Volume 18 Issue 7 Published monthly by the Union of Ontario Indians - Anishinabek Nation Single Copy: $2.00 September 2006
IN THE Superior protest stalls traffi c RED ROCK FN – Lake Superior region Anishinabek leaders joined forces NEWS Sept. 5 to stage a traffi c-stalling protest on the TransCanada Highway . Chief Pierre Pelletier says the recently-announced closure of Red Rock’s Golf buys toys Norampac linerboard mill and an environmental assessment of the Lake Nipi- NIPISSING FN – The gon Forest management plan will affect 35 loggers and contractors from his Anishinabek Educational First Nation’s 300 on-reserve population. Institute has scheduled its Pelletier, along with Chief Wilfred King, Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek, annual golf tournament Chief John Bouchard, Pays Plat First Nation, and about 100 Native and non- for Friday Sept. 22 at the native protesters handed out information to motorists at the junction of High- ways 11 and 17 near Red Rock. Highview Golf Course in Anishinabek Grand Council Chief John Beaucage said the protest was Powassan. why “We are moving to establish a resource benefi t sharing regime with the Team registration is $240, Pays Plat Chief John Bouchard, standing, left, joins Northern Supe- rior Regional Grand Chief Wilfred King, Kiashke Zaaging Anishina- Government of Ontario. I hope these discussions will include employment which entitles participants incentive programs for industry and a greater share of the forest allocations for to 18 holes of golf and bek, and Red Rock Chief Pierre Pelletier in TransCanada Highway protest of forestry job losses. – Photo by Rick Garrick First Nations to establish their own operations and employ our own people.” a steak dinner. Proceeds from the scramble-format event support the annual Christmas Toy Drive and AEI Bursary Fund. Drum Contact Vivian Naponse at 705-497-9127. Doctors in school closes SUDBURY – The sec- ond intake of 56 students – including fi ve aborigi- nal learners – to Canada’s newest medical school be- inquiry gin their fi rst day of classes Sept. 5. During a unique FOREST (CP) – A decade-long orientation week, the stu- effort to shed light on the tragic dents travelled, participat- events surrounding the fatal po- ed in working sessions, met lice shooting of Dudley George physicians and community culminated Aug. 24 in the simple leaders, and became ac- wish of the aboriginal protester’s quainted with their new brother. life as students with the “My hopes are that Dudley will Northern Ontario School be the last person to ever die in a of Medicine. The school land dispute,’’ Sam George, who has campuses at Lauren- long agitated for a public inquiry, tian University in Sudbury said as the Ipperwash inquiry drew and Lakehead University to a close. in Thunder Bay. “That’s one of my greatest hopes, that that never ever hap- pens again to anyone or to any family, or community. Whether they’re Native (or) non-Native.’’ George formed a circle with several aboriginal men at the close Reading is fun of the inquiry as they beat a cer- Ontario Lieutenant-Governor James Bartleman and Rochelle Slipperjack, 11, share a laugh during a visit to a emonial drum in remembrance of summer literacy camp in Eabametoong. More about Mr. Bartleman’s successful summer literacy program on his brother, the only aboriginal page 23. – Photo by Sergeant Peter Moon, Canadian Rangers to be killed in a land occupation in more than 100 years. Several women formed their own circle around the men, holding feathers Mining company facing lawsuit as they sang traditional aboriginal TORONTO (CP) – Platinex Inc. is being sued by its within the band’s traditional territory. songs and the smell of sweetgrass contract driller after the company was blocked from Platinex had permission from the Ontario govern- fi lled the inquiry hall. drilling on Platinex’s Big Trout Lake property, which ment to start drilling on the land about 600 kilometres “My journey now is ending, is the subject of a dispute between the mining com- north of Thunder Bay, Ont. Dudley can rest,’’ George said out- pany and a northern Ontario First Nation. But the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First side the inquiry. Cartwright Drilling Inc. is suing Platinex, seeking Nation argued Platinex got approval despite the fact “I fought for my brothers and $310,073 in damages plus interest, the mining fi rm the community declared a moratorium on resource my sisters, my brother Dudley. said. development in 1998. They gave me a job to do in the Platinex said the Cartwright drilling crew was The band also pointed to a Supreme Court of beginning so I hope they’re satis- A tall order forced to leave the property “as a result of actions Canada ruling that said companies must consult and fi ed with what I did.’’ Customers of the Eagle’s taken’’ by the band, and now claims it is entitled to accommodate the interests of First Nation peoples. George, 38, was killed by a po- Nest restaurant and gas bar damages under the contract. In May, the First Nation sought the injunction to lice sniper on are attracted to the Highway “Platinex believes that the amounts claimed by stop all mineral exploration in their territory until a Sept. 6, 1995 17 establishment by a strik- Cartwright are excessive and Platinex intends to fi le a constitutional claim against the Ontario government, after provin- ing totem pole. The pole was defence,’’ the company added in a release. challenging the Mining Act, could be heard. cial police of- repainted in August by artist In late July, the Ontario Superior Court granted It was a countersuit to a $10-billion claim fi led fi cers marched Frank Polson. the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation against the band by Platinex, which applied for an in- on Ipperwash – Photo by Priscilla Goulais (Big Trout Lake) an injunction preventing Platinex, junction of its own in April after protesters blocked Provincial a mining exploration company, from continuing work an access road and landing strip. Park. Sam George Page 2 Anishinabek News September 2006 Dudley George death Ipperwash/Caledonia casts long shadow which came under fi re for its han- lawyers for the OPP argued during restraint, as if acting as peacekeep- dling of the Ipperwash standoff, the Ipperwash inquiry. ers were not an appropriate role of have been cautious in Caledonia – “The OPP has been criticized the OPP, and as if force were the over Caledonia moving in once to enforce a court by some members of the public for only remedy to address such situ- TORONTO (CP) – It’s been more taken illegally from them more order, but retreating quickly when ‘assuming the role of peacekeep- ations,’’ said lawyer Mark Sandler than a decade since he was felled than 200 years ago. The province the number of protesters grew. ers’ in Caledonia and for the exer- said in his closing submissions this by a police bullet at Ipperwash bought the site this year and have Force isn’t always the answer, cise of discretion, fl exibility and week. Provincial Park, but the spirit of allowed the protesters to remain Dudley George still casts a long despite a court order evicting them shadow over a small Ontario town from the property. more than 200 kilometres away. As negotiations continue, the He haunts every police cruiser occupation has been marred by that patrols the main streets of barricades that cut the town in half, Caledonia, Ont., where Six Na- divided its residents and sparked tions protesters stand guard at a frequent clashes between aborigi- former housing development they nals and non-aboriginals. have occupied since February. Opinion is sharply divided on He’s in the thoughts of pro- which approach worked best. But vincial mediators as they work to the message to aboriginal commu- resolve the ongoing dispute over nities across Canada is the same, who owns the land in the town said land-claim consultant Cynthia south of Hamilton, and of residents Wesley-Equimaux: the squeaky like Dave Brown, whose house is wheel gets the grease. behind the barricades. “Unless we inconvenience MBS Minstry of HLTC Some say George’s death people, nothing happens,’’ said taught both governments and po- Wesley-Equimaux, an aboriginal lice to use negotiations and good studies professor at the University faith to resolve aboriginal land of Toronto. “Enough noise gets 6” x 11.75” claims, not force. Others say his made in a particular arena and they legacy has tied the hands of law- jump on it.’’ makers and law enforcers alike. The alternative is to wait more “Two-hundred per cent, it’s af- than 20 years to have a land claim fected us,’’ Caledonia Mayor Ma- addressed, and as the aboriginal rie Trainer said of the deadly 1995 population grows and their land occupation of Ipperwash – the sub- base shrinks, patience is running ject of a 25-month inquiry which out, she said. wrapped up Aug. 24. “Aboriginal people at one point “It’s why everyone is so afraid in time historically held the entire to enforce the rule of law for ev- continent,’’ she said. “Now, in eryone, because of what happened Canada, they have 0.05 per cent of there. They don’t want to see it the land still in their hands. There happen here.’’ is a sense of desperation.’’ The handling of the two ab- That desperation helps make original occupations are polar op- aboriginal occupations uniquely posites. diffi cult for police and mediators. At Ipperwash, aboriginals Former Ontario premier David were protesting the expropriation Peterson, who was appointed by of Stony Point land – taken dur- the province to begin negotiations ing the Second World War for a in the dispute, said the tense stand- military base and never returned off in Caledonia could easily have – when they took over the park in exploded into a bloody clash. September 1995. Instead, Caledonia has become Under cover of darkness on a metaphor for conciliation and Sept. 6, police moved in and “reasonableness in the midst of George was shot. Ever since, then- a lot of hotheads on both sides,’’ premier Mike Harris has endured said Peterson, who defended the pointed accusations that he some- government’s approach. how infl uenced the police action, “What are you going to do? an allegation he strenuously de- Bring the army in?’’ he asked. “So nies. far, I think Caledonia has been In Caledonia, the occupation is very sensibly handled. Nobody entering its sixth month. Six Na- has been killed.’’ tions protesters say the land was The Ontario Provincial Police,
Haudenosaunee and Mohawk fl ags fl utter over the site of a Land ‘recla- mation’ at a housing development in the town of Caledonia. – Photo by Greg Plain September 2006 Anishinabek News Page 3 Anishinabek Housing focus of OFNTSC agenda TORONTO – Irving “Bing” Leb- The committee hopes that this The housing component of the lanc expects the 12th annual con- year’s event will attract more than agenda will bring a unique focus to ference of the Ontario First Nations the 400 delegates who attended the needs of the Housing Manag- Technical Services Corporation last year. First Nation artisans are ers who are managing the housing (OFNTSC) to be the best yet. invited to set up booths showcas- portfolios in their communities. “I’ve been attending, and ing their artwork and crafts. There will be sessions on Success- watching over these conferences ful Housing Management Practic- for more than a decade now, “ says es, Home Maintenance and Home the organization’s Toronto Branch Ownership Options to name a few. Manager, “ and they just keep get- OFNTSC and CMHC hope to see ting bigger and better.” many of the housing staff attend Planning for the 2006 version – this year’s event. Oct. 2-6 at the Sheraton Fallsview Carla Robinson, from CBC Hotel and Conference Centre in Newsworld, and a member of the Niagara Falls – has been underway Haisla and Heiltsuk First Nations, for months, under the direction has agreed to deliver the keynote of conference coordinator, Elmer address at the banquet. Four of the 31 graduates of the 2006 Aboriginal Education program Lickers and event planner Ava Hill The conference agenda kicks at Nipissing University come from Sandy Lake First Nation in north- Consulting. April Wemigwans, Wikwemikong, off Monday Oct. 2 with the Annual west Ontario. From left, Theresa Fiddler, Myrna Mawakeegic, Nikki Again this year, OFNTSC will works as a junior computer OFNTSC Student Golf Classic Kakegamic, and Brenda Smith will work with students at Thomas be joined by the Aboriginal Water programmer/analyst for Ontario Fund Raiser at the Legends on the Fiddler Memorial Elementary and High Schools. and Wastewater Association of On- First Nation Technical Services Niagara Golf Course. Please visit tario (AWWAO). Corporation our website at www.ofntsc.org. Grads going to school NORTH BAY – Graduates of and your career is only 20 years, Nipissing University’s summer together you will be infl uencing Holistic Aboriginal Education program 12,000 people. That’s more than could each infl uence more stu- live on Six Nations of the Grand dents in their classroom careers River, the largest First Nation in helpers than the population of the largest Canada.” George Swanson, prin- First Nation in Canada. cipal of the Aboriginal Education SAULT STE. MARIE – The Com- “Education is the answer to program, congratulated the 31 munity Economic and Social De- all the world’s problems,” guest graduates of Nipissing’s class- velopment Programme (CESD) CESD Team – from left: Gayle Broad Phd. (Assistant Professor), speaker Maurice Switzer told the room assistant programs, who at Algoma University College in Alice Corbiere (Research Centre Project Manager) Garden River First 31 graduates. “Your infl uence will represented Anishinabek, Mush- Sault Ste. Marie was established Nation, Steffanie Date (Research Assistant), Rosiland Johnston (Re- be enormous. If each of you only kegowuk, and Haudenausonee in the spring of 2001. CESD uses search Centre Executive Assistant)Serpent River First Nation, Meghan interacts with 30 students a year communities across Ontario. a holistic sustainable approach to Boston (Research Assistant), Adolphus Trudeau (Work-study student) community development with a Wikwemikong, Lynn Tegosh (CCEDNet Work Experience Intern) Batch- Native Classroom Assistant Diploma Program special focus on small (pop. 150 ewana First Nation, Miranda Mayhew (Research Assistant), Derek Rice Ginger Chartrand (Academic Excellence Award) – Bracebridge; Heather 000 or less) remote, northern and (Research Assistant), Patricia Belleau (Student Placement) Batchewana Elijah (Oneida) – Southwold; Jean Hunter – Peawanuck; Marcel Jacko Aboriginal communities that face First Nation, Sheilia Gruner (2006 Spring Institute Instructor), Amy Boyer –Wikwemikong; Linda Kataquapit – Attawapiskat FN; Annie Loon unique challenges. (NOHFC Intern) Batchewana First Nation. – Marten Falls FN; Rachel Maiangowi (Valedictorian) –Wikwemikong; Mabel Manitowabi –Wikwemikong; Myrna Shebagegit – Onigaming; Aaron Simon (Growth and Development Award) – Wikwemikong; Lucy Spence – Attawapiskat First Nation; Lucy Sutherland – Kashechewan; Amos Wesley (Valedictorian) – Kashechewan. ANCU OPP promotes Ron George TORONTO – A police offi cer for 30 years, Ron “Spike” George has been 6 x 6 promoted to the rank of Superintendent of the Ontario Provincial Police. A citizen of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, George will be respon- sible for OPP Aboriginal Liaison and assisting in communications during any avoriginal-related dispute, confl ict, or critical incident. He holds a B.A. in sociology from the University of Western Ontario, and a Masters of law degree from the University of Ottawa. He is a cousin of Anthony “Dudley” George. Fox represents First Nations TORONTO – At the 2006 Annual General Meeting in Ottawa, members of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) unanimously ap- proved the inclusion of the position of First Nations Director on the OPSBA Board of Directors. Grace Fox, a trustee on the Rainbow District School Board which ad- ministers schools in Sudbury, Espanola, and Manitoulin Island, has been elected as First Nations Director and Cindy Fisher, a trustee from Superior- Greenstone District School Board, was elected as Alternate. “I have a passion for education and for the rights of First Nation children and I will use it to ensure that our children experience achievement, a sense of belonging and, above all, respect in Ontario schools,” Fox said. Shawbonquit on Trillium team SUDBURY – Business veteran Suzanne Shawbonquit has been appointed as a member of the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Grant Review Team for Al- goma, Cochrane, Manitoulin and Sudbury. A resident and citizen of White- fi sh Lake First Nation, she is CEO of Sage Management Solutions, which provides change management and leadership development services to First Nations. Shawbonquit is also a seasoned communications production manager and associate producer who holds diplomas from Cambrian College of Ap- plied Arts and Technology, Laurentian University and Queen’s University. The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Ministry of Culture and receives $100 million annually from Ontario’s charity casino initiative. Page 4 Anishinabek News September 2006 Maanda ndinendam/Opinion
The Anishinabek News is a monthly publication of the Union of Ontario Indians (UOI). Views expressed are not necessarily the opinion or political was to impress an animal stamp image on each position of the UOI. No portion of this paper, including advertisements, artwork, photos and Let’s remember completed assignment, which we would then try editorial content may be reproduced without written permission of the Anishi- to colour with crayons as skillfully as she had nabek News Editor or UOI Executive. crafted her blackboard masterpieces. Readers are invited to submit letters, articles, and photos for publication. Please include your name, address and telephone number on all material lessons learned submitted. All submissions will be reviewed for publication based on priority of On the fi nal day of our fi rst year at school, interest and edited for clarity of thought, taste, brevity and legal implications. we were stunned when she presented all 40 of Remuneration will be paid for submissions only if a written agreement with the Editor is made prior to publication. from best teachers us – the Ontario Teachers Federation obviously hadn’t negotiated maximum class sizes yet – with Editor: Maurice Switzer shiny new fi ve-cent pieces. Most parking meters School is in. don’t accept nickels these days, but on that sunny Contributors: Joyce Atcheson, Quazance Boissoneau, Holly Brodhagen, Rolf Cohrs, Denise Desormeaux, June afternoon in Lakefi eld, Ontario, a windfall Ray Fox, Rick Garrick, Shirley Honyust, The most important activity anyone can pur- of that magnitude would purchase a large Pure Perry McLeod- Shabogesic, Peter Moon, Ron Plain sue – learning – is underway in classrooms around Spring Ginger Ale, or a cone with two scoops of the world. Nothing is more important for the fu- chocolate ice cream from Hamblin’s Dairy. Editorial Board: Fred Bellefeuille, Les Couchie, Cathie Favreau ture of First Nations than the success our children Production: Deb Sullivan can achieve in their schools. I’ve never been taught by a better teacher than Co-ordinator: Priscilla Goulais my fi rst one, whose critical task it was to make This past summer I was asked to impart some students want to come back for more. Telephone: (705) 497-9127 Toll Free: 1-877-702-5200 words of wisdom to 31 graduates of Nipissing Fax: (705) 497-9135 e-mail: [email protected] Anishinabek News University’s Ab- Others that stand out in my memory include P.O. Box 711, Nipissing First Nation, original Education North Bay, ON P1B 8J8 Grade 8 teacher Everett Sloan, who wore double- summer program, breasted grey suits, and whose duties as school which provides principal included ringing a brass hand-bell to certifi cates to announce recess and resumption of classes, ad- classroom assis- ministering the dreaded strap to a few boys who tants. I thought that tested the teaching staff’s authority in a variety the best message I of naughty ways, and calming down Gloria Car- could offer them ey who fl ew into bouts of hysteria whenever the Publishing Criteria would be my as- GOAL pubic health nurse came to inoculate the student sessment of some body against polio, diphtheria, or smallpox. To publish a quality newspaper and related publications de- teachers who made signed to foster pride and share knowledge about Anishinabek current affairs, culture, goals, and accomplishments. a lasting impres- Mr. Sloan was as stern as Miss Kidd was se- sion on me dur- Maurice Switzer rene, but he was willing to go beyond curriculum OBJECTIVES ing my formative requirements to educate students who proved they To provide information that refl ects the Creator’s four original school years. could handle everything Grade 8 could throw at gifts to the Anishinabek: them. Thanks to him, I entered high school with Miss Elsie Kidd was my kindergarten teacher Respect: To welcome diversity and encourage a free exchange a grounding in geometry and the ability to play of opinions that may differ without being disagreeable. Fair – she also taught my mother and came within one “You are my sunshine” on the Hawaiian guitar. and humourous comments are welcomed, but not ridicule or year of teaching my son, which gives you some personal attacks. idea of her classroom longevity. Her face is still We didn’t have guidance counsellors, but etched in my memory, with kindly features that Grade 10 English teacher Andy Harris recog- Honesty: Debwewin – speaking the truth – is the cornerstone would look right at home on a box of fl our or bak- of our newspaper’s content. nized signs of journalistic competency in my skill ing powder. Her snow-white hair was neatly col- at précis-writing – trying to boil down 1,000 dull Sharing: Providing opportunities for people from the four lected in a bun, and her blue eyes twinkled behind words into 200 interesting ones. He also opened corners of the Anishinabek Nation to tell stories and record rimless, octagonal-lens spectacles. the world of Shakespeare to us by serving sand- achievements, and to keep our citizens informed about activi- wiches and snacks in his living room while the ties of the Union of Ontario Indians. She could be seen walking to school each voice of Alec Guinness on a 33-rpm recording morning and afternoon surrounded by a fl ock of Strength: To give a voice to the vision of the Anishinabek Na- helped us understand Macbeth more than reading tion that celebrates our history, culture and language, pro- fi rst-year pupils who buzzed like bees around a it a hundred times on a printed page ever could. motes our land, treaty, and aboriginal rights, and supports the honey pot. development of healthy and prosperous communities. Another inspiring English teacher, Prof. John Long before educational gurus discussed Pettigrew, taught me one of my most important things like different learning styles and outcome- life lessons – sharing. When he heard that I was NOTE: The Editor reserves the right to edit all submissions for based teaching, Miss Kidd had an innate under- brevity, clarity, and suitability for publication. All formal com- about to leave Trent University for personal rea- standing that not all children digest information sons, he called me into his offi ce and offered to ments and complaints must be addressed to Editorial Board c/o at the same rate, or in the same way. She dem- Anishinabek News. pay my tuition, which amounted to a year of my onstrated supreme patience with tykes who were stepfather’s annual salary at the time. “People clearly uneasy about leaving the safety of home who think they’re coming back seldom do,” he for the fi rst time, and motherly gentleness in en- warned, and he was right. couraging a few who were clearly unprepared to Advertising & News Deadlines tackle any of the three R’s. So when my granddaughter and I were watch- The current circulation of the Anishinabek News is 10,000 copies, ing a performance of Twelfth Night this August with 9,000 mailed and 1,000 distributed at various events. My fi rst day at school was so overwhelming in Stratford’s Festival Theatre, I was delighted by that by lunchtime I decided I’d had enough, and the inscription on a brass plate on my arm-rest in- DEADLINES FOR OCTOBER ISSUE barricaded myself in the outhouse behind my Advertising forming occupiers of that seat that it represented grandparents’ little stone dwelling just down the a donation in memory of John Pettigrew. Bookings: September 20 street. My escape must have been anticipated, be- Final Art: September 25 News cause my Aunt Elsie soon rousted me out of my I would like to think that my late professor News submissions: September 20 hiding place and marched me back to resume my knows that, despite dropping out of school, I’ve Scheduled printing: September 29 formal education. never stopped learning. For more information or inquiries to the Anishinabek News In time, I was glad she did. Miss Kidd mes- related to advertising and circulation issues please call our new merized us by illustrating her lessons with magi- toll-free number: 1-800-463-6408 cal blackboard drawings in coloured chalk, which Maurice Switzer is a citizen of Alderville First were as impressive to us as slick powerpoint pre- Nation. He serves as director of communications sentations. Her reward for even the shakiest at- for the Union of Ontario Indians and editor of the CANADA POST CUSTOMER #1905929 AGREEMENT #0040011021 tempts we made at printing letters of the alphabet Anishinabek News. September 2006 Anishinabek News Page 5 Maanda ndinendam/Opinions Excluding women on moon time discrimination, maybe hate crime Editor: that those individuals are to be despised, scorned, denied I think that many of the present-day native traditions, respect and made subject to ill-treatment on the basis of teachings and practices regarding women have crossed group affi liation.” the line from just being offensive, into violations under By that defi nition, I believe that the above-mentioned the Charter of Human Rights and Hate crimes under the teachings and practices are “hate crimes”. Criminal Code. Most people will not identify these practices as “hate Native women and girls are being subjected to ever- crimes” because the people who are practicing and pro- increasing amounts of degradation under the guise of moting this often “love and care about” the women and so-called “native spiritual beliefs”. Here are some ex- girls that are being subjected to this. I am sure that many amples of these practices; of the slave owners loved and cared women and girls asked at open, about their slaves, but that did not public ceremony (not closed private make slavery any less of a hate crime. ceremony) if they are on their moon I have witnessed and experienced time (menstrual cycle) and being de- the most beautiful, amazing, and mi- nied entry if they are; raculous healing and recovery take “traditional, spiritual leaders” place through native ceremonies. announcing at public gatherings that “ There are things that can be done women on their time” are not to go in or so that these practices do not violate near their sweat lodge or it would cause the rights and freedoms of women: the conductor to go blind, be paralyzed, confi ne the practice of exclud- or become very sick or dizzy; ing women who are on their menstrual open, public graduation ceremo- cycle to closed, private ceremony; nies (school and treatment program organizations who bring in “tra- graduations) where the graduate who is ditional spiritual leaders” who express supposed to be the one being honoured oppressive teachings about women is not allowed to be present in the room have an obligation to make it known for most or all of the ceremony if she is that the beliefs expressed by this indi- “on her time”; vidual are not representative of all na- women and girls being required tive people; Canada’s courts vs. to wear skirts and prohibited from sit- the onus should be on the people ting cross-legged at public ceremony or who practice these beliefs to protect public gatherings, or required to sit for hours in positions their own sacred items. If you believe that harm will Native ‘rule of law’ that are the most hurtful or harmful to their backs; be brought to your sacred items by the presence of a children being taught in the school that women and woman on her time, then don’t bring them out to a pub- Editor: Something is rotten in Cana- girls are not allowed to dance at a pow-wow if they are lic function where women are going to be. If you don’t Re: Ontario court orders natives off dian constitutional law and politics. “on their time”; want your feather or fan touched by a woman on her disputed land to restore the ‘rule of The evidence: Six Nations people teachings that if women or girls “on their time” time, then don’t pass it out at a function where there are law’, August 9, 2006 have waited patiently and relatively touch feast food it will cause people eating that food to women ; A Canadian court is effectively peacefully for over 222 years now. become very sick; be up-front and in the open with everyone. If in an alien court, imposed on indig- All things being unequal, Canada passing around the smudge at a public gathering fact all women and girls who are on their menstral cycle enous peoples. There are, I submit, made it illegal for indigenous peo- and prohibiting a women or girl from smudging if they are not allowed to dance in the pow-wow then you have three exist- ple to take the are “on their time”, or asking that women or girls “on an obligation to let the public and the funders know that. ing laws right government to their time” step outside the circle or room altogether; This way the public and the funders can decide ahead of now in Canada court for a land passing around an eagle feather or fan at a public time if this is something that they want to support. (I can (Kanata): In- “claim”. Justice gathering and prohibiting a women or girl who is “on her just imagine what would happen if the posters and pro- digenous law, Marshall was time” from touching it; gram for the Skydome Pow-Wow said “women and girls inter-societal reared so I ques- prohibiting women or girls at any time from sitting on their menstrual cycle are not allowed to dance.) law (Canadian tion his notion of around or playing the ‘big drum”; It is not food that is handled by women on their time law dealing with justice on, this excluding women and girls from all ceremony or that causes sickness – it is the belief itself that causes the exclusivity to justice system. gatherings if they are “on their time”; sickness. From the time of planting to processing, that indigenous) and Any country that saying that women and girls “who are on their food has likely been handled by dozens of women who every other law develops a sys- time” should not be allowed to go into an all-purpose, are on the menstrual cycle. When people are bringing as it relates to tem of justice that publicly-funded building, where ceremony is held, even feast foods from restaurants how do they know the cooks “Canadians”. takes over 200 if ceremony is not being held there at the time. and restaurant staff weren’t “on their time?” The Indigenous years to settle a How can anyone not see this as discrimination based I hope that we can fi nd good, healthy ways of ad- law-fi re is not extinguished. land dispute should be out of the jus- on sex, which is a clear violation of the Human Rights dressing these problems because the dignity and respect The “rule of law” applies to all tice business. Code? The Supreme Court of Canada defi nes hatred in of all of our people is well worth standing up and speak- Canadians. Indigenous peoples are The real issue: The Crown has its Hate Crime defi nition as: “an emotion that, if exer- ing up for. not “Canadians”. Treaties are be- questionable authority and jurisdic- cised against members of an identifi able group, implies Name withheld by request tween nations. Canadians cannot tion over Six Nations people, in the sign treaties amongst each other. To First Place. call an indigenous person a “Cana- The judicial myth, the “noble lie” Ask what you can do for your community dian” necessarily undermines their that is Canada is never discussed, Editor: Many years ago, when there was derstood the diffi cult task of moving treaty rights and status. To apply the namely, the legal constructed doc- Re:June/06article “We are our own high and accessible employment in the community foward, respecting rule of law to indigenous peoples is trine of “discovery”. The indigenous worst enemies” the U.S., many young First Nation the Land, and understood the Elder- judicial ignorance, garbed in legal peoples were there when the new- The above commentary has been members went to seek their fortunes oriented roots of our communities. fi ction, the wishing-well of colonial- comers arrived. It makes good sense around for many years and it will not due to what appeared to be a stagnant In return, Elders always promoted ism. Indigenous people know this – not common sense – that the origi- change in the foreseeable future. environment in their home communi- higher education as the future to en- land as Turtle Island. nal people have the “prima facie” Why? Simply because of the ties. rich our communities. The “rule of law” is a code word land right. “system”. First Nations select leader- However, others stayed behind Have we enriched our communi- that it is “business as usual” in Ca- Indigenous people retain less ship by and large every two years and and became involved in program ties or have we only decided that we nadian constitutional law, with re- than 1% of their original land. They in some cases every three years for management to improve the standard need a policy to resolve a situation spect to the indigenous people. The suffocate every day under federal those under Band Custom. of living in our communities. This if we can’t think it through? Are the rule of law, meaning the law applies legislation, with no recognized pow- First Nation members have daily was at great peril given that by and good times over for good? Maybe the to everyone, is a red herring and a er, so what other choice do they have access to their Chief and Council large there were no pension plans and next generation will have their good distortion of legal and political his- but to protest? members. If a particular Chief or government funding could be with- times but let us not forget the past tory. Ancient land disputes such as Put the moccasin on the other council member does not or does held at any time. – our language – our Elders. Caledonia, in my view, will con- foot: Would you as Canadians trust not wish to see your point on a given The difference was, community If Chief or council do not see the tinue until Canadian journalists, an all-indigenous court to adjudicate situation then that individual goes on members saw the need for continu- “situation”, ask not what my commu- editors, lawmakers and judges stop your “claim” to the land, using our the “get rid of “ list. ity in their community and so voted nity can do for me, but rather what hiding behind the greatest myth ever language, our laws, our legislatures, Maturity to accept decisions and for basically stable leadership with can I do for my community. sold, and take responsibility for the our executives and our judges? the long term goals of leadership maybe the exception of changing one Eugene Manitowabi greatest land theft in the history of David Fullerton-Owl through their administrative bodies is or two seats on the council. Generally Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Re- the world. Sagamok Anishnawbek a real learning process. speaking, community members un- serve Page 6 Anishinabek News September 2006 Anishinabemowin/Language
Gchi-Miigisaabiigan: The Great Wampum Belt By Alan Corbiere manish, Assiginack, and Ojibwe (First of a series) Chief Shingwaukonse. However, In July 1862 at Michigiwadinong I believe this is the only Ojibwe [old name for M’Chigeeng] the version written down. Chiefs and warriors of Manitoulin Numerous times, the Anishi- gathered for a council to oppose naabe Chiefs were recorded call- any proposed treaty to cede Mani- ing this treaty sacred. This is toulin. The Chiefs had noted that indicated a number of times in their grievances were no longer this Ojibwe Petition as written by being addressed by their Indian Chief Bemigwaneshkang: Agent and took matters into their Ambe ni-niijaanisidig. Gichi- own hands. manidoo ni-noondaag ezhi-ga- A very interesting document nooninagog. Baanimaa pashagi- was produced at this council, one ishkibikag michi-booni-izhiwebak that I feel is of paramount histori- maanda ezhi-ganooninagog. Gichi- cal importance to all Anishinaa- manidoo ni-noondaag nindikid beg. This document is important gosha ni-niijaanisidig. “Come because it was written by the on my children the Great Being Chiefs of Manitoulin in Ojibwe is witness of what I say to you. and it details their understand- When the world shall return to ing of two wampum belts that darkness it is then only that these were given to the Anishinaabeg things [that I say to you] will end. at Niagara in July of 1764. These The Great Being hears me I say so two wampum belts are called the my children.” “Covenant Chain” and the “24 Na- The Anishinaabeg considered Historian Alan Corbiere did presentation on Anishinabek treaties and wampum belts to Grade 7 class at tions” Wampum Belts. the treaty that these wampum Lakeview School in M’Chigeeng. – Photo by Bnehns Gordon-Corbiere A lot can be said about these belts represented as sacred. Be- two belts because they are the migwaneshkang here is reciting represented our Aboriginal Title to is that the Anishinaabeg retained long time and are still at present. original foundation of the treaty the words of the British repre- the land. Chief Bemigwaneshkang Aboriginal Title to the land outside Twenty-six years have elapsed relationship between the Anishi- sentatives. The colonial authori- wrote to this effect in the fi rst lines of the 13 colonies (which eventu- since the governor came here to naabeg and the British. The Chiefs ties referred to the Anishinaabeg of the petition: ally became the United States of assure us the possession of our Is- recited their understanding of the as ‘children’ and the king and his Geyaabi ningikendaan gaa- America). Manitoulin Island, the land that we Indians should be the belts annually and most, if not all, representatives were the ‘great fa- izhi-gaganoonadwaaba ningiti- north shore of Lake Huron and absolute masters of it and that no of the Chiefs knew the “talk” on ther’. Although this terminology ziimag apii ji-waakwajiwinadwaa Georgian Bay were lands pro- whites should disturb us.” these belts, that is, they could recite is paternalistic to us nowadays, awi-miigaazoyan. “Niwii-ako- claimed by the King of England The “twenty-six years” and what the belts represented. There back then it was a metaphor. So naazhkawaa maaba gigichigami- as “Indian Lands”. The Chiefs “governor” are references to the are numerous speeches written in even though the Anishinaabeg imiwaang waa-bi-madaabiid. knew this already, of course, and Sir Francis Bond Head Manitoulin English about these belts, speeches are referred to as ‘children’ they Oga-ni-dibendaan gidabinoojiim they worked to assert their rights. Treaty of 1836. This was a treaty delivered by Odawa Chiefs Ocaita understood that these belts repre- odakiim wadi wayaanag agii-ga- After the government made its in- in which both the British Crown (Okeda), Niskajiwenini, Moko- sented our autonomy and that they ganoonadwaaba ningitiziimag. tentions known in 1861 that they and the Anishinaabeg relinquished Mii maanda ge-izhiwebiziyan. wanted to open up Manitoulin to their claims and title to the land Mii sa maanda gaa-inadwaaba non-Natives, Chief Bemigwanesh- in order to make it a “haven” for ningitiziimag, giin Zhaaganaash kang made a declaration in his all Anishinaabeg. Bond Head’s egooyan. “I know how petition about Anishinaabe land plan was to remove all the Indians 7AMPUM "ELT you have spoken to my forefathers ownership: in Ontario to either the Saugeen when you bid them go to war. “I Nongo aapiji agidimaa- (Bruce) Peninsula or Manitoulin -IIGISAABIIGAN-IIGISAABIIGAN wish to chase anyone [away] who giziyaang azhonda ada- Island. comes near your lake.” Your chil- zhi-naaninaawitooyaang The fi rst lines of the 1836 trea- 4REATY4REATIES GCHI WAAWIINDMAADIWIN ,ITERALLY -UTUAL PROMISES dren shall possess their lands yon- gaa-bi-dazhi-bimaadiziwaad nin- ty are “Seventy snow seasons have der – did you say this to my forefa- gitiziiminaanig ogii-dibendaa- now passed away since we met in &RIENDSHIP