BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: gnu
Date: 27 May 13 - 08:54 PM

http://desmog.ca/2013/05/23/beaver-lake-cree-judgment-most-important-tar-sands-case-you-ve-never-heard

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: gnu
Date: 29 Mar 13 - 06:45 AM

Thanks, GUEST. I should point out the first sentence of para 2 should read "... southeast OF where the Saint John and Tobique Rivers meet."

I am aware of the claims AND the shame. The "claims" of this band extend far further into history and extend beyond those against the European "Settlers". But there ain't no way I am gettin into that for two reasons. I do not know the history and it's a very contentious and "private" issue.

I'll only add that negotiation of such claims by the feds limits compensation in such a way that should make everyone's blood boil. If someone offered you, as a Native, a pittance for a piece of land that, if freeheld could be sold for FAR more, wouldn't it make your blood boil?

I have often thought, what if the Native claims proposed a provision in which the land was returned to the care and trust of the Natives and THEY collected the property taxes as set forth by the Provincial government for freeheld land and THEY collected timber stumpage and THEY decided where lumbering would take place and THEY collected mining royalties and THEY...

Ya see where I am going with this? Of course, I can't see such a reasonable (?) approach ever being accepted by the guys with the guns employed by Her Majesty The Queen in Right of Canada for it is written, in blood, don't fuck with The Crown.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Mar 13 - 06:22 PM

http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100030381/1100100030382

Check it out, gnu.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: gnu
Date: 28 Mar 13 - 04:29 PM

WTF? The Tobique Reserve of New Brunswick is in a protest? Some have taken over new buildings under construction because they are HOMELESS??!! These are Maliseets fer ****sake! How the hell did that happen?

The RCMP are on site "to keep the peace"? I am in shock! I was good friends with a lad from this reserve. He worked for me. He taught me a lot about their history and some of it ain't pretty so I won't get into it. If what he told me is true, and I believe it to be given what I know from others, I simply am shocked to see this take place.

My immediate hope is that the mutual respect between the Yellow Stripes and the Elders holds (and with the Warriors - there were NO reports of Warriors but I know they will arrive) and stays strong and that tempers are settled down before any violence occurs. To see them yelling at the CBC cameras was unsettling.

Again... I am shocked to hear that Maliseets are homeless. Just seems... HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?

Sorry if that is asking a question nobody can answer. Few know of the history of our Native Brothers in each and every tribe/situation and it's delicate because it also involves the "interaction" between the tribes over centuries. Suffice it to say... I am gob smacked!

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: gnu
Date: 11 Mar 13 - 03:49 PM

Jean got some class, unlike Harper who is in a class of his own. He's a classhole.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: meself
Date: 11 Mar 13 - 03:21 PM

Whoops! Wrong thread ....

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: gnu
Date: 11 Mar 13 - 02:54 PM

Ditto... it was rather well done. Kida like a Mercer rant - "Mercer rantesque"? Raprant?

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: meself
Date: 11 Mar 13 - 02:53 PM

Meanwhile, Chretien - who kept us out of Iraq, when Steve wanted us in - attended the funeral ....

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 11 Mar 13 - 02:09 PM

Normally I don't care much for rap biLL but that is an exception! :-}

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: number 6
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 11:58 PM

WHAT UP STEVE !

biLL

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 06:47 PM

Ed T- True. Little to go on yet.
Winnipeg properties are mostly private, and the opinion I saw said ownership would prevail, hence monetary settlement is likely.
The provinces have treated aboriginal rights differently, so any blanket statements are probably incorrect.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Ed T
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 03:19 PM

Impact comes down to how widely the ruling is interpreted, and if the court gave guidance on that aspect?

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 03:10 PM

Legal opinions are that monetary settlements will be the outcome (Gordon Christie, UBC, and others).

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: GUEST,999
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 01:43 PM

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/03/08/pol-metis-supreme-court-land-dispute.html

It's from there, gnu.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: gnu
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 01:07 PM

Excellent news!

Rats! Can't find the link and didn't copy the credits. grrrrrrr

Canada's Métis are celebrating a Supreme Court ruling that found the federal government failed to follow through on a promise it made to the Métis people over 140 years ago.

A legal challenge by the Manitoba Métis Federation sought recognition for the treatment of its people after the 1870 government land deal that ended the Red River resistance.

The 6-2 ruling in Canada's highest court declared that "the Federal Crown failed to implement the land grant provision set out in s.31 of the Manitoba Act, 1870 in accordance with the honour of the Crown."

The federal government "acted with persistent inattention and failed to act diligently," the ruling explains, adding that it "could and should have done better."

"This was not a matter of occasional negligence, but of repeated mistakes and inaction that persisted for more than a decade," it says.

Writing the reasons for the majority decision, Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin and Justice Andromache Karakatsanis outlined lasting effects of the federal government's failure to honour obligations dating back 140 years.

"So long as the issue remains outstanding, the goal of reconciliation and constitutional harmony, recognized in s. 35 of the Charter and underlying s. 31 of the Manitoba Act, remains unachieved. The ongoing rift in the national fabric that s. 31 was adopted to cure remains unremedied," they wrote.

"The unfinished business of reconciliation of the Métis people with Canadian sovereignty is a matter of national and constitutional import," the ruling says.

Justices Marshall Rothstein and Michael Moldaver dissented from the majority view.

Negotiations now likely

The ruling ends three decades of legal challenges brought by the Métis against the federal government.

Friday's decision has not ordered any particular remedies, but it could open the door to land claim negotiations or talks toward other forms of compensation from the federal government.

The Métis argued that Ottawa reneged on its promises under the Manitoba Act, which created the province and brought it into Confederation.

The Manitoba Act, made in 1870, promised to set aside 5,565 square kilometres of land for 7,000 children of the Red River Métis. That land includes what is now the city of Winnipeg.

The land transfer to the Métis outlined in the Act was to be a "concrete measure" to reconcile with the Métis community, the ruling agrees, calling its "prompt and equitable implementation... fundamental."

The land grants were meant to give the Métis a head start in the race for land in the new province, and that meant the grants had to be made while a head start was still possible, the justices wrote. "Everyone concerned understood that a wave of settlement from Europe and Canada to the east would soon sweep over the province."

The land deal was made in order to settle the Red River resistance, which was fought by Métis struggling to hold onto their land amid growing white settlements.

However, it took 15 years for the lands to be completely distributed, while the Métis faced hostility from large numbers of incoming settlers.

Lower courts found in federal government's favour

The federal government ultimately distributed the land through a random lottery, destroying the dream of a Métis homeland.

"Section 31 conferred land rights on yet-to-be-identified individuals – the Métis children," the ruling says. "Yet the record leaves no doubt that it was a promise made to the Métis people collectively, in recognition of their distinct community. The honour of the Crown is thus engaged here."

In 2010, the Manitoba Court of Appeal upheld a lower court ruling that found the federal government did not violate its duty to the Métis.

The case then went to the Supreme Court of Canada, where lawyers for both sides presented their arguments in December 2011.

The Métis federation requested a declaration that the constitutional agreement was not upheld.

Federal lawyers argued that the case should be thrown out because it is more than a century old. They also said Ottawa didn't actually violate its side of the agreement.

Métis overjoyed

Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand said the ruling provides the vindication the MMF has been fighting for for years. He said he had been fielding emotional phone calls all morning.

"Such pride at home right now, and tears are being shed. They're crying and they're phoning," Chartrand said.

"They can't even talk on the phone properly because there's so much joy at home right now."

Chartrand said it is now time for the group to sit down and negotiate with the government of Canada. He said they have no interest in land but believes they should be compensated for what they have lost.

"Our country did not give us any kind of credence and respect and felt they just could take whatever they wanted, and today our justice system is saying, 'No, you can't. You were wrong. Now fix it,'" said Chartrand.

Winnipegger John Morrisseau is a descendant of the original Red River settlers. He said the ruling not only helps right a historical wrong but makes him optimistic for the future of government-Métis relations.

"It's kind of put a different turn to it. So now, the government's going to have to look at us a little different when we go to the table to negotiate," said Morrisseau.

Chartrand said the negotiations are long overdue and added insight from Louis Riel, who spoke of the relationship between the federal government and the Métis during the Red River resistance.

"He said there were two societies with treaty together. One was small but in its smallness had its rights. The other was great but in its greatness had no greater rights than the rights of the small. You know, how more fitting can that be today?"

Historians, politicians laud decision

Manitoba historian Philippe Mailhot studied the 1870 negotiations between the Métis and the federal government and said he's pleased with the ruling.

"My reaction is extremely positive because what was said to the delegation from the Red River Settlement in terms of the distribution of land was not what actually happened," said Mailhot.

Karen Busby, a professor of law at the University of Manitoba, was shocked by the decision, which she says will have major implications.

"This is an absolutely groundbreaking decision," said Busby.

"The Manitoba Métis Federation and the individual plaintiffs lost on every point at the lower courts, and now, before the Supreme Court of Canada they've won on the most important point."

MP Jean Crowder is the NDP's aboriginal affairs critic. In a statement issued Friday afternoon, she said it was regrettable the federal government did not negotiate a settlement on the issue before the ruling was handed down.

Crowder said the federal government must now negotiate with the Métis in "good faith."

Chartrand said after 140 years of waiting, a prompt response from the federal government is necessary.

"I think the onus is on Canada now to do the right thing now, quickly," he said. "I think this prime minister will sit down with us. It's my message to him: I'm expecting we should sit down."

The government of Canada issued a statement Friday saying it is reviewing the ruling.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Ed T
Date: 06 Mar 13 - 04:08 PM

The Teddies

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 Mar 13 - 11:34 AM

Well, out here in Quebec, I consider Harper a horrific hazard. What I really think of him is unprintable.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: GUEST,999
Date: 06 Mar 13 - 04:59 AM

"Canada is well-served by Stephen Harper and the Conservatives."

I think 'well-serviced' may be the correct term. At least it was the polite phrasing when I lived in cattle country.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Ed T
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 03:48 PM

If petitions were the way to remove leaders from power, I suspect there would have been many regime changes through the history of governments. Fortunately, in democracies, elections remain the main route for regime change. While there are no guarantees that any persons vote will change things much - there's a certainity that personal perspectives don't count if they don't vote.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 12:50 PM

Canada is well-served by Stephen Harper and the Conservatives.

Out here in the west, his support is stronger than ever.
Dunno what has got some mudcatters in a tizzy.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Greg F.
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 12:18 PM

Gonna be a world of disillusioned narcissists out there, Charmion.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Charmion
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 11:18 AM

I'm no Joe, Greg, but I will assert that it ain't so. Canada's regime-change rules may be arcane, but there it is: no Facebook, no Twitter, no petitions. It's Parlament and nothing but.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 10:12 AM

I believe that Justin Trudeau has what it takes to send Harper packing to the shitcan of history. However it will require him to negotiate a joint strategy with the NDP.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Greg F.
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 09:32 AM

Signatures on a petition will not do the trick.

They WON'T???

What about "Likes" on Farcebook? What about Tweets for Twits?

Say it Ain't So, Joe!

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Charmion
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 08:54 AM

Signatures on a petition will not do the trick. Have you considered getting active in your local Liberal, NDP or Green riding association?

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: GUEST,Kevin Madsen
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 01:55 AM

How many signatures do we need to get this guy gone? We need another election with hopefully a few honest politicians even though that is an oxymoron.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Ed T
Date: 28 Jan 13 - 06:48 AM

"Activists have certainly raised the profile of native issues — an inherently good thing — but their incoherence is often counter-productive.....
We have a common enemy, and it's the status quo," he (Shawn Atleo, the head of the Assembly of First Nations)declared. What he didn't say is that chaos will be the common enemy unless the AFN maintains some cohesion,""


Chronicle Herald Editorial

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 06:10 PM

"Lizzie, I have never implied that you don't have a clue and I don't appreciate you taking my comments out of context."

I didn't say you had, Sandy. I said I see in pictures and had no picture for the words you used, which I'd quoted. Then I asked if you meant (by the words you used) that I didn't have a clue what was happening. I merely wanted you to clarify/explain what you meant. That was all. I wasn't grumping, you just read it that way...Be good if messages 'talked' like they do in Harry Potter, then you'd hear the correct intonation in my voice. :0)

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Ed T
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 09:59 AM

There are many different perspectives, high energies, and alot to discuss on the best route to restore Canada's First Nations Peoples to their rightful place in Canada.

Unfortunately, recent events has "brought out" on the internet the minority of people in Canada who have racist views towards First Nations Peoples. I suspect these same people have simialr "racist" views towards many within Canada and the global community. While the comments (often annoymous) from these folks are truly hurtful to First Nations people, who have suffered so much throughout Canads's history (and, still do today). IMO, they only represent a minority of citizens. IMO again, I feel most Canadians are frustrated with the lack of progress towards bettering the plight of First nations Peoples for so many years. Because the cause of it is so complex, they often gravitate to "the easy to see cause and easy solution". Unfortunately, often "these easy solutions" do not represent a solution, at all.

IMO, people call others many things in the heat of a discussion. But, to call them "a racist" is a serious thing. IMO, racism is one of dirtist word in human history. It has caused much undue suffereng In Canada and world-wide. No nation, nor peoples, can honestly say that their history is free of this dirty word.

Why would anyone want to dilute the true meaning of the despicable word "racist" by using it so lightly and inappropriately against any person on Mudcat? Why not save the true meaning of this disgusting word for those people who clearly show they are are deviod of feeling or compassion for the plight of the First Nations peoples in Canada? IMO, this type of person is not on here Mudcat or, at least I have not seen the evidence that it is so.

Because it is such a ugly and dirty word, I take it seriously when any well-meaning and compassionate person on Mudcat is inappriopriately called "a racist". Why not strike this word from Mudcat and reserve it for the true racist assholes in the world? They are not hard to find. At a minimum, can we all agree to use caution when we use such powerful words in our "rare" heated discussions.

Looking back, it was wrong, (for me) and many others on Mudcat, not to come forward and speak out when a few of our compassionate and well-meaning Mudcat friends were unfairly called "racists" on a few Mudcat threads. Not only was this hurtful to the undeserving mudcat members, but allowing it to occur (more than once) encouraged it to occur again and again. I say that I will not let this happen again, and if I see it, I will speak out in protest - as a few others have done (thanks for doing that for all of us).

Below is a good, but briefly stated, example of a well known Canadian Journalist from CTV - TV who has come forward and stated he will be an agent of change to stop racism in journalism, regardless of who it is directed at:

Kevin Newman's rationale for covering racism in a different way than pre-Civil Rights America):

""As I was working on a story for W5, I was also reading Douglas Brinkley's remarkable biography of Walter Cronkite. I was surprised and relieved to learn how Cronkite had driven CBS reporters to cross a similar line in their reporting during the civil rights movement in the U.S. The systemic racism toward African-Americans, he believed, compelled journalists to put aside their notions of neutrality and play a role in shaping American's acceptance of equal rights.

To Cronkite, there was no "other side" that needed equal time in CBS reporting of segregation; there was only one position that was humane and moral. That's how I feel about what I consider the civil rights issue of my time: legal and societal equality for gays and lesbians. I cannot see a valid or moral argument for limiting them. I will not accept that my son has fewer rights, must hide who he is, or be afraid to celebrate true love in front of us.

Cronkite's example helped ease my reluctance to reveal my bias, and as long as I'm being transparent about it, I feel comfortable sharing with W5 viewers and you this aspect of my life I never have discussed before"".

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Ed T
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 08:36 AM

No, it qwas not intended as personal, IMO, gnu. Just a general comment.

One problem is once "guns are up" (not gnu's) it does not take
much for someone (no one particular in mind) to misconstrue comments, and go gun'in (not gnu'ing) fer another folkie in one, or many threads.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: GUEST,999
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 10:31 PM

Please note that the three posts before this one were in response to a speech by ollaimh which has been deleted.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 10:11 PM

Och ollaimh, pog mo thon! Tha amadan mor fas orbh! A bheil thu tuig sin?

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 10:04 PM

"the constant name calling on this issue is just the smoke screen fo the ignorant bigoted racists"
I gotta remember that one...

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: GUEST,999
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 09:45 PM

I'm glad that's cleared up.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 07:00 PM

Lizzie, I have never implied that you don't have a clue and I don't appreciate you taking my comments out of context. This issue has many facets and there is no single one that is correct. Your postings seem rather fixated on a single facet that chief Spence is above reproach. Chief Spence has a long history that many of us in Canada are aware of. Our government deserves much of the blame and I certainly have no desire to defend them, but chiefs and band councils have long been picking the cherries out of the pie, leaving only the crust for the hungry! Somehow greedy band leaders must be left out of the solution if they are a part of the problem! All that being said people are in dire need of help and I only want to see that help reach where it is needed!

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: gnu
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 06:35 PM

Right, Ed.

And, now, I will not say another word about any of "that". Trust you won't either, Ed... or anyone else. This is an important thread (said it before) as are other threads and they should not be derailed by any idiots.

That wasn't personal... as I understand the rules... was it?

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Greg F.
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 05:47 PM

Go Ahead, email & CALL & WRITE Stephen Harper, let him know you want him to meet with Chief Spence:

Too late ...

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Ed T
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 05:21 PM

""Ed... especially when they call me racist and it's unjustified.""

Understood, and other disrestful personal attack terms used in a similar manner occasionally fly around. Hopefully, Mudcat editors take personal attacks from "anyone" (including everyone here) and "on any issue" more seriously. If they go unchecked,it often leas to others and are an affront to meaningful and interesting discussion (these situations frequently move from one thread to another). IMO, I can't see any benefit from that result, other than helping those out with bad intent?

It is telling that this issue has been the topic of another thread on people leaving BS lately.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 05:06 PM

Bruce....just thought I'd let you know, having just come across this in Facebook.




    Sunday, 27 January 2013
    [Time]
    13:00 until 18:00 in EST

[Where]
        
Centre Scalabrini de Montréal 655, est rue Sauriol Montréal Québec H2C 1T9
[Description]
        
This is an Peaceful, Respectful, All Ages Friendly Learning and Sharing Event :o)
Sunday January 27th 2013 at 1pm - 6pm
Venue:Centre Scalabrini de Montréal, 655, est rue SauriolMontréal (Québec) H2C 1T9, Téléphone: [phone]
***We are still looking to CONFIRM SPEAKERS. If you or someone you know is able to speak on Bill C-45, or any of the topics relating to Idle No More, please let me know :o) Thank you.

This event is for coming together in Solidarity, First Nations and Non, and learning about what is happening, how it affects us all and why we should all CARE.

Hoping to put together another hand-out with more information (still eco-friendly, still english, french and spanish translations). Speakers on even more facets of the Idle No More movement and why all Canadian, actually all World Citizens should care. More time for interaction and conversation during speaking portion of the event. etc...

Let everyone you know what an incredible event the last one was and bring them with you to this next one. All together, let's make it even better!

Hoping to find more help/confirmation with the following:
- Video recording and translation. (including traslators at the event - enlish/french/spanish - and can anyone sign???)
- Getting the event online (live)
- Donations for poster and handouts - goal to print 1000 copies of program/pamphlet this time (eco friendly of course)
- OFFLINE ADVERTISING for event - so people know about it before, not after.
- Student and other groups to hand out (one by one) feathers with attached info about event/Idle No More. (will be ongoing for all Montreal Teach-In events for Idle No More) - supplies, donations, assembly, handout.

Also hoping for (even more) drummers/singers/dancers arrive for some fabulous sharing.

Join and Invite Friends, Family, Colleagues,... The more who know, the more will come. The more that come, the more who will know. And on, and on, and.... ;o)

*IF you can't make it but wish you could... click 'maybe' and then invite all your fb friends ;o)

THANKS:
To everyone who joined in the first Montreal Teach-In event to make it such a wonderful success. And thank you to all those who will share in making this event equally incredible :o)

Respect and Solidarity.
Resilience and persistence!

If you have any questions; or would like to stay updated on events I am planning and or involved with, please contact me via fb
facebook.com/moonlightentity
or via email
[e-mail]
(nb emails sent to [e-mail] will , right now, get lost in a flurry of activity. For this event please use the one given above. Thank you.)

I think Canadians are, person by person, a good, compassionate and loving people, and I do believe, that while so many of us have, remained utterly unaware until recently, once we know better, we will, do better.

This, Third World Living Conditions, Inherent and Human Rights abuses, Extreme oppression and what has been called an attempt at eradication of not just one but many Nations of People's is NOT
MY Canada!!!

We are a patient and forgiving People, us Canadians,
but the time has come.
Let us stand together in Solidarity to say Out Loud,

We will be, Idle No More.

Thank you to everyone making efforts to be heard right now, gratitude :o)

Information Links

- Idle No More
idlenomore.com

- On Facebook
Idle No More - Quebec Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/466954116690346/?fref=ts
Idle No More - Official Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Idlenomore.official/?fref=ts
JRockman Art
facebook.com/moonlightentity

On Twitter
@Idlenomore
@IdleNoMoreNews
@ChiefTheresa
@Pam_Palmater
@JRockmanArt

On Youtube
Chief Theresa Spence - Interview December 2012; 8 day into Hunger Strike
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UQ4vMoeD2s
Chief Theresa Spence - Short Interview December 21st; middle of week two of Hunger Strike
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjS721JeuUc
Nasa Nation in Columbia, Rallying and declaring Solidarity with the Idle No More movement. Yes, this is, it's going worldwide!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTjU9oGl-Qg&feature=youtu.be
CBC At Issue - all agreeing?!? Yup!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjAdVjqOVZs&feature=share
*Video not on YouTube
CTV Chief Theresa Spence - Interview December 27th, 2012
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2012/12/27/stub-theresa-spence.html

UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People
http://indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca/home/global-indigenous-issues/un-declaration-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-peoples.html

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms - Constitution Acts 1867 - 1982
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/Const/index.html

Bill C-45
http://parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&DocId=5942521

Great Article (with additional links) showing how much and where about the $$, so we can know the truth!
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/chelsea-vowel/attawapiskat-emergency_b_1127066.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false

Avaaz Community Petition
http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/Chief_Theresa_Spence_help_end_her_Hunger_Strike/

Open Letter from Amnesty International asking Prime Minister Harper to meet with Chief Spence
http://www.amnesty.ca/news/open-letters/open-letter-urging-a-meeting-with-chief-theresa-spence
Open Letter from Marc Garneau asking Prime Minister Harper to meet with Chief Spence
http://marcgarneau.ca/an-open-letter-to-prime-minster-stephen-harper-let-our-words-not-be-empty/
Open Letter from The United Church of Canada asking Prime Minister Harper to meet with Chief Spence
http://www.united-church.ca/files/communications/news/general/121219_letter.pdf
Open Letter from the David Suzuki Foundation asking Prime Minister Harper to meet with Chief Spence
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/media/news/2012/12/david-suzuki-foundation-letter-of-support-for-idlenomore/
Open Letter from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers asking Prime Minister Harper to meet with Chief Spence
http://www.cupw.ca/multimedia/website/publication/English/PDF/2012/2012-12-17_ltr_Chief_Spence_E.pdf
*There are many more letters to be found out there (i.e. the Ontario Labour Federation; and the National Union of Public & General Employees), and many more being written every day, Please join them, and ask any businesses you deal with, organizations you're involved in, celebrities and/or media personalities you know to join in (yes, Roseanne Barr already tweeted Prime Minister Harper to meet Chief Spence about her concerns!), you can make a difference today.

An interesting little something from Pam Palmater
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/canada-politics/yahoo-exclusive-afn-runner-pam-palmater-accuses-pm-144833734.html

Go Ahead, email & CALL & WRITE Stephen Harper, let him know you want him to meet with Chief Spence:
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]
altern email: [e-mail]

OR

1600 90th Avenue Southwest, suite A-203
Calgary, Alberta
T2V 5A8
Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: gnu
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 04:52 PM

Ed... especially when they call me racist and it's unjustified.

Mudelf... thank for for deleting SOME of the unjustified posts with personal attacks and libel. It's a good start. I could ask you why you deleted responses to personal attack and not all of the personal attack posts but that wouldn't be prudent. I assume it is because the responses named an individual and the personal attacks which did not name individual(s) are, by definition, not "personal". Fair enough.

I'll stop there although I could comment further now that I understand how this particular game is being called.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Greg F.
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 04:49 PM

Learn to read & comprehend the English language, Liz - I'm pretty sure Sandy's comment isn't restricted to only one of your many and ever proliferating crusades.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 04:43 PM

From Sandy: "..Lizzie also has a passion for a just resolution but I question her objective comprehension of the issues at hand.."

Erm....got a problem here, Sandy. I see in pictures and I don't have a picture for 'objective comprehension'. Do you mean you think I haven't a clue as to what's actually going on with Idle No More or Chief Spence?

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Ed T
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 04:12 PM

Thanks Bruce, to your credit, you have always seemed like a fair mided person to me.

Opinions are only opinions, no more, no less, and don't matter to how most issues evolve in the "real world'.

I also is reasonable that some folks aren't wired "to communicate well" with some some other folks, regardless of their personal attributes, or how they relate with other perple.

IMO, a best practices would be for people who are likely to conflict avoid each other as much as possible - but, I suspect thet is unlikely to happen.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Ed T
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 03:30 PM

Witch Hunt Claim rings Hollow:

Calgary Herald Editorial

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 01:39 PM

Thank you, Bruce...
Squawk! ;0)

Liz xx

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 25 Jan 13 - 11:17 PM

Ditto on that Bruce!
I think that most of us here on the 'cat look at the world with a view toward fairness and equality. It is only on the means of reaching that goal that we often disagree.
I am not sure if some of ollaimh's earlier comments were directed at me but in any case I stand firm in my opinion that chief Spence's actions gained publicity for a justified cause but lacked focus on the goal.
ollaimh is a bit of an enigma but he seems to share an understanding of my heritage and I appreciate his contributions but not always his opinion. Lizzie also has a passion for a just resolution but I question her objective comprehension of the issues at hand. gnu is gnu and I consider him a friend although our paths have never crossed!
Such is the Mudcat but I hope in my heart that we can all disagree as friends!

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Jan 13 - 09:59 PM

Ed, the Native Canadian leadership has been a political debacle for many years before Teresa's stage appearance. To think otherwise is to ignore the Number Treaties and the concomitant fallout. ollaimh's remark about traditional chiefs is accurate, although that in itself provides no relief to Native communities. One has but to look at Assumption--a Slavey reserve in Alberta's north--to see the truth in that.

BTW, ollaimh, I apologize for my earlier remark about being here on Mudcat for longer than you. I wasn't.

Ed: I'm aware that most Canucks are POed at Chief Spence's hunger fast. What most folks don't know is that fish broth was a food people ate when absolutely necessary.

1) It tastes like shit
2) It has little nutrition in it
3) It was only ever eaten in hunger times

I think too many people--mostly non-Native people are disappointed that she didn't die, like somehow that would have validated what she did. What she did was validated and supported when five Mohawk women from Kahnawake went to pass on their hands, hearts and souls.

As a White with a half Indian family, I do not give a rat's ass what Canadians think. In fact, we wouldn't care what people think about us if we knew how seldom they did.

I appreciate your views because you are a smart man with well-considered views. I'm fortunate to have people like you in my life. Yes, we argue, but when tomorrow comes we will awake to a new sunrise and a new day.

Liz doesn't need to be patronized. She is a tough cookie with a great heart. I argue with her more than with anyone else here. She is squaky, loud and sometimes a pain, but after reading and sometime re- and re-reading her posts it's easy for me to see she means it and will stand up to anyone about what she thinks deserves redress.

gnu has history with Native peoples in New Brunswick, and he don't take shit from no one. He also has a heart bigger'n Alberta and a sense of humour that George Burns would have lit a cigar for.

ollaimh is adamant and dedicated to the cause of justice as it pertains to people--but specifically Indian people. He has spoken of the Clearances and I think the Famine, and of course the Residential school system which was and is a national disgrace in Canada.

Fact is, we all are not that far apart. It's just a matter of calm and peace, because we all know war just let's ya know who won, not who was right.

I neglected to mention you, Ed. I think you're brilliant both for your verve and your patience. You remind me of John on the Sunset Coast. I think it may be because of the oceans you live next to, because you know that for every wave that goes out another comes in.

OK, enough stuff from me.

Bruce Murdoch

---

Personal attacks edited out just now may make some of this exposition a bit vague. Best to let those bits go and move on in a productive direction. --mudelf

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Ed T
Date: 25 Jan 13 - 07:41 PM

IMO, Spence has indeed helped raise public awareness of both the native plight and the native community governance failures. Unfortunately,IMO, much of this positive awareness (in Canada, where it counts) was shared amongst the "already convinced".

Again, unfortunately, many Canadians see Spence as a representative of the native communities inability to manage it's own affairs and finances, which reinforces the long-held (and IMO< inaccurate) negative sterotypes of the native community (IMO, Ibelieve the polls support that).

On a downside, I see her stubborn "longer than productive" campaign as helping to divide the native Canadian leadership (when solidarity was needed) than uniting it. Time will tell if this is a "good thing, or a bad thing" over the long term.

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: gnu
Date: 25 Jan 13 - 07:21 PM

Well said, 9. I agree that Chief Spence has done a good thing. The rest of it should be left between her, her people, her elders, her spirit and the PM (yes, the PM DOES count in all this no matter what anyone says... it's common knowledge and common sense).

Subject: RE: BS: Get Harper Out - Petition (Canada)
From: Ed T
Date: 25 Jan 13 - 06:44 PM

From last night's CBC TV broadcast:


CBC panel discussion on Spence