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The Week in Review: What to Make of Theresa Spence's No-Show?

Posted: 01/13/2013 12:00 am
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This week Prime Minister Stephen Harper granted Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence's wish and met with First Nations Chiefs. But while the gathering was long requested, the details -- no Governor General in attendance and Harper's own working office as a venue -- apparently didn't meet everyone's standard. The still-hunger-striking Spence was one of many chiefs who chose to boycott the three-hour talks. So what to make of a leader who's willing to forego solid food for weeks to further her goal of meeting with the nation's leadership -- but who doesn't consider a conversation with merely the PM good enough? Apparently she's not an incrementalist. On the negative side, Spence's stubbornness has fanned the flames of cynicism about First Nations leadership -- and the release of the findings of the Attawapiskat audit certainly didn't help. On the positive, there's no denying that Spence's strike -- be it activism borne of desperation or pure publicity stunt -- has combined with the Idle No More movement to force the nation into a difficult conversation that's long overdue.

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  • 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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This week Prime Minister Stephen Harper granted Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence's wish and met with First Nations Chiefs. But while the gathering was long requested, the details -- no Governor Gener...
This week Prime Minister Stephen Harper granted Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence's wish and met with First Nations Chiefs. But while the gathering was long requested, the details -- no Governor Gener...
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Sandy Garossino

Sandy Garossino: Idle No More: First Nations Governance Coded To Fail

The Deloitte & Touche audit of Attawapiskat is a textbook outcome of the fatal weakness in Canada's current model of First Nations governance, which is coded to fail. There could be hundreds of Attawapiskats. Does anyone know what the average First Nations chief's level of training and management experience is? Or the average training and experience of band councillors? How many building inspectors live within 50 miles of Attawapiskat? How about CAs, CGAs or project managers capable of supervising and maintaining records on multiple construction sites?

 
 
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Raplhklein
80 Fans
12:18 AM on 01/18/2013
Well she's on a "hunger strike" where you seem to gain weight. Clearly the hunger strike thing is a complete fraud, like the idle movement. She may hold out for 20 years on her "hunger strike" and die a natural death caused by obesity.
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kiddub
152 Fans
10:54 AM on 01/14/2013
We live in an incremental system. Moreover, I don't trust her to be able to negotiate a new treaty in a short period of time, given her bungling of her new found media status.
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ami2much
53 Fans
09:17 AM on 01/14/2013
This is like a native soap opera
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erosamorae
1 Fans
05:41 PM on 01/13/2013
chief spence and band council should be charged with failing to provide the nececities of life,this dog and pony show has gone on long enough.I am all for getting rid of that terrible legislation called the indian act,but not by putting at risk all regular indians(those that do not work for the chief, band or council).Put in property rights,end the heireditary chiefs hold on power,and cronyism.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
lb65423541
22 Fans
12:40 PM on 01/14/2013
Exactly, we send our military abroad to fight for democracy, yet we allow this situation within our own borders.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
lb65423541
22 Fans
03:12 PM on 01/14/2013
Ms. Spence is an abuser and her people need to be rescued
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CPmike
33 Fans
05:12 PM on 01/13/2013
There is a lot perversity here. There is no way Spence is truely on a hunger stike, she is plain too lively with too much retined weight. There is the way she spent money on the reserve. There are pictures of her in a video equiped Hummer. There are reports that seem probable she is spending a good deal of time staying at a hotel rather in her "TeePee" There is the millions receieved from deBeers that is held in trust but has things like $200 thousands for "elder benefit" There are the stocks held by the tribe that include the Bush and Cheney connected Haliburton and mining stocks who are no friend of the envoronmentalists.

Her 15 minutes of fame need to be up and some criminal investigation needs to be done.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Whistlejackett
Hey stop doing that
971 Fans
 
03:57 PM on 01/13/2013
People need to understand FN and their relationship with the GG. People seem to think that FN people always have to comply with governmental wishes. Time to understand this is their country and they call the shots. Good for Spence.
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kiddub
152 Fans
10:57 AM on 01/14/2013
It's not just their country. The treaty clearly states that it is both of our countries. FN need to work with our governments institutions, just as we need to do a better job of respecting theirs.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Zozzer
Dum Spiro Spero - While I breath, I hope.
26 Fans
01:04 PM on 01/23/2013
The FN have done very well for a conquered people. Spence has put back the reputation of the FN cause several years, and before launching into a "shame on you" campaign against the Canadian Government, she should have made sure her own house was in order. As it wasn't many of those who may have agreed with her have been distracted from the central message.

Under Adrian Clarkson the GG's office worked very closely with FN people, but that was her choice, not a responsibility of the office. Johnson has no real authority to make political decisions and it shows Spence's ignorance of the position to insist on his presence. Yes on paper the GG rules absolutely, but they don't exercise that power. The rationale that they want discussion on acts signed into law in the 1700's is borderline ridiculous. I applaud Johnson for staying clear of this mess.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Whistlejackett
Hey stop doing that
971 Fans
 
05:55 PM on 01/23/2013
You are looking at the issue from one perspective.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Dennis Schmunk
3831 Fans
02:40 PM on 01/13/2013
Spence was a no show because she is out of her depth in handling the logistics and minutae of negotiations and lacks the confidence of informed leadership.

Playing a victim doesn't require a degree in civil engineering, accounting or education. Which poses the question as to why aren't her tribal members pushed to get the skills required to administer the community? It's not as if educational grants aren't there and it's not as if Indian affairs interventions aren't resented enough to warrant self governance.

Hearing Spence speak, one gets the impression that she is in a time warp that evokes the 1950s not the smart and savvy and obviously educated Native Canadian that approaches negotiations on resource control and environmental issues in British Columbia with constructive criticism backed by field studies.

The dichotomy that Atleo represents on one hand and Spence on the other is the poles of influence between the the forward looking and the static problem in my view. Atleo represents the future while Spence is a hold over from the impoverished and dependent past.
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Lou Jack
136 Fans
04:35 PM on 01/13/2013
Construction criticism as well as contemptuous... can often serve the same good purpose.
I understand the above well. What is also needed - is proper understanding from non-Natives.

Now - Natives must do something about any inefficient Leader who cannot deliver well without dipping his or her fingers into monies which should go towards building a good Housing Community.

We today, in no way value less Chief T. Spence's genuine protest.
We honor and respect her efforts.

A few million dollars are NOT enough to fix her or other ... problems!
However - We want Chief Spence and her Conjoint to STEP ASIDE forthwith, once a decent promise is in place to fix her Band's Problems. She has not the capacity to carry out her tasks well.

Dear Goodness - What is so wrong with asking able Retired decent White Canadians to help -
Free of charge? Who is today Asking the News Media to help in this regard?

I say Whites - because they will be most heard... WHERE ARE THE VOLUNTEERS?
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Dennis Schmunk
3831 Fans
07:30 PM on 01/13/2013
Where are the volunteers? Can't speak for others but driver volunteering at meals on wheels and helping the local food bank in my community takes up a lot of my time and that's without the time currently being spent to build bus stop benches (free of charge) for our seniors. I find volunteers just like I discover neighbors.....by taking them out for coffee and getting to know them.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Lou Jack
136 Fans
11:17 PM on 01/13/2013
I meant Constructive criticism.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Warren Yuill
Jesus Built My Hot-Rod
209 Fans
04:44 PM on 01/13/2013
Great comment.
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AcunningDisguise
magnus gigas caput
241 Fans
01:01 PM on 01/13/2013
When Harper games a meeting by excluding key members such as the GG and the resources minister, you can't point fingers.

I would have told Harper to take a hike too! Come to a meeting willing to work or don't show at all.
Photo op and blocking maneuver is all that this was.
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CPmike
33 Fans
05:17 PM on 01/13/2013
Unfortunately tou have no idea how Canada is governed. The GG's powers are simply ceremonial for the most part. He could not commit the government to anything.
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rick divers
3 Fans
06:53 PM on 01/14/2013
Actually, the GG has a very important consitutional role in this country as "guardian of constitutional freedoms". If the government violates the constitution (say, by passing legislation that breaks treaties protected by section 35 of the constitution), the GG has every right to intervene... just an fyi.
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MyTake
Release the Hydrogen Economy now!
406 Fans
12:57 PM on 01/13/2013
--but who doesn't consider a conversation with merely the PM good enough--

It wasn't a conversation with the PM as the PM had an array of officials seated on his left and right -- that is power and that is intimidation.

If the PM wanted a conversation, he would have cleared them out and manned-up to the native people that were present with a conversation.

Trudeau failed.
The Royal Commission failed.
Mulroney failed.
Martin failed.

And Harper failed.

Now that it has been revealed that a Oil Cartel lobby wrote a letter to Harper months before his bill that made fundamental changes to the following acts -- this was an assault not only on Canadian democracy but an assault on the First Nations people at-large.

- National Energy Board Act.
- Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
- Fisheries Act.
- Navigable Waters Protection Act.
- Species at Risk Act.
- Migratory Birds Convention Act.

The Oil Cartel law firms wrote the precise changes to these acts and Harper implemented them word-for-word.

Not only is democracy broken for the First Nations people, it is also broken for Canadians as the government operates in secrecy, is controlled by a powerful organization in NY and is sheltered by the Corporate media.

This meeting with the PM was a Kon job!
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skinned
25 Fans
02:25 PM on 01/13/2013
I really have a hard time believing Atleo or Coon Come were intimidated in the slightest.
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Jagmanvdp
11 Fans
11:23 AM on 01/13/2013
Torontosaurus..........would that include the Grand River land, which was sold back to the Crown in 1841... With the proceeds if the sale going to First Nations....but then 100 years later, yhe First Nations turns around and claims they never sold it, just leased it and, now that there is development on the land, they will take it back thank you very much....

This is what one is dealing with....grant them the land...buy it back and then you are told you never bought iit...just leased it....

Oh...the lawyers shall be rich.......
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
agsterino
Less stuff . . . more meaning
183 Fans
02:31 PM on 01/13/2013
It is amazing to me how manipulative some of the leaders are because their own mismanagement has caused such problems with their people. Was it on purpose that the youth was not encouraged to be educated? If there is no understanding of finance, economics, progressive planning, investment etc. the problems will only multiply the problems.

Corruption happens when the victims are ignorant ( meaning lack of knowledge ) either by choice or lack of opportunity. There is no reason for lack of opportunity for knowledge and the youth need to start taking more control by obtaining the power of knowledge.
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Robert C Lawson
justice & human rights for all
45 Fans
10:54 AM on 01/13/2013
well, at least we are having conversations on this topic, that is important, ..She just took herself! out of the loop, and that may be a good thing for those who take these topics seriously,..There is far more at stake than any one person,or that one is a native or non native,,It is our country, the IDEA! of Canada, that is on the line here,..mere words are no longer enough, Canadians are not "stupid", they see what is and has been going on,They also see who! is usurping this for gains/deflecting attentions etc,The national chief seems to be? an MWB[man with brain],..and he wont play,,smart that!,..Ask the questions?, and pay particular attention to the answers,, all is most definitly not what it seems with this,,think,"victim pool"?.. who needs such a thing? why do they need it?,how does that work?,what are the reactions when it is exposed for a fact?,..a very clever play, but one we have seen too many times already,, We! aint buying it,, not this time,, so be it.
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oldfolks
43 Fans
09:59 AM on 01/13/2013
I have commented before and so far have see not much to change my mind . The situation on the reserves , and in general the whole " aboriginal " question is atrocious at the very least . There needs to be a whole new realtionship developed between the governemnts in Canada and the native peoples . It does not take a rocket scientist to realize that things cannot go on in the way that they are .

That said , I believe that any new relationship must begin with a realization that we live in the 21st century and the relationship has to be based upon this century's imperatives . The aboriginal peoples are not the sole custodians of the resources of this country , and sovereignty is the purvue of all Canadians , not just aboignal ones.. That the repect for the agreements signed by the British crown and subsequent arrangements made with the governments of Canada must reflect the fact that Canada is a much different country than it was at the time of Confederation , and for that matter , when the Constitution was patriated . This country cannot continue to live in the past , with al due respect for history .

Chief Spence has called more attention to the plight of her band , but one wonders if her actions are also self serving .
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agsterino
Less stuff . . . more meaning
183 Fans
02:41 PM on 01/13/2013
There are many many conservation groups that have been operating for years and years, Suzuki being one, and many Canadians have been volunteering time and giving money to these causes for years and years. To say the FN people are the only stewards of the environment is insulting to those of us who have been involved for years.

We have been rallying against Harper and the scientific shutdowns and loss of environment protection for years, even before this latest shutdown. However, we are not asking for money for compensation .... We want the laws and controls back on to protect the environment!

Not all Canadians Have been idle for the last 20 years about the environment, ask Elizabeth May.
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Jeffrey from AB
47 Fans
10:23 AM on 01/14/2013
Its the economy silly, by the way how many seats does this green machine hold in Ottawa?
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deebeck7765
166 Fans
04:56 PM on 01/13/2013
Thanks for the thoughtful opinion.
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Torontosaurous
79 Fans
09:02 AM on 01/13/2013
Imagine if we appologized and gave the native population what we had promised them when they helped us win the was of 1812.Perhaps it's time to act like the "civilized people "we have always pretended to be.
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Surfinby
28 Fans
02:43 PM on 01/13/2013
Real history is even more fascinating that made up history. It is nice to believe things but it is better to learn what really happened. Who took slaves, who had indentured servants, which churches demanded the other religions be eliminated, who stole what, who murdered who, who plundered what and why, who abided by or broke treaties, who even agreed that somebody signing a treaty represented more than his village. It is really eye opening. You can't believe 10% of what people say but when you read their own words and reports it shows you a world you never knew existed. Present day Canada has such a rich history but it is mainly lost to us. Immigrants study it more than we do.
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agsterino
Less stuff . . . more meaning
183 Fans
02:57 PM on 01/13/2013
There is the rub. Land was shared as was civilization. It was also thousands of years of innovation, experimentation, industrialization that contributed to Canada entering a new century. Just the invention of steel, wheels, guns, plastic , medicine, horses, equipment and money invested to build created this country. The pioneers lived an extremely hard life and worked from sun up to sun down. Immigrants slaved and died in mines, on railroads, in factories ... Everyone brought something to the table in exchange for land.

For anyone wanting to live in a preindustrial lifestyle, fill your boots. There are lots of places available to live without the modern conveniences derived from thousands of years of civilization.
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