Citizens Walk for Human Dignity, Tucson to Phoenix

NATIONAL COALITION TO HOLD “CITIZENS WALK FOR HUMAN DIGNITY”

A national coalition of over 50 local, state and national organizations are participating in walk from Tucson to Phoenix beginning May 2 to call for an end to racially fomented hate crimes. The ten-day peaceful walk will end with a rally in downtown Phoenix on Mother’s Day, May 11, honoring mothers for teaching children to treat all human beings with equal dignity.
“We walk in support of Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano and join them in seeking the indictment and prosecution of any who willfully abuse the constitutional rights of citizens,” states organizer Jay Johnson-Castro. “American values and the future of our country are at stake when people live in fear and are terrorized.
Among the more than 50 organizations endorsing the event are:
LULAC National; Cesar Chavez March for Justice; National Indian Treaty Council;
Border Angels; Freedom Ambassadors; National Network for Immigration and Refugee Rights; Veterans for Peace; Derechos Humanos; Humane Borders; Gente Unida;
American Indian Movement; International Indian Treaty Council; Texas Indigenous Council; Border Ambassadors; Border Network for Human Rights; Southwest Workers Union; No Mas Muertes; LUPE; Somos America, the 42 member Phoenix coalition;
IUE-CWA/AFL-CIO; Labor Council for Latin American Advancement AFL-CIO;
Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law; Dallas Peace Center and MADRES.
Groups as well as individuals are invited to participate in the walk for an hour, a mile, a day or whatever circumstances allow. The walk will begin immediately after a 10 a.m. rally on Friday, May 2 in downtown Tucson at the Plaza on South 6th Avenue, between 12th and 13th Streets.
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For further information contact
Rick Romero Citizens Walk, Coordinator (602) 515-9844 Annette Sexton-Ruiz Citizens Walk, Assistant Coordinator (602) 505-4147

Ontario Police Invade Mohawks at Tyendinaga

URGENT! ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE INVADE PEACEFUL MOHAWKS AT TYENDINAGA. ANOTHER CALEDONIA –STYLE DEVELOPER “CASH-OUT” SCAM

Mohawk Nation News
Mon. April 21, 2008. Attacks on Indigenous people continue. Canada isn’t satisfied to waste billions of dollars a year on war missions overseas. It’s using the same armored fist at home. Today the town of Deseronto on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory was surrounded by the armed forces of the Ontario Provincial Police. Deseronto is an illegal non-native enclave. With eyes wide open, Emile and his father Theodore Nibourg of Napanee Ontario , who own the “Smiling Wilderness Restaurant” on the Trans-Canada Highway , decided they wanted to build a $35 million condominium on Mohawk land in Deseronto overlooking the Bay of Quinte . Never mind that they don’t own the land, Canada refuses to acknowledge Indigenous property rights. The Nibourgs are real estate developers of commercial and residential properties out of Kingston Ontario . They are fully aware of the Culbertson Land dispute which has been the focus of negotiations between the federal government and the Mohawks since 1995. [Nibourgs at cell 613-561-0984 fax 613-544-7868 enibourg@sutton.com. Last year the Thurlow Aggregates Quarry Site run by Tim Letch of Intergrorup Finance of Kingston was shut down by the Rotiskenekete. There was evidence of extensive illegal dumping including large amounts of asphalt. Not only was the dumping illegal it also violated environmental protection laws by contaminating ground water with toxic waste. Tim Letch was involved in some way in the condo development. The Nibourgs appeared to have pushed Tim Letch out of the picture. In a press release from the Sadie’s Lane Longhouse at Tyendinaga supporting the occupation, according to the Two Row Wampum agreement, they said that, “It’s our land and we are prepared to help defend it”. [Contact Jan Hill 613-396-6742 janh@fnti.net]. A Rotiskenekete said, “We are prepared to stay as long as necessary to defend our land. Mr. Nibourg or anyone else trying to develop our land in Deseronto better think again”. The peaceful encampment is on a large grassyknoll, overlooking the Bay, surrounding a large tipi. The full moon was glistening off the water. There was drumming, singing and good humor. Flashing Rotiskenekete patrol cars ringed the encampment. According to the OPP budget plan, they need to find some Mohawk fall guys to arrest to illegally enforce their foreign laws. Everybody except us cashes in – police doing overtime, justice system, Indian Affairs, bureaucrats, media, the town, and maybe the developer. All because they know we will do what we are supposed to do, defend our land! This morning at 5:00 am an overwhelming force of armed OPP are “just monitoring” the situation. The Mohawks of Tyendinaga camped on the property last night. This morning they set up blockades on highway 2 just east of Deseronto. “They’ve got East and West bound roads blocked”, said Constable Jackie Perry of Napanee provincial police. He said vehicles can go north on Deseronto Road at the T-intersection. On April 11th the Nibourgs had started cutting trees on the property. The Rotiskenekete appeared on the scene, stopped them and told them to leave. Nibourgs seem to think that the OPP is their private army. Ignoring the legal rights of the Mohawks at Tyendinaga, they declared, “If you Mohawks don’t leave, we are going to call the OPP and have you kicked out”. He appeared to be setting up a confrontation. A few days later Nibourg decided to apologize and asked for a meeting with the Rotiskenekete. Obviously, he had his eye on the lucrative pay out received by Henco Inc. for their illegal development at Six Nations Caledonia . He was quite blunt about it. He offered to use them as pawns to extort money from the Ontario Government. He asked the Rotiskenekete to occupy the said land and block the roads in order to escalate the situation. Then he would ask the government to pay him for the land, his expenses and his forecasted profits. Then he would agree to stop the construction. We understand he doesn’t even need the money to build this because he’s planning to be bought off. Regarding Deseronto, the government violated our lands rights by fraudulently giving out permits for non-native people to build on our land also referred to as the Culbertson Tract of 1873. The Rotiskenekete told Nibourg, “No. There will never be a development on our land”. We want our land that Deseronto sits on returned to us. We demand that the government deal with the non-native residents of Deseronto by compensating them and paying for their relocation. They told Nibourg, “You will be the last to be dealt with”. The Rotiskenekete added, “We don’t want to be used as a tool for extorting money from any foreign governments, including the governments of Canada and Ontario ”. Then Nibourg said that he would be back with a construction crew on Monday, April 21st, to start building. The Mohawks have stopped construction, are occupying our land and have blocked the roads to keep him and any of his co-conspirators away from creating another “ Caledonia ” so they can cash in big! Supporters of the Mohawks are welcome. Residents may pass through the occupation without hindrance. We are anxious that everybody understand this issue from the Mohawk perspective. The Rotiskenekete will carry out the peace and the tenets of the Kaianereh’ko:wa [Great Law of Peace]. Contact: Rotiskenekete: 613-849-1314; 613-827-4991; email - davidrmaracle@aol.com Kahentinetha HornMNN Mohawk Nation News See Category: “ Tyendinaga “

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