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NEWS
ANISHINABEK The voice of the Anishinabek Nation
Volume 25 Issue 3
Published monthly by the Union of Ontario Indians - Anishinabek Nation
Single Copy: $2.00
APRIL 2013
Migizi soars over Chippewa Territory After 18 months in captivity, an immature, three-year-old female Bald Eagle was released into the skies over Deshkan Ziibii – Chippewas of the Thames territory – while community members sang an honour song. Details on Page 3. – Photos by Greg Plain
Assemblies Anishinabek Nation June 4-6 Munsee-Delaware www.anishinabek.ca Chiefs of Ontario June 25-27 Whitefish River FN www.coo.org Assembly of First Nations July 16-18 Whitehorse, Yukon www.afn.ca
adlflagcontest.com
FLAG CONTEST
Educational resources on Indian Residential Schools available www.anishinabek.ca/irscp/
Sovereignty summer?
Maintain volume: Madahbee
By Maurice Switzer Anishinabek leadership is encouraging all Canadians to maintain the volume of public outcry against federal legislation that threatens environmental safeguards and ignores the constitutional rights of First Nations. “I think it’s safe to say that Anishinabek Nation citizens are poised to protect their treaty and inherent rights,” said Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee. “The federal conservative government has already shown its hand; now it’s time for us to show ours.” Speaking on behalf of 39 member Anishinabek communities, Madahbee had high praise for those who have spoken out against what he termed “a legislative assault” by the Harper government. “We all raised the bar through the winter with round dances, marches and rallies across Turtle Island and beyond. Let’s keep the momentum going.” Madahbee said it was “disgusting and disgraceful” for the federal government to ignore the voices of fasting First Nations Chief Theresa Spence and the Nishiyuu Walkers and continue to promote legislation that puts more First Nations people into poverty. “This is our time to stand beside our youth and make a difference.” Appearing as a panelist at a March 22 “teach-in” at Canadore College, the Grand Council Chief told an audience of 300: “We are trying to get rid of the shackles of colonialism.” He called the Harper government’s omnibus bills “an affront to all Canadians.” Fellow panellist Pam Palmater – a high-profile spokesperson for the Idle No More movement – agreed, suggesting that the grassroots campaign should matter to all Canadians. “This legislative agenda ignores First Nations sovereignty and jurisdiction, violates the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to have free, prior, and informed consent, transfers jurisdiction from the feds to the provinces, transfers liability without funding and increases government control over First Nations. Canada’s objective
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is assimilation.” A report broadcast by the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network says that Idle No More has joined forces with Defenders of the Land and the new alliance plans to launch “escalating action” during what is being called the “Sovereignty Summer”. The alliance has been endorsed by Jessica Gordon, Sylvia McAdam, Sheelah McLean and Nina Wilson, the four founders of Idle No More, along with the movement’s lead organizers, provincial and territorial chapters. As a result of the alliance, Idle No More has now agreed to support non-violent direct action, including blockades, in the cause of Indigenous rights, says the APTN report. The Defenders of the Land is an established network of Indigenous activists that was formally formed in 2008. The network has been involved in Indigenous land rights issues across the country, including in ongoing hotspots like Ontario’s Grassy Narrows First Nation, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation and Barriere Lake in Quebec. The alliance would see “co-ordinated non-violent direct actions”, and calls on “non-Indigenous peoples” to join Indigenous communities in the actions. A draft joint declaration makes several demands, including a repeal of sections of the now passed Bill C-45 that impact the environment along with Aboriginal and Treaty rights; changing the electoral system to proportional representation; ensuring consultation happens before any legislation is introduced that impacts collective rights and the environment; the full implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; an end to the government’s policies of “extinguishment;” full implementation of the treaties and a national inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women. “We know it will take a lot more to defeat (Prime Minister Stephen Harper) and the corporate agenda. But against the power of their money and weapons, we have the power of our bodies and spirits,” says the declaration. “There is nothing that can match the power of peaceful, collective action in defence of the people and Mother Earth.”