History 101

Hi Friends
Well it is autumn once again and as I have taken a significant break from blogging I feel it is time once again to get back to it and will be taking a look at any gains we may have made and re-examining others.
Sadly there seems to be NO major changes for the First people of this land, and I find my self once again opining on some pretty obvious short comings of our, shall I call them, "settler societies"? Educating Canadians of their governments' duplicitous nature as regards the First Nation, is not something that I take lightly.

Lets start from the ground up.Please don't decry the spending of tax-dollars on Aboriginal reserves...this is not your tax dollars, but could be more characterized as rental fees.
By the way you're late on your rent, and as you have partied here on our shared lands for centuries, and have caused nearly irreparable damage, we are now going to have to come to some agreement on a damage deposit.

The hostile acts you have perpetrated on our First Nations people here will be another thing we will need to be addressing. The wiping out of the Beotuk Nation is just the start. The genocide you initiated along with the undeclared war on my ancestors that continues unabated to this day will need to be examined!

But thats another blog.

regards Debra

Stand up...

Hi Friends
Though it has been a while since my last post, many things have been going on in Canada as well as in Indian country. In the near future I hope to be back on blogger and back to opining on these and many other stories. Today though I want to mention the up coming Ontario provincial elections.

Federal, municipal, and now provincial elections have taken, or are about to take place. Next it will be time once again for the First Nations to hold their elections. During these heady times leading up to one or another election, there are always promises made, only to be broken. Politicians are willing liars with short term memories. Knowing this fact, allows me to view politics, and by extension politicians in a rather different light than some others in the Aboriginal community.

Now as I have said I live and work off reserve and alway have. I am the daughter of an enfranchised Indigenous mother. I am also in an age group to have been witness to many struggles for recognition of Indians and Indian rights. Sovereignty is one, and though our treaties were signed between sovereign nations, we are decades away (and some may say even longer) from having our sovereignty back. I also recognize the corner we have been painted into by the legislators, via the "Indian Act" and though we have recourse through the Canadian constitution (section 35) to one day get back to that through "self government" we live today in this system.


Many in the Aboriginal community are upset and angry with the politicians for failing to recognize us and our struggles, during their election runs. It is pointed out, correctly, that we here in Ontario are one of the largest Aboriginal populations in the country. Yet none of the parties running here in Ontario have even mentioned Aboriginals or our struggles, in any way in their platforms.

This is not surprising to me, nor should it be to other Aboriginals in the province. We don't vote, so why would the politicians bother to court us? In this respect we as Nations resemble the spoiled child wanting to make up the rules of the game, or else we might threaten to take our ball and go home! Only thing being, we are not in the position of doing that or even threatening it. We don't own the ball. We are unfortunately at the bottom of the heap...in so very many ways that our petulant foot stompings are recognized as just that, by the politicians, and we are no closer to being taken seriously then the spoiled child previously mentioned.


The majority of any First Nation community lives off reserve, and it can be argued that for the off reserve as well as on reserve members to ignore non-Aboriginal elections, only hurts us all in the long run.
It is an established fact that our citizens are over represented in the penal system of this country. It is also a fact that there are not enough Aboriginals on the juries, or in the jury pool. Do we have some responsibility for this situation, well yes some, and here is why!
Jurors are selected from a jury pool formed for a specified period of time—usually from one day to two weeks—from lists of citizens living in the jurisdiction of the court. The lists may be electoral rolls (i.e., a list of registered voters in the locale), people who have driver's licenses or other relevant data bases.
This is only one good reason to vote, and why I encourage other First Nations citizens to get out and vote. I also want to have a say in policies that will affect me, no matter where I happen to live, or what specific community I am identified with.

This is not assimilated thinking as some will undoubtedly accuse me of, but more a realistic view of what many already know, and many more of us will find out. The off reserve populations face yet another growth jump via the Sharon McIvor court ruling. This is also a good thing for the First Nations as we move forward in our efforts to assert our sovereignty. These newly recognized First Nations members will undoubtedly bring more to their communities than just numbers. They will be bring hope, creativity, education, and intelligence to help lift the Nations up. These are exciting times for the Aboriginal communities as we welcome our blood-lines home.

This is also a cautionary time for us. We must be full participants where ever possible to stem the tide of wasted lives of our youth as they face overwhelming odds in the Canadian court systems, with a punitive Prime Minister in office, with punitive crime legislation about to be introduced. Addressing the poverty and criminality in our communities takes more than hoping for an awakening of the hearts and minds of Canadians, but our being there to speak up when need be for our fellow Indigenous people.

Remember, when we don't speak for ourselves we run the risk of having some one else speak for us, and isn't that how the residential school fiasco was characterized?

Excerpt from the residential school apology delivered in Parliament by Stephen Harper
.."These objectives were based on the assumption aboriginal cultures and spiritual beliefs were inferior and unequal. Indeed, some sought, as it was infamously said, `to kill the Indian in the child.' Today, we recognize that this policy of assimilation was wrong, has caused great harm, and has no place in our country." June,2008

Something to think about during this up-coming provincial election.

regards Debra

Red and White... Canada Day...

Hi Friends
Today is Canada day,. and as is the case, with some holidays here in this country, there is both positive and negative reasons connected to the acknowledgement of the day for me.
I am from both sides of this coin. This is the usual circumstance for any one of mixed heritage I suspect.

If not for the colonization of this country I would not be here. If not for the abusive nature of the English Crown towards both sides of my parents heritages, their story that would not have happened.

The sad story of an *unabated* attempted genocide of my mothers people, as well as the merciless treatment of my father's ancestors, is all, within the interwoven fabric of this country, and its holidays.

As my mothers daughter I am anguished at the treatment of the Indigenous people from contact onward. These same colonizers, were also responsible for the indentured servitude of my father's father. My mother was an Indigenous woman, and my father's side of the family were what were known as *Home Children* or more correctly, impoverished orphans rounded up and sent out of England, to the colonies as indentured servants.

This would make you think that I should hold no fond feelings for this day. This could not be further from the truth. I have traveled the entire breadth of this country, and have been witness to many hopeful struggles of both the Indigenous peoples, as well as newly immigrated Canadians.

I have also seen the majesty and rugged beauty of all of this country has to offer, and this is what I celebrate on Canada Day...not the politics or the political past but the hopeful imagined future we could all share in, in the beauteous surroundings we all have access to.

Happy Canada Day

regards Debra

Aboriginal days, and The Pow-Wow Trail

Hi Friends
This will just be a short post to wish all a happy Aboriginal days, and safe travels on the Pow-Wow trail.
This time of year our communities get together for the warm wonderful times and celebrations of Pow-Wows and other summer time pursuits. Winter is over, and the spring time plantings are in, and as we await the autumn harvest, and in the lazy days of summer, the Pow-Wow trail beckons.

Here let me encourage all my off reserve *C-31 & C-3* cousins,to get out and embrace your culture. Join us at the scared fire and on the Pow-Wow grounds and get set to awaken your Indian spirits.

The pageantry of the opening parade with the dancers arriving in full regalia; the vendor's booths set up with typical event merchandise and authors doing book signings; the entire community abuzz with activity.

Drums, beating out the heart-beat of our mother Earth, voices raised in honour songs, jingles on the jingle dresses, and bells on the ankles and the regalia of the fancy dancers all competing for attention. Teasing and laughter from all corners of the grounds, and the hand drums and the round dances calling for the participation of all. Who but the most sour among us could not have a good time in this festive atmosphere.

This is also a time to visit the scared fires and make your semaa (tobacco, tied up in red cloth) offerings for the ancestors. This too is an intrinsic part of Pow-Wow. In honor and loving memory of those who have been before.

Indian tacos, and corn soup, fried baloney sandwiches and all other manner of First Nation *cuisine* is there to be sampled.
I don't have to remind you to have a good time! We all just do, when we get our dance on and relax around our own...

Little wonder the *settlers* were so (un)settled by our exuberance at these celebrations. Poor bastards never knew what fun could be had, and got all nervous...still do I'll bet!

I won't be posting for a while, as I will be getting out to as many Pow-Wows as I can make it to, and having a good time going to not just my own Nations but other Nations Pow-Wow celebrations.
Renewing my spirit, for the months ahead.

Happy Aboriginal Days and safe Pow-Wow trails to all..

Regards
Debra

(Reform)ing Canada...

Hi Friends,
Now that Harper and the conservatives have their majority they have plans of introducing many of their more unpopular policies. One of the most unpopular ones has to be the tough on crime bills, known to be wholly unnecessary, given the irrefutable evidence of crime trending downward. With their newly won majority government, it remains to be seen if they will be exercising much restraint, or, as promised in his election night speech, *a government for ALL Canadians, not just the ones who voted for the conservatives.*
Mr. Harper is a man who likes to play shell games, with policies. He has proven to be a master manipulator of parliamentary rules and has in the past played fast and loose with democracy. Do I see him changing his ways? Not really.

This is concerning to me and doubtlessly many others when he is about to take on the governing of our country with an unfettered hand. Some things to remember about Harper is he is a former reformer with their extreme right wing philosophies. He is also a fundamentalist christian, with their creationist, beliefs, and last but not least an arrogant control freak.

His religious beliefs are a concern, as he has incorporated them into his governing style. Science and fact are out the window, replaced by faith and opinion.
Canada's scientific research, and researchers of all kinds have had their funding quietly slashed, and even more disquietingly in the speech from the throne, the conservative government has added that it will be funding a new political entity: "religious freedom". Could this be a nod to the immigrant community vote ...or some thing more sinister, you be the judge

Other policies about to be resurrected by the Harper conservative government are the *tough on crime* legislation, to be introduced within the first one-hundred days. Long gun registry, scrapped, minimum sentencing introduced, and longer wait times for pardons...they already took away the (two for one) credit for time served. The Aboriginal community is very nervous over thisfor obvious reasons.

I was heartened to see a segment of Canadian society thought this alarming enough to protest the throne speech.Brigette DePape showed her distrust of this man and his policies for all of the country to see! Can we as a country hold the conservatives to their promise to govern with us all in mind? Will our M.Ps be voting their conscience, or as in the conservative parties constitution, be admonished to support their leader? I have a conservative M.P in my riding, so I will be calling on him to represent me, NOT Stephen Harper's wishes. Can I really know if I am being represented? No.

The Order of Canada was just given out last week, and on this civilian medal is the Latin motto:Desiderantes Meliorem Patrian, (translation) "They Desire a Better Country"
So do I.

Regards Debra

One People... One Nation... One Leader

Hi Friends
Well the new parliament is about to resume, and the re-elected Prime Minister has re-Christened Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Canada..
Many in the Indigenous communities are wondering just what this may mean. The government's official response is: the new name makes the department more inclusive of the Innu and Metis as well as the Indians.( One major problem with this thinking is, the other two groups of Indigenous people do not have treaties with the crown, and thus do not have the same relationship that the Indians have.)

I too have my own misgivings over this latest turn by the Harper Conservative government.
Mr. Harper is a former reform party member, who had as it's stated agenda; "One Canada for all." The Reform were always anti-Indian, and the special relationship the First Nations have with the crown. They had actively campaigned on assimilation of all Indians, and an end to the treaties.
We are to become all equal, under his leadership, as to him the Indigenous people having a recognized and unique status here has never sat well. First Nations have been called everything from a drain on the public purse, to communists by the Reform. His right hand man, Tom Flanagan and the Calgary school, were and still are a great influences on him, and his policies.

Prime Minister Harper has never had the luxury of a majority rule before, and this has been a good thing. This is not the case now.
This election has been a game changer in a very frightening way. We here in Canada have lost our three party system, and have been reduced to a two party governance model. The media/corporate Canada has handed a majority to the Harpercons and as the dust settles we are all left to see just how this will change Canada. (Nor am I the only one in my community seeing dark days ahead for the First Nations people.)

I am not a conservative supporter, nor am I a fan of Mr. Harper, and his ideologies. Even with the steading hand of the opposition he was very much one to push his own agenda, and I see no chance of him ever becoming a moderate in his leadership style. That the press would not present an unbiased accounting, has made the entire process of an election laughable at best and has cast them as co-conspirators at worst. I condemn them for the huge dis-service they have done to the voters, and the country as a whole. This is what happens when the robber barons take charge of the press and they lose their freedoms.

As a well known German once said. Ein volk. Ein reich. Ein fuhrer!
At least that is how some of us in the Indigenous community are seeing things. Lets hope we are wrong!

Regards Debra

To Be Or Not To Be..Theoretically....

Hi Friends

We here in Canada have just come through an election that is proving to be a game changer in many ways, and yet the same old in so many other ways.
Once again voter apathy has handed the hated Conservatives a mandate to govern this country. This time though , Harper got his coveted majority. Given his past fiscal record, and his huge deficit, his trampling of our constitution and criminal behavior along with his historic contempt of parliament charges, you must be asking "how did this happen?" Two words, voter apathy!

Some didn't vote for all the same old reasons, and will continue to tout these excuses from now till dooms day. I think it was Albert Einstein who said: to do the same thing over and over again, and to expect a different result is the very definition of insanity.

What happened here on election night has scary overtones for all of us, yet will ultimately be so much worse for others. To not vote, was to hand the election to an ideologue with no checks or balances in place. This conservative government is unpopular with most of the people and some even say a majority conservative government could even be characterized as dangerous. I am in the second category.

I used social media, to track the polls and to post platforms of the various parties as well as try to get the message out that this is an important and very needed vote from all who will be impacted most by this party. Voting strategies were set up and posted, and debates were entered into, and past policies looked at and discussed. There were plenty of issues past and present from this Conservative government that showed the complete disregard for the First Nations people. Here was going to be a chance to say, as Elijah Harper had for us during the days of the Meech Lake Accord, NO, you must include us, too! The AFN Grand chief Atleo as well as several regional chiefs took to the airwaves and social media to encourage their citizens get out and vote.

Only one segment of the Indigenous population were saying not to vote. These are the "sovereignists" among us. Their message to me, is not unlike the rich who declare the war, and benefit from it, on the backs of the more impoverished members of their society! None of these blood lusters risk their own skin or progeny. Let the lessor among them do the dirty work! In short these sovergeinists, are not going to be the ones effected by their passive aggressive attitude against those who would vote to try to change their circumstances. The ivory tower sovereignists calling the voters "assimilated" and stating that you are now a Canadian and not a First Nation citizen, is just about as insightful as calling your self sovereign.

Sovereignty is defined as , autonomous, independent, self governing.
I have not seen this, nor have any of these people, NO Indian in Canada has since, at least 1876 when the Indian Act was enacted, and still rules over us to this day! What I have seen is specific legislation, governing us to our ultimate demise as a people.

We were not given the vote until the nineteen sixties, did this mean we were sovereign before that? No. We were and are still thought of as wards of the state. We at one time were not even allowed to chose our own chiefs. That was the job of the Indian Agents, who ruled our communities for the government in Ottawa. At that time if you wanted to vote you had to surrender your status in order to participate. This is not the case today.

We fought in their wars, not as allies, but as subjects, the same as the French were conscripted to. The difference being, the "recognized" second founding nation the government of the day brought in conscription. "Conscription if necessary, but not necessarily conscription" was the catch phrase used, as it was recognized that as Canada was NOT under attack, this was not an ally in that situation. The French made that very clear. If our home land was under attack, then we will defend our home soil. This war is in defense of Britain and NOT our war!

We pay their taxes, we fight their wars, we fill their jails, we lose our children to their system, we live under their laws, yet we are sovereign. What are we protecting by not voting in their system? They have the upper hand and always will, because they even tell us who our citizens are, and have plans to legislate us out of existence. Solved the *Indian Problem* in Canada!

To those who refuse to participate, because all politicians are liars and cheats, okay! To those who don't vote to send your message that the politicians offer you nothing, okay! To those who don't vote to send your message that you are sovergein okay! So now do you think your message was received? With so many showing your dislike of the system in exactly the same way, are you confident that YOUR message was received? It is more likely that the message that the politicians got was that you are satisfied with the status quo or you would have made your displeasure known by exercising your constitutionally protected right, by voting! This post is aimed at the sovergeinists, with your message. Did the Canadian government recognize your message, and are they about to dismantle Indian and Northern Affairs Canada? Message recieved? Because I have not heard that reported in any of the major media outlets yet, or did I miss it?


To those who will try to view this post as me telling you to "get over it" this is not my message, But, more of a "get on with it" so we are still here to see this through to a conclusion that was truly envisioned by our ancestors, and then we have a chance to honor their memory and protect our treaties. To not vote is to spit in the eyes of those who have fought and some who have died in this effort to raise the Nations up.
Quebec got Nation status with in the country of Canada by being at the table. We can too.Those at the table eat the cake, those coming late get left-overs and those who willfully turn away, because the slice wasn't big enough can have the crumbs.

regards Debra