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Keith Beardsley

Partner, True North Public Affairs (Ottawa)

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The Idle No More Movement Is More of a Stand-Still

Posted: 01/02/2013 12:12 pm
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As we enter the new year, it is time for Chief Spence and Prime Minister Harper to pause and reflect about their on-going standoff. Both sides need to feel that they have won and both sides need to find a way to declare victory. Only then can the two sides proceed to the next step which should be fresh dialogue and agreed to solutions for key First Nations issues.

Some victories are won on the battlefield, some in the hearts and minds of politicians and voters. There is no doubt that Chief Spence has succeeded well beyond any expectations of her when she first started her individual protest. Canadians normally tune out from political issues during the Christmas holiday season, yet Spence kept aboriginal issues front and centre and she managed to do it peacefully garnering positive press coverage from coast to coast. That is a singular achievement few First Nations leaders have been able to achieve and her solitary protest reminds me of Elijah Harper sitting in the Manitoba Legislature defying the political establishment of his day. Clearly Chief Spence on behalf of the First Nations has won the propaganda war. The government's tired talking point that the Prime Minister met last year with First Nations leaders is pretty weak and it's no match for media coverage of the chief's determination and hunger strike.

Chief Spence has succeeded in galvanizing First Nations communities, activists and youth to take action. Her efforts have helped the "Idle No More" movement which started in Saskatchewan, to take root and grow into a national movement. The movement will not go away any time soon and it is something both the present and future Canadian governments, as well as the First Nations leadership will have to deal with. There is more than enough here for Chief Spence to declare victory.

The Prime Minister also needs a face-saving victory. No national government regardless of its political stripe can be seen to give into a protest for the precedent it will set. He too, needs a way out. Victory for Harper will be one where he can say he did not give in to the protest.

Harper needs to reach out beyond his inner circle, cabinet and departmental advisors. Their advice is stale and hasn't worked so far. This is an opportunity for Harper to put aside past partisan political issues and pick up the phone and call former prime minister Joe Clark, who met with Chief Spence last week. I was on Clark's staff when he worked the back channels to help resolve another First Nations issue, he knows this file. As a former prime minister with a Conservative pedigree, he has the respect of many First Nations leaders, he also knows the issues and any advice he would offer the present Prime Minister would be nonpartisan and worth listening to. Having already met with Chief Spence, he also understands her position.

Harper also needs the help of National Chief Shawn Atleo. He needs Atleo's advice and his expertise to find a face-saving solution. It shouldn't be one that ends with some grand declaration, but a quiet agreement to work with Harper and First Nations communities over the next few months to reopen the dialogue that is needed to allow both sides to work together.

Atleo and the Assembly of First Nations need a solution almost as badly as Harper and Spence. Atleo, along with some elders and chiefs that Chief Spence holds in high regard, has to be able to convey a solution to her and then work with Spence to look at positive ways to end her hunger strike.

Solutions exist, but both sides have to show flexibility, they also need a win-win situation. Both sides want to improve living conditions for First Nations, both sides also want increased opportunities for First Nations, especially for the youth. Who then will be the first to offer a hand in friendship this time and allow the dialogue to begin?

Loading Slideshow...

  • A native dancer looks on during an 'Idle No More' gathering on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday, Jan. 28, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

  • Native dancers rally during an 'Idle No More' gathering on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday, Jan. 28, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

  • Idle No More Mall Protest

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/LJ_Henshell"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/630755180/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/LJ_Henshell">LJ Henshell</a>:<br />A First Nations Drummer plays during a protest at Intercity Shopping Center in Thunder Bay, Ontario

  • It's about the future

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/LJ_Henshell"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/630755180/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/LJ_Henshell">LJ Henshell</a>:<br />A child protests in Thunder Bay, Ontario

  • United we stand

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Doug_Cleverley"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/805699678/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Doug_Cleverley">Doug Cleverley</a>:<br />At the #IdleNoMore rally in Owen Sound (Saugeen Ojibway Nation territory), during a spontaneous round dance at the main downtown intersection.

  • Killer Whale Dance

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Courtney_Harrop"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/twitter_profile_img/4441016.png" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Courtney_Harrop">Courtney Harrop</a>:<br />Idle No More actions, Coast Salish Territories, Powell River, BC

  • Idle No More #J11

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Courtney_Harrop"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/twitter_profile_img/4441016.png" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Courtney_Harrop">Courtney Harrop</a>:<br />Coast Salish Territories, Powell River, BC

  • Idle No More #J11 March

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Courtney_Harrop"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/twitter_profile_img/4441016.png" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Courtney_Harrop">Courtney Harrop</a>:<br />Coast Salish Territories, Powell River, BC

  • Tla'Amin Prayer Song #J11 Idle No More

    Tla'Amin Prayer song on #J11 2013 Idle No More, Coast Salish Territories, Powell River BC

  • Tla'Amin Killer Whale Dance, #J11 #IdleNoMore

    Tla'Amin Killer Whale Dance, #J11 #IdleNoMore, Coast Salish Territories, Powell River, BC

  • C45 affects all Canadians! Join the fight.

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Eleanor_Kure"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/840875359/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Eleanor_Kure">Eleanor Kure</a>:<br />At the Idle No More protest in Halifax Nova Scotia. with an eco-justice article in pocket, spreading the word that Bill C45 affects every Canadian, not only First Nations. Thank you FN, for beginning this movement.

  • Piyesiw Awasis

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/mizzren"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/twitter_profile_img/3183681.png" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/mizzren">mizzren</a>:<br />Thunderchild First Nation @ Lloydminster Flash Mob. January 16, 2013

  • <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/01/16/idle-no-more-queen-elizabeth-2-highway-blockade-alberta_n_2490009.html">Idle No More supporters jump onto a truck</a> as they are pushed by a driver trying to pass, as the protesters block Highway 2 as part of a planned national day of action, in Edmonton, Alberta on Wedneday January 16, 2013.

  • Aboriginal protesters march down Huron Church Road towards the Ambassador bridge in Windsor Ontario, Wednesday, January 16, 2013. About 1000 demonstrators disrupted traffic to the country's busiest border crossing for several hours.

  • Aboriginal protestors pray at the end of their blockade of a CN railroad track just west of Portage La Prairie, Man., on Wednesday, January 16, 2016. They ended their protest without incident.

  • Aboriginal protesters demonstrate at the base of the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor Ontario, Wednesday, January 16, 2013. About 1000 demonstrators disrupted traffic to the country's busiest border crossing for several hours.

  • Idle No More demonstrators block a CN east-west track just west of Portage La Prairie, Manitoba Wednesday, January 16, 2016.

  • Mississaugas of the New Credit support INM

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Vicki_King_Jamieson"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/750500023/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Vicki_King_Jamieson">Vicki King Jamieson</a>:<br />New Credit Youth supporting INM

  • Montreal Idle No More

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Caillum"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Caillum">Caillum</a>:<br />Thousands of people, both Native and Canadian, show their support at an Idle No More protest in Montreal on January 11th, 2013.

  • #Denendeh #J11 #IdleNoMore #YZF #NWT Yellowknife "Northwest Territories"

    Video of the Global Day of Action rally in downtown Somba K’e (Yellowknife)on the Akaitcho territory of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation in Denendeh (Northwest Territories).

  • #IdleNoMore March and Round Dance in Yellowknife Denendeh NWT

    "Today (Friday, December 21, 2012) in Denendeh and across the globe, we made an impact, a statement for true justice to be brought forward and acknowledged. But it will not stop, for the 8th fire has been lit and will only grow. Mahsi for all who showed up and united, we felt the support....we felt the fire!! And there's more to come in the new year." On Facebook By Lawrence Nayally, Melaw Nakehk'o and Eugene Boulanger https://www.facebook.com/events/112403725595655/

  • Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence, wearing a headdress, takes part in a drum ceremony before departing a Ottawa hotel to attend a ceremonial meeting at Rideau Hall with Gov. Gen. David Johnston in Ottawa, Friday January 11, 2013.

  • Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence, centre, departs a Ottawa hotel to attend a ceremonial meeting at Rideau Hall with Gov. Gen. David Johnston in Ottawa, Friday January 11, 2013.

  • Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets with First Nations leaders in Ottawa on January 11, 2013.

  • Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets with First Nations leaders in Ottawa on January 11, 2013.

  • Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence makes a brief statement on Victoria Island near Parliament Hill Friday January 11, 2013 in Ottawa. Spence is speaking out for the first time about how her reserve spends government money, saying most of what flows to her isolated James Bay reserve actually gets spent outside the community.

  • Aboriginal Chiefs stand at the main gate to Parliament Hill during a protest Friday January 11, 2013 in Ottawa.

  • Idle No More protesters listen to speakers during a rally on Parliament Hill Friday January 11, 2013 in Ottawa.

  • Gordie Odjig of Wikwemikong stands at the west gate to the Langevin Block during the aboriginal meeting in Ottawa on Friday, January 11, 2013.

  • Idle No More at UBC Vancouver

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Randall_Gray"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/100001602753648/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Randall_Gray">Randall Gray</a>:<br />

  • Idle No More at UBC Vancouver

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Randall_Gray"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/100001602753648/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Randall_Gray">Randall Gray</a>:<br />

  • Los Angeles Rally In Solidarity with First nations

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/hp_blogger_Melinda Gopher"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/contributors/melinda-gopher/headshot.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/hp_blogger_Melinda Gopher">HuffPost Blogger Melinda Gopher</a>:<br />Brock Conway, Blackfeet activist, with Saulteaux Actor Adam Beach and companion. Photo: Morning Star Gopher

  • Native protesters march up Wellington Street in Ottawa on Friday, January 11, 2013.

  • Four-year-old Phoenix Sky Cottrelle,from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, holds a sign as aboriginal protestors gather on Victoria Island before they march to Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, January 11, 2013.

  • Aboriginal protestors hold signs as they march from Victoria Island to Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, January 11, 2013.

  • Gordie Odjig, an aboriginal protestor from Wikwemikong, shouts as he marches from Victoria Island to Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, January 11, 2013.

  • Woman's Voices

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Courtney_Harrop"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/twitter_profile_img/4441016.png" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Courtney_Harrop">Courtney Harrop</a>:<br />Idle No More event Dec 30th,2012. Tla'Amin Nation Coast Salish Territories Powell River, British Columbia.

  • Idle No More Edmonton

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/AUPELOCAL6CHAIR"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/twitter_profile_img/4411530.png" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/AUPELOCAL6CHAIR">AUPELOCAL6CHAIR</a>:<br />Planned overnight and what a turn out!

  • IdleNoMore March, Dauphin, Mb

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Phyllis_Racette"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/1354341984/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Phyllis_Racette">Phyllis Racette</a>:<br />#IdleNoMOre Dauphin, Mb

  • Chicago Idle No More @ the Canadian Consulate

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Jolene_Aleck"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/644015258/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Jolene_Aleck">Jolene Aleck</a>:<br />Chicago's Idle No More 1.5.2012 rally @ the Canadian Consulate

  • VancouverC Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • A man waves a flags as aboriginal protesters and supporters in the Idle No More movement block the Blue Water Bridge border crossing to the United States in Sarnia, Ont. on Saturday, January 5, 2013.

  • VancouverA Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • VancouverB Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • VancouverD Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • VancouverH Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC, January 2, 2013.

  • VancouverF Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • VancouverE Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • VancouverG Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • Flag Planting

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/seawaytoday"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/seawaytoday">seawaytoday</a>:<br />Akwesasne Idle No More att Cornwall, ON

  • Dec 21st 2012 Idle No More Ottawa: Berdine

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Gail_Chicky_Gallagher"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/535670179/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Gail_Chicky_Gallagher">Gail Chicky Gallagher</a>:<br />

 

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As we enter the new year, it is time for Chief Spence and Prime Minister Harper to pause and reflect about their on-going standoff. Both sides need to feel that they have won and both sides need to fi...
As we enter the new year, it is time for Chief Spence and Prime Minister Harper to pause and reflect about their on-going standoff. Both sides need to feel that they have won and both sides need to fi...
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
SadieMae23
343 Fans
 
12:40 PM on 01/06/2013
So a shill for big business, former Con operative, and former employee of the PMO would like us to believe that everything is all better now and First Nations treaty rights and concerns have all been addressed?
How on Earth is anyone supposed to take this Frum operated little Canadian ghetto version of the HuffPo seriously if we don't at least get to find out about the sordid past of a writer like this and full disclosure as to his vested interest in pushing the Harper agenda?
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TT Esty1
Failure is a temporary condition.
146 Fans
08:37 PM on 01/05/2013
Isn't it strange that you, and, for that matter, many others think that Harper's need to save face is more paramount than addressing the concern of a First Nation chief. When a citizen of this country rises to address the governments performance does the government listen or does it begin to employ evasive tactics? Can a government ignore the voice of the people and still claim to represent them.

If Harper believed that Chief Spence's position was without virtue, he should have addressed the issues. If Harper believed that Chief Spence's position was legitimate, he should have addressed the issues. By absenting himself from the debate, Harper showed a lack of leadership, and, more importantly, an ignorance of his place in the scheme of things when it comes to democracy and government 'of the people'.

A great fire always starts with a little kindling.
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J T B
23 Fans
04:40 PM on 01/03/2013
Mr. Harper should definitely NOT respond to this. What Ms. Spence is doing is totally irresponsible. What kind of an example is she setting? How many children and adolescents are now going to threaten suicide to get what they want? How many will succeed? No, this is not leadership. This is IMO, totally unethical and almost criminally negligent. The adult and appropriate thing to do when one party to a contract is breaking that contract is to go to court. In this case, take it to the Supreme Court. If treaties are being broken, the Supreme Court is the remedy. Threatening suicide is absolutely WRONG and will only validate thousands of vulnerable children to do the same.
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NorthernObservations
151 Fans
04:38 PM on 01/03/2013
There really could not be a worse figurehead than Spence. She heads a band of 1800 people and has more people on her band council than the city of Winnipeg with a few hundred thousand residents has on its city council. She is also the recipient of millions and millions coming in from De Beers. The whole band should be driving new Cadillac Escalades and have big new homes, big screen TVs and high speed internet not just those closest to the chief and her councilors.

"De Beers is investing $1-billion in the Victor mine near Attawapiskat. It agreed to pay the band about $30-million over the 12-year life span of the mine. A further $325-million in contracts has been funnelled through companies owned by the band, to supply catering, helicopters, dynamite and the like. One wonders how Attawapiskat Resources Inc. has only made profits of $100,000 on that level of revenue," One most certainly does. Tribal govt is "trickle down economics" at it's worst.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Harry Nuggets
Just keep on keepin' on..
228 Fans
04:36 PM on 01/03/2013
I am worried about all this, I will be very suprised if Harper responds. As we have seen with the PCO and the PMO Harper is about consolidating power this is a challenge to that manner of thinking which suggests power should be diffused throughout "society". To the hard right this is sacrilege.
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Liz Wilson 2
“a small group can change the world
347 Fans
04:27 PM on 01/03/2013
Atleo is speaking like a leader he is saying come to the table it is time for both sides to address the issue.

He is not saying one side
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
DidiM
Human 'being'
159 Fans
 
02:59 PM on 01/03/2013
What 'our politicians' have forgotten is - they are hired to REPRESENT our wishes - our needs - OUR VOICES, and NOT their individual wishes or 'power plays'. No segment of a population - should ever have to go to the extreme of 'feeling FORCED to form a protest or hunger strike', in order to be heard, by the very people we PAY to PROTECT our rights, freedoms and/or 'Honor' AGREEMENTS made on behalf of the citizenry. Ms. Spence 'represents' the frustration and decades long growing 'contempt' we all have for the 'Boys On The Hill's' - ALL MP'S - FROM ALL PARTY'S - appalling unprofessional and incompetent behavior 'they've forced upon too many for far, far too long.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
ProgressiveCDN
A Progressive Moderate
324 Fans
 
01:46 PM on 01/03/2013
This idea that victory is "not giving in" is quite sad, really.. I really don't see the political harm in talking with Chief Spence. At least not at first, or during the Christmas time would have been an oppurtune time for a photo-op. Now it might like disingenuous, but I doubt it would be politically damaging. The narrative I've seen coming from the Media is that Harper has done all he can and just needs to articulate himself better to First Nations. This could not be more false and completely contradictory to the facts. It's clear the media is only covering this story because it's huge online, and it's also clear they're acting as a mouth-piece for the PMO.
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ELBROZO
67 Fans
01:13 PM on 01/03/2013
This movement could get bigger by the day.
Every day,more and more people are becoming aware and joining the idle no more protests.
Maybe this actually WILL become the uprising of canadians against mr>Harper and his omnibus policies that we all hate him for.Let's hope anyway.
I believe that now,it is time for all protesters to communicate and ON THE SAME DAY hold your protest somewhere.If a masse protest is held people will become more aware and more people will side with us and as it grows,we could actually get this government thrown out of office.
Does he deserve that?? Your damn tootin he does. He has dumped on everything that was canadian in his attempt to change our way of even THINKING for God sake.
He wants Canada to become whatever the hell he thinks it should be.
What that may be is hard to determine other than for what his egotistic actions have shown us.
If Ms Spence does die,I fear that Harper will need that 'FENCE AROUND PARLIAMENT AND SUSSEX DRIVE." Mr. Harper,I believe this is more that a mere warning for you.TALK WITH HER!!!!!
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
DidiM
Human 'being'
159 Fans
 
03:06 PM on 01/03/2013
I agree with most of your post - but would like to add the FACT that ALL our DO NOTHING Political Parties are to blame for the MESS they've turned our country into. And ALL of them should be held ACCOUNTABLE. But I do get what you're saying and yes, yes, yes given Harper represents (or is supposed to) our voices - you bet he should and must - meet with Ms. Spence and do so with GREAT RESPECT and apologize on 'Our behalf' for the shameful behavior our politicians have exhibited to date.
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ELBROZO
67 Fans
12:57 PM on 01/03/2013
There are many good suggestions made here for Harper to come out as at least,respectable.
I wonder just what it is that Flannigan is advising him to do.
Why not vist Ms Spence,show a little humility and get rid of the vanity aspect.
Throw in a tear or two and admit you have been listening to the wrong advise. Tell her how sorry you are that you did not realise this sooner.
There must be someone he can throw under the bus and save face with??
Cmon Mr Harper,bring your wife and kids along and show them what a great leader should do??
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Liz Wilson 2
“a small group can change the world
347 Fans
04:33 PM on 01/03/2013
It would probably do a world of good if Laureen went with Nazanin Afshin-Jam to see Chief Spence. Naxanin has a reputation as someone who fights for human rights and Harper`s long term strategy to break the treaty agreements is a human rights issue.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
wellreadandresearched
Other than frustrated, I don't know what I am
321 Fans
 
11:46 AM on 01/03/2013
There is absolutely no way for Harper to come out looking good in this matter. He has painted himself into a corner with no exit but to meet with Chief Spence.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
maple matters
Nimi Icinohabi
76 Fans
12:48 PM on 01/03/2013
He looks darn good at ignoring the cheap blackmail so far. The national chiefs will soon tell Spence to fold up her tent and go home.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
DebbyM
202 Fans
05:16 PM on 01/03/2013
I hope you never have an issue that you feel so strongly about that you are willing to lay your life down for it. If you do, then we can know that it is ultra serious. On the other hand, given your remarks here, it will be very easy to ignore you and turn back the channel to hockey or maybe Entertainment Tonight or maybe even re-runs of Big Bang Theory or even just shut the tv off.
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HUFFPOST BLOGGER
Ike Awgu
57 Fans
02:09 PM on 01/03/2013
And that's what its about after all, isn't it - Stephen Harper.
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HUFFPOST COMMUNITY MODERATOR
canobserv
723 Fans
07:44 AM on 01/04/2013
perhaps it is his policies?.....his decisions?....his governing practices.and an omnibus bill that takes us back to the 1940's environmentally?...................I wonder if Harper is so narcissistic to think it's all about "him"?
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Greg Renouf
10 Fans
03:38 AM on 01/03/2013
The Sarnia blockade was run in the background by Occupy Toronto anarchists. There's a lot more to the story than it looks like on the surface- this was most probably an action to destabilize the band council:

http://www.genuinewitty.com/2013/01/03/idlenomore-the-soros-anarchists-behind-the-scene-at-the-sarnia-rail-blockade/
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Swing Left
Artist, Socialist and Cynic.
246 Fans
10:53 AM on 01/03/2013
Occupy is not an Anarchist organization, they welcome people from all ranks, there are even card carrying members of the Republicans and Conservative party in it. Your article makes many assumptions and tries to label two members as ringleaders and manipulators which they were not.
Idle no More is an Aboriginal based extension of the feelings behind Occupy. People from all backgrounds are mad and that won't just go away.
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HUFFPOST COMMUNITY MODERATOR
canobserv
723 Fans
07:48 AM on 01/04/2013
anarchists.....radicals....."those people"....extreamist........fanatic
.........you DO realize what other "governments" used these words in the past for citizens that disagreed with the State..........don't you???
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
techhie
28 Fans
01:55 AM on 01/03/2013
It would appear the campaign has moved on. The emphasis now is on how the "First Nations" will safeguard, single handedly, the natural wealth of the whole country. I assume that translates roughly as leave it in the ground, or don't disturb anything, unless we get our cut!
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wetcoastm
Free Speech As Dictated By Our Sponsors
277 Fans
10:53 AM on 01/03/2013
And why shouldn't they get their cut? I find it amazing how people call first nations greedy when you look at what the government is trying to do on their land and the evil of the history of the government and first nations.
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Whitey McWhite
85 Fans
11:36 AM on 01/03/2013
I would agree the issue comes down to what that cut exactly is. Even if they got a cut on everything it still doesn't avoid the issue that there is no opportunity in many northern communities.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
DebbyM
202 Fans
05:21 PM on 01/03/2013
We (white Canada) signed over specific lands to the First Nations bands. We signed it, they signed it. They were given those lands in perpetuity to make up for the fact that we were curtailing their natural movements and living on the land that they'd been in forever. Seems to me that they should have a share in the products of the land that we gave them. Or are we so greedy that we don't want to share.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
techhie
28 Fans
01:32 PM on 01/04/2013
I agree completely with you. I was referring to the tactic of adopting a broader platform in order to promote your own, narrower interests.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Hal Wood
35 Fans
08:18 PM on 01/02/2013
I guess Indians must be waging a war by trying to outdo each other in the vague department. It is useless to talk to Chiefs with all the corruption and nepotism that they lead on the reserves. New rules will be put in place that will help the reserve people not those already bloated by Canadian taxpayer money.
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Shaun L
55 Fans
11:25 AM on 01/03/2013
There is no more corruption on the reserves than in the Harper regime. In fact I would trust Chief Spence with our country more than Harper or any of his HarperCons!
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
maple matters
Nimi Icinohabi
76 Fans
12:54 PM on 01/03/2013
There is more corruption on reserves than in any other part of Canadian society and there has been since before Harper was even born. Natives don't trust their local government any more than they trust Harper or any other white politician. Time for natives to deal with local issues that affect their people daily rather than preening for the media cameras and blaming outsiders.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Hal Wood
35 Fans
07:02 PM on 01/03/2013
I know you hate Harper . Why would you want someone like her in charge, unless you're an Indian. Corruption is alright as long as you get a piece of it?
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BCarruth
54 Fans
06:18 PM on 01/02/2013
Long on strategy, light on policy. The author gives sound advice regarding consultation and public perception, but public perception is a tool, not an end unto itself. Re-reading this article, it's almost as if the author hasn't considered (or did, and dismissed) the possibility that the different "sides" in this issue actually want something beyond a trending hashtag. Where policy is mentioned (last paragraph, in passing), it's with the assumption that everyone wants like policy in pursuit of like ends. Said assumptions are as fatuous as the caricatures each extreme paints of their opposition.
These issues are too important to surrender to the blast and bluster of name-calling or histrionics, not despite, but because of, how dire the picture looks.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
DidiM
Human 'being'
159 Fans
 
03:24 PM on 01/03/2013
Fav'd & Fanned :):) !!
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
YankinCanada
Two opposing idealogues walk into a liberal bar...
769 Fans
 
05:17 PM on 01/03/2013
Ditto to you both!!
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