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It's Time to Stand Together and Share This Land

Posted: 01/10/2013 12:42 pm
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The resistance to Idle No More has been fierce this week. The backlash consisted of an accountant's report combined with articles by prominent voices like Jeffrey Simpson and Christie Blatchford criticizing First Nations as the source of the current problems. This sparked a deluge of online comments that demonstrate, in frightening ways, how much Canadians still have to learn about the relationship between First Nations and our government.

What's so scary about this backlash and division is that it's exactly what powerful interests want. This is how promises get broken with no accountability: those in power are able to confuse the issue of who actually broke promises, and hide the fact that they bear ultimate responsibility for the bad situation. By selling you a story about problems with accountability within First Nations communities, those who are truly in power in this country are misleading you about whose accountability really matters. It's the accountability of our elected leaders in parliament and powerful corporate interests that matters now, as we're making crucial decisions about how to use land. Understanding and focusing on their actions is what will impact our well-being. Will we use our land to benefit all of us in a lasting way -- or will we simply drive more resources to the select few who are in power?

Broken promises about the way we'll use our resources are at the root of Idle No More. Canadians should be particularly sensitive to further broken promises. Though you've likely been paying into employment insurance and pension plans, the promise that these things would be reliable and available is being broken. Over one-fifth of workers in need in this country who pay into employment insurance haven't been able to claim benefits from the current government. And if you were born after 1958, you'll no longer have access to full retirement benefits when you're 65 -- now you'll wait, in most cases 'til you're 67, despite the fact that government has the money to pay for your pension. Waiting two extra years for benefits will be very difficult for some, like low-wage people doing manual labour...now imagine waiting 200 years for the benefits your people were promised.

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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 />


Treaties were another kind of promise: a contract to be honoured. Just as you weren't promised a pension and employment insurance only if you have a particular kind of mayor -- one who uses the right accounting system, and pays herself a certain salary -- aboriginal people were promised proper means to support themselves from the settler government, regardless. In cases where treaties were signed, First Nations gave up control over their land (under extreme conditions of starvation) in exchange for certain rights. These promises were almost immediately broken; instead, First Nations lands subsidized the system that allowed for things like pensions and employment benefits, and First Nations never received a fair share.

Why are promises to share resources being broken with increasingly reckless disregard for all of our wellbeing? A few people have more money than they know what to do with, while the vast majority worry about how they'll find and keep work, how they'll send their children to school or care for their aging parents, how they'll be able to retire. Why is this happening? Powerful CEOs and bankers want two things: cheap and easy access to land (especially on First Nations territory); and workers with few other options. Divisions between people are allowing this to happen. Instead of standing together and demanding that promises be kept, that contracts be honoured, and that our economy be fair and provide the security that our natural resource wealth is more than capable of providing, we're being cleverly divided -- and stupidly falling for it.

Fortunately, we've started reclaiming the story of Idle No More, and our country. First Nations all across Canada, and visible leaders like Wab Kinew and Pamela Palmater are showing that Christie Blatchford is dead wrong when she questions whether enough of Aboriginal culture has survived for First Nations to constitute "nations" at all. Indigenous people have preserved the truth about broken promises for centuries, and used new technologies like social media to create a special moment. Even critics of First Nations protest like Thomas Flanagan have acknowledged that Indigenous people are using Facebook and twitter remarkably effectively to create a unique national uprising. When national cultures have been so remarkably resilient and dynamic, we should be impressed by their resolve, not skeptical of their existence.

We must offer support by sharing their perspectives, and remembering that some truths are simple: we have to share this land together in a fair way that reflects a real understanding of its history. Threatening the health of that land in a rush to make wealthy corporations wealthier -- as the Conservatives' new omnibus legislation does -- is the wrong approach. The real way forward is to learn how to use land so that it benefits our grandchildren, and their grandchildren in turn. Doing this in a "modern economy" is not easy -- we need help, and First Nations leadership, to figure it out.

This is the true story, the one that we should share. You help create a new system where promises are kept and truth is told every time you share this story -- you use social media to take back power. But that isn't enough. This Friday, a global day of action provides an opportunity for us all to stand together. Actions on the ground help demonstrate the truth of the story that we're telling online and in-person, and give us a special chance to learn more about these complex issues. If you're still uncertain and hesitant about the real story of Idle No More, that's all the more reason for you to come out -- your curiosity could be the first step to a better life for everyone.

 
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The resistance to Idle No More has been fierce this week. The backlash consisted of an accountant's report combined with articles by prominent voices like Jeffrey Simpson and Christie Blatchford criti...
The resistance to Idle No More has been fierce this week. The backlash consisted of an accountant's report combined with articles by prominent voices like Jeffrey Simpson and Christie Blatchford criti...
 
 
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Donna Meness
www.findmaisyandshannon.com
224 Fans
02:04 PM on 03/11/2013
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/aboriginal-heritage/020016-1000-e.html


Introducti­­on
The Resources: An Aboriginal Perspectiv­­e
By Frank Meness
This essay provides a brief overview of the historic Red and Black Series and Indian Treaties, Surrenders and Agreements­­. It highlights­­, from an Aboriginal perspectiv­­e, their importance to contempora­­ry historians and researcher­­s.
Red and Black Series
Treaties, Surrenders and Agreements
Importance of the Historical Record
Accessibil­­ity and Efficiency
Research Applicatio­­ns
Permalink  |
Donna Meness
www.findmaisyandshannon.com
224 Fans
02:01 PM on 03/11/2013
Thunder Bay Environmental Film Festival

Thunder Bay, Ontario’s Environmental Film Festival opens on March 20th at 7pm and runs until March 24th.


It is a free festival that is run by the Thunder Bay Environmental Film Network or EFN. EFN is a volunteer organisation and will be screening films based on environmental and social issues along with an Opening Night Gala, post-film screening discussions and guest speakers.

Donations are encouraged and volunteers are welcomed.


http://www.tbefilmf.wordpress.com/
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pipetester
2 Fans
08:48 PM on 01/14/2013
Why is it that if you disagree with this cause you are instantly painted as a racist? There are agreements in place, legal agreements. If the natives are unhappy and believe they are not getting what is legally theirs, GO TO COURT!!! The supreme court is certainly not above activism themselves. But, DON'T PISS OFF the very people you are alledgedly looking to for support.
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Donna Meness
www.findmaisyandshannon.com
224 Fans
12:52 PM on 01/13/2013
http://www.tolerance.cz/courses/papers/hutchin.htm

&

http://www.td.com/document/PDF/economics/special/sg0612_aboriginal_myth.pdf

&


http://www.law.northwestern.edu/journals/jihr/v10/n2/2/index.html

&

www.observatorio.cl/.../files/.../globalization_and_indigenous_people
Permalink  |
Donna Meness
www.findmaisyandshannon.com
224 Fans
10:57 AM on 01/13/2013
Yay...Reilly Yeo..thanks for trying!


4) Challenge anti-Native and imperialist remarks when you hear them. Don’t wait for a Native person to do it for you. There is no such thing as a neutral stance on racism, colonialism or genocide.

5) Join with Native groups in protesting on key issues, such as land claims, self-government, poverty, or murdered and missing women."

http://postcolonialnetworks.com/2011/04/22/looking-for-the-lost
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Donna Meness
www.findmaisyandshannon.com
224 Fans
10:43 AM on 01/13/2013
There is a prevailing myth that Canada's more than 600 First Nations and native communities live off of money -- subsidies -- from the Canadian government. This myth, though it is loudly proclaimed and widely believed, is remarkable for its boldness; widely accessible, verifiable facts show that the opposite is true.

Indigenous people have been subsidizing Canada for a very long time.

http://www.mediacoop.ca/blog/dru/15493
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Donna Meness
www.findmaisyandshannon.com
224 Fans
10:41 AM on 01/13/2013
For more information, visit the Idle No More: FLASH MOB GRAND ENTRY @ W.E.M. Facebook page.

TODAY @ door #32 @ 1pm
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Donna Meness
www.findmaisyandshannon.com
224 Fans
10:37 AM on 01/13/2013
Resource development projects on traditional lands of Indigenous peoples will be much less likely to be subject to rigorous public environmental impact assessment. These changes are on top of cutbacks on environmental safeguards already passed in the previous omnibus budget bill C-38.

http://ubcic.bc.ca/News_Releases/UBCICNews01021301.html#axzz2HDWqpd4C
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Whitey McWhite
60 Fans
10:17 AM on 01/11/2013
First of all this writer needs to learn about the treaties. They don't usually apply to buried resources like metals, potash and oil. Second the issue isn't whether or not to share it is how to share. I personally believe it does the natives no good to simply collect a check and have no part in the economic cycle of resource extraction. Most of the money made from resource extraction goes to the company that put the money up to develop the resource. The true source of revenue from resources is the wages and taxes collected by and from those who work directly and indirectly for the industries. Most of these industries have thin profit margins and therefor first nations will be limited in the percentages that they can demand from sales and profits. Beyond a certain point it is just not possible for big business to make a decent profit from the extraction. The real solution is education and job training for the jobs available in the north and the movement of reserves that are financially unsustainable. More money will not solve all the issues, take Hobema Alberta for example. Every resident of Hobema gets fifty thousand dollars upon turning 18 as royalties for gas development on their lands. Hobema is widely considered to be the single most violent place in Canada with a large and lucrative drug market that fuels the 10+ gangs on reserve of 10,000 people.
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Donna Meness
www.findmaisyandshannon.com
224 Fans
10:34 AM on 01/13/2013
http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_lpt_e_1703.html

Reports to Parliament by Topic
Aboriginal Affairs
2011 June Status Report of the Auditor General of Canada—Chapter 4—Programs for First Nations on Reserves
2009 Fall Report of the Auditor General of Canada—Chapter 6—Land Management and Environmental Protection on Reserves
2009 March Status Report of the Auditor General of Canada —Chapter 4—Treaty Land Entitlement Obligations—Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

&


http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/20/canada-first-nations-new-alliance

&

The Muskowekwan First Nation announced last fall that it had signed an agreement with Vancouver-based Encanto Potash Corp. (TSX:V:EPO) to develop the mine on the reserve, about 75 kilometres northeast of Regina.

&
http://www.miningwatch.ca/publications/introduction-legal-framework-mining-canada

Blueberry River Indian Band v. Canada (Departmen ­t of Indian Affairs and Northern Developmen­t),
[1994] 4 S.C.R. 344: The Aboriginal interest in reserve land includes an interest in mineral rights, which the Crown holds in trust for Aboriginal peoples therefore requiring the Crown to act according to its fiduciary duty to First Nations.

Also, at common law the owner of the surface land owns the subsurface and the air space; see also Opetchesah­t Indian Band v. Canada, [1997] 2 S.C.R. 119: the Band has a right to the airspace right-of-w­ay.”
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Donna Meness
www.findmaisyandshannon.com
224 Fans
10:46 AM on 01/13/2013
A compilation of key issues, resolutions and legal activities


Aboriginal communities have been raising concerns about the impacts of oilsands development on their communities and their legal rights for a number of years. Increasingly, these concerns are manifesting themselves as formal resolutions and legal challenges. This briefing note outlines their key concerns, shares their commentary and provides an overview of resolutions and legal issues.

http://pubs.pembina.org/reports/briefingnoteosfntoursep10.pdf
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Donna Meness
www.findmaisyandshannon.com
224 Fans
08:38 AM on 01/11/2013
blatantly revisionist spectacle of the Canadian Government’s advertisement commemorating the start of the War of 1812 – The Fight for Canada (Anon. 2012).

In approximately 1 minute and 3 seconds, this piece presents the War of 1812 as the pivotal moment that forged Canada from a collection of immigrant settlers represented by Major General Issac Brock, francophone ‘exiles’ represented by General Charles-Michel d’Irumberry de Salaberry and First Nations confederates represented by The Shawnee War Chief, Tecumseh. As the camera pans from actor to actor, and the music swells to a patriotic crescendo, the narrator intones ”But we defended our land … We stood side by side … and won the fight for Canada” (Anon. 2012).

The fact that Canada did not exist until the signing of Confederation in 1867, or the fact that Tecumseh and his First Nation confederacy was fighting to prevent America’s Northwest expansion is of little consequence, what is important to the producers of this piece (read the Government of Canada) is that the War of 1812 begins Canada’s march to independence, to decolonization, to nationhood. This production is an attempt to stir jingoistic pride with thinly veiled propaganda that suits the government of the day’s propensity for manipulating facts to fit ideology.

Read the rest...sigh

http://postcolonialnetworks.com/2012/09/02/fight-for-canada/
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Seamus OMalley
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03:04 PM on 01/11/2013
Did you intend to paste this here, Donna, or was this supposed to be pasted at another article?
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NightWritergrrr
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05:43 PM on 01/10/2013
Thank you.
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