INTERNATIONAL URGENCY: STOP BILL C-45 NOW

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WE NEED EVERYONE WHO IS AFFECTED BY THIS BILL - THE WORLD

TO STOP WHAT THEY ARE DOING & RESPOND NOW

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THERE IS STILL TIME.....

PARLIAMENT OF CANADA <<<<<<<CLICK TO ACCESS

UPDATE (November 13, 2012 @ 8:55PM Mountain Time):

This is the latest on Bill C45 - it is still not law - could be still debated next Tuesday in the Senate -

The Liberals were successful in running out the clock. As a result:

Hon. Claude Carignan (Deputy Leader of the Government): Honourable senators, we have had the opportunity to discuss the time that could be allocated to the debate on this bill, but since I have been unable to come to an agreement with the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move:

That, pursuant to rule 7-2, not more than a further six hours of debate be allocated for consideration at third reading stage of Bill C-45, A second Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 29, 2012 and other measures.

Sylvia

DOWNLOAD THIS LETTER & FORWARD TO ALL SENATORS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE VIA E-MAIL AND ALSO MAIL, FAX, OR HAND DELIVER FOR THOSE OUT EAST.

Senator Contact Information - Official Website

Mail may be sent postage-free to any senator at the following address:
Name of senator
The Senate of Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
K1A 0A4

To find e-mail addresses for individual senators, please consult the Current Senators directory.



HERE ARE TWO OPTIONS, WHEN SENDING LETTERS TO 100 SENATORS:

OPTION A:
For those who know how to mail merge with MS Word & Excel, the files are in the folder for download.

All you have to do is 1) open file named "Letter to Senators - Treaty Perspective- mail merge" (if pop up window appears, press okay and choose "Senator Info for Letter), 2) add your address information, 3) add your name, and 4) press print. However, when you print, have them print to Portable Document Format (PDF) and it should print all 101 Senator letters in one Portable Document Format (PDF).

OPTION B:
Otherwise, 1) open file named, "Letter to Senators - Treaty Perspective.doc", 2) add name and address; 3) name signature; 4) cut & paste all email addresses into a email, and send.

Artist Aaron Paquette

Thank you Aaron Paquette for designing the Idle No More Logo! Beautiful!!!

Request for emergency debate within the HOC

Good day Mr. Angus,

 

This is an urgent matter as it relates to Chief Spence as well as all Canadian citizens and the First Nations/Indigenous people of Turtle Island, so please forgive my lack of using the proper etiquette in contacting you.

We understand you are willing to support Chief Spence in her hunger strike.  We too are also supporting her in as much capacity that we can.  We are the founders of the grassroots movement Idle No More. 

We would like to see if you would call an emergency debate with the outcome of ultimately having Chief Spence's requests met.  This is urgent, as she as well as others have embarked on their own hunger strikes and with no consideration and requests heeded we feel the outcome will be very much a bad thing for the collective of Canada as well as the international image that Canada's government will be viewed as.

Please advise as to the steps we take in any protocol or request for an emergency debate in which urgent recommendations and requests are acted on.

Emil Bell to also go on hunger strike & Letter to Chief Spence

The following is from a dear friend Emil Bell.  Please understand that we have our people willing to die to ensure our children do not have to go through any pain.:

When I woke up this morning, I heard a woman singing a song, don't know if it was a victory or war song. As I mentioned I had to make a very heavy and difficult trip south to talk to my family, humbly requesting them to respect my decision and to give me their blessing of joining Chief Theresa Spence on a hunger strike. It was very difficult to ask the People that love you, to give you their respect, support and blessing, to give up your life for a cause that you believe in. I am a very fortunate man, my family respect my decision and have given me their blessing. (My daughter Donna Lynn Lerat has committed to fasting for four days in solidarity). As of this morning I am starting the hunger strike in solidarity with Chief Theresa Spence. After 30 days in my hunger strike, if the harper, wall regime et. el. do not give us any indication that they will listen and abide by the will of the People (Aboriginal and non Aboriginal) it will be a hunger strike to the "death". 

 

1.    The hunger strike is in solidarity with Chief Theresa Spence and for further information go into:

       http://ipsmo.wordpress.com/2012/12/11/chief-spence-announces-hunger-strike-in-ottawa/

 

2.    In solidarity and supporting the Young Women of "Idle No More" and their supporters to remain strong in spirit in the struggle against the harper 

       government's proposed legislation that will affect First Nations way of life.

 

3.    The hunger strike is in solidarity with the People who are opposing the transportation and strorage of high level radioactive waste in Northern    

       Saskatchewan, or any where in Saskatchewan. If we get a major nuclear disaster in Northern Saskatchewan, our Treaties, Inherent Rights, The plant

       life, animal life, The many gifts from the Creator, such as water, air and all life forms that have sustain us since the begining of time will all be 

       affected. We literally are being used as Guinea pigs in a nuclear experiment by the nuclear waste management organization called a High Level

       RadioActive Waste Repository which has never proven to work any where in the world. People north of the 53 are targetted group because we 

       number about 20 thousand. We're viewed as acceptable collateral damage. 

 

4.    The hunger strike is to support the residents of Pine House who are opposed to the signing of the "Collaboration Agreement" between the leadership

       of Pine House and cameco corporation and areva resources canada inc. Some of the concerns about the impact of the agreement are as follows: the 

       Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms including s.35, The Duty to Consult, s.7 (the right to life, liberty and security of the person), section 2(b) of

       Freedon of Expression, Aboriginal Treaties, International Law and Environmental statues. 

 

Once again this old tired warrior from the Canoe Lake Cree Nation is putting out a request to support and show your solidarity to Chief Theresa Spence and the Young Women of Idle No More and the People involved in the struggle against the Nuclear dump and the People of Pine House in their fight against the

"Collaboration Agreement".

 

We do this for our Children, GrandChildren and the ones not yet born. What kind of a world do we want to leave future generations. We do this for Mother Earth and all life forms that have sustained us since time immemorial.

 

Viva "Mother Earth" in Solidarity, Be Strong.

His Letter to and in support of Chief Spence:

 "Tansi Chief Spence

Let me begin by telling you, this is a courageous act on your part and I have a lot of admiration and will support you. This is something that has been very heavy on my mind for some time now and it is not a decision that is taken very lightly. A lot of Prayers and contemplation went into this and the decision was finally made after I learned about your hunger strike. I will support you in every which way I know how and I firmly believe that this is the right path to take. I read the article and also have reasons of my own to go on the hunger strike. Very briefly, Many of us and supporters from outside of our province have been working very hard to prevent the nuclear waste management organization from building a high level radioactive waste repository (nuclear dump) in Northern Saskatchewan, or any where in Saskatchewan. I'm also doing it for the Young Women of Idle No More are working tirelessly against the sections of the bills that will affect our way of life. The assimilation policy is a very sick twisted social engineering scheme that keeps rearing it's ugly head. I will be starting the hunger strike tomorrow morning in support of all of you. After 30 days of the hunger strike, if we don't get any favourable action on the part of both Federal and Provincial government(s), then, it will be a hunger strike to the death. And again, this is my decision and I don't expect other People to make this commitment. Before I could start with the hunger strike, I had to humbly ask my family to respect and support my decision and to get their blessing. It's very hard to ask People who are very close to you, to our People respect, support and to give you their blessing to give up your life for a causes you firmly believe in. This we do for our Children, GrandChildren, future generations and "Mother Earth" and all life forms that have sustain us our People for a long long time.

E-kosi, My prayers to you all

Emil BELL

miksou@yahoo.com

1 (306) 829-4311

1 (306) 202-7528"

Samson Cree Nation launching blockade...

Samson Cree Nation to launch blockade in support of IdleNoMore and Attawapiskat chief’s hunger strike

APTN National News

EDMONTON– Members of the Samson Cree Nation plan to block an Alberta highway Wednesday in support of IdleNoMore and Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence’s hunger strike.
The Samson Cree Nation issued a statement Tuesday saying the blockade of provincial Hwy 2A would begin at 11:15 a.m. local time and run until 12:15 p.m. The blockade will shut down a portion of the highway between Hwy 611 West and the Pe Sakastew Correctional Centre, the statement said.

The statement said the blockade will be peaceful.

“Pipes will be lifted in support of IdleNoMore,” said the statement. “The presence of the pipe signifies the pipe laws of gentleness, compassion and mutual respect.”

On Monday, thousands of people across the country took to the streets in support of Indigenous rights under the banner of IdleNoMore. The next day, on Tuesday, Spence began her hunger strike in Ottawa which she says will continue until Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Queen Elizabeth II agree to a treaty meeting with First Nations leaders...READ FULL STORY.

• Read the Samson Cree Nation Press Release
• Prayers & Positive Needed to Sustain Chief Theresa Spence...

Prayers & Positive Needed to Sustain Chief Theresa Spence...

[ALL OUR] RELATIVES, "We are all one people", I want to ask one more thing of you - could you post the following on your [Facebook, Twitter (#idlenomore #THERESASPENCE #strengthchiefatawapiskat), Blog, and any other Social Media] for one hour or for the rest of the evening to support our relative and sister; Chief of Attawapiskat? Let's all pray for her hunger strike, this is her first day. I spoke with her myself yesterday and these words are true:

"I’m willing to die for my people because the pain is too much and it’s time for the government to realize what (it’s) doing to us. Somebody asked me if I was afraid to die. No, I’m not afraid to die. If that’s the journey for me I will go and I’m looking forward to it." ― Chief Theresa Spence

Original post from Harmony King, one of the organizers of the Idle No More - Meadow Lake scheduled for December 18, 2012

Other Reads:

Update: Attawapiskat chief begins hunger strike for treaty meeting

Update: Attawapiskat chief begins hunger strike for treaty meeting
Ottawa releases First Nations education plan after IdleNoMore protests sweep country

National & International CALL OUT...

National & International **CALL OUT**... as #idlenomore across Turtle Island strengthens to seal the ties that bind...Raddle.ca Nora Loreto assists in extending our invitations of solidarity...to ALL.

..."Canadians: we have a responsibility to honour the Treaties, understand the Treaties and demand (vocally, physically, however we can) that our government honour the Treaties too."...

Change the conversation, support rabble.ca today.

Today, thousands of Indigenous activists and their allies willmarch, demonstrate, blog, tweet or starve to get their message to Stephen Harper: enough is enough.

Normally, enough being enough isn’t enough and it hasn’t been for centuries.

Enough is the point at which people united, absolutely refuse to be subjugated. They refuse to be dominated, colonized and re-colonized. Enough looks different than a protest.

In Canada, I don’t think any social movement has reached the breaking point where “enough” truly has been enough...READ MORE HERE AT Raddle.ca

Keep the Fires Burning...

We challenge every Nation across Turtle Island to Awaken...keep the Sacred Fires Burning...
"the Harper government may have awoken a real sleeping giant" (Net News Letter).

In your Indigenous Language, please add your comment(s) below of thanks & gratitude, as we need to ensure we thank all our Ancestors, our Fire Keepers, our Peace Warriors, all connected to Natural Law...and especially our mothers...when we rise to greet the morning sky and end our day, expressing our gratitude for another day...

kinanaskomitin mistahiy

We will no longer be led with nooses around our necks...

STEVEN HARPER...."We will no longer be led with nooses around our necks"...as spoken once by Chief Big Bear...

IDLE NO MORE

HAVE COMPLETE FAITH IN ALL THE PIPES, SACRED FIRES & OUR ANCESTORS as they walk along side us

~ Millions of Prayers as ONE ~

WALK WITH COURAGE & PEACE IN YOUR HEART MY BROTHERS & SISTERS

IDLE NO MORE

#IdleNOMore

www.idlenomore.com

DECEMBER 10 IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FIRST NATIONS TO HOLD NATIONWIDE RALLIES MONDAY

For Immediate Release

FIRST NATIONS TO HOLD NATIONWIDE RALLIES MONDAY

First Nations To Rally to Express Opposition

To The Harper Government’s Attacks
on Aboriginal Rights

Monday, Dec. 10, 2012 (Edmonton) Under what is being called a national day of action and solidarity, First Nations and their supporters have organized more than 13 nation-wide rallies for Monday (December 10) to express opposition the legislation the Harper Government has put forward in Bill C-45 and other bills.

The movement, under the banner “Idle No More” (#IdleNoMore) emerged within the grassroots less than four weeks ago in Saskatchewan.  It began as an effort to educate First Nations people on the multitude of legislation being put forward by the Harper government that they feel is a direct attack on the rights of First Nations.  The organizers Sylvia McAdam, Jess Gordon, Nina Wilson and Sheelah Mclean began by organizing “teach-ins” to inform people. 

On Dec. 2, when another Idle No More session was called in Alberta, more than 150 people drove into Louis Bull First Nation on a Sunday to hear what the presenters had to say.  The organizer for that event, Tanya Kappo, took to Twitter and Facebook to help generate awareness on the matter as the passage of Bill C45 was imminent. Says Kappo, “the people in our communities had absolutely no idea what we were facing, no idea what plans Stephen Harper had in store for us.”

Sylvia McAdam, one of the organizers of the original Saskatchewan events stated, “We are not really surprised by the amount of support coming spontaneously from the grassroots and from the Chiefs, because we knew we could no longer stay silent in the face of what is a legislative attack on First Nation people and the lands and waters across the country.” McAdam said, ““Bill C 45 is not just about a budget, it is a direct attack on First Nations lands and on the bodies of water we all share from across this country.”

Opposition by First Nations to Bill C-45 garnered national attention last week during when 300 First Nations Chiefs marched on Parliament hill, and several Chiefs, led by Chief Fox, went inside Parliament to deliver a message to the government.  This refusal to allow First Nations leadership to respectfully enter the House of Commons triggered an even greater mobilization of First Nation people across the country.

Rallies will be held on Monday, December 10 in Vancouver, Whitehorse, Calgary, Edmonton, Stand Off, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Toronto and Goose Bay-Happy Valley.  More information can be found at www.idlenomore.com and also on our Event Pages

-30-

For more information contact:                          

Jess Gordon                                                               Tanya Kappo  

(306) 716- 2789                                                          (587) 986-3241          

jessicagordonconsulting@gmail.com                         tmkappo@gmail.com

Twitter:  @jessicapgordon                                          Twitter:  @nehiyahswke

 FOR DOWNLOAD

***A CALL ON ALL YOUTH***

***A CALL ON ALL YOUTH***

***A CALL ON ALL YOUTH***

Wake Your Spirit..."We have been preparing & waiting for you, you are here now, it is your time to take on your destined responsibility as told by the Ancestors, all we the 5th & 6th generations can do is support, love, & pray along side you"

Tweet, blog, Facebook, post, upload, share, invite....Get the word out you deserve a future you can be proud...

#idlenomore

www.idlenomore.com

SHARE...IDLE NO MORE....Tomorrow We Are Making History...

IDLE NO MORE....Tomorrow We Are Making History...not because we are a part of history but because WE ARE NOW the WRITERS of History & NO LONGER GOING TO ALLOW OTHERS to write OUR HISTORY for US...in Peace & Solidarity...we are IDLE NO MORE!

National Press Release

For Immediate Release

FIRST NATIONS TO HOLD NATIONWIDE RALLIES MONDAY

First Nations To Rally to Express Opposition
To The Harper Government’s Attacks on Aboriginal Rights

Monday, Dec. 10, 2012 (Edmonton)

Under what is being called a National Day of Action and Solidarity, First Nations and their supporters have organized more than 13 nation-wide rallies for Monday (December 10) to express opposition the legislation the Harper Government has put forward in Bill C-45 and other bills.

The movement, under the banner “Idle No More” (#IdleNoMore) emerged within the grassroots less than four weeks ago in Saskatchewan. It began as an effort to educate First Nations people on the multitude of legislation being put forward by the Harper government that they feel is a direct attack on the rights of First Nations. The organizers Sylvia McAdam, Jess Gordon, Nina Wilson and Sheelah Mclean began by organizing “teach-ins” to inform people. 

On Dec. 2, when another Idle No More session was called in Alberta, more than 150 people drove into Louis Bull First Nation on a Sunday to hear what the presenters had to say. The organizer for that event, Tanya Kappo, took to Twitter and Facebook to help generate awareness on the matter as the passage of Bill C45 was imminent. Says Kappo, “the people in our communities had absolutely no idea what we were facing, no idea what plans Stephen Harper had in store for us.” Sylvia McAdam, one of the organizers of the original Saskatchewan events stated, “We are not really surprised by the amount of support coming spontaneously from the grassroots and from the Chiefs, because we knew we could no longer stay silent in the face of what is a legislative attack on First Nation people and the lands and waters across the country.” 

McAdam said, “Bill C 45 is not just about a budget, it is a direct attack on First Nations lands and on the bodies of water we all share from across this country.”

Opposition by First Nations to Bill C-45 garnered national attention last week during when 300 First Nations Chiefs marched on Parliament hill, and several Chiefs, led by Chief Fox, went inside Parliament to deliver a message to the government. This refusal to allow First Nations leadership to respectfully enter the House of Commons triggered an even greater mobilization of First Nation people across the country.

Rallies will be held on Monday, December 10 in Vancouver, Whitehorse, Calgary, Edmonton, Stand Off, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Toronto and Goose Bay-Happy Valley. 

More information can be found at www.idlenomore.com and

For more contact information:

Jess Gordon
(306) 716- 2789
jessicagordonconsulting@gmail.com
Twitter: @jessicapgordon

Tanya Kappo
(587) 986-3241
tmkappo@gmail.com
Twitter: @nehiyahswkew

APTN Reports on Omnibus Bill...

Conservative proposed omnibus Indian Act changes would allow bands to lease out reserve lands without majority community support

NATIONAL NEWS | 21. NOV, 2012 BY APTN NATIONAL NEWS | 0 COMMENTS

APTN National News
OTTAWA–First Nation band councils would no longer need majority community support to lease out parcels of reserve land under proposed changes to the Indian Act contained in the Harper government’s omnibus budget bill.

The proposed changes are raising concern among some prairie First Nations who say the Harper government is unilaterally changing the laws impacting reserve lands in defiance of the treaties and without any consultation.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan, however, says the changes will help First Nations move at “the speed of business.”

“It has nothing to do with selling off, surrendering lands. It has everything to do with allowing First Nations a much quicker and simpler process to designate lands they want to turn to economic development purposes, for leasing purposes. We have had multiple requests from across the country to expedite the process,” said Duncan.

Under the changes to the Indian Act, contained in the massive omnibus Bill C-45, the government proposed to alter a section of the Indian Act that allows First Nations to give up their rights to reserve lands which is known as “surrendering.”...READ THE FULL STORY

Form Letter to send to Senators along with email addresses

Dear Sir/Madame:

 

RE: Bill C-45

 

This message is to strongly express that I do not support Bill C-45.
This Conservative government is blatantly violating the rights of all Canadians and its Indigenous people to transparency on critical issues facing all people. Currently, there are numerous MP’s being investigated for the undemocratic and criminal practice of using robocalls to redirect voters, which calls into question the legitimacy of this government. I contend that these MP’s do not legally or constitutionally represent their constituents, and demand that the government cease passing any forms of legislation until the outcome of these investigations are determined.
Furthermore, Bill C-45 specifically affects Indigenous sovereignty and inherent rights to the land, and therefore must receive due consideration, consultation and consent from the First Nations leaders and communities in which it directly impacts. The Treaties that were signed between the Crown and Indigenous peoples are nation to nation covenants that cannot be arbitrarily changed through unilateral legislation. Bill C-45 alters sections of the Indian Act and disregards the Treaties without consultation and consent.
Upon review of Bill C-45, it is clear that this legislation benefits corporations involved in oil pipelines and nuclear energy, without due attention and consideration given to the impact that it will have on the land and environment. This government has proposed reconciliation with First Nations peoples, yet continues to enforce numerous policies such as Bill C-45 using paternalistic and neocolonial processes.
I demand that Bill C-45 be stopped until a democratic process of consultation and consent is duly followed by the various groups that it does impact.

 

Sincerely,

Senators Email Addresses


Nycole.Turmel@parl.gc.ca, Jonathan.Tremblay@parl.gc.ca, Philip.Toone@parl.gc.ca, glenn.thibeault@parl.gc.ca, Mike.Sullivan@parl.gc.ca, peter.stoffer@parl.gc.ca, Kennedy.Stewart@parl.gc.ca, Lise.St-Denis@parl.gc.ca, Rathika.Sitsabaiesan@parl.gc.ca, Jinny.Sims@parl.gc.ca, denise.savoie@parl.gc.ca, Djaouida.Sellah@parl.gc.ca, Jasbir.Sandhu@parl.gc.ca, Romeo.Saganash@parl.gc.ca, Jean.Rousseau@parl.gc.ca, Francine.Raynault@parl.gc.ca, Mathieu.Ravignat@parl.gc.ca, john.rafferty@parl.gc.ca, AnneMinh-Thu.Quach@parl.gc.ca, Francois.Pilon@parl.gc.ca, Manon.Perreault@parl.gc.ca, Eve.Peclet@parl.gc.ca, Claude.Patry@parl.gc.ca, Annick.Papillon@parl.gc.ca, Jose.Nunez-Melo@parl.gc.ca, Jamie.Nicholls@parl.gc.ca, Peggy.Nash@parl.gc.ca, Pierre.Nantel@parl.gc.ca, thomas.mulcair@parl.gc.ca, Marie-Claude.Morin@parl.gc.ca, Marc-Andre.Morin@parl.gc.ca, Isabelle.Morin@parl.gc.ca, Dany.Morin@parl.gc.ca, Christine.Moore@parl.gc.ca, Elaine.Michaud@parl.gc.ca, irene.mathyssen@parl.gc.ca, brian.masse@parl.gc.ca,
pat.martin@parl.gc.ca, wayne.marston@parl.gc.ca, Hoang.Mai@parl.gc.ca, Laurin.Liu@parl.gc.ca, megan.leslie@parl.gc.ca, Helene.LeBlanc@parl.gc.ca, Helene.Laverdiere@parl.gc.ca, Alexandrine.Latendresse@parl.gc.ca, Jean-Francois.Larose@parl.gc.ca, Francois.Lapointe@parl.gc.ca, Matthew.Kellway@parl.gc.ca, peter.julian@parl.gc.ca, Pierre.Jacob@parl.gc.ca, bruce.hyer@parl.gc.ca, carol.hughes@parl.gc.ca, Sana.Hassainia@parl.gc.ca, jack.harris@parl.gc.ca, Dan.Harris@parl.gc.ca, Paulina.Ayala@parl.gc.ca, Robert.Aubin@parl.gc.ca, alex.atamanenko@parl.gc.ca, niki.ashton@parl.gc.ca, charlie.angus@parl.gc.ca, malcolm.allen@parl.gc.ca, Frank.valeriote@parl.gc.ca, justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca, scott.simms@parl.gc.ca, judy.sgro@parl.gc.ca, francis.scarpaleggia@parl.gc.ca, geoff.regan@parl.gc.ca, bob.rae@parl.gc.ca, massimo.pacetti@parl.gc.ca, joyce.murray@parl.gc.ca, john.mckay@parl.gc.ca, david.mcguinty@parl.gc.ca, john.mccallum@parl.gc.ca, lawrence.macaulay@parl.gc.ca, dominic.leblanc@parl.gc.ca, kevin.lamoureux@parl.gc.ca, jim.karygiannis@parl.gc.ca, Ted.Hsu@parl.gc.ca, ralph.goodale@parl.gc.ca, marc.garneau@parl.gc.ca, mauril.belanger@parl.gc.ca,hedy.fry@parl.gc.ca, judy.foote@parl.gc.ca, mark.eyking@parl.gc.ca, wayne.easter@parl.gc.ca, kirsty.duncan@parl.gc.ca, stephane.dion@parl.gc.ca, rodger.cuzner@parl.gc.ca, irwin.cotler@parl.gc.ca, denis.coderre@parl.gc.ca, Sean.Casey@parl.gc.ca, gerry.byrne@parl.gc.ca, scott.brison@parl.gc.ca, carolyn.bennett@parl.gc.ca, scott.andrews@parl.gc.ca, Elizabeth.May@parl.gc.ca, louis.plamondon@parl.gc.ca, maria.mourani@parl.gc.ca, Jean-Francois.Fortin@parl.gc.ca, andre.bellavance@parl.gc.ca, stephen.harper@parl.gc.ca, rob.nicholson@parl.gc.ca, andrer@sen.parl.gc.ca, bakerg@sen.parl.gc.ca, peter.mackay@parl.gc.ca, vic.toews@parl.gc.ca, rona.ambrose@parl.gc.ca, ted.menzies@parl.gc.ca, diane.ablonczy@parl.gc.ca, lynne.yelich@parl.gc.ca, tim.uppal@parl.gc.ca, Peter.Penashue@parl.gc.ca, Joe.Oliver@parl.gc.ca, ed.fast@parl.gc.ca, Bernard.Valcourt@parl.gc.ca, john.duncan@parl.gc.ca, gail.shea@parl.gc.ca, peter.kent@parl.gc.ca, leona.aglukkaq@parl.gc.ca, peter.vanloan@parl.gc.ca, jim.flaherty@parl.gc.ca, bev.oda@parl.gc.ca, jason.kenney@parl.gc.ca, john.baird@parl.gc.ca, tony.clement@parl.gc.ca, gerry.ritz@parl.gc.ca, christian.paradis@parl.gc.ca, james.moore@parl.gc.ca, lisa.raitt@parl.gc.ca, keith.ashfield@parl.gc.ca, denis.lebel@parl.gc.ca,
steven.blaney@parl.gc.ca, julian.fantino@parl.gc.ca, gordon.oconnor@parl.gc.ca, steven.fletcher@parl.gc.ca, maxime.bernier@parl.gc.ca, gary.goodyear@parl.gc.ca, alice.wong@parl.gc.ca, Bal.Gosal@parl.gc.ca, diane.ablonczy@parl.gc.ca, Eve.Adams@parl.gc.ca, Mark.Adler@parl.gc.ca, leona.aglukkaq@parl.gc.ca, Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca, harold.albrecht@parl.gc.ca, Chris.Alexander@parl.gc.ca, malcolm.allen@parl.gc.ca, mike.allen@parl.gc.ca, dean.allison@parl.gc.ca, Stella.Ambler@parl.gc.ca, rona.ambrose@parl.gc.ca, rob.anders@parl.gc.ca, david.anderson@parl.gc.ca, scott.andrews@parl.gc.ca, charlie.angus@parl.gc.ca, scott.armstrong@parl.gc.ca, keith.ashfield@parl.gc.ca, niki.ashton@parl.gc.ca, Jay.Aspin@parl.gc.ca, alex.atamanenko@parl.gc.ca, Robert.Aubin@parl.gc.ca, Paulina.Ayala@parl.gc.ca, john.baird@parl.gc.ca, Joyce.Bateman@parl.gc.ca, mauril.belanger@parl.gc.ca, andre.bellavance@parl.gc.ca, justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca

BACKGROUNDER

“IDLE NO MORE”

(December 10, 2012) 

Less than three weeks ago, 4 women from Saskatchewan (Indigenous and non Indigenous) decided that they could no longer stay silent in the face of what is a legislative attack on First Nation people and the lands and waters across the country. Together, Sylvia McAdam, Jess Gordon, Nina Wilson and Sheelah Mclean started organizing ‘teach-ins’ in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert to start bringing awareness to Bill C 45 Says McAdam, 

“Bill C 45 is not just about a budget, it is a direct attack on First Nations lands and on the bodies of water we all share from across this country.” 

The Bill brings forward changes specifically to the Indian Act that will lower the threshold of community consent in the designation and surrender process of Indian Reserve Lands.  McLean reminds that bill is about everyone.  She says “the changes they are making to the environmental legislation is stunning in terms of the protections it will take away from the bodies of water – rivers and lakes, across the country".  She further adds, “ how can we not all be concerned about that?” 

The Idle No More efforts then continued in Alberta with an information meeting held at the Louis Bull Cree Nation.  The organizer for that event, Tanya Kappo, took to Twitter and Facebook to help generate awareness on the matter as the passage of Bill C45 was imminent.  Kappo says, “the people in our communities had absolutely no idea what we were facing, no idea what plans Stephen Harper had in store for us.”  The events leading up to the National Day of Action have been focused on bringing awareness to people in First Nations communities and the rest of Canada.  Jess Gordon says, “The essence of the work we are doing and have been doing will remain a grassroots effort, and will continue to give a forum to the voices of our people.” 

When Bill C45 was brought to the House of Commons for a vote, First Nations leaders demonstrated that they are hearing these voices loud and clear.  They joined the efforts against Bill C 45 and went to Parliament Hill where they were invited into the House of Commons by the New Democratic Party.  However, they were refused entry.  This refusal to allow First Nations leadership to respectfully enter the House of Commons triggered an even greater mobilization of First Nation people across the country.  Nina Wilson says, “what we saw on Parliament Hill was a true reflection of what the outright disregard the Harper Government has towards First Nation people.”  

The passage of Bill C45, Idle No More has come to symbolize and be the platform to voice the refusal of First Nations people to be ignored any further by any other Canadian government. 

The National Day of Action for Idle No More will mark the point in history when the generations and centuries of the refusal to acknowledge the relationship stops. 

Janice Makokis contributes her energies towards the Idle No More efforts and says, “We continue to honour our traditional ways and our ancestors and always begin our efforts in that spirit.”  People across the country have mobilized in that same spirit and have taken it upon themselves to create the space for their own voices. 

On Monday, December 10... First Nations people and their allies will stand in solidarity across the country in more than 13 locations: Vancouver, Whitehorse, Calgary, Edmonton, Stand Off, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Toronto and Goose Bay-Happy Valley.

Other legislation on its way through the legislative process that will directly affect First Nation people:

• Bill C-27 First Nations Financial Transparency Act
• Bill S-2 Family Homes on Reserve and Matrimonial Interests or Right Act
• Bill S-6 First Nations Elections Act
• Bill S-8 Safe Drinking Water for First Nations
• Bill C-428 Indian Act Amendment and Replacement Act
• Bill S-207 An Act to amend the Interpretation Act
• Bill S-212 First Nations Self-Government Recognition Bill and the “First Nations” Private Ownership Act

www.idlenomore.ca

Facebook Group Page: Idle No More Community

Thank you to Tanya Cappo for composing Backgrounder

Promote Idle NO More

What can you do to promote Idle NO More???

***CALL OUT TO ALL YOUTH***

WE NEED YOU TO DO YOUR MAGIC...Tweet, Live Stream, Facebook, Post, upload Pics, Video...share...

***CALL OUT TO ALL YOUTH***

• Blog
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• Tweet (Twitter): 
• #idlenomore
• @idlenomore

• Write letters to Harper, senators, MPs...
• Inform, inspire, Impact...
• Share, repost, pass on...
• Talk About it, with friends, family, strangers, anyone you have an ear...
• Call Media
• Be creative and express how Idle NO More inspired you...
• Write poems, articles, books, stories, slogans
• Take Video or Pictures with an Idle No More Banner, Poster & share...
• Be Artistic...art, videos, Youtube, pictures...
• thank you Dwayne Bird, Aaron Paquette and other artists for your creations
• Research
• Make posters, t-shirts, pins, flags,...
• Educate yourself, become informed
• Exercise your rights
• Get involved
• Last but not least.... AWAKEN YOUR SPIRIT (HEART) & STAND...the possibilities are endless.

Grassroots People...Idle NO MORE

Sacred Protocol is Invoked...at Idle No More...

When Treaty people gather to speak of land, water and air; a sacred protocol is invoked and followed, guided by the laws of each of the Indigenous Nations.

Amendment: Sunday, December 9th, 2012

Pipes will be lifted for the Idle No More gathering; this will signify peace between two Nations and with the Creator. The presence of a pipe at any event is followed by the pipe laws of gentleness, compassion and mutual respect.

As well, the ladies attending are "encouraged" to honor the Ancient Indigenous Women’s Sacred Teachings of honoring woman's empowering gift of creation by wearing a dress to the length of their ankles (non-colonial or oppressive teachings but in the most humblest sense).

All are welcome to attend and share in prayer for solidarity and unity always in Treaty and Sovereignty.

kinanaskom'tin mistahiy...hiy hiy

Sylvia McAdam Saysewajum
(Cultural Teachings: First Nation protocols and methodologies)

A Humble Request From A Tired Old Warrior

Jessica Gordon posted on Idle No More - Edmonton Facebook Event Page:

Please Read and share with your people. This was sent to me from a dear friend.

"This is a humble request from a tired old warrior from the Canoe Lake Cree Nation(s). 
To all Pipe Carriers, Sweat Lodge Operators, Keepers of Medicine Bundles and People gifted with various ceremonies. Oskapisak, please have sacred fires burning from sunset to sunrise on the day before the 10th of December and the day before the 21st of December/12. I'm asking for "Prayers" for the Young Women and Men (Idle No More) who have worked tirelessly in opposing the various bills affecting our treaties and "Mother Earth" and the various gift from the Creator, that have sustained us from the beginning of time. This we do for our Children, GrandChildren and Children, not yet born. We call ourselves, warriors, are we willing to give up our lives for Mother Earth and Future Generations. I do this with a heavy heart and have broken down and cried and apologized for not haven't done enough for Mother Earth and the Children not born.

We are going to do a pipe ceremony on the eve of the 20th/12 and have a Sacred Fire burning till sunrise on the day of the rally in Ottawa on the 21st of Dec/12 in support of the Young Women and Men of Idle no More. I would like so much to be with you in Ottawa, but due to circumstances, I'm unable. Get this request out there using any media available. Send it right across Turtle Island, to our Sisters and Brothers south of us and all of our supporters. Let me at this time, Thank you all for all you have done, stay strong.

Viva "Mother Earth""