Headlines, Human Rights, Indigenous Rights, North America

CANADA: Day of Action Highlights Native Frustration

Am Johal

VANCOUVER, Jun 29 2007 (IPS) - A day of action by Canada’s aboriginal community has led to nationwide protests across the country and some transportation closures in Ontario.

A dissident group, led by Mohawk activist Shawn Brant, also set up barricades on Highway 2 and a CN rail line, 50 kms west of Kingston, Ontario.

Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Phil Fontaine insisted that the day of action was meant to be a peaceful protest.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jim Prentice had earlier in the month agreed to overhaul the Indian Claims Commission, which was a popular move amongst the aboriginal leadership. The gesture had momentarily dissipated some of the anger over high school drop-out rates, health, social services, poverty and high suicide rates in the native population.

The CBC reported that police also closed down a 29-km stretch of Highway 401, the main link between Toronto and Montreal after police had safety concerns before the protest actually happened. The road was closed for 11 hours before re-opening on Friday afternoon. As well, after receiving a call from Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino asking him to remove the barricades, Shawn Brant had reportedly replied, “absolutely not.”

Brant said he would turn himself in to police at midnight on Friday. He told Canadian media, “Well, I’m certainly not going to do that before the end of the day and we’ll make arrangements. I know there are consequences that have to be brought forward and ones that I have to bear…I’m obviously in a position where I’ve done that in the past and I have to accept responsibility for my actions.”

Other protests occurred across the country, including in New Brunswick, Manitoba and British Columbia. Canadian press reported that Alberta’s aboriginal chiefs had bought an ad in Edmonton and Calgary newspapers to argue that treaties signed under duress over 100 years ago were not a surrender of land.

Phil Fontaine said in his speech in Ottawa, “We are looking for the basic necessities of life that come with being Canadian…clean drinking water, decent housing, education and health care.”

Fontaine also cited the importance of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission which has been created as part of the federal government’s settlement on historic abuses in the residential school system.

“Once it starts its work later this year, it will give Canadians the history that has been hidden from you for so long. This is good for Canada too. A nation must come to grips with its history – both the good and the bad – to truly understand its identity and the meaning of its citizenship,” said Fontaine.

He mentioned the suicide of his niece earlier this week in the context of the 27,000 First Nations children in state care in the country because of parents who cannot look after them due to poverty and other factors.

In a news release, Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse said Brant’s actions were “not reflective of the collective resolve of the First Nations in Ontario. There is no doubt that First Nations have longstanding legitimate grievances that must be addressed now and not 10, 20 or 30 years down the road.”

Protestors used an old school bus to close the highway and also drove one to the railroad tracks. Reportedly, Brant told the Canadian Press, “We’ve made no secret that we have guns within this camp. It’s our intent to go out and ensure a safe day. Unfortunately, previous incidents have shown that aggressive tactics by the police need to be met with equal resistance by the people that they’re bringing those against.”

Activists also used jumper cables to activate crossing barriers.

Brant’s protest began in response to a developer’s plan to build condominiums on land called the Culbertson Land Tract. The area has an active land claim which was accepted by the federal government for negotiation in 2003. The protesters have been occupying a gravel quarry on the land since late March.

In Vancouver, a large crowd marched across the Burrard Street Bridge to the Vancouver Public Library.

“In BC, we have a unique situation. There are over 200 First Nations groups, most of whom don’t have treaties because the province refused to recognise their rights over the last 100 years. We’ve struggled to make the land claims process work – there are government mandates and lack of political will. The protests are relevant and well attended and it is time government should get serious about this issue,” Tony Penikett, a former premier of the Yukon and author of a book on First Nations land claims, told IPS.

Shawn Atleo, British Columbia Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and a member of the First Nations Leadership Council, said in a statement, “The National Day of Action is an opportunity for all Canadians to rally and call out for justice and fairness for First Nations people in this country.”

“First Nations poverty is the greatest social justice issue facing Canada. Today is about calling for an end to First Nations poverty in this country. Closing the socio-economic gaps faced by our people will be a step towards the restoration and revitalisation of First Nations communities thereby leading to a stronger Canada.”