Election 2011 – what is all the fuss about???!

I have been really busy with my law practice for the month of April and have not had the time to write a blog about the 2011 federal election taking place today.  However, I have been reading the news articles, blogs, tweets, etc. about the election and I have a few comments regarding the election and First Nations people, especially sovereignty as it relates to us. 

Here we go:

1)         Voting in the federal election is not going to solve the socio-economic disparity between First Nations and non-First Nations people. History has shown us that it does not matter which political party is in power because they all have the same agenda:  assimilate First Nations people through the racist Indian Act and rob the revenues from the resources on or under our land through racist “consultation and accommodation” principles set by the Canadian legal system. 

When are First Nations going to acknowledge this fact and change the “game”?

2)         To vote in the federal election is a sign that you are a client of the state; however, to not vote maintains your status as a client of the state.  Either way, you’re a client of the State!  However, if we assert sovereignty, we can take our rightful place as sovereigns. That goal is not idealistic or unreachable.  All it takes is “GUTS”.  Do you as First Nations leaders have the “GUTS” to assert sovereignty?  Our children are suffering and the status quo is not working.

3)         Our Nations are moving forward in a manner that meets the needs of the State. Canada's “Aboriginal” policies are one-sided and we receive court decisions that limit/narrow the rights of Indigenous peoples. The Indian Act regime is a regime that administers poverty and that is it. We will never eliminate poverty but it can be reduced and not by following the State as we are presently doing whether we vote or not.  The Indian Act needs to be repealed and NOT REPLACED!  We do not need another “Indian Act” under a different name to assert sovereignty.

4)         Voting is not the problem. The problem is the lack of unity and action among the leadership.  If the Aboriginal political organizations put as much effort into protecting our rights and interests as they are in advocating for us to vote in the federal election, we would have some major change at the grassroots level!

5)         Grand Chief Evans made the comment that the academic rhetoric regarding sovereignty and voting is good but not reflective of life on the ground in First Nations communities.  My response?  It is not indicative of life on the ground because the leadership chooses not to embark on that path.  The path to sovereignty is a difficult one with some hardship along the way.  The path of least resistance is what Grand Chief Evans, although unintended, is endorsing; the alleviation of the poverty of our individuals through government-directed education policies.  Be careful what you ask for.

6)         Encouraging our participation at all levels in mainstream society, including voting, encourages the assimilation of our people. People get comfortable in their personal lives, especially when the money starts rolling in. Some of our people want the same things as non-Aboriginal people and sacrifice our collective interests for their own personal gain.  Look at some of our educated people and leaders who have the ability to stand up for us and call for direct action, such as asserting sovereignty. Do they?  Why not?  The answer is blatantly obvious.

7)         Unity on the federal election voting issue is safe and noncontroversial for the Aboriginal political organizations.  It is easier to push us to vote than it is for them to act and protect our rights.  Their lack of action and unity maintains the status quo, which are poverty and the suppression of our rights as SOVEREIGN nations.

8)         Grand Chief Evans made that comment that increasing our participation in voting in federal elections will enable our people to assert sovereignty in the future. I agree but if we do not assert “sovereignty” now, there will not be any “sovereignty” to assert in the future. The present is just as important as the future.

9)         Education is the key to alleviating poverty for our people; however, our people need to be educated about “sovereignty” and not the incremental lap-dog paced government-directed education policies as advocated by the federal government under the guise of THEIR (not ours) National Aboriginal Organizations.

10)       Sovereignty applies to all of us, not just the Mohawks. Assertions of sovereignty also requires action, otherwise it is just words. Anyone can spout "assert sovereignty". It means nothing unless you actually assert it and live by it.

11)       Asserting sovereignty does not mean giving up all your rights to federal programs and services.  We can have the best of both worlds. The longer we suppress the word "sovereignty", the sooner our cultural assassination will be complete. The status quo is not working and increasing our participation in mainstream politics is not going to bring about the major change we need right now.

12)       We need to bring about change in a wholistic manner. Focus on change at all levels at the same time. Do not follow the federal government’s dysfunctional approach to policy development, i.e. take one step at a time, with an end goal, but without the plan to get there.  It does not work, never has and never will.

  

13)       How do we get out of this?  If every First Nation and their citizens, urban and not, in Canada "UNITED" (like the Egyptians did) and showed the government of Canada and the provinces that we mean business, we would actually get some dramatic change in our situation whether we are treaty or not.

What are you afraid of? That mainstream society will think badly of us if we unite for a purpose that meets our collective needs? That it will promote racism and stereotypes of our people?  Try thinking about us and our interests instead of the federal government.

14)       Greed and/or self-interest are the ruling factor in our plight of poverty and oppression.   We have a choice: continue as is and vote/not vote and maintain the poverty in First Nations or actually do something about it with a united voice. Take your pick!

15)       We choose to live like this and we do not have to. It is time for the people to wake up and unite for a common purpose: the future of our children.

16)       It is time for all First Nations and their citizens, on and off-reserve, to put aside their personal differences and to start thinking about the children of the present and future.

17)       If the federal government throws a $ bill at a leader, especially the National Chiefs, for conformity, that Chief should say "no" and follow the rest of us to ensure dramatic change for everyone. You cannot bring about change without experiencing discomfort beforehand. The Egyptians suffered throughout their united protest but they achieved major change and results in the end. We can do this without violence.

18)       If the Egyptians can do it, so can we!!

19)       Vote or do not vote.  To each his own.

WHO IS WATCHING OUR FOR YOU AND OUR CHILDREN?

This is my own personal opinion and it is not intended to be legal advice.  Please seek independent legal advice pertaining to your situation. 

A MESSAGE FOR ALL OF THE CHIEFS ACROSS CANADA

Yesterday, I posted the Chiefs of Ontario warning to Premier Dalton that direct action would be taken if the government of Ontario did not engage in real bilateral discussions on revenue sharing of the resources taken from First Nations land.  It is reprinted below.

 

What I want to know is when are the rest of the Chiefs and First Nations people across Canada going to follow suit? We have to stop "calling" for services and "expressing disappointment" at government policies. It is not working.  It is time for direct action! 

 

If we want major change, we need to put aside our differences and unite for a common cause: the COLLECTIVE interests of our people.  Come on!  The Egyptians accomplished major change in such a short period of time. They accomplished such big change because they united for a common purpose. If we continue on our current path, we will be a figment in the imagination of mainstream society in no time. Think about the needs of our children!!  There is more power in numbers, remember that.

 

All this talk about "reconciliation" is hogwash.  Reconciliation requires two parties to reconcile their differences. The only party to the reconciliation process in Canada are the First Nations.  Reconciliation is not happening and it has never happened.  It is time to acknowledge this fact. 

 

Here is my earlier posting on the Chiefs of Ontario.

 

FINALLY!!!! The Chiefs of Ontario are putting the Government of Ontario on notice that they better smarten up and engage in REAL bilateral discussions on resource revenue sharing; otherwise some direct action will be taken.  The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) is the coordinating body for the 133 First Nations located within the boundaries of the Province of Ontario. Hear that McGuinty???  You have been forewarned!

Highlights of the COO Press Release:

[National Chief Atleo & Phil Fontaine: this is what you call a real press release.]:

STATEMENT: FIRST NATION LEADERS PUT GOVERNMENT ON NOTICE

First Nations governments are putting the Ontario and Canadian Governments on notice that they will be exercising their jurisdiction over the resources on their lands and vigorously defending this jurisdiction by direct action if required.

Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse stated “We are notifying the province of Ontario that we are not walking away from resource benefit sharing discussions. The Chiefs are not prepared to engage in discussions based on a unilaterally and arbitrarily developed framework by Ontario that doesn’t accommodate the principles of partnership and negotiation. The Chiefs in Assembly fully expect to hold Premier McGuinty to his commitment to create a new system of resource benefits sharing”.

The provincial and federal governments collect significant revenues from First Nations lands and resources. “Resource benefit sharing is an issue that the general public must be engaged in. They need to fully understand the reasonable, economically sensible and justified stance that First Nations are putting forward only to be presented with ultimatums and politically motivated deadlines” says Six Nations of the Grand River Chief Bill Montour.

“Our generosity and willingness to share our resources has made Canada one of the richest countries in the world. It’s time for us to implement our Treaty rights and assert our jurisdiction over our lands and resources. The hope and future of our younger generation is relying on us, we must take government and industry to task in order to protect what is rightfully ours” stated Union of Ontario Indians Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee.

Here’s the link to view COO's press release: http://chiefs-of-ontario.org/News/Default.aspx?NewsID=208

Kudos to all the Chiefs in Ontario!  Poundmaker, Crazyhorse, and Louis Riel would be very proud!

I’ll be standing right behind you, unless, of course, I have something to say. Then I’ll stand in front of you! LOL

McGuinty, you better listen to the Chiefs!

Hot Diggity Damn, the Chiefs of Ontario Have Spoken & McGuinty Better Listen!

FINALLY!!!! The Chiefs of Ontario are putting the Government of Ontario on notice that they better smarten up and engage in REAL bilateral discussions on resource revenue sharing; otherwise some direct action will be taken.  The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) is the coordinating body for the 133 First Nations located within the boundaries of the Province of Ontario. Hear that McGuinty???  You have been forewarned!

Highlights of the COO Press Release:

[National Chief Atleo & Phil Fontaine: this is what you call a real press release.]:

STATEMENT: FIRST NATION LEADERS PUT GOVERNMENT ON NOTICE

First Nations governments are putting the Ontario and Canadian Governments on notice that they will be exercising their jurisdiction over the resources on their lands and vigorously defending this jurisdiction by direct action if required.

Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse stated “We are notifying the province of Ontario that we are not walking away from resource benefit sharing discussions. The Chiefs are not prepared to engage in discussions based on a unilaterally and arbitrarily developed framework by Ontario that doesn’t accommodate the principles of partnership and negotiation. The Chiefs in Assembly fully expect to hold Premier McGuinty to his commitment to create a new system of resource benefits sharing”.

The provincial and federal governments collect significant revenues from First Nations lands and resources. “Resource benefit sharing is an issue that the general public must be engaged in. They need to fully understand the reasonable, economically sensible and justified stance that First Nations are putting forward only to be presented with ultimatums and politically motivated deadlines” says Six Nations of the Grand River Chief Bill Montour.

“Our generosity and willingness to share our resources has made Canada one of the richest countries in the world. It’s time for us to implement our Treaty rights and assert our jurisdiction over our lands and resources. The hope and future of our younger generation is relying on us, we must take government and industry to task in order to protect what is rightfully ours” stated Union of Ontario Indians Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee.

Here’s the link to view COO's press release: http://chiefs-of-ontario.org/News/Default.aspx?NewsID=208

Kudos to all the Chiefs in Ontario!  Poundmaker, Crazyhorse, and Louis Riel would be very proud!

I’ll be standing right behind you, unless, of course, I have something to say. Then I’ll stand in front of you! LOL

McGuinty, you better listen to the Chiefs!

Ottawa is regulating the immigration industry. What is Ottawa doing about the Aboriginal industry?

According to the Winnipeg Free Press, "Ottawa is setting up a new agency to regulate immigration consultants. Immigration Minister Jason Kenney says the change will enhance the integrity of the system.  The aim of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council is to protect immigrants from shoddy or dishonest operators. Until now, the industry has been self-policing without formal recognition from Ottawa. The new council is part of a wider crackdown on those who prey on would-be immigrants.
Other measures include increased penalties for fly-by-night consultants."

When is Ottawa going to set up a new agency to regulate the Aboriginal industry?  Such regulation will surely enhance the integrity of the system.  First Nations also need protection from shoddy and dishonest operators.  Up until now, the Aboriginal industry has NOT even been self-policing, and the Department of Indian Affairs approves of the lack of policing in this area.  The Department of Indian Affairs oppresses First Nations people through the Aboriginal industry.  When is Ottawa going to crackdown on those shoddy operators who prey on First Nations and their citizens?

Two shoddy operators recently retired from the public service and they are now providing negotiation services under contract with the public service.  These two retired public servants are collecting a pension plus a salary of approximately $200-300K per year. The money that these two shoddy operators are receiving from the public service is at the expense of First Nations who could use that $200-300K to educate First Nations children.  Why did these two shoddy operators even retire if their intention was to resume working for the public service?  One of these shoddy operators even skipped the cooling off period. He retired and immediately started employment as a "negotiator".  I am sure that a complaint was submitted to the Integrity Commissioner's office but I will not say anymore because we all know what happened with the complaints that were submitted to that office.  Dismissed.  Harper calls First Nations Chiefs corrupt????  Harper should take a look in his own backyard.

I, for one, am sick and tired of watching these predators get rich off the backs of First Nations and at the expense of some of our First Nations children, who are not allowed to receive programs and services from the Department of Indian Affairs. 

WHO IS WATCHING OUT FOR YOU?

Here is the link to the Winnipeg Free Press article:  http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/ottawa-sets-up-new-agency-aimed-at--regulating-immigration-consultants-118254364.html

Expert Panel on First Nations Education Revealed

The Minister of Indian Affairs, John Duncan and his faithful sidekick, the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) have unveiled their "joint" initiative: the panel of experts who are going to examine First Nations education and make recommendations for its reform. 

Three experts have been selected and each will receive $200,000 to prepare a report that will contain information that we already know about the deplorable state of First Nations education programming.  The report is going to run until July 2011.

APTN reported that Kitigan Zibi First Nation Chief Gilbert Whiteduck is not happy with this initiative.   "Whiteduck, who sat on a senior education advisory council involved with the creation of the panel, said he was disappointed with the choices.  Whiteduck said he was informed during a council meeting Friday that the panel had been selected but the names would be kept secret until the Merx notice appeared on Sunday.
Whiteduck said he had no idea how the panellists were selected, despite several regions submitting suggestions for candidates."  "“Is it the intent of the AFN to unconditionally support the candidacy of Ms. Krause who obviously views First Nation education administrative practices as being corrupt? This is unacceptable,” wrote Whiteduck, in an email to Ghislain Picard, Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador."

APTN also reported, "While Atleo could not be immediately reached for comment, a source indicated the national chief was aware of the initial concerns raised by some chiefs over the appointments. Atleo, however, is urging chiefs to work through the panel to force their concerns onto the agenda, including a close study of funding levels."

Of course the AFN National Chief could not be reached for comment.  Did we actually expect him to explain to the grassroots people via national television as to why he is supporting a farce of an initiative like the "blue ribbon panel"???  He does not have a reasonable explanation.  He works for the Department of Indian Affairs.

I think it is time for the Chiefs on the ground to acknowledge that the "National Chief" of the AFN, no matter who it is, works for the federal government and that he is paid a whopping $136K tax-free salary to implement the agenda of the Department of Indian Affairs.  His job is not to advocate for the interests of First Nations.  His job is to pretend that he advocates for us but, in reality, he works for the Department of Indian Affairs.  The position of "National Chief" of these National Aboriginal Organizations is one of tokenism and that is it. 

Once again, the Aboriginal industry is getting rich off the backs of First Nations people.  Each expert is receiving $200,000, and there are three of them, to prepare a report!!  That is $600,000, which could have purchased new text books, computers, and educated some of our students who want to attend university but cannot because there is not enough funding.  How much money did the Office of the National Chief receive for supporting this initiative?  Like I said before, the Department of Indian Affairs only benefits the Aboriginal industry and the Offices of the National Chiefs of the National Aboriginal Organizations.

We are not on the road to "reconcilation", the buzz word of the day. We have not even taken one step in that direction. 

How long are we going to sit quietly and allow the National Chief and the Department of Indian Affairs to treat us like animals?  The longer we sit quietly, the more rights we give up and the more assimilated we become. When are we going to show the Department of Indian Affairs that we have rights?  The status quo is not working.  It is time for change!

Here is the link to the APTN article:  http://aptn.ca/pages/news/2011/03/03/blue-ribbon-education-panel-quietly-unveiled-draws-immediate-fire/

WHO IS WATCHING OUT FOR YOU AND OUR CHILDREN?

Egyptian Military Dissolves Parliament and Suspends the Constitution!

According to the New York Times, "The Egyptian military, complying with most of the principal demands of the opposition, said Sunday that it had dissolved the country’s parliament, suspended its constitution and called for elections in six months, according to a statement by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces read on state television. It also said it would honor all of Egypt’s international agreements, including the peace treaty with Israel." The article can be found at this link:  http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/egypts-military-rulers-dissolve-parliament-85196

Congratulations to the Egyptians on their quest for democracy, i.e. the right to participate in decision-making, the right to vote in free and fair elections, and the right to build accountable and transparent institutions that will hold your leaders accountable! 

I have a message for the Offices of the "National Chiefs" of the National Aboriginal Organizations (NAO's) called the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) and the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC).  The following message is not intended for the Chiefs on the ground. It is a message only for the Offices of the "National Chiefs" and the one and only, Senator Patrick Brazeau, the former "National Chief" of CAP.

We, the grassroots First Nations people, are worthy and deserving of human dignity and democracy, just like the Egyptians!  We have a right to participate in decision-making on issues that affect us. You can no longer make decisions for us without asking us and advise mainstream society that you represent our interests.  You do not represent our interests. It is up to the grassroots people to decide who will represent their interests and what that representation will encompass.

It is time for the NAO's to examine the crisis in Egypt and give First Nations citizens in Canada the same dignity and respect.  We have rights, just like the Egyptians, and we deserve democracy! 

I have a message for the grassroots First Nations people, including their Chiefs:

The NAO's were created by the federal government to implement the federal government's "Indian" agenda.  The NAO's are also funded by the federal government. The "National Chiefs" of these organizations are paid by the federal government for their work and if they say "no" to a proposed federal government "Aboriginal" initiative, the federal government withholds funds from the NAO's until the NAO's agree to the initiative.  The result:  the NAO's do what they are told and sell off our rights without asking the grassroots people.  The grassroots people suffer and live in poverty due to the lack of representation provided by these NAO's and the deplorable services provided by the federal government.

The NAO's are not traditional governments nor did First Nations people govern themselves under national organizations.  The NAO's are corporate entities comprised of a Board of Directors like other corporate entities in Canada.  These NAO's also do not allow the grassroots people to vote for the "National Chiefs"  in free and fair elections nor do they allow the majority of us to participate in decision-making. Their by-laws are narrow and they exclude the grassroots people from participating in decision-making.  This is not democracy.  It is an archaic and paternalistic Indian Act regime that is in dire need of reform.  The grassroots First Nations people should be directing these NAO's, and not vice versa. The NAO's have no right to make decisions on our behalf.

It is time for change and time to start the process for repealing the Indian Act so that First Nations people can enjoy democracy.  However, the NAO's should not be guiding the process as they have never represented the grassroots people before and they will likely not do so now.  Remember, they are paid by the federal government.  The grassroots First Nations people should be guiding the process just like the grassroots Egyptians!!

Stay tuned. I will add more blogs on Indigenous governance and my own personal opinions on how the process for repealing the Indian Act should take place to ensure that democratic and accountable institutions are in place to meet the needs of First Nations people. 

All it takes is PEOPLE POWER!  The Egyptians have shown us that change is possible.

WHO IS WATCHING OUT FOR YOU?

Mubarak Resigns!!

I am sharing the joy with the Egyptians as they celebrate President Mubarak's resignation from office.  I watched the crisis on television every day and prayed for the people to stay strong and united in their battle to overthrow Mubarak.

Congratulations!!  I wish that I was there to celebrate with you!

I hope that the grassroots First Nations people watched the crisis and learned that we, too, are deserving of democracy and the right to participate in decision-making on issues that affect us.  It is time for change and TIME to get rid of the Indian Act!!