kennedy, Toronto
Joan Fulthorp Jubb, Ottawa
Helen Victoros, Toronto
Kristyn Wong-Tam – Toronto
Ann Marie Clow, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Sabrina Ali, Vancouver, B.C.
Ishbel Munro, Nova Scotia
Deborah Sinclair, Toronto
Amy Ratelle, Ottawa
Lori Clyke, Toronto, Ontario
Betsy Nuse, concerned canadian
Elize Hartley, Hamilton, Ontario
Ginny Santos
Christianne Jordan
Charles Nantel – Amnesty International
Patti Lessard – Mattawa Women’s Centre
Aline Belec – Mattawa Women’s Centre
Deva Belec – Temogami Anishnabei
Christina Bodine-McConnell – Sexual Assault Centre of Brant
Leslie Russell
Fran Odette
Cheryl Herrera – Ernestine Women’s Shelter
Marsha Sfeir
Carol Zavitz
Pamela Cross
Cindy Cowan – Nellie’s
Valeska Gomez-Castillo – Nellie’s
Carole Cameron
My Sister’s Place
Gwen Oralf
Vivien Green
Dagmar Werkmeister
Sharon Cruickshank
Nancy Johnston
Ghislaine Sirois
Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa
Kiruthiha Kulendiren
Phyl McCrum – Ingamo Family Homes
JoAnne Dubois – RISE/BUMP
Joanne Kelly – ETFO Bluewater Local OT’s and Womens’ House of Bruce County
Cehine Pelletier
Sandra Lemus – SACHA
Pauline Dion-Rosenblatt – AVAST Language Solutions
Leighann Burns – Harmony House, Ottawa
Jessica Carfagnini – SASC Ottawa
Marilyn Oladimeji – Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres
Lenore L. – Sexual Assault Centre – Hamilton Area
Carol S. – Rural Initiative for Social Equality – Port Dover
May 25, 2006
Press Statement – Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada
As Indigenous physicians we stand in solidarity with the clan mothers and our brothers and sisters of the Six Nations Confederacy.
As Indigenous front line health care providers we respond daily to the suffering and disease that are directly related to the dispossession of our peoples from our homelands. The failure of the government of Canada to address land claims in a timely manner has clearly had negative impacts on the health of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
It is with great concern regarding these ongoing negative health impacts that we urge the government of Canada to respect its own RCAP recommendations and obey international law as negotiations proceed.
May 24, 2006
The Honourable Jim Prentice, PC, MP
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
The Honourable David Ramsay, Lib, MPP
Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs
Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs
720 Bay Street, 4th floor
Toronto, ON M5G 2K1
Dear Ministers,
Québec solidaire wishes to express its support for the Haudenosaunee people in their effort to secure sovereignty over the Haldimand tract in Southern Ontario. In fundamental agreement with the right of self-determination for all nations in Canada, Québec solidaire asks that both the government of Canada and the government of Ontario pursue negotiations in order to achieve a just agreement that respects international and human rights law.
Québec solidaire is a political party concerned by issues of justice, equality and international solidarity. We reiterate that peaceful, non-threatening, good-faith negotiations must become the way of all governments in Canada and Quebec deal with the legacy of colonialism. Apologies do not suffice; we must begin with a commitment to restoring the relationship between our nations grounded in a spirit of respect and partnership. We believe that governments and First nations' leaders should commit to transparency in negotiations and to hold meaningful consultations with all stake-holders. And then these commitments must be put into practice. We urge you to begin today.
The present negotiation could offer a signal that governments in Canada have entered into this new era, one in which the wrongs of the past are repaired, in part, by respectful, nation-to-nation negotiations over land claims and issues of self-determination. We urge you to play a peaceful role for we are concerned about the extensive police presence in the area and about the safety of the Native protesters. One immediate way to mark a fundamental shift in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal relations is to remove the police presence and to drop the charges against the Native protestors, who were peacefully defending their land.
Sincerely,
Alexa Conradi François Larose
President Chair of the Commission on Aboriginal issues
7105, rue St-Hubert, bureau 304, Montréal, H2S 2N1
514-278-9014, 1-866-278-9014, info@quebecsolidaire.net
Date: May 17th, 2006 - Rabi-al-Thani 19, 1427, Volume: 9 Issue: 67
Islamic Congress supports Six Nations land reclamation
http://www.canadianislamiccongress.com/mc/media_communique.php?id=762
The Canadian Islamic Congress has thrown its support behind the Onkwehonweh (Six Nations) land reclamation campaign near Caledonia, Ontario, which began February 28 with the peaceful blockade of a housing construction site on First Nations territory.
In a strong statement issued today, the CIC challenged the Canadian government's flawed historical record in dealing with legitimate aboriginal claims to lands whose titles have been illegally altered, disregarded or transferred numerous times since the 1700s.
"Many of Canada's 750,000 Muslims have strong emotional ties to this situation, in which aboriginal peoples are systematically being denied their birthright. Palestinians are being robbed of their native land in similar ways by the Israeli occupying power that denies them justice through unilateral expropriations and by refusing to negotiate in good faith with their elected representatives."
The 40-hectare area in Caledonia is one of some 600 native land claims that have been bogged down in the Canadian court system for decades. The Onkwehonweh have repeatedly pointed out that the land, which may also contain ancient burial sites, was improperly taken from their ancestors more than 200 years ago.
"The Onkwehonweh are asking for respect, consensus, and full participation in any decision made about their ancestral lands," the CIC statement continued. "Anything less would amount to a continuation of the historical colonialist exploitation - in a word, government-sanctioned policies of genocide -- that robbed all Canada's First Nations of so much of their land and culture. This is not about economics or politics as much as it is about basic human rights."
The CIC is calling for all governmental and corporate parties involved in the ongoing Caledonia negotiations to respect and implement the principle of Kaianereh'ko:wa, or State of Peace, declared by the Six Nations Clanswomen, who are traditionally recognized as titleholders to native lands.
CONTACTS:
Dr. Mohamed Elmasry
(519) 746-4107 (O)
(519) 498-1350 (Cell)
e-mail: np@canadianislamiccongress.com
Mrs. Wahida Valiante
(905) 771-1023
e-mail: nvp@canadianislamiccongress.com
May 15, 2006
PSAC Stands in Solidarity with Six Nations Protesters
http://www.psac-afpc.org/news/releases/2006/a26-0506-e.shtml
The recent standoff in Caledonia, Ontario is merely a symptom of a much greater problem – the disdainful manner by which elected governments address Aboriginal land claims.
Aboriginal peoples in Canada have waited long enough for their treaty rights to be recognized and land claims dealt with. The Six Nations filed a claim to the land in 1995 and 10 years later, with the claim still unresolved, the Ontario government gave Henco Industries the go-ahead to begin development on the disputed land.
It was this decision by the Ontario Government that prompted the Six Nations to reclaim the land on February 28, 2006. The members of the Six Nations remained on the land in peaceful protest for 51 days until the OPP escalated the tense situation by raiding the protester's camp in the early morning of April 20, 2006, only one day after Premier McGuinty promised a peaceful resolution to this dispute. The protest is now in its 76th day.
The PSAC calls on the government to negotiate meaningfully and to peacefully resolve the Six Nations land claim as well as all current and future Aboriginal land claims. The PSAC feels that if this and other land claims were dealt with in a fair and timely manner, the most recent standoff in Caledonia, as well as the tragedies that occurred in Ipperwash, Oka, and Gustafsen Lake, could have been avoided.
Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada stand in solidarity with Aboriginal peoples seeking peaceful resolutions to Aborignal land claims in Canada.
May 12, 2006
Prime Minister Stephen Harper
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa K1A 0A2
Dear Prime Minister Harper,
I am writing on behalf of Terralingua, a non-profit international organization working to maintain and restore biocultural diversity – a concept that recognizes the interconnectedness of the world’s biological, cultural and linguistic diversities. The organization has been actively following the situation in Six Nations and Caledonia, Ontario, and we would like to add our voice to the need for a just and fair resolution.
The issue of the Six Nations land claim is a long-standing one. One of the other issues at stake is recognition by the federal and provincial governments of the Six Nations Confederacy, the long-standing governance system of the Haudenosaunee. Outlined in the Six Nations' Great Law of Peace, the Confederacy is composed of chiefs from each of the Six Nations (Mohawk, Cayuga, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca, Tuscarora), who, in turn, are chosen by Clan Mothers. This governing system was brutally suppressed by the federal government in 1924, when the RCMP invaded the reserve, shut down the longhouses, and instituted an Indian Act band council under the Indian Act, which was long fought by the Confederacy government. The Longhouse people and Confederacy continued to remain active through the last century in the affairs of the people. Less than 10% of the population has ever participated in the voting in of an elected chief right up until this day.
The Six Nations reclamation is centered around land. Haudenosaunee members sought support to reclaim lands that were illegally granted to developers in Caledonia. Six Nations members counselled with the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and were granted their support. They chose to stand in peaceful protest at the main entrance to the housing development site. The Ontario Province Police promised the Confederacy negotiators that they would not raid the peaceful protest. However, in the early morning of April 20, 2006, OPP raided a sleeping camp. As a result, a blockade was erected on Highway 6 to protect the Six Nation members of the camp from further police raids.
Terralingua hopes that the Six Nations and the other parties to the dispute reach a successful resolution and that this resolution gives recognition to the Confederacy Chiefs and thus the re-constitution of the Haudenosaunee, the Great Law of Peace. Members of Six Nations have committed themselves to non-violence in this conflict. However, because the current situation in Caledonia is highly volatile, there is an increasing risk that the conflict will escalate to violence. There is an obvious need for swift and constructive negotiations that will address the concerns of the affected parties.
Terralingua urges government representatives to work in good faith towards a just and fair resolution with the Six Nations community. Terralingua looks forward to hearing how the federal government will ensure a fair settlement to the conflict as well as what measures will be taken to prevent such crises in the future.
Sincerely,
Rauna Kuokkanen, PhD
Terralingua Board member
Chair, Terralingua’s Indigenous Peoples Outreach Committee
cc: Six Nations Confederacy Chiefs and Clan Mothers
Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
David Ramsay, Ontario Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
May 9, 2006
May 6, 2006
Statement of the Central Executive Committee, Communist Party of Canada
The Communist Party of Canada stands with labour and progressive forces across the country in full solidarity with the Six Nations struggle to recover their stolen lands at Caledonia, Ontario. These lands are part of the Haldimand Tract ceded to the Six Nations in 1784 by the British Crown, for their support as allies during the U.S. War of Independence, and remain part of the unceded Six Nations territories. We support the call for an immediate cessation of all construction on Six Nations territory by Henco Industries, and for a negotiated, nation-to-nation resolution to the current standoff. In particular, we demand that the federal and provincial governments refrain from any threats or use of force, and that action be taken to prevent racist elements from inciting violence against the Six Nations. Full justice for the aboriginal peoples, not private profit for developers, must the the guiding principle for the settlement of land disputes at Caledonia and across Canada!
Friday, May 5, 2006
From: CUPE Toronto District Council
1482 Bathurst St 4th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M5P 3H1
To: Janie Jamieson
Rotino’shon:ni Six Nations
RR #1, Ohsweken, ON N0A 1M0
Dear Sister Janie,
The Toronto CUPE Council, representing 60,000 public sector workers in the City of Toronto, conveys to the Rotino’shon:ni SIx Nations our wholehearted solidarity in your present stand against Canada and Ontario to assert your claim to the Haldimand Tract.
It offends us that our country continues to ignore the land entitlement due to its first peoples. Over the past 300 years, the Canadian government has robbed its aboriginal peoples of over 95% of their original land. Your stand against this continued oppression is heroic.
We stand in full solidarity with you in demanding that the Ontario and federal governments deal with the Rotino’shon:ni Six Nations without force, in a nation-to-nation process.
Please accept this small token of our solidarity for your struggle. In addition, we are in a position to purchase supplies that might be needed for your cause. Please let us know what you might need and we can arrange for its delivery.
In solidarity,
Helen Kennedy
President
May 4, 2006
Jim Prentice
Minister of Indian Affairs & Northern Development
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Dear Jim Prentice,
I am writing on behalf of the Quaker Aboriginal Affairs Committee, a standing committee of the Canadian Friends Service Committee, the peace and service body of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). We have been actively following the situation in Caledonia and we would like to add our voice to the need for a just and fair resolution.
There is the need for governments to take remedial responsibility for lands taken away over a century ago. The time lapsed does not weaken the Six Nations claim; rather it strengthens the plausibility that without action such as the current land reclamation, nothing will be done to redress the injustice.
Members of Six Nations have committed themselves to non-violence in this conflict. However, because the situation in Caledonia is highly volatile, there is an increasing risk that the conflict will escalate to violence. There is an obvious need for swift and constructive negotiations that will address the concerns of the affected parties. We urge government representatives to work in good faith towards a just and fair resolution with the Six Nations community.
I have attached our statement on the situation. I look forward to hearing how the federal government will ensure a fair settlement to the conflict as well as what measures will be taken to prevent such crises in the future.
In Friendship,
Tuulia Law
Clerk, Quaker Aboriginal Affairs Committee
cc: Barbara McDougall, Federal Representative
David Ramsay, Ontario Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
David Peterson, Provincial Lead
Jean Crowder, MP
Anita Neville, MP
Norm Miller, MPP
Gilles Bisson, MPP
May 3, 2006
Susan Howard-Azzeh
Niagara Palestinian Association
Representatives of the Niagara Palestinian Association today visited the site of the first nations land claims blockade. A Palestinian flag was presented to the Onkwehonweh clan mothers, chiefs, braves and solidarity community who are camped out at the blockade. The Palestinian flag was raised by the head of security, a native from New York, and a young brave. It looks beautiful flapping in the sky on the same pole below the proud Mohawk flag. Palestinian hattas or scarves, a universal symbol of resistance, and food were given as gifts.
Palestinians know too well the theft of land and natural resources, daily oppression, atrocities and genocide committed against Aboriginal Peoples by colonialists at every corner of the Earth. 78% of Palestine was stolen by Jewish and international Zionists to create the state of Israel. Another 12% has been stolen for the creation of the Israeli apartheid wall. Only 10% of Palestine remains in Arab hands. And even that is occupied and controlled by Israeli military forces. Within the Palestinian land that has now been re-named "Israel", Palestinian Arabs are systematically discriminated against and officially treated as second and third class citizens. Palestinians have had so much taken from them, but still Israel and the US ask them to give up even more for "peace". A peace that we know will never come from Israeli hands.
NIAGARA PALESTINIAN ASSOCIATION - Representing the concerns of Palestinians & friends of Palestinians in the greater Niagara region.
905-984-6515
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/niag_pal_news/
April 26, 2006
http://canadianlabour.ca/index.php/aboriginal_workers/900
The Honourable Jim Prentice, PC, MP
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and
Federal Interlocutor for Metis and
Non-Status Indians
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
The Honourable David Ramsay, Lib, MPP
Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs
Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs
720 Bay Street, 4th floor
Toronto, ON
M5G 2K1
Dear Ministers,
The Canadian Labour Congress is deeply concerned about the events that unfolded this past week in Caledonia and near Tyendinaga in eastern Ontario.
The patience of Aboriginal communities and most Canadians is worn far too thin, from the stagnant pace in which land claims negotiations are taking place in Canada. The recent case involving Six Nations peoples was an opportunity for both provincial and federal levels of government to demonstrate genuine leadership and pursue responsible, peaceful and swift negotiations to address this long-standing land claims matter.
Yet a decision was made to send in police forces late last week. The Canadian Labour Congress strongly condemns this irresponsible action.
Canadians have not forgotten the tragedies of Ipperwash, Oka or Gustafsen Lake. Government sanctioned raids on peaceful protestors by police or the military armed with tasers, batons or guns should obviously be a poor public policy option. Such rash actions give the perception that governments have a disingenuous commitment towards a peaceful and meaningful land claims settlement process.
Sending in police forces at the behest of Henco Industries, a United States-based corporation behind the Douglas Creek Development, just as the building season begins, suggests that short-term corporate interests take precedence over long-standing land claims matters. Similarly, when a Crown Corporation, such as VIA Rail, can obtain an injunction to forcibly remove those acting in peaceful solidarity near Tyendinaga within 48 hours, while land claims negotiations have been stagnant for years, give Canadians good reason to ask, “Whose interests are being served first and whose last?”
The Genuine and accountable leadership by Canadian governments to peacefully and meaningfully resolve Aboriginal land claims is long overdue.
The Canadian Labour Congress calls upon both levels of government to learn from the tragic lessons of the past and de-escalate current tensions by:
The Canadian Labour Congress represents more than three million workers in Canada and extends their solidarity with Aboriginal peoples who are committed to a peaceful resolution of land claims in Canada.
Sincerely,
Kenneth V. Georgetti
President
April 25, 2006
Mrs. Louise Arbor, High Commissioner for Human Rights,
Mr. Rodolfo Stavenhagen, Special Rapporteur on
The rights of Indigenous Peoples;
Geneva, Switzerland
By Fax and email
High Commissioner: c/o Julian Berger, [41-22] 917-9010
S/R Stavenhagen: c/o Pablo Espiniella, [41-22] 917-9008
Urgent Action: 6 Nations protest on disputed lands and the potential for violence
Ontario, Canada
Dear Ms. Arbor and Mr. Stavenhagen,
Please receive our respectful greetings.
The International Indian Treaty Council files this urgent communication on behalf of the traditional Haudenosaunee Chiefs concerning a volatile and potentially life threatening situation in the Province of Ontario, Canada.
We urgently request the use of Good Offices of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Arbor, and to work with the Rapporteur for a peaceful resolution of this potentially life threatening conflict. Recalling his recent visit to Canada, we also urgently request that the Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Human Rights exercise the urgent action capacity of his mandate in this matter.
In the early morning of Wednesday, April 19, 2006, at about 4:30 am, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) moved in on Indigenous protestors occupying land in dispute near Caledonia, Ontario, Canada. The occupation, of over 60 days as of this writing, was begun by clan mothers and others as a protest against the taking of these ancestral lands.
Apparently, negotiations were ongoing with the Traditional Haudenosaunee Chiefs until late Monday, April 17, but that the talks broke off, with the government refusing to recognize the Traditional Chiefs, even though the elected Council voted to authorize the Traditional Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs as the negotiators.
We are informed and press reports indicate that on Wednesday, April 19, the OPP descended in large numbers (reportedly in the hundreds) on the Indigenous protestors, many of them women, threatening them with drawn weapons, using tazers (electric shock weapons), beating many of the protestors. As word spread of the unprovoked attack by the OPP many other Indigenous people from the Reserve (within sight of the disputed lands) and the surrounding area, also came to the site and a larger clash erupted. The now large crowd of several hundred people finally allowed the OPP to leave with 16 people under arrest, again, many of them clan mothers and women. We are not informed of the charges against them or of their status. We are also informed that several Ontario Police were also injured in the clash.
We are now informed that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has taken over from the OPP and as of Friday, April 21, 2006, begun to negotiate with the Traditional Chiefs of the Haudenosaunee, who have been charged with the resolution of this action. But we are still concerned about the potential for violence. We are reminded of past occupations of disputed lands in Canada that led to a great deal of violence on the part of the police. At one occupation, for example, at Ipperwash Camp, also in Ontario, on September of 1995, the OPP killed an unarmed Indigenous man, Dudley George.
The land in question was deeded to the Six Nations in 1774 by the English, in recognition of the Six Nations support during the American revolutionary war. In this case, the protest was brought on by the development on the land of a large (600 home) housing project, of which 10 houses have already been built. The land in question has been in dispute since 1829.
Again, we urgently request the Good Offices of the High Commissioner in conjunction with the active engagement of the Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Human Rights, to assist in bringing about a peaceful resolution of this conflict and the underlying and legitimate claim for the ancestral lands of the Six Nations Peoples.
If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to communicate them to us at any of telephone numbers or email address in the letterhead.
For all our relations,
Alberto Saldamando
General Counsel
International Indian Treaty Council
cc: Traditional Haudenosaunee Chiefs, via Mr. Kenneth Deer
Wilton Littlechild, North American Indigenous member,
Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues
Secretariat, Permanent Forum
Andrea Carmen, IITC Executive Director
Ron Lameman, IITC Board Member
April 25, 2006
Dear people,
It is with great enthousiasm and hight spirit that we are sending you this resolution adopted by our organisation Forum des femmes de Montréal on April 25, in full support of your struggle.
Success in your battle, standing by with you,
Christine Dandenault
Forum des femmes de Montréal
À l'occasion du forum public du 25 avril dernier organisé par le Forum des femmes de Montréal, les participantes et participants ont adopté une résolution d'appui à la lutte des Six Nations près de Caledonia, Ontario, lutte entreprise depuis le 3 mars dernier. Elle se lit comme suit:
Depuis le 3 mars, les mères de clan des Six Nations, avec leur communauté et leurs partisans protestent contre la construction d'une subdivision résidentielle sur les terres des Six Nations près de Caledonia, en Ontario, appelée «Douglas Creek Estates».
Celles-ci demandent un règlement négocié de leurs revendications territoriales, qu'elles cherchent à obtenir par des moyens pacifiques depuis des dizaines d'années. Loin de chercher un règlement négocié, le gouvernement de l'Ontario, le gouvernement fédéral et la police provinciale de l'Ontario ont réduit leurs justes demandes à une question de «loi et ordre» suggérant que le problème n'est pas le vol des terres autochtones mais l'«attitude» des membres des Six Nations. Une problème politique est transformé en un problème de loi et ordre. Cela ne résout rien bien au contraire, cela envenime le conflit. C'est inacceptable.
Le Forum des femmes de Montréal appuie sans réserve les justes demandes des Six Nations pour un règlement négocié. Nous nous opposons à l'intervention policière et à l'invocation de la loi et ordre pour encore criminaliser les peuples autochtones qui défendent ce qui leur appartient de plein droit, moral et légal, leurs terres et leurs droits ancestraux. Nous appuyons leur juste demande pour un arrêt immédiat des travaux de construction de la compagnie Henco Industries sur le territoire des Six Nations et d'un règlement de l'impasse actuelle sur la base de négociation de nation à nation.
Nous prenons position à la défense de la communauté des Six Nations, pour l'arrêt des expropriations et de l'exploitation illégales de terres et territoires autochtone par le gouvernement et pour que cesse immédiatement les activités de menace, d'intimidation et d'agression de la police provinciale de l'Ontario à l'endroit de la communauté et de leurs partisans.
April 25, 2006
Non-native supporters stand with the Six Nations
As non-native, multiracial groups in Coast Salish Territories/Vancouver, we extend our solidarity to the Six Nations Community in Caledonia, Ontario and condemn the police violence and criminalization of the community who are standing for their rights. The racist colonial legacy of Canada continues to devastate the lands and lives of indigenous peoples and as non-native supporters, we affirm our solidarity with the Six Nations community in calling for immediate end to construction by Henco Industries; a withdrawal of OPP and enforcement forces; and for a just resolution as determined by the clan mothers.
Signed:
1. Al-Awda (Palestinian Right of Return) Coalition-Vancouver
2. Anti-Capitalist Community Forum
3. Anti Poverty Committee
4. Association of Chinese Canadians for Equality and Solidarity Society
5. B.C. Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines
6. B.C Latin-American Collective
7. Bolivia Solidarity Committee
8. Bus Riders Union
9. Canadian Network for Democratic Nepal
10. Canada Palestine Association
11. Downtown Eastside Residents Association
12. Haiti Solidarity B.C
13. Grassroots Women
14. International Solidarity Movement
15. Iranian Federation of Refugees
16. Justicia for Migrant Workers
17. Mostly Water Newswire
18. No One is Illegal-Vancouver
19. Filipino Canadian Youth Alliance
20. Filipino Nurses Support Group
21. Palestine Community Centre
22. Palestine Solidarity Group
23. Palestinian Arab Women's Association
24. Philippine Women Centre
25. Seven Oaks Magazine
26. SIKLAB (Overseas Filipino Workers)
27. StopWar.ca
28. South Asian Network for Secularism and Democracy
29. South Asian Women's Alliance
30. Vancouver Status of Women
31. Voice of Palestine-Vancouver
April 22, 2006
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2006/22/c6683.html
PORT ELGIN, ON, April 22 /CNW/ - CAW president Buzz Hargrove is urging Prime Minister Stephen Harper to ensure a responsible, peaceful and immediate end to the land claim dispute in Caledonia, Ontario.
Hargrove blasted Harper for escalating the overwhelming police presence in the dispute by having large numbers of RCMP officers dispatched to Caledonia.
"These actions have only served to inflame the peaceful actions of the native community who are defending their rights to reclaim their land," Hargrove states in an April 21 letter to Harper.
"Have the governments of the day not learned anything from the many previous disputes over native land claims? Peaceful negotiations, not police harassment and intimidation, is the way to proceed," Hargrove said.
Hargrove is calling on Harper's government to:
"Historically the native community has been often discriminated against and no fair minded government should allow this shameful treatment of people to continue," Hargrove said.
Hargrove is also demanding that Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty remove the OPP presence and peacefully end the dispute immediately.
More than 800 delegates from coast to coast at CAW Council who are meeting in Port Elgin, Ontario have voted to have governments remove police and find a peaceful solution to the dispute.
For further information: contact CAW Communications director Jim Pare, (cell) (416) 723-2224
April 21, 2006
PRESS RELEASE - For immediate release
http://www.unns.bc.ca/news.htm
United Native Nations puts pressure on Feds to negotiate with Six Nations and remove OPP
(Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, April 21st, 2006) The United Native Nations in British Columbia is putting pressure on the Federal Government to negotiate with the leaders of Six Nations on a Nation-to-Nation basis to defuse the situation at Caledonia, Ontario.
“I have seen from a personal perspective (Burnt Church 2001), the violence put upon our people by the government of Canada.” Says David Dennis Vice President of United Native Nations
The land conflict issues in Six Nations Territory are parallel to those First Nations’ land conflicts in British Columbia and have not had the intervention by the Federal Government to resolve the issues, only that of the RCMP.
We call for the safety for the Six Nations women, children and families. We as Indian people will go to ANY measures to ensure their safety. We will hold this government accountable for any expenditure’s through the R.C.M.P. that results in any harm done to the people of six nations. There are over 90,000 urban Indians that reside in British Columbia. The frustration of our impoverished situations will come to a boiling point should the government act in a heavy-handed manner.
We call for peace and calm. The Federal Harper Government must consult all leadership within Six Nations prior to any further incursions.
David Dennis, Vice-President, United Native Nations
Vancouver, BC
(webpage: unns.bc.ca)
Cell: (604) 868- 4283
Tel: (604) 688-1821
Fax: (604) 688-1823
April 21, 2006
OPSEU denounces OPP raid on First Nations protest
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO: The Ontario Public Service Employees Union has denounced the Ontario government and the Ontario Provincial Police for yesterday’s pre-dawn raid on First Nations protestors at Caledonia.
The delegates attending the 31st annual OPSEU Convention passed a resolution this morning, condemning the government and the OPP for this action, and demanding the government negotiate a peaceful resolution to this dispute.
“The government and the OPP have failed to learn the lessons of Ipperwash,” said OPSEU President Leah Casselman. “Our governments must negotiate, not escalate.”
OPSEU represents about 125,000 employees of the Ontario government, Ontario’s community colleges, the LCBO, and more than 500 broader public sector employers such as hospitals, ambulance services, school boards, municipalities, social service agencies and private corporations.
-30-
For further information, OPSEU Communications:
David Cox, 416-788-9197 cell
April 20, 2006
MEDIA RELEASE
Native Women's Association of Canada
http://www.nwac-hq.org/PressReleaseApril20.pdf
No one wants another Oka
Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) President Beverley Jacobs is distressed about the brewing situation in her home community of Six Nations Grand River Territory, 90 kilometers southwest of Toronto.
“I’m really concerned that the OPP went in before there was any resolution to the negotiations. That’s my community - I live there. Our people are connected to the land and the territories there”, she states. “There are governance and land issues that need to be resolved.”
Jacobs understood that negotiations were underway and that drastic action would not be necessary.
In this morning’s early hours, OPP conducted a raid of the reclamation site of the disputed Six Nations lands. A group of Six Nations community members had reclaimed this site for the past 7 weeks, thereby preventing further development activity.
Ms. Jacobs had met with Indian & Northern Affairs Minister Jim Prentice on April 11th, 2006 and cautioned him about the increasing urgency of this situation. Prentice reassured Jacobs that the conflict was close to being resolved and that the situation was under control. He also stated that when the conflict was over, he would be prepared to meet with the Confederacy - the traditional government that has never relinquished its sovereignty.
The situation, however, continues to escalate. “We do not want another Oka and I’m scared that this is what this will turn into if the negotiations with the Confederacy end.”
The Native Women's Association of Canada is strongly in support of Minister Prentice revisiting the idea of meeting with the traditional Confederacy, who historically and presently lives by the Great Law of Peace.
Contact: Linda Kayseas - Media Coordinator
(613) 722-3033 ext. 231 Mobile: (613) 552-4249
April 13, 2006
Brothers and Sisters,
We would like to send you our deepest salutations from the heart, we know about the hard path we Indians have to walk due to the rich peoples ambitions, but our love of Mother Earth and liberty is stronger, that's why we will keep defending them even if the price to pay could be death.
We want to tell you you're not alone, and that we have sent letters, by fax and email, to your governments to demand justice for your peoples.
Our solidarity is with you.
From Indian communities of Oaxaca,
For the reconstitution and free association of the peoples
Popular Indigenous Council of Oaxaca "Ricardo Flores Magón"
CIPO-RFM
Dolores
CIPO-RFM Representative
English and Spanish versions follow.
////
Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, México, April 13th of 2006.
Sent to: Michael Bryant, Ontario Attorney General; Stephen Harper, Prime Minister; Michaelle Jean, Governor General; Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
PARLIAMENT HILL: HOUSE OF COMMONS OTTAWA, ONTARIO
Sirs,
With great shock and discontent, we learned from Six Nations Mohawk people's press releases that on March 3rd, Ontario Supreme Court gave to Henco company a legal order so the OPP could dislodge by means of force Native Mohawk people of Six nations from the land where the company plans to build 72 houses, the same projects that sits in ancestral territory, for which Natives have never in any way been consulted and which will not bring any good to the communities.
The Six Nations communities are defending their land based on Haldimand tract that was signed in 1784, which represent 9,6 kilometres on each side of Grand River from his source to its mouth. The Mohawk of Six Nations, since February 28th, have mobilized themselves to stop their Territories' illegal invasions and eviction menaces.
The Judge said in his verdict, during an audience held without Six Nations peoples even knowing, that if they didn't get out of the place by March 22nd at 2pm, they could be arrested and jailed for 30 days. On march 29th at noon, 6 boats, 3 vans and 15 polices came nearby the Mohawk camp, looking at them and taking notes. We oppose to the eviction and jail menaces they are subjected to for defending their territory. Canada must stop using repression to solution its legal disputes with Native Peoples.
We know that John and Don Henning, from Henco Industries Limited, say they have a title of property certificated by Ontario Provincial Government and which guarantees the company is the "legal landowner" of these lands, and they say "we are confined between a group of Natives and Federal Government". Canadian government has to solve the jurisdiction ant titles problem by political means, not with weapons.
In both international and Canadian Law, when negotiations are broken between the two Parties, " any person should have the access to an audience in a competent, independent and impartial Court." Since when is Ontario Court a neutral Court in a fight between Ontario and Indigenous Nations ? It is necessary to find an international mediator without any interest in the affair, or to create a meditation team that would include representatives from Native peoples and other States which are not involved in this particular case. But the mediators have to understand both colonial and indigenous Laws, such as the kaianereh'ko:wa. Canada has to find a peaceful solution to this conflict, establishing a nation-to-nation dialogue with On'kwe'hon:we people.
For all of the above and facing a possible unjustified eviction and serious Human Rights violations which could endanger the life and integrity of Mohawk people of Six Nations, we demand:
1. Henco Industries to cease immediately all construction on Six Nations ancestral territory ;
2. That the conflict get to a political and negotiated solution without Police interventions.
3. That a Nation-to Nation dialogue be established between Canada and On'kwe'hon:we nation.
4. That a resolution of the conflict should pass by a solution to the Titles and Jurisdiction problematics, and would mean for the Federal Government to take responsibility for his actions towards Six Nations, accordingly with its international law obligations.
From our countries, we will closely follow this situation Six Nations peoples have to get through.
For the reconstitution and free association of the peoples.
Popular Indigenous Council of Oaxaca "Ricardo Flores Magón"
CIPO-RFM
The Organizers Group
Dolores Villalobos Cuamatzi
Rosario Gómez Hernández
Leonardo López Sarabia
Miguel Cruz Moreno
Pedro Barrios Vásquez
Agustina Reyes Martínez
Rosario Ortega Luciano
FREEDOM TO ALL CIPO-RFM JAILED NATIVES "VIVA LA AUTONOMÍA" visit our website: www.nodo50.org/cipo Consejo Indígena Popular de Oaxaca "Ricardo Flores Magón", CIPO-RFM. Calle: Emilio Carranza 210, Sta. Lucía del Camino Oaxaca, México. tel: +(951) 51-78183 y +(951) 51-78190 mail: cipo@nodo50.org, mujercipo@hotmail.com, los_magoneros@hotmail.com
FOR DONATIONS IN THE NAME OF CIPO-RFM: Banco Nacional de México, SA. Domicilio Hidalgo # 821. col.Centro, Oax. C.P.68000, Sucursal Oaxaca, No. 120, Suit: Banamex: BNMXMXMM, Cuenta: 002610012077451770
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Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, México, 13 de Abril de 2006.
CARTA ENVIADA: Michael Bryant, Ontario Attorney General; Stephen Harper, Prime Minister; Michaelle Jean, Governor General; Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
PARLIAMENT HILL: HOUSE OF COMMONS OTTAWA, ONTARIO
Señores,
Con gran admiración y repudio nos hemos enterado por medio de las denuncias hecha por el pueblo Mohawk de Six Nations, de que el 3 de marzo, la empresa Henco obtuvo de la Suprema Corte de Ontario una "orden legal" para que la Policía Estatal de Ontario - OPP - pueda desalojar por la fuerza a los indígenas del pueblo Mohawk de Six Nations del terreno donde se pretende la implementación de un proyecto para la construcción de 72 casas de la empresa Henco Industries Limited, dicho terreno se encuentra dentro del territorio ancestral y que en ningún momento se les ha consultado y que además en nada beneficiará a las comunidades.
Las comunidades de Six Nations defienden su territorio con fundamento en el tratado de Haldimand que fue firmado en el año 1784, por lo que estas tierras hacen parte de su territorio ancestral que cubre 9.6 kilómetros de lado y lado del Río Grande (Grand River) desde su nacimiento hasta su desembocadura. El pueblo indígena Mohawk de Six Nations desde el 28 de febrero del 2006, se ha movilizado para frenar esta invasión ilegal de su Territorio obteniendo amenazas de desalojo.
El juez dijo en su sentencia, en una audiencia de la cual los miembros de la comunidad de Six Nations no tenían conocimiento; que si no se iban del lugar antes de las 2hpm del día 22 de marzo, podrían ser arrestados y quedar encarcelados durante 30 días. El 29 de marzo al medio día, 6 barcos y 3 camionetas de la OPP (Policía Estatal de Ontario) y unos 15 policías de civiles se acercaron al lugar donde se encuentran acampando los Mohawk observándolos y tomando nota de todo. Repudiamos las amenazas de desalojo y encarcelamiento que por la defensa de su territorio. Canadá debe parar el uso de represión para resolver sus disputas legales con los Pueblos Indígenas.
Sabemos que John y Don Henning, de Henco Industries Limited, argumentan que tienen un titulo de propiedad certificado por el gobierno estatal de Ontario, que garantiza que la empresa es la "dueña legal" de estas tierras y argumenta que "estamos secuestrados entre un grupo de indígenas y el gobierno federal". El gobierno de Canadá tiene que resolver el problema de jurisdicción y de los títulos, por la vía política y no con las armas.
En derecho internacional como en derecho canadiense, cuando las negociaciones se rompen entre las partes involucradas, ''toda persona debería tener acceso a una audiencia en un tribunal competente, independiente e imparcial''. ¿Desde cuando, la Corte de Ontario es un tribunal neutral en una pelea entre Ontario y la nación Indígena? Es necesario encontrar a un mediador internacional que no tiene interés en el asunto o conformar un equipo mediador, incluyendo representantes del Pueblo Indígena y de otros Estados que no están involucrados en esta pelea particular. Pero los mediadores deben entender tanto la ley colonial como la ley indigena, la Kaianereh'ko:wa. Canadá tiene que buscar una resolucion pacifica al conflicto, estableciendo un dialogo de nación a nación con el pueblo On'kwe'hon:we.
Por todo lo anterior y ante un posible desalojo injustificado y graves violaciones a los Derechos Humanos, que pueda poner en peligro la vida y la integridad de los habitantes del pueblo Mohawk de Six Nations, exigimos:
1. El cese inmediato de las construcciones realizadas por Henco Industries en el territorio ancestral de Six Nations;
2. Que se de una resolución política y negociada al conflicto y no por medio de la policía.
3. Que se establezca un dialogo de nación a nación entre Canadá y la nación On'kwe'hon:we.
4. Una resolución del conflicto debe pasar por resolver la cuestión del título y de los problemas de jurisdicción y significaría que el gobierno federal tome responsabilidad por sus acciones frente a la comunidad de Six Nations y en conformidad con sus obligaciones en materia de derecho internacional.
Seguiremos muy pendientes de este problema que enfrenta el pueblo de Six Nations, desde nuestros países.
Por la reconstitución y libre asociación de los pueblos
Consejo Indígena Popular de Oaxaca "Ricardo Flores Magón"
CIPO-RFM
La Junta Organizadora
Dolores Villalobos Cuamatzi
Rosario Gómez Hernández
Leonardo López Sarabia
Miguel Cruz Moreno
Pedro Barrios Vásquez
Agustina Reyes Martínez
Rosario Ortega Luciano
LIBERTAD A LOS/AS PRESOS/AS INDIGENAS DEL CIPO-RFM "VIVA LA AUTONOMÍA" visite nuestra pagina: www.nodo50.org/cipo Consejo Indígena Popular de Oaxaca "Ricardo Flores Magón", CIPO-RFM. Calle: Emilio Carranza 210, Sta. Lucía del Camino Oaxaca, México. tel: +(951) 51-78183 y +(951) 51-78190 mail: cipo@nodo50.org, mujercipo@hotmail.com, los_magoneros@hotmail.com
PARA DONATIVOS A NOMBRE DEL CIPO-RFM: Banco Nacional de México, SA. Domicilio Hidalgo # 821. col.Centro, Oax. C.P.68000, Sucursal Oaxaca, No. 120, Suit: Banamex: BNMXMXMM, Cuenta: 002610012077451770
To All Native People,
There are lot's of times when I have been ashamed to be white in my life and this is for sure one of those times. I live in Hagersville and have been following everything that is happening and I feel TERRIBLE that you all have to go to this extent to prove what is yours.
Since a child, I have always read up on native and black history and the "atrocities" (this word does not even cut it...) that happened to both groups by whites (or European settlers...) and it has really bothered me my whole life. I try to find answers as to how people could (and can...) be so cruel and I still can't figure it out. I try to explain the history to people around here so that they get an understanding and maybe some compassion along with it, but even now, there can be strong hatred. I don't get it at all. They say that "their" ancestors had it bad but they are not complaining and I wonder how they can compare it. Most of our ancestors had it rougher than we did but nothing compares to a whole population being taken over and being told where to go and how to do it. They say that the "natives" should get over it and that the land is not yours and there is documents to state this and so on and so on. I am wondering where these documents are that everyone seems to be so knowledgeable about. Also, if there are documents, who is to say they are legit. I mean really! Is it so HARD to imagine that our forefathers didn't... oh my gosh... "LIE" ... in order to get what they wanted. Maybe everyone needs to read up on our history a little. The settlers came over and basically did what they wanted and had not a care in the world for the natives. They also decided to separate families and send native children to residential schools, change their names, sexually abuse them and the horrors go on. Who told them that they were to play God with human life?
I get mad because the Caledonians are angry because they say they are losing out on money but are they not being compensated for this? I think if they had tried to support the cause from the get go, it may have been over now or at least there would not be these problems. I think that we are a conceited race and most do not have an ounce of empathy for what other cultures have to go through just to stay proud.
The news portrays that it is mainly the natives that are the violent ones and I keep telling people that we are only seeing what they want us to see. I can't believe that people don't see that.
I have alot to say but I could be here forever. I am just really sorry about all this and I am so sad that the world hasn't really changed much compared to when our ancestors took over your land. I really hope things work out for your people because it is your right.
Good luck and lot's of prayers,
Lesley
June 16, 2006
To: The Honorable Dalton McGuinty,
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
We are writing you today with urgent concerns about
the question of land rights for Six Nations in
Ontario.
As citizens of Ontario, we are asking you to respect
the rightful claim of the Six Nations to the territory
in question.
You have the opportunity to take a small step towards
mitigating a national crime. As everyone knows, most
Canadians are living on stolen First Nations land. The
theft is ongoing, the situation is current, and your
actions in this matter will be judged by Canadians, by
the international community and by history. Your
legacy as Premier will be defined, in part, by your
actions now.
We hope that nation to nation negotiations continue in
good faith and that your government respects the
rights of the Six Nations to this land. The
alternative is unacceptable, and voters across Ontario
- many, many of whom are in solidary with the Six
Nations - are watching.
Respectfully,
Amy Katz, Toronto
Kate Cassidy, Toronto
Jenny Katz, Toronto
Sheila Katz, Toronto
Morton Katz, Toronto
Anna Isacsson, Toronto
Claudia Araya, Toronto
June 15, 2006
Open Letter to Fellow Non-Indigenous Canadians:
As a white Canadian myself, I have just about had my fill of conversations with other white Canadians about the Six Nations action against the colonial government. Most start with this bad analogy: “If I was to set up a barricade on Wellington Road (in London), do you think the OPP would even pause a second before taking it down and hauling me off to jail?” This analogy misses entirely the substance of the situation – the historical colonial relationship between the police (and the nation-state represented by the police) and First Nations people of this land.
This confirms the incredible depth of white forgetting embedded in our culture. A friend and colleague currently writing a dissertation on white terror in Canada has recently made available to me this memorable quote by the 1920-1932 Minister of Indian Affairs Duncan Campbell Scott (speaking to a Parliamentary committee):
“ I want to get rid of the Indian problem….Our objective is to continue until there is not a single Indian in Canada that has not been absorbed into the body politic, and there is no Indian question, and no Indian Department.”
It has been well documented that the formal policy of the Canadian nation-state has resulted in the active appropriation of land in flagrant violation of 18th century treaties. The clan mothers and the people of the Six Nations are fighting this legacy. As has been repeated over and over (though not loudly enough in the mainstream media), the Six Nations are attempting to take a stand on the little bit of land that they continue to control after the systematic and illegal appropriation of 95% of the land that officially recognized as theirs under the 1784 Haldimand Proclamation (six miles each side of the Grand). The Rotinoshon'non:we (the proper governing body of Six Nations) know and remember this history while most white Canadians do not. The vacuum formed by this ignorance has become readily filled by all kinds of uninformed opinions about the "nature of Indians" (e.g., they are unruly and all they want is money). Those who regard themselves as Canadians need to take stock, to ask more penetrating questions about the violent roots of their own nation-state and (as my colleague emphasizes) about how the colonial project continues today (for example, in the granting of unceded First Nations land for development projects, such as in the case of Henco Industries).
As a member of the group of Canadians that has benefitted most from this colonizing project, I stand morally and politically in solidarity with the insistence by the Six Nations clan mothers to press for resolution of their land claims in a process that honours the status of these nations as nations. I do not condone violence as a means of social change, but I can see how this extraordinary travesty of history and cultural annihilation has sown the seed of violence in the hearts of some individuals. But we need to ask why, when the issue of violence comes up, do people focus on isolated instances of violence by natives, and rarely on the systemic history of violence enacted by the nation-state?
Respectfully,
Joan Mason-Grant, Ph.D.
Social Justice & Peace Studies
King’s University College
June 12, 2006
Dalton McGuinty, Premier
Legislative Building
Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7A 1A1
Fax: (416) 325-3745
Dear Mr. McGuinty,
I read in the newspaper today that you have called off talks with the Six Nations aboriginal protesters in Caledonia due to public safety being compromised. The Toronto Star quoted you as saying that you have just about exhausted your goodwill and patience. I found your statement to be ironic when applied towards Six Nations as historically, the goodwill of aboriginals in North America have been taken advantage of for hundreds of years.
These are people who have lost not only land, but are in the midst of losing their way of life due to the on-going corporate progress that many people feel to be mandatory. This Caledonia protest is no less significant than the protests that took place in Tiananmen Square in 1989. I urge you to find a peaceful end to these protests by cooperating with Six Nations in giving them back what they are asking for; what was theirs to being with, their land. In good conscience, anything less than that is unacceptable.
Sincerely,
Devon Grey
Welland, Ontario
June 11, 2006
COMMENTARY:
Canadian Parliamentarians assure us that Canada is still a democracy.
In 3.5 years of reading Canada's laws, I have found no laws compelling lawyers or law clerks or employees of our justice system to belong to political parties. In the same period of time, I have read multitudes of laws compelling those employed in our justice system to be completely free of even a hint of bias of any nature, including "political affiliations". In 3.5 years, I have uncovered a sad history of lawyers and law firms rushing to pay to narrowed political agendas with a repeated higher priority of dedication to higher economies than higher principles of respect for all citizens required under our laws. And then these "legal professionals" become appointed, by the political they pay to, as judges in a system of justice compelled by law to be completely impartial and accessible, and compelled to be seen to be so by the common citizen.
In the last week, Conservatives of Ontario appear in the media saying that the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Association (OPPA) is complaining that Liberals of Ontario have interfered in how police are to dress themselves in Caledonia (they claim the safety of officers has been compromised by direction to stay in normal uniform not riot gear). Then a report appears criticizing the Ontario government for not providing enough direction to police. This appears on the same day of reports that, on Friday, June 9, 2006, an American border police vehicle was surrounded by Caledonia protestors in anger. Now First Nations face charges from the police while the police instigated escalation, at least in appearance of growing intimidation by the appearance of another nation's policing agency.
No, violence is not tolerable democracy. But we send troops to Afghanistan to protect its citizens from suppressive systems. Police from a jurisdiction outside our country show up in a vehicle that would need permission to cross our borders and Canadians should not be collectively concerned? Our police are allowed to complain to politicians while common Canadians are denied voice on the injustices that surround us for decades? This follows too ominously the criticizing of a Toronto police association giving to partisans favouring the agenda of police. (What was the outcome of that Toronto fiasco? And, were partisan lawyers becoming judges instrumental in that review? And, is our OPPA a donor to political parties?)
If we allow ourselves to be ruled by those who rule on the basis of fear, we will be ruled by fear. If we allow ourselves to be ruled by those who are morally and legally corrupt, we will be ruled by the corrupted.
For 200 years, the governments of Canada set aside written and spoken contractual agreements with First Nations. Our Federal government still denies culpability. Since 1948, the governments of Canada ignored written agreements, given international status, proclaiming the equivalency of person, in daily living and in treatment by the laws of Canada. Strengthened in 1982 by Canada's own Charter of Rights and Freedoms and laws emanating from it, these promises have instead deteriorated to the benefit of lawyers and elected lawyers and to the detriment of the common citizen. Our Federal and provincial politicians deny culpability. Meanwhile, the credibility of our justice system declines daily.
If Canadians were collectively as responsible and as concerned about democratic freedoms as they claim to be, they would explore the sad history I summarize in pdf files at www.nwconx.net/donmac/ . And, they would collectively learn why I will not be silenced like a Jew in Warsaw in the short years of worldly war just before Canada signed the 1948 UN Declaration of Human Rights and Freedoms, re-affirmed by Canada in 1998. Nor should the legitimate concerns of First Nations be suppressed by police from within our borders. And, when our police appear at a site, with national consequences, with "policing friends" from another jurisdiction, we need to challenge our police and politicians.
If Canadians were collectively responsible, then they would walk down to Caledonia and link arms with First Nations to demand that 200 years of twisted words by politicians and political "legal professionals" end and that the suppression and alienation of First Nations end. OR, they would go into the closest office of any First Nation in their province to assure them that they will collectively stand together with First Nations against 200 years of injustice. And they would read on to understand why I will go on a hunger strike if I do not see the unbiased and accessible justice, that was promised all Canadians, materialize. Go to www.nwconx.net/donmac/ to understand why.
The foundation of democracy is critical upon two basic elements: First, an elected executive granted powers only to create laws that meet the promises set in the constitution (our Charter); Second, a completely impartial system of justice, accessible to all citizens of that nation, which rules on whether the rights of any citizen have been violated OR whether any newly created law set by the "elected executive" violates the promises of the constitution or any pre-existing or international agreement.
Read the speech by Peter Eigen of Transparency International, posted at www.nwconx.net/donmac/. Then ask yourself why an organization from Germany stresses the importance of completely independent and impartial systems of justice. Review the commentary of our newest Prime Minister (PM) and his and former Prime Minister Chretien's histories of criticizing the biassing of Canada's system of justice. Then ask yourself why Mr. Harper finds it more important to set mediocre and only token changes to our democracy, of set election dates and feeble Senate reform. Then ask yourself why the issue of "marriage and gays" becomes more important to Parliamentary debate than our PM appearing at Caledonia or making judicial reforms to remove the partisan influencing that has permeated our justice system.
Demand investigation of the impartiality of our police and all employed in our justice system, a system we were promised was to be completely free of any hint of bias of any nature, including political paying.
Unlike the Jews in Warsaw, I will not be submissive in the face of injustice. And, I have only discovered the violation and extent of corruption of our justice system for 3.5 years. First Nations have personally experienced this corruption for 200 years. Instead of burying our heads in fear of the tenuous nature of our own positions, we need to get informed about the sad history of this nation in the repetitive twisting of our laws and written or spoken legal agreements for all citizens, violated by those who infiltrate our justice systems with their partisan biases. Then, if we speak only among ourselves about our complaints and the injustices we see or are told about surrounding us, we need to remember the lessons that led to a 1948 declaration that Canada re-affirmed in 1998.
Ask yourselves why humanity continues to act like sheep when we need to be braying like stubborn donkeys when surrounded by wolves in sheep's clothing.
Don MacAlpine
Nipigon, Ontario
June 10, 2006
This missive serves as a spiritual conduit to those in The Six Nations who are holding our country to account with their actions and support of same in caledonia, i am almost embarrassed that you needed to do this in order to have these issues dealt with fairly by our countries representatives. Being involved in THE REDHILL PROTEST has given much insight to the status quos handling of these sensitive issues, and that is why i am behind, beside all the SIX NATIONS people
skano
michael hampson
redhill firekeeper
Thursday, May 25, 2006
MEDIA RELEASE
Despite being ranked highly on the U.N. Human Development Index, Canada has a poor international reputation in terms of its treatment of Aboriginal people. The United Nations Human Rights Commission in 1999 found Canada in breach of its obligations to Indigenous people under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and urged that ‘decisive and urgent action be taken toward the full implementation’ of the recommendations on land and resource allocation of Canada’s own Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. The 2004 Report on his Mission to Canada by the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Indigenous people made a similar case and provided 25 specific recommendations, including on the issues of land and resources and protection of human rights.
The conflict surrounding the Henco development at Douglas Creek is an example of a case where legitimate historical land claims have not been adequately addressed.
The Haldimand Proclamation of October 25, 1784 granted to the Six Nations Confederacy six miles of land on each side of the Grand River, from its headwaters to the mouth on Lake Erie. That legacy has shrunk to a small percentage of its original size in the intervening period. Six Nations lands today comprise less than 4.8% of that which was promised in the Haldimand Deed of 1784 (reduced from approximately 950,000 acres to approximately 45,000 acres today). The Six Nations Confederacy has actively sought over a long period, and with little success, to recover its lands. Since 1974, 29 claims have been filed by Six Nations, only one of which has been fully resolved, in 1980. The Hamilton-Port Dover Plank Road claim, which includes Douglas Creek, was filed in June 1987, long before the current conflict. More recently, with regard to the Henco development at Douglas Creek, several months before the blockade first started Six Nations people and supporters organized a public information session at Douglas Creek to draw attention to the fact that the development was taking place on land over which Six Nations claimed ownership.
Writing in the context of colonial Africa as late as the early 1930s, the French Minister of the Colonies, Albert Sarraut, asked rhetorically: “Should we out of the dictates of an ideal law leave in the hands of the natives resources which would in our hands lead to our prosperity and theirs? The answer is obvious.” In reality, in such situations, the prosperity arising from the negation of native ownership of land and resources has not been shared. Issues of land ownership are rife wherever the native and settler populations continue to co-exist today. Given the importance of land to a people striving for its cultural, spiritual and economic existence, given the differing concepts of property ownership at issue, and given the unequal power relationship between indigenous people and dominant Canadian society, it is not surprising that this conflict over land ownership has arisen. The opening up of areas of north Haldimand and Brant counties surrounding Six Nations to development and the destruction of farmland resulting from recent provincial land use policy has contributed to creating conditions of conflict.
We hope that civic leaders will speak out against any occurrence of bigotry, especially given the long period of peaceful cohabitation between Six Nations and Caledonia residents. While the root causes of the conflict must be addressed, we applaud the recent demonstrations of good will and good sense by those in the Caledonia community who have joined those in the Six Nations to de-escalate the confrontation. We also applaud the federal and provincial governments for agreeing to negotiate with the Confederacy Chiefs and Clan Mothers, the form of government outlined in the Great Law of Peace and in place with the Haudenausaunee people since before contact with European colonizers. This Confederacy was brutally repressed by the federal government when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police invaded Six Nations territory in 1924. We urge that this good will be nourished and supported by everyone in Canada concerned for justice, and we make the following recommendations:
RECOMMENDATIONS
Signatories (all from McMaster University):
Dr. Daniel Coleman, English and Cultural Studies
Dr. Wil Coleman, Political Science and Institute on Globalization
Dr. Harnish Jain, School of Business
Dr. Graeme MacQueen, Religious Studies
Dr. Joanna Santa Barbara, Peace Studies
Dr. George Sorger, Biology
Dr. Mark Vorobej, Peace Studies and Philosophy
Dr. Gary Warner, French
Dr. Don Wells, Labour Studies and Political Science
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Dear Neighbors and fellow Canadians,
My name is Roland Groenheiden, I moved to Canada about 7 years ago from the Netherlands; I am a landed immigrant ever since, I enjoy living in Ancaster. I applied for Canadian citizenship this last December. I'm 39 years old and work in the residential heating and cooling business (operating my own business).
This last March I finally took notice of the "land reclaim situation@ the Douglas Creek sight". It soon became apparent that these claims were most legit. Many, if not all politicians on TV' agreed that these claims were legit for shore. This justifies the reclaim actions that are going on @ the Douglas creek sight to date.
Then I saw this "Hewitt guy" on TV planning a rally. I then new there was trouble!
The rally was not televised and apparently "Hewitt" got wet feet (according to my friends on sight).
His message did not get across as it did at the 6-"O'clock news. The resold was total panic because as usual there is no information to the people. Caledonian citizens were more scared than they were ever before as they had no clue what this was all about.
I then wrote to my sisters in "The Netherlands" that I could not believe that still today one person could turn a village into an angry mob, like "Hitler" turned the German population in "hating the Jews" as they did. I also told them that it was all based on the lack of information going out to them, therefore creating total fear due to lack of knowledge.
Lack of knowledge is = Ignorance . and therefore becomes
TOTAL FEAR!
From there on "our fine youth" . drunk and possibly stoned, acted on their fears to become ignorant and totally misbehaving ever since. This Victoria day it was their parents turn to misbehave and miss-represent the Caledonia citizens on average.
So. How do I feel:
All throughout, the "Native Children and parents" have been extremely correct.
Correct in their behavior and being. More important so correct in their cause!
This is the first time in my life that I end up having admiration for my human kind.
Your behavior throughout these 83 days, have been most inspiring.
Opening the Argyle blockade today, has thought me to turn the other cheek, as your children already know how to do. ! After yesterday's events, you did not have to open the blockade, . jet you did!
Today I called my Mother (in the Netherlands), not just to tell her that I love her (as usual), but also to tell her I hear, respect and positively will implement her knowledge. Today's action was part of "The Clan Mothers", . this is what my Mother would have done, . my admiration and respect to all of them!
I supported my Native neighbors then, . but now I do owe them total respect!
All I can do, .. call me, I'm only one man but I'm there for you !!
R. Groenheiden
Ancaster, ON
May 24, 2006
Greetings,
your song is being heard here in the Pacific and it is the song of a people hurting. The sighing is one of "what might have been" and not one of "what should be" therefore it is a song that all the peoples of the land have heard also and are still singing to this day.
Grow strong in the knowledge that we are hurting all over the world and that if we can come together (even if this is the only way for now) then we will all stand as one.
For it is also true that the blood of the first nations people are the same that flows through the Maori. If we are one with our environment then it makes sense that that we are all one as people.
Kia Kaha, Kia maia, Kia manawanui
(be strong, be brave, be stout-hearted)
Ropata
May 24, 2006
Dear Six Nations and Supporters:
I support the Six Nations fully and admire their courage to make a stand. Too many Canadians are cowards who complain and do nothing. First Nations have been getting screwed over for hundreds of years. What many "white" Canadians don't understand is that it is STILL HAPPENING.
I am mostly Caucasian; however, My great great Grandmother was First Nation from Manitoba. The following generations erased her existence and I know nothing about her; not even what Nation she was from. I do what I can to promote education and understanding of First Nations culture among my friends and family. I try to show people that there is another side other than what we are taught in school, and told by the government and media. Sometimes, because I am "white", other white people seem to be more receptive to changing their opinions.
I truly believe that the manner in which First Nations were forced and tricked into signing away their land and rights makes the treaties VOID. I have supported and will continue to support all First Nations in their fight to reclaim land and dignity. While I am not personally aware of the issues facing the Six Nations specifically; all across Canada, First Nations have been cheated, murdered, and denied basic Human Rights that we, Canadians, claim to be so proud of.
Thank you.
Laurie M. Lee
Cambridge Bay, Nunavut Territory
lauriemlee@gmail.com
May 22, 2006
Hello everyone
I know you do not know me, nor do I know any of you. But I have been watching the news, reading your news, and have been to your website. I felt compelled to send you all a message. I am not anyone special, just an average Canadian. Your story touches me greatly and for the first time in my life I find myself reaching out to total strangers to send you a message of encouragement. And so it goes like this......
I believe in your hereditary lands.
I believe it is your legacy.
I believe in your stand.
Keep firm in your beliefs,
Stand tall in your convictions
Keep faith in your hearts.
We live in a busy world,
but people are stropping
.........to listen
and they now also... are beginning to believe.
Please continue to work towards gaining what is rightfully yours.
my sincere best wishes
Susan white
May 22, 2006
Hello,
I would like to offer words of support for the cause currently taking place in Caledonia and all other places.
Although I am not "Native", I am Canadian by birth and I am incensed at the lack of Government support and the ignorance of the common people.
These lands were exclusively "owned" and/or lived upon by the aboriginals for centuries before the Europeans invaded, bringing many things, including plagues of various forms.
It amazes me that in a new millenium, the "whites" still consider themselves superior in all things. Even so called minorities have no thought that there were indeed peoples on this "great" land before any of us were.
I would say the Government and developers should be ashamed of themselves, especially when they have turned a blind eye to any treaties signed by Government past or present with the Aborginals. And still the Government keeps poverty of the Aboriginals at an all time high by offering no support - BUT they give our hard earned tax dollars to other countries??? This just doesn't make sense.
Rather than letting anyone provoke any of the Six Nations people into violence, I would suggest forcing the developers and the Government pay the Six Nations for the land they want to develop, unless of course this land is ancient burial ground, in which case the land simply shouldn't be developed.
In short, I am only one, I'm sure in voiceless thousands that feels your anger and if I can offer nothing else, it's words of encouragement to stand strong and steadfast for your beliefs.
If I could stand with you I would, for although I am not Aboriginal I firmly support the causes of all you for the continued injustice done unto your peoples.
Keep the faith!
Don't let anyone gode you into violence - it is simply a ploy to make your cause look ridiculous.
Best wishes!
Melody Summers
May 22, 2006
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
prayers of healing and resolution come to you from your Native British friends.
MotherHerne
May 16, 2006
May I take this opportunity to express my ongoing solidarity with the Six Nations people in their campaign at Caledonia.
I've just returned to Scotland from Ontario and have been learning of the police brutality and harassment taking place at the site.
Predictably, as your weblinks confirm, the mainstream media have maintained a pro-government/police slant on the issue. In this regard, I commend your efforts to convey the truth and legitimacy of your actions via website and other networks.
I was also greatly moved by the account given by Nahnda ('The Caledonia Peace Rally') in the recent edition of Mayday Magazine, recounting the "racial obscenities" of an "Oh Canada", flag-waving mob and their intimidating taunts to the First Nations protestors. One can only praise your dignity and restraint here, a perseverence which will, I'm sure, enhance your case to the wider world.
The online Canadian activist Joe Emesberger has helpfully drawn attention to the situation on the Media Lens website and to ZNet articles and other links. I shall, of course, endeavour to spread the word wherever I can.
May I wish you well in your campaign at Caledonia and in the wider struggle for social justice.
John Hilley
May 6, 2006
To the Six Nations people:
I heard of your struggle today. I am a college student from Connecticut, US.
It used to be hard to feel empathy or compassion for others, as I used to
not feel connected to the world around me. I don't feel that way any more.
When I opened my eyes, I began to understand that there is such heartache in
the world, and so much pain as well as joy. And there are so many groups of
people whose hearts have become heavy, and feeling powerless to stop it. I
know this, because I feel it. And I want everyone involved with to know that
the world hurts and cries their tears with them, as do I. I'm doing
everything I know how to ensure a future of compassion, understanding and
peace for the future generations so they don't have to endure hardships such
as these. I hope you take heart in knowing all the support that is around
you.
-Renee Davis
May 5, 2006
Boojoo,
First and foremost I must say that many Nations stand not behind you but alongside you and the 6 Nations community.
Many supporters here in Winnipeg, Manitoba desperately want to come out and support the effort but because of other responsibilities we must support you by writing letters to the MP's, Government Officials, Human rights organizations, and encourage our youth to get involved as it may be them that will have to carry the torch if Canada fails to listen.
We support you and send our prayers to you all, Megwetch.
Running Black Wolf
AKA Tim Henderson SFN
"If a man loses anything and goes back and looks carefully for it, he will find it" - Sitting Bull
May 5, 2006
Premier McGuinty, Prime Minister Harper, Minister of Indian Affairs Jim Prentice, Governor General Michaëlle Jean,
Thank you for ensuring a peaceful, respectful and lasting negotiated settlement to this land dispute on 6 Nation's land in Caledonia.
We hope this signals a move towards a larger, more comprehensive deal with the people of 6 Nations regarding greater sovereignity over more of their traditional territories.
In the meantime, would you please reply as to why a simple moritorium on all development in question is not immediately put in place to enable the blockade to come down and everyone to go back to their lives right away until a negotiated settlement is reached?
And, as the majority of interested citizens, media, etc. seem to prefer, why not simply buy back the sacred land in question from the developers and return it to the people of 6 Nations, therebye settling the dispute quickly and cleanly and satisfactorily for all?
Please reply soon to our simple queries, and even more quickly resolve this sad affair judiciously.
Thank you for your time, concern and efforts.
Sincerely,
Ira Rabinovitch & Melanie Robitaille
Toronto
May 3, 2006
We would like Six Nations to know that they are not alone, that out there somewhere Alaska Natives as well as the Native Community of New York City are in Solidarity with Six Nations. We will be honored to stand with them by flying their flag and issue on our sites.
As a Alaska Native activist, we too fought for Sovereignty, Subsistence Rights as well as the Landless Tlingits and Haidas and lost all three issues. We continue the struggle on the internet, leaving tracks for next six generations of Alaska Natives Activist to follow. For the Tlingits we plan for the next six generations.
In New York City, the Native Community and friends are in support with Six Nations and will do their best to keep Six Nations issue alive in the media capital of America.
Don't lose hope.
In Solidarity,
Jesse Cooday (Tlingit Nation)
Web Designer for both sites
Tlingit National Anthem, Alaska Natives and Native American online
http://cooday8.tripod.com/alaska.htm
Native American Support Group of New York City
http://graywolf94.tripod.com/
We have Six Nations Issue on main pages of both sites as well as issue pages.
April 30, 2006
Onipa'a, malama ka 'aina! (Stand firm, care for the land)
And a brief message from Koa Mana and Aha Kukaniloko of Wai'anae Moku on O'ahu in Hawai'i (lineal descendants and Kukaniloko families (and friends) of the Waianae section of O'ahu) -
We hear you and we stand with you. Our respective inheritences and kuleana (responsibilities) are the same - aloha 'aina (love for the land) and aloha na kupuna (love/respect for the ancestors) for whom we hold our lands and culture in trust for the generations yet to be born. We are proud of the work you're doing, and although we're far away across the continent and half an ocean, we stand with you in heart and spirit.
Ua mau ka ea o ka 'aina i ka pono (the life of the land is preserved in righteousness)
Alika Poe Silva
Glen Kila
Tom Lenchenko
(via Martha)
April 24, 2006
Kia ora koutou
Ko Tokatoka te maunga, |
Tokatoka is the mountain |
We are a Maori family residing in the Kulin Nations (Victoria, Melbourne, Australia) and would love to give our whole hearted support to our brothers and sisters of the Six Nations, standing proud and asserting their ancestral rights to determine your lives from the basis of your lands and cultures.
GO HARD OUR LOVE AND SPIRITS ARE WITH YOU ALL.
It doesn't matter where in the world indigenous people are , our experience at the dispossession of colonialism binds us. As First peoples we need the control and ownership of our lands, forests , fisheries and foreshore to sustain our culture and our peoples both economically and spiritually, how else can we honour our ancestor's and our ways if we don't have land.
Your repossession has given our family much strenght and encouragement and for my children in particular it is a powerful message of the strenght of culture and the Resistance to racism & genocide that all indigenous peoples fight against, it is our breath as indigenous peoples to,
Honour the spirit, Love the Land, Respect Nature, Resist Oppression, Value Tradition, and Claim our Rights.
We would be happy to demonstrate in solidarity outside the Canadian Consulate in Melbourne if thats ok with you.
In solidarity
Brown-Davis Whanau (family)
John, Sina, Keith, Mere & Arwen
Caulfield North
Melbourne
Victoria
Australia
April 20, 2006
I am writing to express our displeasure and opposition to the police invasion of Six Nations Territory.
It is our understanding that Haldimand Tract has never been surrendered to the Crown, and was formally recognized by the Crown as Six Nations Territory in the 1784 Haldimand Deed. This land belongs to the Six Nations people who have an inherent right to occupy the land, and prevent development on it.
The police invasion into Six Nations Territory and assault of the people camped there is an example of a continuing racist policy of theft, oppression and colonization that continues to plague Canada and sully our reputation in the international community.
Such profoundly racist, hostile and violent action cannot be tolerated in a country that purports to support diversity, democracy, liberty, and respect.
In view of the above, it is necessary for you to immediately remove the police from Haldimand Tract, and cease any further harassment of the Six Nations people. Further, it is necessary for the federal and provincial governments to formally recognize the Haldimand Tract as Six Nations land, and to ensure that measures are taken to prevent and punish any further tresspass upon that land.
Ros
April 20th, 2006
Dear Premier Dalton Guinty,
I am writing to you, sir, to urge you to cease the ongoing Ontario Provincial Police attack on the Six Nations blockade in the Haldimand Tract. This repressive OPP action is being undertaken in support of a crude theft of Six Nation lands by Henco Industries Ltd.
The Crown formally recognized the Six Nations’ ownership of the Haldimand Tract in the 1784 Haldimand Deed. The Six Nations have clearly expressed and organized their opposition to the Henco Industries’ construction project. I support this Six Nations’ assertion as part of their inherent freedoms as native peoples of the land.
You were elected on a platform that promised an open inquiry into the Ipperwash battle and the police shooting of Dudley George. You fulfilled that promise, yet have chosen to unleash a repressive response to the Six Nations assertion against corporate land snatching.
This hypocritical stance of investigating your predecessor’s crimes while embarking upon a new campaign of colonial aggression is not mitigated by your government’s lame claim that it has no jurisdiction over OPP actions. Is not Attorney-General Michael Bryant a member of your cabinet? Does your government not have the legislative means to compel an end to the corporate land grab that has provoked this situation?
Is it not also true that, while you claimed in the House that negotiations were continuing, they had in fact been broken off? The separation of powers that you claim give you no control over OPP actions appears to work in coercive complement while allowing your government to wash its hands of responsibility for state repression. I note with irony that this is precisely the same excuse that ex-premier Harris has given in the Ipperwash Inquiry.
Even if there was any truth to your claim that you have no control over OPP activities, that does not free you from the responsibility in this situation. You are, after all, the preeminent political official in Ontario and will be rightly attributed the blame for any violence carried out against Six Nations—this is happening on your watch, sir!
You do have an opportunity to rectify this disgraceful state of affairs:
By taking up these courses of action, sir, you will make a contribution to the advancement of just reconciliation in this country. To continue as you have is to confirm that you are dedicated to continuing longstanding Canadian practices of colonial aggression.
Sincerely disgusted on the Westcoast,
Gabe Haythornthwaite
Stop the Repression! Hands off Native Lands!
April 20, 2006
Jim Prentice
Federal Minister of Indian Affairs
Dear Jim Prentice,
Apparently OPP forces moved in on a camp on the Haldimand Tract before 5 AM this morning, using tear gas and pepper spray against the people in the camp.
These people are trying to prevent further destruction and theft of unceded First Nations land. It is of vital importance that all levels of government abide by federal and international law, not only so we will prevent violence but also because it is the right thing to do. The current Six Nations reserve occupies less than 5% of the land which the Crown promised to the Six Nations in 1784. The people who are trying to protect the land from development by a firm named "Henco Industries" should be respected for caring and taking a stand. We must not use the police or the military to trample their rights.
Will you work to bring an end to police action against the defenders of unceded lands? Will you work towards a peaceful, negotiated settlement of this conflict? I hope that you, as the federal Minister of Indian Affairs, will act on behalf of the many Canadians who want us to stop the disregard for First Nations and their rights that has been our policy for generations.
Thank you for any action you take to uphold our laws and to treat the people at the camp respectfully.
Sincerely,
Jan Slakov
Salt Spring Island, BC
From: willowtree@mts.net
Open Letter to the Gov of Canada, regarding Six Nations Territory Dispute
Respectfully,
In light of how Canada seems to be intent on allowing/inciting a violent confrontation with the Six Nations, to address this Federal-Jurisdiction matter in Caledonia, I thought I might share some thoughts which I hope will be considered and used towards Canada's acceptance of their role in the Nation-to-Nation relationship with the Haudenosaunee, rather than see violence occur by Canada criminally ignoring their responsibilites, and acting as a group of boneless thugs that believes itself superior to it's own people, the Original People's of this land, the Law of the land, and its very own Canadian Law.)
To proceed with violence, aside from the tragedy of such an act, will permanantely shed the image that this country is peaceful, a Nation capable of taking a leading role in the world by first taking care of it's own affairs, in an honourable manner. I say that because the Original Peoples of this land are actively maintaining Peaceful relations with the Government of Canada, as per our original agreements - which also required we mutually benefit one another, never initiate violent altercations between our Nations, never interfere with what's not our business.
We are upholding our end, and all that is being asked here is for Canada to do the same, which will result in Justice for the Hauenosaunee and clarification for all of us that Canada is indeed a model, peaceful Nation. To use violence to 'resolve' this - well, you will be acting against legally-binding International agreements, and the integrity of Canada itself.
Secondly, I must point out that, contrary to statements made in the media: this is about Law, Jurisdiction, People, and Our Responsibilities.
As pointed out in the "OBJECTION TO INVASION OF KAIANEREH'KO:WA TERRITORY BY THE FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND ONTARIO, THEIR CORPORATE ENTITIES TO ARREST ROTINOSHON'NON:WE FOR DEFENDING THE LAND KNOWN AS THE "HALDIMAND TRACT" the relationship and role of Canada to the Indigenous People of this Land is irrefutuable. All situations between Canada and the Original peoples of this Land is solely and exclusively a Federal Matter. The role of Provinces, is to assist and serve the Original Peoples of this Land on behalf of the Federal Government. Furthermore, as all corporations in Canada are subject to the Law of Canada, no corporation can directly effect the lives (or the land) of the Original Peoples on this Land without Canada getting Our approval.
The Original Peoples of this land have never forfeited their title, Sovereignty, or role as a Nation of Nations on this Land. To ignore this criminally negligent.
Third, in relation to the current Ipperwash inquiry (and related historical international altercations betwen Canada and the Original Peoples) -- Canada is in fact validating what will become the eventual conclusion in the Ipperwash Inquiry, which will, in time, lead to a number of standards and practices contrary to current and historical Canadian Governmental policies towards Indigenous People. Most certainly this will benefit all of us, and these changes will happen regardless of what happens in Caledonia, but it will go a long way for Canada to accept their role and obligations here. Especially considering, in reference to the article written in the Hamilton Spectator called "Nobody wants another Ipperwash," the fact is, Ipperwash is not what will reoccur here. OKA's what will be repeated.
I'm certain all Canadians in Caledonia and surrounding areas would hate to see OKA happen near their homes - to see Elderly Women, Pregnant Women, Children, and Great Grandfathers being stoned while the Police stand by because it's "too risky" --- to see a Woman who's about to give birth be terrorized and violated by Men wanting to look between her legs to make sure she's not hiding anything...
The People of Caledonia, and indeed all Canadians would rather see their government act with integrity, honour, and to resolve this peacefully. I know for certain the Rotinshon'non:we (Women Title Holders) want to resolve this Peacefully. So do all the protesters supporting them, the United Nations, and everyone around the world watching and waiting to see if Canada has learned anything from history, and if Steven Harper has what it takes to be a Prime Minister, or if he's just going to mimic the unremarkable and hypocritical legacies of Paul Martin, Jean Chretien, and Brian Mulroney.
Respectfully,
John Schertow
Click here for link included in letter
Last updated: Thursday, July 13, 2006 7:10 AM
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