SAVING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES FROM OURSELVES

Response to Jay Taber's column on the North American Indigenous Peoples' Caucus  by Glenn Morris, Leadership Council , Colorado AIM

intercontinentalcry.org

http://intercontinentalcry.org/response-to-jay-tabers-column-on-sycuan/

This column is in response to the condescending, paternalistic and colonialist column by Jay Taber, entitled, “Report From Sycuan” http://intercontinentalcry.org/report-from-sycuan/, that Intercontinental Cry published on March 23, 2013. I cannot recall reading such an incredible spew of ignorant, settler-privileged drivel in several years – and from an author who curiously describes himself as an ally to indigenous peoples.

It was quite auspicious that I was reviewing some writings on white, male privilege at the time that Taber’s column was forwarded to me. This passage from an open letter from a person of color to white progressives, seemed particularly appropriate:

White privilege has trained you white [men] since the spoon that you are an authority, THE authority. You know what’s best and right, whether you say it openly or not, because you’re white….You have been educated and given messages, oh nice white progressive/radical, your entire life that people of color don’t know our history and experiences and can’t possibly have the tools to critically understand the world around us or your behavior. You practice the teaching every day that we people of color are here for your use. (http://www.peopleofcolororganize.com/analysis/opinion/open-letter-white-progressivesradicals-bring-yard-open-reply-white-progressivesradicals/)

And this passage from anti-colonial scholar Denise Breton: Settler privilege contains all the mental, emotional, and material habits associated with taken for granted white privilege….[T]he decolonizing work begins here with naming these dynamics, so that [settler society] can engage in the lifelong work of breaking their hold.”

The quotes above are spot on with Taber’s “analysis,” given that his pontifications about the meeting of the North American Indigenous Peoples’ Caucus (NAIPC) at Sycuan, Kumeyaay Territory emerge entirely from a position of male, settler privilege. Never mind that he did not even attend the meeting (I participated as a delegate); never mind that he is acquainted with only a few of the NAIPC participants; never mind that he does not even know the actual purpose of the NAIPC gathering. Don’t bother him with any of the genuine facts – he, in his infinite wisdom, “knows” who are the “bad Indians,” what our motives are, and he believes that he has the right to lecture and chastise us. Sorry, Jay, those days are over. I noticed that Taber revised his initial, even more offensive, column trying to seek cover through inserting a few short quotes from Kenneth Deer. It didn’t work.

Typical of Taber’s paternalistic braying was his implied criticism of a respected indigenous leader, Debra Harry, who has been selected multiple times to coordinate numerous gatherings and meetings, including NAIPC. Ms. Harry was fighting, on the ground, to defend her own indigenous peoples’ territories, and all of our rights to self-determination, while Taber was still learning how to spell “indigenous.” Taber implied that somehow Ms. Harry was overlord of “the shambles” at NAIPC, which somehow prevented his friends from accomplishing their “important” work. Incidentally, by what right does Taber criticize indigenous women at all, and Debra Harry in particular? I’ll tell you by what right – by no right. Who does he think he is? After centuries of murder, abuse and marginalization of indigenous women by settler men – the days of disrespecting indigenous women are REALLY over.

While we’re on the subject, Mr. Know-It-All mentioned Debra Harry by name, but did he know that she had a NAIPC co-facilitator of the meeting? He might have heard of that co-facilitator, since one of Taber’s claims to fame is association with the Center for World Indigenous Studies (CWIS), which has a library that is dedicated to the work of the late Chief George Manual. As it happens, Debra Harry’s co-facilitator was George Manual’s SON, Arthur. Didn’t know that, did you, Jay? Or, perhaps you simply forgot to mention that in your self-serving tirade. In addition to the co-facilitators, there were four rapporteurs, recording the proceedings, and every delegate was free to speak at the microphone from the floor, at any time.

Another convenient fact that Taber omits from his ad hominem rant is that Debra Harry was selected, by consensus of the group, to serve as the representative to the Global Coordinating Group for the North American region, south of the Medicine Line (U.S./Canada border) for the 2013-2014 session. This was after the candidate that was advanced by Taber’s friends was forced to withdraw her nomination because of her past work with the CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY (CIA)!http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/article/quinault-president,-fawn-sharp,-receives-highest-award-from-gonzaga-alums-145004. Really, we were supposed to support the candidacy of an admitted former CIA agent (but, hey, she’s a member of NCAI, and the president of an “indigenous government”) to represent indigenous peoples from the U.S. at the international meeting in Alta, Norway in June of this year? I don’t think so. Taber didn’t see fit to mention that little point of tension at the NAIPC meeting.

Now, let’s correct a few more of Taber’s other ridiculous assertions. He states, “the whole purpose of the [NAIPC] meeting was to prepare for the world conference.” Honk! Wrong. The purpose of the NAIPC meeting is, in large part, to discuss and coordinate the work of indigenous peoples at various international fora, including the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), and the Expert Mechanism. The high level plenary meeting (to which he erroneously refers as a World Conference) was only one of several issues for discussion on the NAIPC meeting agenda.

A salient point that Taber’s informant(s) from Sycuan failed to mention to him is that NAIPC, which, incidentally, is open to all indigenous people, and which has been meeting for several years prior to the annual UNPFII meeting at the UN in New York, had not yet decided to participate in the UN high level plenary meeting (the so-called World Conference). Last year, at the NAIPC meeting in Six Nations Territory (Niagara Falls), a decision whether or not to participate in the high plenary was tabled, awaiting the completion of the Modalities Resolution (a document outlining whether or not indigenous peoples were going to be allowed to participate in the meeting). Consequently, Taber’s friends from National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Native American Rights Fund (NARF), and CWIS arrived at Sycuan with the fallacious assumption that NAIPC had already decided to participate in the UN high level plenary, when no consensus decision on that point had ever been reached.

The debate about whether indigenous peoples should allow themselves to be used as window-dressing by the United Nations for its high level plenary meeting is worthy of additional debate (and another column, in and of itself). Even a cursory look at the Modalities Resolution that was finalized by the UN General Assembly on December 17, 2012, indicates that the high level plenary meeting is a sham.http://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N11/476/58/PDF/N1147658.pdf?OpenElement

And, please Jay, stop calling the UN meeting a world conference – it is not a world conference; a world conference is infinitely more comprehensive, extensive and participatory by the peoples involved in the outcomes. The fact that the state powers pushing the high level plenary meeting are using the term “world conference” as a smokescreen, should be a tip-off of what is coming. The high level plenary meeting will not discuss the right to indigenous peoples’ self-determination, and it will allow a MAXIMUM of 200 indigenous peoples from around the world to even be in the UN building — less than a dozen of those will be allowed to speak, and those will be confined to short, informal (UN code for not officially part of the final report) breakout panel discussions. The entire high level plenary meeting will be a day and a half – nine total hours – compared to the actual UN World Conference on Racism that was held in Durban, South Africa in 2001, which was nine days (not nine hours), with active, vital participation from thousands of people from around the world, who participated in producing the outcome document, The Durban Declaration and Plan of Action.

Most importantly, the outcome document for the high level plenary meeting will be drafted and adopted SOLELY by UN state members, without the free, prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples – a violation of one of the foundational principles of the past forty years of struggle by indigenous peoples in the international arena.

The purposes of the United States, Canada, and other settler states is clear – it is to subordinate the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to the domestic laws of their invader states, and to further domesticate indigenous peoples through what they call “best practices,” into settler state legal regimes. If indigenous peoples lend even their tacit consent to such a lopsided and racist process, it will provide a rationale for states to report that indigenous peoples have acquiesced to the settler state design of further assimilation and destruction of indigenous peoples.

One reason that there was so much tension at Sycuan was that the international revolution for the rights of indigenous peoples was not begun by NCAI or NARF – both of which, incidentally, are NGOs, a term that Taber consistently uses as a pejorative. It was begun by militants, and by those Taber so derisively and racistly labeled “juveniles, unaccustomed to diplomacy,” and “those who were frustrated by the policies of governing authorities,” indigenous resisters such as the American Indian Movement at Wounded Knee, and leaders like Russell Means, who began the International Indian Treaty Council, the first indigenous presence at the UN, beginning in 1974, the Six Nations and other traditional indigenous nations who were there from the beginning, and who demanded recognition of their passports and their leaders.

It was those malcontents who penned the Declaration of Continuing Independence, who advanced the creation of the Working Group on Indigenous Peoples, the UN Study on Treaties and Constructive Agreements, and the toughest language, e.g., Article 3 on Self-Determination, Article 37 on treaties, and Article 19 on free, prior and informed consent in the UNDRIP. What the rebels did not include in the UNDRIP, and would never have accepted, was Article 46, on protecting the territorial integrity of invader states. Those indigenous delegates who acquiesced to that article betrayed the original principles of the work.

This leads us to Taber’s ridiculous notion that only indigenous governments can legitimately act to implement the UNDRIP. Mr. Taber, it is a DECLARATION – anyone can decide to endorse and implement it: states, indigenous governments, NGOs, your county government, the local Unitarian Church, your corner grocer down the street – anyone. Taber’s suggestion that everyone needs to clear the decks, so that indigenous governments can implement the UNDRIP is patently absurd – nothing is stopping them from doing so at anytime, but I doubt that more than a couple of dozen have even bothered to read the document seriously.

It was not NCAI or NARF who fought for the victories above; they stood on the sidelines until the heavy lifting was completed, and regularly ridiculed and criticized those of us who were doing the international work. If some of those indigenous/tribal governments now are ready to raise the standard of indigenous liberation and genuine, international freedom and self-determination, that’s great. It’s about time – but they are not going to push aside those of us who have fought continuously for the past forty years to achieve what few victories have been won. I am not suggesting that most of those indigenous governments that were at NAIPC wanted to do so, they seemed genuinely interested in future, inclusive collaboration. If that is the case, then let’s roll up our sleeves, have the tough ideological debates, and continue the difficult work of building a more free and liberated future for all indigenous peoples.

So, Mr. Taber, you would be well-served to check your own contributions to perpetuating the settler state mentality, get a little history lesson, get your facts straight before you ignorantly spout off, stop lecturing indigenous peoples about the correct course of action for us or our peoples, and stop trying to decide for us who should be included at the table, and who should be excluded.

American Indian Movement of Colorado and other groups rally in support of Idle No More, bombard Canadian Consulate

 Virginia Allrunner, Colorado AIM Elders Council member

 Delegation in building of Canadian consulate, waiting for representative

 Tessa McLean, Anishinabe, AIM Leadership Council speaking to crowd of 150

http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2012/12/photos_american_indian_groups.php

Sam Levin Mon., Dec. 31 2012 at 4:00 PM

5 Comments

 Westword, Denver, CO

It was quite cold in Denver today where hundreds of people gathered just outside the Canadian consulate to stand in solidarity with indigenous groups in that country who are fighting with the government there over a wide range of issues. But organizers of the local protest said supporters of First Nationsshould have no problem enduring the cold, knowing that in Canada, a chief is suffering through a hunger strike to get officials' attention.

"You think that we're uncomfortable here," shouted Glenn Morris, an associate professor at the University of Colorado Denver and a member of the Leadership Council of the American Indian Movement of Colorado. "Theresa Spence is willing to give her life."

Spence, the chief of the Attawapiskat First Nation, has been on a hunger strike for more than twenty days, demanding a meeting with the Canadian prime minister and protesting several pieces of legislation that she and her supporters say are anti-First Nations.

Today, Morris had on hand a letter asking that officials meet with Spence and also honor previous treaties as well as provisions of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. (More on that letter in our original post from this morning).

"When was the last time you met someone that was willing to give their life, to starve to death, to make the point that the Canadian government [is wrong]?" he told the group, which gathered on the 16th Street Mall. "Hopefully, we can endure a little bit longer."

Tessa McLean, 24, who was born in Canada and is a member of the Ojibwe tribe, said it's important for Denver to be active since the city is home to one of fifteen Canadian consulates in the United States. "For every action that we have, we make it hit closer to home," she said. "We need to explain that the people affected in Canada are our relatives."

McLean, a political science student at the University of Colorado Denver, said that there is also a lot of environmental activism in Colorado, which aligns well with support for the First Nations. "A lot of native people understand we are all related."

After signing onto the letter, the crowd gathered inside the lobby of 1625 Broadway, where the consulate is located -- only to be told that the office had closed early for the day. A guard told them that a representative would still come down to accept the letter -- and meanwhile argued with protesters, telling them they could not carry signs or take photos or video inside the private property.

"They closed early, because we're here!" one protester shouted, as others said they were thankful to be inside and continued to take photos, despite the guard on scene telling urging them not to.

And after around fifteen minutes, a representative came down and accepted the letter.

Denver Idle No More Calls Out the Canadian Prime Minister via Letter

CAROL BERRY

January 02, 2013 • Indian Country Today

Despite drumming, Round Dancing and megaphoned speeches far below its lofty offices in Denver, the Consulate General of Canada remained silent December 31 about the First Nations’ indigenous rights concerns expressed in a local rally that drew about 100 people in support of the continent-wide Idle No More movement.

Because of widespread preparation for New Year’s Eve, consulate offices closed at noon to the general public, but Ladan Amirazizi, consul and senior trade commissioner, accepted a letter she said she would convey to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on behalf of Idle supporters in Denver’s Indian community. She did not comment on concerns raised in the rally or in the letter signed by Denver-area residents and others.

The letter said that Harper and his government would be held personally responsible should Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat First Nation be permanently or fatally injured as a result of her hunger strike that began December 11 to force a meeting on indigenous rights with Harper. It also pointed to issues raised by First Nations continent-wide.

“This movement is unstoppable,” said Glenn Morris, Shawnee, a professor of political science at University of Colorado-Denver and long-time leader of the American Indian Movement of Colorado (AIM). He pointed out the common interests of Native peoples and cited some of the current First Nations concerns expressed in the letter to Harper.

The letter advises Harper, “You should be aware that the intransigent and regressive position of your government towards First Nations people is being viewed internationally as an affront to the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples, and is a violation of internationally recognized human rights standards.”

An “immediate” meeting among Harper, representatives of the Queen of England, Spence, and other First Nation leaders must be convened to discuss the direct relationship between First Nations and Canada, the letter states.

The letter also calls for repealing anti-First Nations sections of an omnibus bill and other legislation, for honoring all treaties between First Nations and the Crown/Canada, and for implementing all provisions of the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

In one provision, like the 1887 Dawes Act in the U.S., current Canadian legislation would lower the threshold for the surrender of community-held reserve lands, which could be divided into individual parcels and possibly sold for economic development, others noted.

The letter is being conveyed “on behalf of thousands of people from Colorado—First Nations, American Indians, supporters and allies” and was created and delivered on behalf of Idle No More-Denver, Morris said.

Morris clarified that the rally and Round Dance was “not an AIM event,” but was in support of Idle No More and its fight against the erosion of indigenous rights.

He commended the four women who convened 300-plus people, primarily from Denver’s Indian community, for a separate Round Dance December 29 at Denver’s Cherry Creek Mall. The current rally’s first speaker was Virginia Allrunner, Cheyenne, a noted traditional dancer in the 70+ category and grandmother of Cheyenne Birdshead, one of the four planners of the earlier event.

Allrunner advocated unity with First Nations people because “they’re just like any of you here. Talk to them—they’re just friendly.”

After about two hours of dancing and listening in 20-degree weather, most of the Round Dance participants crowded into the lobby of the consulate building where security guards said a consular official would come to receive the letter.

Tessa McLean, Anishinaabe First Nation, gave the letter to Amirazizi for Harper. Amirazizi told her the consulate had closed at noon but if she, as a Canadian, had concerns, she would talk with her at greater length; McLean responded that she was there as part of the support for Idle No More, and she and other rally participants left the building.

     KEEP THE PRESSURE ON THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA!

SUPPORT CHIEF THERESA SPENCE • SUPPORT “IDLE NO MORE”          

Demand Justice for First Nations • Demand that Canadian Prime Minister Harper Meet with Chief Spence and other First Nations Leaders• Repeal Canadian Legislation C-45, and all other anti-indigenous legislation!

PROTEST/ROUND DANCE  @ THE CANADIAN CONSULATE • 1625 BROADWAY (16^TH STREET MALL@ BROADWAY), DENVER • MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012 • 10:30 am • Bring drums, banners, signs

IDLE NO MORE  Is a movement that was begun by four courageous women in Saskatchewan, Canada, in November, 2012, to combat vicious legislative attacks (especially Bill C-45) on First Nation indigenous peoples by the government of Canada. Since that time, Idle No More has captured the imagination and attention of indigenous peoples and their allies, all over North America, and across the globe. Idle No More calls on all people to join in a revolution that honors and fulfills Indigenous liberation, which protects the land and water. Colonization continues through attacks to Indigenous peoples’ rights and damage to the land and water. We must repair these violations, live the spirit and intent of the treaty relationship, work towards justice in action, and protect Mother Earth. On December 10th, Indigenous people and allies stood in solidarity across Canada to assert Indigenous decolonization, and to begin the work towards sustainable, renewable development. All people will be affected by the continued damage to the land and water and we welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies to join in creating healthy sustainable communities. We encourage youth to become engaged in this movement as you are the leaders of our future. There have always been individuals and groups who have been working towards these goals – Idle No More seeks to create solidarity and further support these goals. We recognize that there may be backlash, and we encourage people to stay strong and united in spirit. Contact: http://idlenomore1.blogspot.com

CHIEF THERESA SPENCE  To focus awareness on the broad range of issues that have been raised by "Idle No More," Chief Theresa Spence of the Attiwapiskat First Nation, on James Bay in northern Canada, began a hunger strike on December 11, demanding that Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper, and the Queen of England, meet with Spence and other First Nation leaders regarding current racist, anti-indigenous legislation in Canada, and the spreading crises in indigenous territories. Now, over two weeks into her strike, Chief Spence is becoming increasingly weaker, and she needs our support. Her hunger strike is not a temporary, weekend fast, nor is it a publicity stunt. Chief Spence has vowed to remain on her hunger strike until the government of Canada responds, or until she dies. We cannot allow Canada's indifference to kill a caring and dedicated leader, demanding rights for her people, and for all people. Contact: https://twitter.com/ChiefTheresa; http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chief-Theresa-Spence-Hunger-Strike-Letters-Of-Support/122241324605948

Flood the offices of Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper with emails, phone calls, faxes, and letters of support for Chief Theresa Spence and Idle No More.

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.

Prime Minister

Parliament Hill:

Telephone: 613-992-4211

Fax: 613-941-6900

Department:

Prime Minister of Canada

Langevin Building

80 Wellington Street

Ottawa, Ontario

K1A 0A2

Telephone: 613-992-4211

Fax: 613-941-6900

E-Mail: pm@pm.gc.ca

500 Join "Idle No More" Support Flash Mob in Denver

Colorado AIM members joined hundreds of other Native and non-Native supporters of the Idle No More movement, as we took over a portion of Cherry Creek Mall in Denver on Saturday, December 29, 2012. The "flash-mob" was organized by four young Native women from Denver, some of whom are AIM members, via Facebook. The point of the gathering was to support the Idle No More movement demanding indigenous peoples' rights in Canada, and in support of Chief Theresa Spence, who is now in the 17th day of a hunger strike in Ottawa, demanding a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The flash-mob was led by about twenty hand drums, who sang a round dance song, the AIM song, and an honor song, before the crowd dispersed. ANother rally is planned for December 31 at the Canadian Consulate in Denver.

IDLE NO MORE  Is a movement that was begun by four courageous women in Saskatchewan, Canada, in November, 2012, to combat vicious legislative attacks (especially Bill C-45) on First Nation indigenous peoples by the government of Canada. Since that time, Idle No More has captured the imagination and attention of indigenous peoples and their allies, all over North America, and across the globe. Idle No More calls on all people to join in a revolution that honors and fulfills Indigenous liberation, which protects the land and water. Colonization continues through attacks to Indigenous peoples’ rights and damage to the land and water. We must repair these violations, live the spirit and intent of the treaty relationship, work towards justice in action, and protect Mother Earth. On December 10th, Indigenous people and allies stood in solidarity across Canada to assert Indigenous decolonization, and to begin the work towards sustainable, renewable development. All people will be affected by the continued damage to the land and water and we welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies to join in creating healthy sustainable communities. We encourage youth to become engaged in this movement as you are the leaders of our future. There have always been individuals and groups who have been working towards these goals – Idle No More seeks to create solidarity and further support these goals. We recognize that there may be backlash, and we encourage people to stay strong and united in spirit. Contact: http://idlenomore1.blogspot.com; www.idlenomore.com

CHIEF THERESA SPENCE  To focus awareness on the broad range of issues that have been raised by "Idle No More," Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat First Nation, on James Bay in northern Canada, began a hunger strike on December 11, demanding that Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper, and the Queen of England, meet with Spence and other First Nation leaders regarding current racist, anti-indigenous legislation in Canada, and the spreading crises in indigenous territories. Now, over two weeks into her strike, Chief Spence is becoming increasingly weaker, and she needs our support. Her hunger strike is not a temporary, weekend fast, nor is it a publicity stunt. Chief Spence has vowed to remain on her hunger strike until the government of Canada responds, or until she dies. We cannot allow Canada's indifference to kill a caring and dedicated leader, demanding rights for her people, and for all people. Contact: https://twitter.com/ChiefTheresa; http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chief-Theresa-Spence-Hunger-Strike-Letters-Of-Support/122241324605948

 Flood the offices of Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper with emails, calls and faxes, in support of Chief Spence and Idle No More. Harper’s Tel.: 613-992-4211; Fax: 613-941-6900; email: pm@pm.gc.ca

First Nations Continue Struggle Across Canada in Sub-Zero Temperatures

Idle No More protest closes streets in downtown Edmonton

400 activists join marchers nationwide in support of treaty rights

BY ELISE STOLTE, EDMONTON JOURNALDECEMBER 22, 2012

EDMONTON - Idle No More protesters shut downtown streets Friday as they marched from Walterdale Bridge to Canada Place and held a round dance in the middle of Jasper Avenue.

About 400 aboriginal activists and supporters marched the distance in -20 C temperatures with a stiff wind, as more people followed in vehicles and joined the group along the way.

The grassroots movement, organized locally by teachers and law students through social media, was echoed in cities across the county, in the United States and even London, England. More than 1,000 protesters descended on Ottawa, and many of the regional protests shut down significant intersections and highways.

“We’re doing this peaceful, non-violent. There will be an escalation of peaceful, non-violent methods after this,” said Gitz Crazyboy, a member of the Piikani First Nation who drove to Edmonton from his job in Fort McMurray for the protest.

“We’re already seeing it across the country,” he said, pointing to numerous temporary highway blockades. “If Theresa Spence dies, I can’t tell you what will happen.

“If (Prime Minister Stephen Harper) is willing to let one of our beautiful leaders starve, what does that say about what he thinks of the rest of us?” said Crazyboy, after leading the group chanting its support for Spence outside Canada Place.

Spence, chief of the Attawapiskat First Nation in northern Ontario, has been on a hunger strike since Dec. 11.

She is living in a teepee just off Parliament Hill, calling on Harper and the Queen or her representative to meet with First Nations leaders and renew a more respectful relationship.

Idle No More supporters have been calling on the federal government to amend Bill C-45, an omnibus bill that delisted many rivers from environmental protection.

Protesters say the bill also made significant changes to the Indian Act without consultation or support from First Nations leaders.

Organizers in Edmonton said Mikisew Cree Chief Steve Courtoreille announced on Friday that his nation will start legal action against the bill. Courtoreille was not immediately available for confirmation or clarification. The Mikisew Cree are located north of Fort McMurray near Alberta’s oilsands.

Neither Harper nor Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan were available for comment Friday.

“The Government remains willing to work with Chief Spence, and all chiefs, to deliver better outcomes for First Nations communities. Minister Duncan has repeatedly offered to meet with Chief Spence but has not as yet received a response from her,” said Julie Vaux, spokeswoman for Harper, in an email.

“Regarding the idle no more protests, our government will continue to respect the right to peaceful protest. We recognize that more work is required to achieve our shared goal of healthier, more self-sufficient First Nation communities, but we believe the best way to do that is by working together,” said Duncan, according to an email sent by his spokesman.

Signs at the downtown Edmonton event read, “Hey Harper, Your ‘Check Injun’ light is on,” “One nation, one tribe, one fire” and “Stop bill C-45.”

“I am here to support my people and keep my treaty rights,” said Caroline Houle, a nursing assistant who wrapped herself in a blanket to march.

“It’s so cold. It’s amazing to see the people standing here united,” added Melina Laboucan, a member of the Lubicon First Nation who also works with Greenpeace.

She helped organize the rally. “It’s amazing to see people across the country saying no, enough is enough,” she said.

Many non-aboriginal people joined the march, lending their voice to ask for change.

“It’s not just a First Nations thing. The treaties are signed by two entities. Everyone has the right to be indignant,” said university student Fraser Mah.

“It feels as if these things are coming to a head and starting to move forward,” added his friend Alix Krahn.

Occupy Edmonton members handed out free hot chocolate as the group passed McDougall United Church on 101st Street.

Michelle White said she was at the first protest earlier this month and she sees the movement growing as people share the news and become excited. “It (the news) spread like wildfire,” she said, crediting social media.

She comes from a long line of aboriginal activists, she said. Her sign read “Bill C-45 sparked the revolution #idlenomore.”

Friday’s rally followed rallies across the country Dec. 10, as well as a week of highway blockades and shopping centre flash mobs.

estolte@edmontonjournal.com

Idle No More - First Nations Rise Up in Canada

Idle No More: Indigenous Brothers and Sisters Taking the Initiative for a Better Tomorrow

http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/article/idle-no-more-indigenous-brothers-and-sisters-taking-initiative-better-tomorrow-146378

ICTMN STAFF

December 17, 2012

Idle No More began with four women—Nina Wilson, Sylvia McAdam, Jessica Gordon, and Sheelah McLean—who share a vision of uniting people to ensure the protection of Mother Earth, her lands, waters and people.  We began by focusing on a piece of legislation called Bill C-45, which attacks the land base reserved for Indigenous people and removes protections for hundreds of our waterways. In November of 2012, we organized a mass teach-in at Station 20 West in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, called Idle No More. This teach-in included guest speakers, petitions again Bill C-45 of the Omnibus Bill, and discussion of our next steps.  That day, we developed plans for more teach-ins, with the goal of building consciousness in a grassroots movement that will resist the impending legislation. A week later plans were in effect for teach-ins, rallies, and protests across Saskatchewan and on to Winnipeg, Manitoba and Edmonton, Alberta.  The four of us supported organizers in other centers and used social media—primarily facebook (http://www.facebook.com/IdleNoMoreCommunity) and twitter (#idlenomore)—to build this movement. We discussed and planned a national day of action for Dec. 10th—which quickly became one of the largest Indigenous mass movements in Canadian history. Now teach-ins, rallies and protests are spreading across Canada with another goal of joining Turtle Island's Indigenous peoples and allies on Dec. 21st.

Although Idle No More (INM) is a national movement which includes thousands of people, it has not gained national media attention. However,  APTN has documented many of the events, and there have been some key moments in the movement. For example, On December 4th, AFN Chiefs were urged by INM organizers to walk to Parliament Hill and protest the current legislative attacks. As well, on December 10th, Chief Theresa Spence from Attawapiskat joined the INM movement by fasting until PM Harper and a representative of the Crown meet to address the oppressive conditions for Indigenous peoples in Canada by revisiting the Treaty relationship. Many Canadians have joined Chief Spence in fasting.

Idle No More is a cry for justice that has spread across Canada, flowing into the United States and other global countries.  This age old resistance began centuries ago as Indigenous nations and their lands, suffered the impacts of exploration, invasion and colonization. The Treaties—meant to be nation to nation agreements—have been broken time and again since their inception.  These ongoing tensions stem from the colonial governments' knowledge that Indigenous people have inherent rights to sovereignty, their territories and the resources. These inherent rights mean that the day to day practices of Canadian institutions are illegitimate, and illegal—every day that the spirit and intent of the treaties is not honored or fulfilled, inequality between Indigenous people and the settler society grows.

This INM movement began from the deep concerns of the women as we face a foreign government that chooses not to work with us, and disregards our Treaty and how this has directly impacted our people in the most insidious ways, and over a long extended period of time.  We are literally dying and the Woman Spirit, has called and the awakening is now.  We have many in solidarity with us, and we promote peace, as it is crucial in our treaty.  As a beyond marginalized people, our true story is not being covered or told, the erasure has begun.  Don’t let this happen to the women, the heartbeat of the world, or all else will fail. The White Buffalo Calf Woman teachings need to be honored…

Idle No More calls on all people to join in a revolution which honors and fulfills Indigenous sovereignty and protects the land and water. All people will be affected by the continued damage to the land and water and we welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies to join in creating healthy sustainable communities. We encourage youth to become engaged in this movement as you are the leaders of our future. There have always been individuals and groups who have been working towards these goals—Idle No More seeks to create grassroots solidarity. We encourage people to organize community gatherings, share knowledge and support, and stay strong and united in spirit as we move forward together.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Jessica Gordon is from Pasqua Treaty 4 Territory, and has always been a contributing part of her community in many ways that includes working within non-profit community based service organizations and volunteering on committees and boards. Sylvia McAdam (Saysewahum) is a direct descendant of Treaty makers and is from the Treaty 6 territory. She has her law degree and currently resides in the Whitefish Lake Reserve lands #118. Nina Wilson is Nakota and Plains Cree from White Bear Treaty 4 territory, and is currently completing a Master’s degree. Sheelah McLean is from Treaty 6 territory, and a 3rd generation immigrant whose Scottish and Scandinavian ancestors settled from Western Europe.  Born and raised in Saskatoon, Sheelah is an anti-racist anti-colonial teacher and activist.