Tim Knight writes the regular media column, Watching the Watchdog, for HuffPost Canada.
It's not much of a protest.
Perhaps 400 people drum, wave flags, chant, block traffic on this bitterly cold day on Yonge Street at Dundas Square.
Buckskin jackets, a few jingle dresses, a banner reading "We Are All Treaty People." And two cops standing, watching, not even anoraked against the cold. (Rumour has it that the riot squad is in buses parked in a nearby street, waiting to be called in if necessary.)
It's another Idle No More protest in Toronto -- traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation -- this one on the very first day of 2013.
It could be any one of thousands of routinely ignored First Nations protests over the past hundred years against government neglect and consequent third-world conditions.
Except it isn't.
Yes, the crowd isn't big. But there's a new energy here this day. A new focus. Along with a problem for Idle No More.
Everyone here knows that the women who started the movement on that small Saskatchewan reserve 3,000 kilometres to the west of here have had to slap down Canada's chiefs -- mostly male -- who tried to take over leadership once it hit the headlines.
Last Monday the founding women issued this statement: "The Chiefs have called for action and anyone who chooses can join with them, however this is not part of the Idle No More movement as the vision of this grassroots movement does not coincide with the visions of the Leadership."
This is a blunt reference to the fact that the nation's indigenous chiefs have largely failed to improve First Nations living standards over the years.
Some are regarded as government stooges, others as corrupt, many as simply weak.
--------------------
On this first day of 2013, some 350 kilometres to the north-east of Toronto on Victoria Island in the Ottawa River -- traditional Algonquin territory -- Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence starts the fourth week of her hunger strike.
She calls for peace between the Idle No More movement and the chiefs. "Let us come together in unity, because all of us, chiefs and grassroots, are one. If we are going to point fingers, let us point them squarely at this colonial government. The chiefs have made mistakes in the past, but don't shame them for these. They are, after all, our people. The chiefs are ready now to humble themselves for the people."
Canada's chiefs aren't used to being humbled. Particularly by a women.
Could it be that women are finally, in desperation, taking over leadership of the First Nations world?
After all, many tribes and bands are matrilineal (descent traced through the mother and maternal ancestors.)
--------------------
Back in Toronto, the protesters -- perhaps half indigenous, half settler -- gather in a circle under the banner "Indigenous Rights Are Non-Negotiable ... Protecting the Rights of the People who are protecting the Rights of the Planet."
A young woman takes the loudspeaker to attack successive Canadian governments for treating indigenous people like inferior dependents. "It's a new year and we want a new relationship" she shouts "nation to nation."
The crowd echoes back: "It's a new year and we want a new relationship -- nation to nation."
Tantoo Cardinal (Order of Canada, Dances With Wolves) picks up the same thread to a CityTV camera: "Canadian people really have to understand that there are two signers in the treaties. They call a certain indigenous people treaty people, right? [But] we're all treaty people. Because those agreements were signed for all nations."
--------------------
Time for the traditional round dance, a ceremony to remember and honour ancestors. Now, today, part of a protest against a distant, uncaring government.
The drums and singers start. Protesters form two huge circles in the middle of Dundas Square. On one side, a woman in buckskin and beads takes my hand. On the other side, a white teenage boy. We smile at each other.
And dance.
I've danced at powwows before, but at first, I feel awkward, silly. Old white man, descendent of British colonialists responsible for so much of this mess, daring to dance with wolves.
But as the drums, the heartbeat of Mother Earth, beat out their rhythm and the singers' voices rise and fall and we slowly circle the square, holding hands, feet sliding on the packed snow, something strong and bright and shiny happens.
We become as one. All of us -- First Nations, protesters, sympathizers, settlers, young, old, women, men, all of us holding hands and dancing this dance while the voices ring clear and the drums beat time.
And for these moments at least there is no difference among us. Only oneness, only the dance and the cause and Mother Earth and Turtle Island.
The protest ends. The banners and flags are furled. The drums are wrapped. The people drift away, most toward the subway. The two cops climb into a SUV with bicycles strapped to its back and drive off.
And I walk across the deserted white and frozen square and pass a music shop where Bob Marley sings "Get Up, Stand Up."
And it's the first day of a new year.
And perhaps a new start for Canada's First Nations.
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 />
Follow Tim Knight on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/TimKnight6
And then to see that this is an op-ed piece written by a middle class white man, beginning with "It's not much of a protest"...well, that makes it hard to want to keep reading. I'll try and push through to see if it gets better after the first sentence.
PS- I think your understanding of women's roles in Native American cultures might be a off.
PPS- "daring to dance with wolves" Really? You really wrote that out?
PPPS- The protest you went to may have ended, but the movement is global.
"Canada's chiefs aren't used to being humbled. Particularly by a women."
Yeah? Well they better get used to it.
I understand women in FN cultures are considered the creators and that their medicine comes from the earth. It is appropriate for women to be leading in the demand to protect the earth from this cultural perspective.
I think that is what Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo meant when he called on the men in the crowd to hear Spence’s message.
“And so men, when a woman like Chief Spence says, it is time to work together, it is time to be unified, it is time that we are idle no more, we better listen,” said Atleo.
Atleo also praised the youth who have been driving the Idle No More movement.
“You are our leaders right now at this time in history, you are the change we’ve been waiting for…We believe in our hearts that this is the moment,” said Atleo.
I don't think this is a time of male ego vs female ego. And I sincerely hope that the FN people who read this blog will forgive my errors and restate any comments that are not consistent with their cultural ways.
*******
William Commanda's Teaching: as wampum keeper...
Ginawaydaganuc:
"Respect for Mother Earth, Indigenous Wisdom, Social Justice and Peace Building, and we conceptualize the intermix of these priorities under the rubric of Sustainable Relationships. This is the essence of our ancient Indigenous prayer, Ginawaydaganuc, which reflects that, in the final analysis, we are all connected – with the water we drink, the air we breath, with the food, medicines and gifts the earth provides us, with the animal teachers, with the larger universe, and with each other. Modern scientists and quantum physicists are trying to apprehend this immense reality of the circle and cycle of life. This is a medicine circle and medicine cycle that demands respect and responsibility."
http://oneprayer.org/SevenFiresProphecyAnishnabePeople.html
As noted by RCAP:
In what follows, we consider some important aspects of Aboriginal traditions of governance, drawing on testimony in the Commission’s hearings, briefs and studies. These aspects are
• the centrality of the land
• individual autonomy and responsibility
• the rule of law
• the role of women
• the role of elders
• the role of the family and clan
• leadership
• consensus in decision making
• the restoration of traditional institutions."
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
Billions have indeed been spent – not on fixing housing, building schools or ending the country's two-tiered child aid services, but on a legal war against aboriginal communities. Every year, the government pours more than $100m into court battles to curtail aboriginal rights – and that figure alone went to defeating a single lawsuit launched by two Alberta First Nations trying to recover oil royalties essentially stolen by bureaucrats.
Despite such odds, the highest courts of the land have ruled time and again in favour of aboriginal peoples.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/20/canada-first-nations-new-alliance
related:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/08/17/grassy-narrows-legal-victory.html
http://freegrassy.org/2011/08/01/grassy-trappers-win-major-legal-victory/
http://sgnews.ca/blog/2012/12/10/grassy-narrows-blockade-ten-years-later/
http://envirolaw.com/grassy-narrows-victory/
http://www.ganienkeh.net/thelaw.html
Aboriginal people cannot go elsewhere if they find Canada not to their
liking. This is their home. Representatives of Aboriginal nations entered into
solemn agreements with representatives of the British and French Crowns
and with their successors, agreements that enabled Europeans and others
to establish themselves in this country with minimal violence and
confrontation. These agreements were and are the mechanism for affirming
collective rights and obligations on both sides, for sharing the land and its
resources, and for agreeing to live in harmony and partnership.
Thus it is the continuing nation-to-nation character of the
Aboriginal/Canada relationship that differentiates the status of Aboriginal
peoples from that of other people in Canada. Because of this, Aboriginal
peoples are not cultural minorities in the sense that Canadians have come
to understand the term. Neither are they citizens with a slightly expanded
set of rights based on their descent from the original inhabitants. Aboriginal
people have historical rights. They form distinct political communities,
collectives with a continuing political relationship with the Canadian state.
This is the central reality that Canadians must recognize if we are to
reconstruct the relationship.
In the eyes of Aboriginal people, none of these governments had any legitimate authority over them. Why do they say this? They point out that under international law, which is embodied in a series of conventions and covenants to which Canada is a signatory, all peoples have the right of selfdetermination, and this right includes the right to decide how they will be governed. No government can be imposed upon a people without their consent; this would be a denial of their right of self-determination. Aboriginal people in Canada say that they never consented to be governed by the French or the British or the government of Canada. Indeed, they were never consulted and had no say in the matter. Nor, they allege, did European powers assert authority over them on any valid grounds. Canada was not uninhabited when the Europeans came, nor was it ‘discovered’ by them. It has been the homeland of Canada’s First Peoples for millennia. Nor could the newcomers claim title to the land by conquest, for there was no conquest.
Early in the contact period the relationship was one of peaceful coexistence and non-interference.
http://puffin.creighton.edu/jesuit/relations/
Note : paragraph before " Table of Contents" has the original text microfiched, just click on the date..
********************************************
The Trafficking in Children for the Purpose of Prostitution:British Columbia, CanadaFor:The National Judicial InstituteInternational Instruments and Domestic Law ConferenceMontreal, Canada
http://www.vancouver.sfu.ca/freda/articles/traf1.htm
"Chain Her by One Foot: The Subjugation of Native Women in Seventeenth-Century New France" by Karen L Anderson Publisher: Routledge Date Published: 1993 ISBN-13: 9780415908276 ISBN: 0415908272
***
Karen Anderson, a professor in a western Ontario university now... when I met her she was researching for her thesis.. I miss working @ the AFN library...sigh
Our report proposes a comprehensive strategy over 20 years to restore social, economic and political health to Aboriginal peoples and rebuild their relationship with all Canadians.
It entails the pursuit of two mutually reinforcing paths to change rebalancing political authority and economic resources; and a reinforcing effort to restore health and effectiveness to individuals, families, communities and nations.
Our country has become a model for the world in many ways, yet the fundamental contradiction of building a modern liberal democracy upon the subversion of Aboriginal nations and at the expense of the cultural identity of Indigenous peoples continues to undermine our society.
René Dussault
The systematic, sustained denial of this reality manifested through the violation of agreements, the suppression of cultures and institutions, the refusal to live up to legal obligations is the core of the problem.
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/webarchives/20071115053257/http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ch/rcap/sg/sgmm_e.html
The wording of the treaties; however, do not paint First Nations as victims but as nations themselves who are breaking treaties as often as non-First Nations do and since treaties are written between nations, non-First Nations Canadians are, by definition 'treaty people' too. Canadians should also recognize the fact that as much as two-thirds of the territory put aside in treaties for the exclusive use of the Aboriginal people has over the years been removed from reserve status;