Canadian Border Guards Brutalize Family, Standing Rock Supporters

Family returning from Standing Rock brutalized by Canadian border guards and now faces charges

By Brenda Norrell

Censored News

Canadian border guards brutalized a family who traveled to Standing Rock to support the water protectors of the Missouri River, and burial places, from Dakota Access Pipeline. As they were returning home, they were brutalized by Canadian border guards. The family now faces charges after being pepper sprayed and kicked by violent Canadian border guards.

"As the family made their way back across the Canada-US border, they were stopped by border security on the Canadian side. The group of guards were unusually aggressive and hostile. They started barking contradictory orders to the occupants of the van. Shortly into the encounter, the guards pulled out pepper-spray and fired into the van in close proximity to a passenger (barely an inch away from his face!) Not only was he hit, but a mother and child were struck by the spray as well!" writes Jacquie Robertshaw Jac in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

"Another passenger was pulled out of the vehicle and hit and kicked by several guards. All the occupants were removed from the car and the vehicle detained for over twelve hours. Border security attempted unsuccessfully to separate the mother from her child, a young boy not yet in his teens. The child remains traumatized by the ordeal."

Mihko Kinew Mahikan Wakotowin writes:

I am one of four who were unjustly attacked by Canadian border services on Sept. 10/2016 as we were obeying the law itself. Donations are to set up proper legal presentation for fairness in law. A child was also hurt during this attack. 

This fall Mihko Kinew, Joe Seenie, and other protectors traveled to North Dakota and stood with thousands of others in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux tribe's resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline. The Dakota Access pipeline was constructed without consent of impacted communities and threatens the lands, sacred and cultural sites, and waters of the Standing Rock tribe and those dependent on the Missouri River. Standing Rock North Dakota 2016 After returning from Standing Rock, North Dakota, they were unjustly attacked by Canadian border services. (Sept. 10, 2016). They were stopped at the border, when a group of unusually aggressive guards issued contradictory orders to the passengers of the van. Shortly into the incident they were removed from the vehicle where some were maced, assaulted, and detained for over twelve hours.

They were obeying the law itself, yet they were met with violence, and face undue charges and legal costs for crossing the international border.

This case creates a peaceful and positive opportunity to address longstanding injustices. It is a controversy and legal situation that should have been addressed and remedied years ago in North America and the world.

With their court date fast approaching it is imperative they get proper legal representation to handle the court case. Injuries sustained have brought havoc to their employment opportunities and other financial avenues.

Donations are being used to set up proper legal representation for their case and for fairness in law. Additionally, funds will be used to coordinate their transport for court appearances, attorney travel expenses, court filing fees, expert witnesses, and more. Chi-Miigwetch (Thank you) for your donations and please share with your networks and colleagues to help them secure the urgent legal counsel and representation they require. Contact: Daniel Crowe dannyboycrowe@hotmail.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Aki-Anishinaabe-Earth-People-333250257038814/

https://fundrazr.com/61BHv1?ref=ab_b61pZe

Jacquie Robertshaw Jac in Winnipeg, Manitoba, writes:

Guardians of the Earth.

They stood against those who would assault Mother Earth.

Now they need you to stand with them!

AN UNPROVOKED ATTACK!

For several days in September, a local family joined land and water protectors at the Standing Rock encampment. They stood with thousands of others in solidarity with the Sioux tribe's long-standing resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline. This notorious “Black Snake” would threaten the land, sacred and culturally significant sites as well as the water supply for millions dependent on the local river system. 

As the family made their way back across the Canada-US border, they were stopped by border security on the Canadian side. The group of guards were unusually aggressive and hostile. They started barking contradictory orders to the occupants of the van. Shortly into the encounter, the guards pulled out pepper-spray and fired into the van in close proximity to a passenger (barely an inch away from his face!) Not only was he hit, but a mother and child were struck by the spray as well!

Another passenger was pulled out of the vehicle and hit and kicked by several guards. All the occupants were removed from the car and the vehicle detained for over twelve hours. Border security attempted unsuccessfully to separate the mother from her child, a young boy not yet in his teens. The child remains traumatized by the ordeal. 

These family members were Signatory Indians exercising their authority under Tribal Law. We believe Government and police agents committed a crime man-handling them this way! Along with the costs of securing their release and transportation to their home in Rosseau, they now face charges and must shoulder the burden of legal costs and traveling for court appearances.

We are looking to our friends and allies to help us raise funds to bring in a trusted legal adviser from the Rocky Mountain Territory to help hold these “authorities” accountable!

It is urgent that we raise these funds as soon as possible, as the case goes to Court at the end of this month. 

We know that these are trying times. On behalf of Jo, Chris, and family, chi-miigwetch for your donation and for sharing broadly.

https://fundrazr.com/31ApL5