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Theresa Spence Is More the Problem Than Solution

Posted: 01/04/2013 1:11 am
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First thing's first: I don't think Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence is going to starve to death. That will not be how this story ends -- the end will be a meeting between Stephen Harper and Spence, just as she has requested.

The Prime Minister is certainly stubborn -- that can be the only reason he hasn't responded to her yet -- but he surely knows a dead First Nations chief would not make for good PR. He will accede to her demands. He has no other choice.

Personally, though, I have my doubts Chief Spence would actually see this through to the end. I think the media attention, not the martyrdom, is what she's after. This is, after all, not the first year she and Attawapiskat have been in the news -- there's a trend here, people. And as for concerns about the chief's diminishing health, well, isn't that kind of the point?

No, I have no sympathy for Chief Spence. She and other native leaders are the biggest reason why native reserves are mostly hellholes, filled with poverty, addiction, lack of education and general misery.

How is it possible that native leaders have managed to squander/mismanage/ in some cases maybe steal the tens of millions of dollars federal and provincial governments keep handing over, year after year?

Granted, it's not as much money when you factor in the ridiculous cost of living in some of the more remote reserves, but there's no question that money should be helping those poor people much more than it evidently has.

And further, Spence's hunger strike narrative -- essentially, that the Conservatives are responsible for First Nation problems (though the Liberals and NDP, whose MPs she has welcomed to her Ottawa-area island, performed no better on the aboriginal file when they have been in power) -- has politicized, and therefore rendered much less important to many Canadians, what is, at its core, a very sensitive conversation about the past and future of our country.

But I do like what Idle No More is bringing to the table. Part of it is that the movement appears to be as fed up with inept native elders -- like Spence -- as the rest of us are. But another part is more abstract: Idle No More just feels young and energetic and exciting, a new generation rising up that won't stand any longer for its garbage life and is begging to fight its enemies within and without -- and I think a lot of non-native, younger people kind of feel the same way. This is some compelling stuff.

Still, it's hard to see how Idle could elicit real change on its own strength, given how entrenched the current native leadership is. Idle's role will more likely be to raise awareness of the issues, and this is why its Twitter presence is so crucial.

"Awareness" might not sound like much when action is desperately needed, but it's the necessary first step in improving the quality of life for First Nations living on reserve. Idle has done a remarkable job -- in a very short time and over a holiday season -- of getting people to pay attention to, and, more importantly, sympathize with the plight of aboriginals.

Real change, though, can only happen if Idle allows native leaders to join its ranks. That's going to be the tricky part, since Idle's young leaders inherently mistrust the older generation -- and because said elders haven't shown they can reform.

Spence's plea Wednesday that Idle work together with the chiefs to fight the government was a cynical attempt to co-opt the best card natives have to play right now (and cement Spence's street cred among young activists), but it is also the practical next step for Idle No More.

The rest of Canada can't be relied on to carry this cause for any prolonged period of time. Young people, especially, will move on to the next hashtag du jour, likely sooner rather than later.

As for the question as to whether the reserve system and First Nations leadership can in fact be improved, I don't know if anyone can say "yes" for certain -- and if it is indeed possible, it will take a generation or longer to achieve.

In the interim, Attawapiskat and other places like it will continue to be social and economic backwaters. Many more native lives are going to be ruined, and that is a tragedy. And if you want to know why it has to be that way, Exhibit A is the hungry chief mugging for the cameras on an island in the Ottawa River.

Loading Slideshow...

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

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

  • Idle No More Mall Protest

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

  • It's about the future

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

  • United we stand

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

  • Killer Whale Dance

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

  • Idle No More #J11

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

  • Idle No More #J11 March

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

  • Tla'Amin Prayer Song #J11 Idle No More

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

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

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

  • C45 affects all Canadians! Join the fight.

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

  • Piyesiw Awasis

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Mississaugas of the New Credit support INM

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

  • Montreal Idle No More

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

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

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

  • #IdleNoMore March and Round Dance in Yellowknife Denendeh NWT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Idle No More at UBC Vancouver

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

  • Idle No More at UBC Vancouver

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

  • Los Angeles Rally In Solidarity with First nations

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

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

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

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

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

  • Woman's Voices

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

  • Idle No More Edmonton

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

  • IdleNoMore March, Dauphin, Mb

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

  • Chicago Idle No More @ the Canadian Consulate

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

  • VancouverC Jan 2 2013

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

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

  • VancouverA Jan 2 2013

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

  • VancouverB Jan 2 2013

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

  • VancouverD Jan 2 2013

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

  • VancouverH Jan 2 2013

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

  • VancouverF Jan 2 2013

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

  • VancouverE Jan 2 2013

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

  • VancouverG Jan 2 2013

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

  • Flag Planting

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

  • Dec 21st 2012 Idle No More Ottawa: Berdine

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



 

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First thing's first: I don't think Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence is going to starve to death. That will not be how this story ends -- the end will be a meeting between Stephen Harper and Spence, j...
First thing's first: I don't think Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence is going to starve to death. That will not be how this story ends -- the end will be a meeting between Stephen Harper and Spence, j...
 
 
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AClarke1
1 Fans
11:38 PM on 01/18/2013
This whole thing is ridiculous. Why should the government spend all this money in Attawapiskat where the dollars won't go as far compared to if we spent the money in more readily accessible areas where it would help many more people? It's as though I can help a village of 2000 or I can easily help 2000+++ people in more accessible areas of Canada. Attawapiskat's location make it so difficult to help these people, why don't we just relocate them all to somewhere in southern Ontario; heck even around Sudbury if they wan't to stay away from Toronto etc. At least that way they would be in an area where there is more potential for cash flow into the community, building materials etc do not have to be abhorrently expensive and they will have more access to jobs.

Perhaps they stay there because it is their land due to a treaty, but really...you're going to jeopardise the health and well-being of yourself and your children just because you are entitled to some land? If staying there really worth even a single human life? I would argue that the answer to that is "no." Personally if I had to move across the world and take nothing but the clothes on my back to save my child I would.

Food for thought.
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Susan12047
0 Fans
09:43 PM on 01/12/2013
Wow. So you don't think she will really take this to her death? Well, clearly she is not as brave as you are, you who clearly risk far more writing snarky articles slamming Indians but someday maybe she and her people will rise to your level of conviction and bravery. Until then they will have to stick to lame "attention seeking" hunger strikes, oh great Indianologist.
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Mark D Webster
88 Fans
03:55 PM on 01/07/2013
The Beothuk were one of the historical aboriginal peoples in Canada. The small group of people lived on the island of Newfoundland at the time of European contact in the 15th and 16th centuries. With the 1829 death of Shanawdithit, a woman in her late twenties who was the last known living Beothuk, the people became officially extinct as a discrete ethnic group.

Newfoundland tributes the Beothuk with museums, parklands, books and weaves the story of the Beothuks into their tourist-consumed history. The story of the Beothuks is kept alive by white people largely because it is financially profitable.

Meanwhile, Innu (another Newfoundland native community that survives to this day) in Labrador are in a constant struggle to see their land claims issues and cultural survival taken seriously by the provincial or federal governments. They are largely ignored (because ignoring their negotiated claims is the cheapest avenue for present governments to take) and when the media does finally pay attention to a dramatic demonstration (such as that shown by Theresa Spence) the government and ignorant undermine and dismiss.

Your implied argument in this article, Mr. Goldstein, that the only good Indian is a dead Indian is disturbingly common.
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Mark D Webster
88 Fans
10:12 AM on 01/08/2013
Probably worth adding: The Beothuk's were hunted like animals by the early Europeansettlers. This contributed to their ultimate extinction. It is ironic that the shame of this episode in our history is flaunted today as a "lesson". Yet we ignore the very real and present-day needs of surviving First Nations people.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Charles the Great
Canadian/Israeli Goy in Alert,Nunavut
135 Fans
08:45 PM on 01/08/2013
It is very clear you never even studied the Beothuk since everything you said is a out right lie. One the Beothuk had little interest with contact with Europeans or anyone. Their demise was more of their no contact policy and what he know about them usually comes archaeology and very little is documented on them. Also the Europeans were more interested in trading with them but had one major problem they could not even get in contact with them. Their demise was partly as a result of Europeans setting the Island but usually when that happened they moved away from them which cut them off from the food sources. They were never hunted down like animals if so either the British or the French would have documents on this and there are none. Yes they did use European good but they got them when a fishery closed down for the summer. The problem again we know very little about them and it is not because they were hunted down. What we know about them comes from archaeological sites which most get destroyed by mostly the weather and in Newfoundland it is very windy, very rainy and very snowy place. Ask people who study them today and they will say the same unlike making things up. I been one of these archaeological sites and been with people who study the Beothuk.
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LisaAM86
5 Fans
 
05:13 PM on 01/12/2013
in no way does his article imply that "the only good indian is a dead indian".Just because we don't all agree with Chief Spence and her "cause" doesn't mean we are against the native Idle no more movement.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Hal Wood
30 Fans
02:42 PM on 01/07/2013
I have a feeling Spence and her boyfriend the co -manager are going to get spanked for what they have done . I am sure that is the harshest punishment for theft by an Indian Chief and apparently her other aliases she gets paid on by the Canadian taxpayer. This is the best the natives can do for a symbol.Scarey stuff.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Wolf Braun
PURPOSE & PRINCIPLES
41 Fans
09:13 AM on 01/07/2013
Does anyone know what YG's expertise on First Nation's people is ?

He seems to be expressing a lot of personal views here.

He also makes no mention of the Harper government's last Omnibus bill that changes First Nation's land rights... which is the crux of the Idle No More movement.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
tnanimation
340 Fans
05:14 PM on 01/08/2013
Mr. Goldstein's racist screed is the result of the government's current smear campaign. They've been boxed in on a number of issues and are lashing out more and more. To distract from the real issue, the Omnibus Bill, they fire up the smear engine and get their right wing fear and hate machine wired for battle. The sweetener on this issue is that they are up against First Nations' peoples. Easy to stir up the hate.
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Seamus OMalley
My micro-bio is no longer empty.
85 Fans
07:55 AM on 01/09/2013
Can you explain to me exactly what was racist about this opinion piece?
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LisaAM86
5 Fans
 
05:15 PM on 01/12/2013
Just because his opinion differs from yours does not make him a racist
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uggla47
6 Fans
07:47 AM on 01/07/2013
With all due respect, Mr. Goldstein, I'd take your "piece" a bit more seriously if you had some background in First Nations Studies, the complexities behind treaty issues, First Nations politics, the processes behind allocating Federal funds on reserves, among other things.
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HUFFPOST BLOGGER
Ike Awgu
57 Fans
11:21 AM on 01/07/2013
No, you'd take his piece more seriously if he agreed with you. Folks like you are transparent. Nice try though. Cool hipster glasses.
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uggla47
6 Fans
03:04 PM on 01/07/2013
Do I need to repeat myself? No, I'd take his piece more seriously if he'd made an effort to at least understand the issues on the table. Nice try, though. And thanks, I rather like them.
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Mark D Webster
88 Fans
04:05 PM on 01/07/2013
I completely agree with you on the point of the complexities of treaty issues. Unfortunately our federal and provincial governments have relinquished their responsibilities.
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parthoef
4 Fans
07:47 AM on 01/07/2013
More from:
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/1311314--federal-government-audit-severely-critical-of-attawapiskat-chief-theresa-spence

"The audit was submitted to the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, and reviewed by a departmental audit committee. It should have been posted to the departmental website by now, if the usual 60-day release timetable was followed." - meaning her plan has partially worked as she has been able to deflect and delay the criticism and will be able to play the martyr card to all her loyal followers

What a politically astute woman. She has been able to turn the government's own facts against them better than Machiavelli himself could have. And she is just as much a snake as that man ever was - she steals from the mouths of her own people, and gets a large part of the public to sympathize with her.
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parthoef
4 Fans
07:46 AM on 01/07/2013
Maybe Spence did the hunger diet to distract from her own incompetence and to try to proactively attack the findings of the audit that the feds did. From the Toronto Star this morning:

"The auditors completed their work in the late fall and it was submitted to the Harper government and shared with Spence and the band council." - meaning she knows about the findings and how critical they are of her

Regional Grand Chief Stan Louttit of the Mushkegowuk Council, which includes Attawapiskat, said in an email Sunday he was “not at liberty to talk about the audit since the First Nation and AANDC (the department of aboriginal affairs) are in the midst of discussions on the audit findings.” - meaning that Spence is going to get lit up by her own regional council and her own members when they find out how she mismanaged things to benefit herself

"For the federal government, the convergence of the rolling First Nations protests, Spence’s hunger strike, and now the audit’s damning findings have created a potentially explosive mix." - Spence knew that she had to do something to put the Feds on the defensive and this has done it, at least delayed the audit findings being made public and when they are made public, she can say that it was critical to attack her BECAUSE she "stood up to Harper"

Quotations from : http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/1311314--federal-government-audit-severely-critical-of-attawapiskat-chief-theresa-spence
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Medusa Sant
Jedi on the streets. Sith in the sheets.
199 Fans
 
12:22 AM on 01/07/2013
So, Mr Goldstein, should we build a "North Bank Barrier" to separate us from them?
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diffuse
1 Fans
12:55 PM on 01/06/2013
Treaties ARE being honored! An example of the the higher ups in Aboriginal politics to take control of a grassroots protest. The protest is about the established leadership within the community committing fraud and out-right theft. I don't have sympathy for Aboriginals as a whole in Canada. It cannot be fixed as whole problem. Each Individual Native has to accept responsibilities in their own life and seek a higher standard of living on their own. If you ask most Canadians if they are behind Aboriginal protests, they would say 'no, get a job and stop whining!' The fact that they are drudging up past abuse after abuse and saying they can't move without a financial settlement makes me ill. First its for the victim, now it goes to second and third generation members too. Come on! There are other ethnicity s throughout the world who have suffered and endured far more at the hands of their perpetrators and all have dealt with it and don't belittle themselves by stretching their hands out. Talk of Native Pride, what Native pride? The reserves are in disarray up North and its because of lack of funding? You see pictures from those reserves from up North. Everyone has a TV and play stations. But the place is a filthy mess, disgusting. I've seen mud huts in Africa that are cleaner then that. They live in poverty. Natives live in filth. there is a big difference between living in Poverty and living in filth.
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Marcus047
given up on HP
359 Fans
11:24 PM on 01/05/2013
Unfortunately, the author is partly right. There is significant and unacceptable amount of financial mismanagement and outright fraud going on at most reservations, and unfortunately, there's nothing that anyone is willing to do to stop it. Money goes into the reserves with virtually no oversight and restrictions on how the chiefs and others in power direct and use monies, which usually go into the pockets of those in power.

When I worked for an MP who represented a riding with a majority native population, we were contacted my several native constituents living on reserve concerned about financial mismanagement and fraud that was going on, and wanted help addressing it. The MP refused to do anything fearing her involvement would be called interfering with native self-government by those in power on the reserve, and result in retaliation against the MP at the next election, when the chief et al would tell the people in the reserve not to vote for the MP, which they would do, resulting in them losing office.

This situation is replicated across the country. So you have people with access to immense amounts of money, with no oversight.

I'm not saying this is true of all reservations and all native leadership, but it is a significant problem that won't be solved until solution is found that checks the financial governance of reservations. Perhaps an independent citizens council in each reserve to oversee and report to their community on the spending of the reserve government.
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charley0008
89 Fans
01:36 AM on 01/06/2013
"I'm not saying this is true of all reservations and all native leadership,...." Yes you are actually saying that. "There is significant and unacceptable amount of financial mismanagement and outright fraud going on at most reservations,..."
You decided this applied to "most reservations" based on the fact that you got several complaints...that were never investigated because your MP was worried about losing votes.
At any given time in any municipality, you can expect complaints of a similar nature, it happens all the time ....I served on a City Council so I have heard it all. Now would you say based on those unsubstantiated complaints that "There is a significant and unacceptable amount of financial mismanagement and outright fraud going on at most" Municipalities? Of course you wouldn't, so why First Nations? You may want to consider that point? Also your ticky-tacky fix it plan shows without a doubt that you don't have a clue about what actually happens on reserves or the financial accountability they are required to demonstrate or the control of the Minister as Trustee. Despite your disclaimer Marcus in my opinion it was opportunistic bigotry so you don't get a brownie points for your pathetic disclaimer, your a bigot Marcus. End of story.
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Marcus047
given up on HP
359 Fans
10:59 AM on 01/06/2013
the difference is that municipalities are subject to oversight and review of their spending from other levels of government and governmental and non-governmental bodies, the reservation leadership has none of this.  If a city government commits fraud, they can be brought up and charges and taken  to court, that possibility does not exist on reservations, because provincial and federal laws and governance are not in force due to self-government regulations and the local police are in the pockets of the reserve leadership.  You know this is true.

And while I gave a personal example, I actually know this is a reality that is replicated across the system and was not limited to the MP i worked for.

As for your ad hominem attacks, they don't even merit response in a civil discussion.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Hal Wood
30 Fans
02:52 PM on 01/07/2013
Yes because there is fraud elsewhere we should forgive native fraud. Canadians already give them a break on criminal sentences, illegal blockades , now free fraud.This is government money and also resource money that isn't being used properly The Indians at the trough keep their people in fear that is how a dictatorship is run.
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Adam Osmak
4 Fans
09:50 PM on 01/05/2013
Yoni be trollin'.

well done, I guess.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Medusa Sant
Jedi on the streets. Sith in the sheets.
199 Fans
 
12:20 AM on 01/07/2013
You wouldn't believe how many "Goldsteins" are living on reserves.... (hee hee)
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Squeezer55
74 Fans
07:42 PM on 01/05/2013
The prime reason for Harper not meeting with this woman is that the Assembly of First Nations elected Shawn Atleo as their spokesperson . His office has a direct line with the PMO and there is a huge bureaucracy in place to facilitate that communication. She knows that as does every council member in this country.
Just because she's the Chief and prime facilitator of a horribly mismanaged reserve doesn't give her any more privileges than the average Canadian. This woman is no Ghandi - there'll be no pearls of wisdom or insight coming from her at the upcoming meeting . Just two syllables resonating over and over - " Gimme, gimme,gimme "
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Wolf Braun
PURPOSE & PRINCIPLES
41 Fans
09:17 AM on 01/07/2013
" Just two syllables resonating over and over - " Gimme, gimme,gimme " "

Isn't that the same "ALL" Canadians are getting from the Harper Government with respect to our taxes?
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desforoilsands
0 Fans
05:09 PM on 01/05/2013
No way Jose or Yoni, as the case may be: He will accede to her demands. He has no other choice.
Some years ago, I was privileged to spend time in native communities on a federal government project, observing craft production with a view to enhancing native employment opportunities within these communities. There are certainly serious issues facing many Canadian aboriginal communities, but I feel sorry for the aboriginals who have legitimate complaints with governments, that this woman (Spence) has been literally thrust upon them as a spokesperson. She is the least worthy person to represent aboriginal causes. Remember, this is the same aboriginal Attawapiskat band leader who squandered $90 million of federal government funding over the past six years, leaving many band member families on her native reserve without the bare necessities of life. And complained when she was found out! Other native leaders - Coon Come, Atleo, Brasseur, among others - are much more worthy and qualified to address the serious issues facing many aboriginal bands.
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Guy Souriandt
4 Fans
12:20 AM on 01/06/2013
You shouldn't believe the Conservative smears on Canada's aboriginal people. Those $90 million were spent on education and healthcare and subject to strict oversight by Ottawa bureaucrats. Native bands do not have the authority to allocate money for one item like education to housing. They are subject to far more scutiny and acconting than, say, the department defense and how it procures military aircraft.

The fact is, the money allocated for housing on reserve never arrived. The screw up was in Ottawa. That's one reason natives are so angry with the Harper Conservatives: the perpetual smearing of aboriginals as lazy, corrupt welfare cases as a way of covering up federal governemnt incompetence. It's severely damaged relations between aboriginals and the Canadian government. The good of the country has been sacrificed for partisan political games in Ottawa.

You should not believe the smears
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desforoilsands
0 Fans
10:01 AM on 01/08/2013
Check it out Guy!

http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/politics/archives/2013/01
/20130107-102144.html

This financial boondoggle has been going on since 2005. Are you living in a cave?
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Turdinthepunchbowl
527 Fans
03:43 PM on 01/05/2013
Hey Borat, you're quickly becoming as confused as his Lordship Black.
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