Chiefs jailed in Ontario for protecting resources from mining

On March 18th, 2008 five community leaders, including Chief Donny Morris from Kitchenumahkoosib Inninuwug (KI) were jailed for six months for contempt of a court injunction which prohibits them from interfering with a mineral exploration program by Canadian-owned Platinex Inc. The community is gravely concerned about the possible impact to their land and water where they have lived in the Boreal forest for over 5,000 years. It has been over a month and these leaders (one of whom is a grandmother) have still not been released. Please do what you can – sign the online petition and send an email to the Canadian Premier.

http://www.freeki6.ca/

PEOPLE before Profits!
130 emails sent to the Premier!904 names on our petition!

Please help us reach our first goal of 1,000 for each!
On March 18th, 2008 five community leaders, including Chief Donny Morris from Kitchenumahkoosib Inninuwug (KI) were jailed for six months for contempt of a court injunction which prohibits them from interfering with a mineral exploration program by Platinex Inc. The community is gravely concerned about the possible impact to their land and water where they have lived in the Boreal forest for over 5,000 years.
The Supreme Court of Canada recognizes that consultation with aboriginals must take place before drilling can start on their land. The Province of Ontario has failed all Ontarians by allowing the six leaders to be jailed and ignoring the consultation process.
The KI-6 prisoners must be freed immediately so that they may be seated at the consultation table beside their Treaty partner, the Government of Ontario, in discussion with Platinex or any companies wishing to conduct business on the land and/or in the water near aboriginal territory.
Please help free the KI-6 from prison, starting with the immediate release of the only woman and grandmother, Cecilia Begg, followed by the five men.
Read about the environmental impact at stake.
Read about the Human Rights issues.
Send this link to your friends and family.
And stop this grave injustice by writing to Premier McGuinty asking for their immediate and unconditional release so that proper discussion may begin at once.

Ontario First Nation Leadership Statement of Support for the KI 6

First Nations leadership met yesterday in Thunder Bay to discuss the imprisonment of First Nation leaders for protecting their constitutional rights. On March 17, 2008, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) Chief Donny Morris, Deputy Chief Jack McKay, Councilor Cecilia Begg, Councilor Darryl Sainnawap, and community member Bruce Sakakeep were sentenced to six months in jail for contempt of court.
The Court system and their interpretation of the Rule of Law does not accommodate First Nation laws and rights. By definition the “Rule of Law” should and must include the recognition of First Nation constitutional rights contained in the Constitution Act of 1982. Much of Canadian statutory law and regulations pre-date the 1982 recognition of aboriginal and treaty rights even though such rights have been in existence prior to Canada forming as a state. A review to determine whether federal and provincial laws conform with section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 has not been done.
The lack of federal and provincial law conformance with aboriginal and treaty rights forces judges and the courts to impose a discriminatory form of justice. First Nations people are characterized as disrespecting Canadian laws. In fact, First Nations leaders such as the KI 6 are acting in accordance with their own laws and rights.
In the majority of instances, conflicts between First Nations people and Canadian governments end up adjudicated in provincial or federal courts instead of impartial tribunals. Provincial and federal courts are established to administer and enforce provincial and federal laws so First Nations peoples and their rights are always going to be at a disadvantage.
The First Nation leaders that gathered in Thunder Bay were unanimous in their support for the jailed KI leadership (KI 6) and expressed considerable respect and support for the determination of this group of First Nation heroes. They are heroes because they stood up for what they believe in. As First Nation peoples we derive our survival and very identity from the land. It is incumbent upon us to protect the land for the survival of our future generations.
What the provincial government has done is that they have jailed respected First Nation leaders for protecting their land and standing up for the values and beliefs that they hold dear. This solves nothing. It deters no First Nation from taking action to protect their land. What they have accomplished is to push First Nations past the breaking point of frustration. The First Nations leadership that met in Thunder Bay have said “enough is enough”, so much has been taken from First Nations from the time of contact and now our people will be jailed for protecting what little we have left. We won’t sit idly by while such blatantly unfair and unacceptable acts are committed against our First Nation brothers and sisters.
In support of the people of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug and the jailed KI 6 leaders, First Nations in Ontario are determined they will act collectively to express visible and loud support through rallies and demonstrations commencing immediately and continuing until the KI prisoners are released.
Other actions and demands of support expressed by the Ontario First Nations leadership include a demand that the Provincial government withdraw the mining permits issued on the lands of KI. Furthermore, the First Nations leaders support the demand of the KI peoples to be reimbursed for all the litigation and related costs for asserting and protecting their rights.
First Nations in Ontario note the silence of the Federal Government as negligent and dishonourable conduct. The federal government is the partner in the Treaty 9 relationship between the KI peoples and the Crown yet the federal government has not acted as a fiduciary and treaty partner to ensure that the provincial government and Platinex, a Canadian corporate entity, respects the constitutionally guaranteed treaty rights of the KI peoples. First Nations leadership in Ontario demand that the federal government act in a responsible and honourable manner to facilitate an acceptable solution in this matter.
The following is the banking information for the KI Legal Fund for those able to make a financial contribution:
Kitchenuhmaykoosib InninuwugKanawayandan D’aaki Legal FundTransit #00387Account Number 22-07117CIBC, Sioux Lookout, Ontario
For more information please contact:
Pam Hunter (416) 597-1266 orPolicy Advisor (613) 203-3233

Evo Morales at World Indigenous Forum in New York

Evo Morales opens Seventh Session of UN Indigenous Forum on Monday, on climate change and bio-cultural diversity

Earthcycles is broadcasting from UN Forum, following two months of live broadcasts from the Longest Walk Northern Route, producer Govinda Dalton is in New York:
www.earthcycles.net/

UN Indigenous Forum agenda, documents and info:http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/en/session_seventh.html

Evo Morales at World Indigenous Forum

La Paz, Apr 19 (Prensa Latina) Bolivian President Evo Morales will travel to New York Sunday to attend the 7th period of sessions of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, an official source affirmed Saturday.
Governmental spokesman Ivan Canelas, who will accompany the president, told Prensa Latina Morales will speak for 30 minutes during the opening of the forum dedicated to the impact of climate change on those communities, and will later give a press conference.
Canelas recalled the meeting will be held until May 2, and will be the first session after the approval in September of the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, rose to the category of law in Bolivia.
The official informed Morales will also speak about the political tension in the country, particularly the agrarian revolution hindered in the eastern region by big landowners.

Aboriginal delegation heads to UNPosted Fri Apr 18, 2008 7:22am AEST
The National Aboriginal Alliance is taking its concerns about the Northern Territory intervention to the United Nations.
A delegation leaves today for the annual UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York.
Delegation Leader Les Malezer says parts of the intervention, like income management, breach United Nations charters on racial discrimination and human rights.
"What we hope to do is at least make people aware internationally of the extent of racial discrimination that occurs only against Aboriginal people in Australia and that continues despite changes of government," he said.
"Despite decades of supposed reforms in Australia, it's still the most discriminatory place in the world."

Nepalese team leaves for New York
By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Apr. 19
Minister for Local Development Dev Prasad Gurung left for New York on Saturday to take part in the Seventh Convention of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues to be held from April 21 to May 2.The participation of Nepalese delegates is specially important given the context of UN General Assembly declaring a manifesto on the rights of the indigenous peoples last year and the Nepalese government ratifying article 169 of International Labour Organisation.The seven-member delegation has a plan to meet with the UN high officials at the changing political context of Nepal and implementation of the international conventions in the country.Jitpal Kirat, vice president of National Academy for the Uplift of Indigenous Nationalities, and members Sita Gurung, Dr. Chaitanya Subba, member of National Planning Commission, Tana Gautam, secretary at the office of the Prime Minister are among the delegates. The other delegates are Ganga Datta Awasthi, acting secretary at Ministry for Local Development and Baburam Gautam, under secretary of the same Ministry.

Quebec Delegation at Permanent Forum
An important delegation of the First Nations of Quebec at the UN - Quebec is invited to support the Universal Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples QUEBEC
CNW Telbec/ - Following the adoption by the Canadian Parliament of a motion supporting the Universal Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Chief of the Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL), Ghislain Picard, reiterates his request to Quebec's
National Assembly.
"The recognition of the Declaration by the House of Commons
testifies to the legitimacy and the pertinence of this tool in the Canadian
system. Therefore, there is no longer any reason for the National Assembly, to
not adopt a motion of support and to commit to respect it", stated Ghislain
Picard.
The motion of support to the Universal Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples was adopted by a majority of MPs of the House of Commons,
on April 8. The Members of Parliament of the Conservative party were the only
ones who voted against the motion. While denouncing the attitude of Stephen
Harper's party on the issue of the vote, the First Nations of Quebec and
Labrador welcome the gesture of the Parliament, which constitutes an important
step towards the recognition of their fundamental rights.
It should be noted that the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples was adopted by a strong majority vote, on September 13,
2007 by the United Nations General Assembly, after more than twenty years of
negotiations. One hundred forty-three countries had then voted in favor of the
Declaration, 11 had abstained and only 4, including Canada, had voted against.
Since that vote, the AFNQL has requested on many occasions, from the elected
officials of the National Assembly, to adopt a motion of support to this
Declaration, which is recognized as the tool ratifying the "minimal standards
required for the survival, the dignity and the well-being of Indigenous
Peoples of the world". "Quebec cannot hide behind the federal, since it
exercises a great number of authorities which are directly concerned by the
Declaration, such as land management and the exploitation of natural
resources", stated Chief Picard.
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
An important delegation of the First Nations of Quebec will participate
in the 7th session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, which will be
held in New York, from April 21 to May 2. Under the leadership of the Chief of
the Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL), Ghislain
Picard, this delegation will take this opportunity to denounce the colonialist
attitude of the Canadian government, and particularly its refusal to support
the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
"The Canadian government has unveiled the extent of its discriminatory
and paternalistic policy towards the First Nations, by refusing to adopt the
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples", stated Ghislain Picard.
The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador wish to remind the government of
Canada, that, in spite of the fact that it voted against the Declaration, the
rights which are contained therein, still apply both in this country as well
as anywhere else.
In October 2007, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights,
Louise Arbour, had expressed profound disappointment and surprise that a
country like Canada voted against the Declaration considering that it likes to
be viewed abroad as an example of tolerance and diversity.
"The Canadian government must hasten to respect the vote of the House of
Commons and adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples. The government must also take the appropriate measures to put an end
to its discriminatory policies and laws, which jeopardize the right of the
First Nations to self-determination", proclaims Chief Picard.
In regards to the Permanent Forum
The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues was created by
the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in July 2000, whose goals are to
provide advice to the United Nations on Indigenous issues, and to raise public
awareness on these issues. It comprises 16 independent experts who sit in a
personal capacity.
In regards to the AFNQL
The Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the regional
organization which represents the Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and
Labrador. Those who will be participating to this delegation are, Grand Chief
Lucien Wabanonik (Tribal Council of the Anishinabeg Algonquin Nation), Grand
Chief Eva Ottawa (Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw), Chief Jean-Charles Piétacho
(Conseil des Innus de Ekuanitshit) as well as several professionals of the
AFNQL, of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services
Commission, of the First Nations Education Council, of the Economic
Development Commission, and of the First Nations Human Resources Development
Commission of Quebec.
For media accreditation at the United Nations - Telephone:
(212) 963-7164 / Web Site:
http://www.un.org/media/accreditation/require.htm
For further information: Alain Garon, Informations and Communications
Officer, AFNQL, (418) 842-5020, Cell.: (418) 956-5720

Mass Graves Revealed at Indian Schools in Canada

Location of Mass Graves Revealed
http://www.hiddenfromhistory.org/
via Mohawk Nation News

Breaking News:
Location of Mass Graves of Residential School Children Revealed for the First Time; Independent Tribunal Established Squamish Nation Territory ("Vancouver, Canada")
Thursday, April 10, 2008 11:00 am PST

At a public ceremony and press conference held today outside the colonial "Indian Affairs" building in downtown Vancouver, the Friends and Relatives of the Disappeared (FRD) released a list of twenty eight mass graves across Canada holding the remains of untold numbers of aboriginal children who died in Indian Residential Schools.
The list was distributed today to the world media and to United Nations agencies, as the first act of the newly-formed International Human Rights Tribunal into Genocide in Canada (IHRTGC), a non-governmental body established by indigenous elders.
In a statement read by FRD spokesperson Eagle Strong Voice, it was declared that the IHRTGC would commence its investigations on April 15, 2008, the fourth Annual Aboriginal Holocaust Memorial Day. This inquiry will involve international human rights observers from Guatemala and Cyprus, and will convene aboriginal courts of justice where those persons and institutions responsible for the death and suffering of residential school children will be tried and sentenced. (The complete Statement and List of Mass Graves is reproduced below).
Eagle Strong Voice and IHRTGC elders will present the Mass Graves List at the United Nations on April 19, and will ask United Nations agencies to protect and monitor the mass graves as part of a genuine inquiry and judicial prosecution of those responsible for this Canadian Genocide.Eyewitness Sylvester Greene spoke to the media at today's event, and described how he helped bury a young Inuit boy at the United Church's Edmonton residential school in 1953."We were told never to tell anyone by Jim Ludford, the Principal, who got me and three other boys to bury him. But a lot more kids got buried all the time in that big grave next to the school."
For more information: http://www.hiddenfromhistory.org/, or write to the IHRTGC at: genocidetribunal@yahoo.ca Issued on Squamish Territory, 10 April, 2008, under the authority of Hereditary Chief Kiapilano............. ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... .......
Press Statement:
Mass Graves of Residential School Children Identified – Independent Inquiry Launched
We are gathered today to publicly disclose the location of twenty eight mass graves of children who died in Indian Residential Schools across Canada, and to announce the formation of an independent, non-governmental inquiry into the death and disappearance of children in these schools.We estimate that there are hundreds, and possibly thousands, of children buried in these grave sites alone. The Catholic, Anglican and United Church, and the government of Canada, operated the schools and hospitals where these mass graves are located. We therefore hold these institutions and their officers legally responsible and liable for the deaths of these children.
We have no confidence that the very institutions of church and state that are responsible for these deaths can conduct any kind of impartial or real inquiry into them. Accordingly, as of April 15, 2008, we are establishing an independent, non governmental inquiry into the death and disappearance of Indian residential school children across Canada.
This inquiry shall be known as The International Human Rights Tribunal into Genocide in Canada (IHRTGC), and is established under the authority of the following hereditary chiefs, who shall serve as presiding judges of the Tribunal:Hereditary Chief Kiapilano of the Squamish NationChief Louis Daniels (Whispers Wind), Anishinabe Nation Chief Svnoyi Wohali (Night Eagle), Cherokee NationLillian Shirt, Clan Mother, Cree NationElder Ernie Sandy, Anishinabe (Ojibway) NationHereditary Chief Steve Sampson, Chemainus NationAmbassador Chief Red Jacket of Turtle IslandToday, we are releasing to this Tribunal and to the people of the world the enclosed information on the location of mass graves connected to Indian residential schools and hospitals in order to prevent the destruction of this crucial evidence by the Canadian government, the RCMP and the Anglican, Catholic and United Church of Canada.We call upon indigenous people on the land where these graves are located to monitor and protect these sites vigilantly, and prevent their destruction by occupational forces such as the RCMP and other government agencies.Our Tribunal will commence on April 15 by gathering all of the evidence, including forensic remains, that is necessary to charge and indict those responsible for the deaths of the children buried therein.Once these persons have been identified and detained, they will be tried and sentenced in indigenous courts of justice established by our Tribunal and under the authority of hereditary chiefs.As a first step in this process, the IHRTGC will present this list of mass graves along with a statement to the United Nations in New York City on April 19, 2008. The IHRTGC will be asking the United Nations to declare these mass graves to be protected heritage sites, and will invite international human rights observers to monitor and assist its work.Issued by the Elders and Judges of the IHRTGC Interim Spokesperson: Eagle Strong VoiceEmail: genocidetribunal@yahoo.ca pager: 1-888-265-1007IHRTGC Sponsors include The Friends and Relatives of the Disappeared, The Truth Commission into Genocide in Canada, the Defensoria Indigenia of Guatemala, Canadians for the Separation of Church and State, and a confederation of indigenous elders across Canada and Turtle Island............. ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... .......

Mass Graves at former Indian Residential Schools and Hospitals across CanadaA. British Columbia
1. Port Alberni: Presby
terian- United Church school (1895-1973), now occupied by the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council (NTC) office, Kitskuksis Road. Grave site is a series of sinkhole rows in hills 100 metres due west of the NTC building, in thick foliage, past an unused water pipeline. Children also interred at Tseshaht reserve cemetery, and in wooded gully east of Catholic cemetery on River Road.
2. Alert Bay: St. Michael’s Anglican school (1878-1975), situated on Cormorant Island offshore from Port McNeill. Presently building is used by Namgis First Nation. Site is an overgrown field adjacent to the building, and also under the foundations of the present new building, constructed during the 1960’s. Skeletons seen “between the walls”.
3. Kuper Island: Catholic school (1890-1975), offshore from Chemainus. Land occupied by Penelakut Band. Former building is destroyed except for a staircase. Two grave sites: one immediately south of the former building, in a field containing a conventional cemetery; another at the west shoreline in a lagoon near the main dock.
4. Nanaimo Indian Hospital: Indian Affairs and United Church experimental facility (1942-1970) on Department of National Defense land. Buildings now destroyed. Grave sites are immediately east of former buildings on Fifth avenue, adjacent to and south of Malaspina College.
5. Mission: St. Mary’s Catholic school (1861-1984), adjacent to and north of Lougheed Highway and Fraser River Heritage Park. Original school buildings are destroyed, but many foundations are visible on the grounds of the Park.In this area there are two grave sites: a) immediately adjacent to former girls’ dormitory and present cemetery for priests, and a larger mass grave in an artificial earthen mound, north of the cemetery among overgrown foliage and blackberry bushes, and b) east of the old school grounds, on the hilly slopes next to the field leading to the newer school building which is presently used by the Sto:lo First Nation. Hill site is 150 metres west of building.
6. North Vancouver: Squamish (1898-1959) and Sechelt (1912-1975) Catholic schools, buildings destroyed. Graves of children who died in these schools interred in the Squamish Band Cemetery, North Vancouver.
7. Sardis: Coqualeetza Methodist-United Church school (1889-1940), then experimental hospital run by federal government (1940-1969). Native burial site next to Sto:lo reserve and Little Mountain school, also possibly adjacent to former school-hospital building.
8. Cranbrook: St. Eugene Catholic school (1898-1970), recently converted into a tourist “resort” with federal funding, resulting in the covering-over of a mass burial site by a golf course in front of the building. Numerous grave sites are around and under this golf course.9. Williams Lake: Catholic school (1890-1981), buildings destroyed but foundations intact, five miles south of city. Grave sites reported north of school grounds and under foundations of tunnel-like structure.10. Meares Island (Tofino): Kakawis-Christie Catholic school (1898-1974). Buildings incorporated into Kakawis Healing Centre. Body storage room reported in basement, adjacent to burial grounds south of school.11. Kamloops: Catholic school (1890-1978). Buildings intact. Mass grave south of school, adjacent to and amidst orchard. Numerous burials witnessed there.
12. Lytton: St. George’s Anglican school (1901-1979). Graves of students flogged to death, and others, reported under floorboards and next to playground.
13. Fraser Lake: Lejac Catholic school (1910-1976), buildings destroyed. Graves reported under old foundations and between the walls.Alberta:1. Edmonton: United Church school (1919-1960), presently site of the Poundmaker Lodge in St. Albert. Graves of children reported south of former school site, under thick hedge that runs north-south, adjacent to memorial marker.2. Edmonton: Charles Camsell Hospital (1945-1967), building intact, experimental hospital run by Indian Affairs and United Church. Mass graves of children from hospital reported south of building, near staff garden.3. Saddle Lake: Bluequills Catholic school (1898-1970), building intact, skeletons and skulls observed in basement furnace. Mass grave reported adjacent to school.4. Hobbema: Ermineskin Catholic school (1916-1973), five intact skeletons observed in school furnace. Graves under former building foundations.Manitoba:1. Brandon: Methodist-United Church school (1895-1972). Building intact. Burials reported west of school building.2. Portage La Prairie: Presbyterian- United Church school (1895-1950). Children buried at nearby Hillside Cemetery. 3. Norway House: Methodist-United Church school (1900-1974). “Very old” grave site next to former school building, demolished by United Church in 2004.Ontario:1. Thunder Bay: Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital, still in operation. Experimental centre. Women and children reported buried adjacent to hospital grounds.2. Sioux Lookout: Pelican Lake Catholic school (1911-1973). Burials of children in mound near to school.3. Kenora: Cecilia Jeffrey school, Presbyterian- United Church (1900-1966). Large burial mound east of former school.4. Fort Albany: St. Anne’s Catholic school (1936-1964). Children killed in electric chair buried next to school. 5. Spanish: Catholic school (1883-1965). Numerous graves.6. Brantford: Mohawk Institute, Anglican church (1850-1969), building intact. Series of graves in orchard behind school building, under rows of trees.7. Sault Ste. Marie: Shingwauk Anglican school (1873-1969), some intact buildings. Several graves of children reported on grounds of old school.Quebec:1. Montreal: Allan Memorial Institute, McGill University, still in operation since opening in 1940. MKULTRA experimental centre. Mass grave of children killed there north of building, on southern slopes of Mount Royal behind stone wall.
Sources:- Eyewitness accounts from survivors of these institutions, catalogued in Hidden from History: The Canadian Holocaust (2nd ed., 2005) by Kevin Annett. Other accounts are from local residents. See http://www.hiddenfromhistory.org/ - Documents and other material from the Department of Indian Affairs RG 10 microfilm series on Indian Residential Schools in Koerner Library, University of B.C.- Survey data and physical evidence obtained from grave sites in Port Alberni, Mission, and other locations.This is a partial list and does not include all of the grave sites connected to Indian residential Schools and hospitals across Canada. In many cases, children who were dying of diseases were sent home to die by school and church officials, and the remains of other children who died at the school were incinerated in the residential school furnaces.
This information is submitted by The Friends and Relatives of the Disappeared (FRD) to the world media, the United Nations, and to the International Human Rights Tribunal into Genocide in Canada (IHRTGC). The IHRTGC will commence its investigations on April 15, 2008 on Squamish Nation territory.
For more information on the independent inquiry into genocide in Canada being conducted by the IHRTGC, write to: genocidetribunal@ yahoo.ca10 April, 2008Squamish Nation Territory (“ Vancouver, Canada ”)

Posted by Mohawk Nation News
poster: katenies
PR Photos hid the truth of genocide in residential schools:
Photo 1: Mi'kmaq girls in sewing class at the Roman Catholic-run Shubenacadie Indian Residential School in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, 1929: Library and Archives Canada Photo 2: A group of nuns with Aboriginal students - ca. 1890: H.J. Woodside/Library and Archives Canada

Canada's Genocide Continues

Indigenous leaders jailed for standing strong to protect their homelands from mining

On March 18th, 2008 five community leaders, including Chief Donny Morris from Kitchenumahkoosib Inninuwug (KI) were jailed for six months for contempt of a court injunction which prohibits them from interfering with a mineral exploration program by Canadian-owned Platinex Inc. The community is gravely concerned about the possible impact to their land and water where they have lived in the Boreal forest for over 5,000 years. It has been over a month and these leaders (one of whom is a grandmother) have still not been released. Please do what you can – sign the online petition and send an email to the Canadian Premier. www.freeki6.ca

NY: Preparations underway for UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues ‘08 A Preparatory Meeting/Teach-In Co-Sponsored by Indigenous Environmental Network and the
Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Development

THE CHURCH CENTER, 777 United Nations Plaza, 44th Street & 1st Avenue, 8th Floor
Saturday - April 19, 2008
AGENDA
8: 30am Breakfast
9:00am Traditional Greetings – Elder - Oren Lyons, to be confirmed
Welcome and Introductory comments – Facilitated by Tom Goldtooth, Indigenous Environmental Network and Tia Oros, Seventh Generation Fund
9:30am Introduction to the United Nations: A Brief Overview and Orientation to the world of the United Nations and the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
- Peggy Bird (Kewa) Native Women’s Advocacy Center
- Tonya Gonnella Frichner (Onondaga) North American Regional Representative to the UNPFII / SGF Vice Chair, to be confirmed
10:30 – 11:30am Navigating the UN and the PFII System – How to Engage and be Effective
· Yolanda Teran (Kichwa) Andes Chinchasuyo
· Manny Pino (Acoma), Laguna-Acoma for a Safe Environment and Indigenous Environmental Network
11:30am – Noon Questions and Answers (Q and A)
12 – 1 pm Lunch
1 – 2:30pm Panel on Indigenous Issues and Strategies Related to Climate change, Bio-Cultural Diversity and Livelihoods
· Casey Horinek-Camp, (Ponca), Pa-Tha-Tah Society, Oklahoma
· George Poitras,(Mikisew Cree First Nation), Alberta Canada
· Arthur Manuel (Neskonlith Band of Shushwap) Indigenous Network on Economies and Trade, British Colombia, Canada
· Anastasia Pinto (Meitei) CORE Centre for Organisation Research & Education (Indigenous Peoples' Centre for Policy and Human Rights in India's Eastern Himalayan Territories, MANIPURIndia)
2:30- 3 pm Q and A
3 pm Final thoughts
3:30pm Adjourn – Delegations will get registered or attend the Global Indigenous Caucus