ONTARIO COALITION FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
Assembly on Saturday, November 29, 2008
9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Steelworkers' Hall
25 Cecil St.
Toronto, Ont.
(near College & University subway)
“GOOD JOB” CAMPAIGN &
RAISE RATES / END POVERTY!
10:00 a.m. “Good job” campaign:
John Cartwright, Toronto & York Region Labour Council
11:00 a.m. Report on status of Ont. poverty reduction strategy
11:15 a.m. End poverty:
*Aboriginal poverty: Ian Jacobsen & Teala Quintanilla,
Ont. Coalition of Indian Friendship Centres & aboriginal education
12:00 p.m. LUNCH break, & networking
12:30 p.m. Resume - End Poverty
*Activists against poverty: Carolyn Hamlin & Christine Watts
Northumberland Coalition Against Poverty, plus
Cindy Buott, National Anti-Poverty Organization
*Disability community: John Rae, Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians
Cheryl Duggan, ODSP Action Coalition
Peter Page, Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups
2:00 p.m. Small group discussions
3:00 p.m. Josephine Grey: facilitate concluding strategy discussion
Questions? Contact:
John Argue, Co-ordinator
Ontario Coalition for Social Justice
15 Gervais Dr., #305
Toronto, Ont., M3C 1Y8
(416) 441-3714
info@ocsj.ca
Thursday, November 27, 2008
CALL FOR COURT SOLIDARITY WITH THE CHARKAOUI FAMILY
LET'S PACK THE COURT! SOLIDARITY WITH ADIL CHARKAOUI THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER
28TH
Important UPDATE and Call to come to court
-------------------
REMINDER: Come out to court on FRIDAY, 28 November, starting at 9:30am.
Hearings normally last until about 4pm, with a lunch break. The hearings
will take place at 30 McGill St., Metro Square Victoria, Montreal. The
Coalition is calling for a strong presence in court as a show of solidarity
with the Charkaouis, who have been struggling for very basic rights for five
years and nine months.
-------------------
***New scandal in Charkaoui case:
After five and a half years, CSIS asks for time to gather evidence
Judge decides: Show trial will proceed on the basis of CSIS opinions, no
need for evidence
On Friday morning, the Quebec Bar Association will appear in court to argue
that it should be allowed to intervene in Adil's case. The Quebec Bar
Association wants to present its arguments that the security certificate law
remains unconstitutional (see their written arguments here:
www.adilinfo.org/en/updates).
During Monday's hearings, a very lively debate - some of it at high
decibels - took place between Charkaoui's lawyers and the Federal Court
judge.
Charkaoui's lawyers argued for a complete review of his bail conditions,
before and separately from public hearings on the security certificate. His
lawyers had requested this review in April 2008, arguing that his detention
is illegal because C-3 itself is unconstitutional. They also argued that the
public hearings on the certificate should not take place before the
government hands over evidence. On 27 October, CSIS admitted to the judge
that it needed more time - six months - to gather information to support its
case against Adil. Five and a half years into the case, it turns out that it
is not only Adil and his lawyers who haven't been given disclosure; CSIS
hasn't even given it to the judges or the Ministers who signed the
certificate in the first place! CSIS's admission came as a result of a June
2008 Supreme Court ruling that intelligence reports, and in particular
summaries of alleged interviews, were definitely not a sufficient basis for
the security certificate process; CSIS would have to back up its opinions
with actual evidence (photos, recordings, notes, etc.).
Adil's lawyers demanded to have a full and final set of all evidence
available to them (ie, everything that is not withheld on grounds of
national security) as well as a 'snapshot' of the entire case (including the
secret parts) before they begin any public hearings on the security
certificate.
Astonishingly, on Wednesday, the judge ruled that the public hearings on the
certificate must proceed on Monday, 8 December, before the missing evidence
is handed over either to the judge or Adil, let alone the other information
Adil would need to know the case against him. She also said that two days of
secret hearings would take place on 3 and 4 December, which could lead to a
new summary of information being released on the Friday before the show
trial. This could well lead to the kinds of sensationalist headlines which
we saw in February 2008, when the Federal Court posted CSIS's unproven
allegations on their website. This would create a huge prejudice against
Adil just before he heads into an already astonishingly unjust process - a
show trial, which is the public face of a secret process to determine
whether Adil will be deported to face torture.
!!!!!OTHER WAYS OF SHOWING YOUR SOLIDARITY!!!!!
If you can't make it to hearings on Friday, please:
* Ask your group to join Federal Court Watch:
www.adilinfo.org/en/federal-court-watch
* Participate in the cross-Canada day of Action against secret rendition
hearings on Wednesday, 10 December:
- In Montreal: Theatrical Action at NOON outside the Federal Court (30
McGill St., Square Victoria metro) on Wednesday, 10 December. More details
at www.adilinfo.org.
- Outside Montreal: contact tasc@web.ca (english) or
justiceforadil@riseup.net (french).
-------------------------------------
Coalition Justice for Adil Charkaoui
www.adilinfo.org
justiceforadil@riseup.net
tel. 514 848 7583
To subscribe to our listserve: justiceforadil-subscribe@lists.riseup.net
28TH
Important UPDATE and Call to come to court
-------------------
REMINDER: Come out to court on FRIDAY, 28 November, starting at 9:30am.
Hearings normally last until about 4pm, with a lunch break. The hearings
will take place at 30 McGill St., Metro Square Victoria, Montreal. The
Coalition is calling for a strong presence in court as a show of solidarity
with the Charkaouis, who have been struggling for very basic rights for five
years and nine months.
-------------------
***New scandal in Charkaoui case:
After five and a half years, CSIS asks for time to gather evidence
Judge decides: Show trial will proceed on the basis of CSIS opinions, no
need for evidence
On Friday morning, the Quebec Bar Association will appear in court to argue
that it should be allowed to intervene in Adil's case. The Quebec Bar
Association wants to present its arguments that the security certificate law
remains unconstitutional (see their written arguments here:
www.adilinfo.org/en/updates).
During Monday's hearings, a very lively debate - some of it at high
decibels - took place between Charkaoui's lawyers and the Federal Court
judge.
Charkaoui's lawyers argued for a complete review of his bail conditions,
before and separately from public hearings on the security certificate. His
lawyers had requested this review in April 2008, arguing that his detention
is illegal because C-3 itself is unconstitutional. They also argued that the
public hearings on the certificate should not take place before the
government hands over evidence. On 27 October, CSIS admitted to the judge
that it needed more time - six months - to gather information to support its
case against Adil. Five and a half years into the case, it turns out that it
is not only Adil and his lawyers who haven't been given disclosure; CSIS
hasn't even given it to the judges or the Ministers who signed the
certificate in the first place! CSIS's admission came as a result of a June
2008 Supreme Court ruling that intelligence reports, and in particular
summaries of alleged interviews, were definitely not a sufficient basis for
the security certificate process; CSIS would have to back up its opinions
with actual evidence (photos, recordings, notes, etc.).
Adil's lawyers demanded to have a full and final set of all evidence
available to them (ie, everything that is not withheld on grounds of
national security) as well as a 'snapshot' of the entire case (including the
secret parts) before they begin any public hearings on the security
certificate.
Astonishingly, on Wednesday, the judge ruled that the public hearings on the
certificate must proceed on Monday, 8 December, before the missing evidence
is handed over either to the judge or Adil, let alone the other information
Adil would need to know the case against him. She also said that two days of
secret hearings would take place on 3 and 4 December, which could lead to a
new summary of information being released on the Friday before the show
trial. This could well lead to the kinds of sensationalist headlines which
we saw in February 2008, when the Federal Court posted CSIS's unproven
allegations on their website. This would create a huge prejudice against
Adil just before he heads into an already astonishingly unjust process - a
show trial, which is the public face of a secret process to determine
whether Adil will be deported to face torture.
!!!!!OTHER WAYS OF SHOWING YOUR SOLIDARITY!!!!!
If you can't make it to hearings on Friday, please:
* Ask your group to join Federal Court Watch:
www.adilinfo.org/en/federal-court-watch
* Participate in the cross-Canada day of Action against secret rendition
hearings on Wednesday, 10 December:
- In Montreal: Theatrical Action at NOON outside the Federal Court (30
McGill St., Square Victoria metro) on Wednesday, 10 December. More details
at www.adilinfo.org.
- Outside Montreal: contact tasc@web.ca (english) or
justiceforadil@riseup.net (french).
-------------------------------------
Coalition Justice for Adil Charkaoui
www.adilinfo.org
justiceforadil@riseup.net
tel. 514 848 7583
To subscribe to our listserve: justiceforadil-subscribe@lists.riseup.net
Saturday, November 22, 2008
PCAP Film Night
*Free Films and Organic Popcorn!*
What: No Place Called Home & Raise the Rates
When: Wednesday, November 26 at 7:00
Where: Sadleir House, 751 George St. N.
*No Place Called Home*
No Place Called Home illustrates the desperate struggle faced by the Rices
and a growing number of working poor families.
Shot in an intimate, cinema verite style, No Place Called Home follows the
Rice Family over the course of a year as they move in search for
affordable housing.
No Place Called Home demonstrates the power of people with low income to
challenge oppressive landlords, and fight back!
*Raise the Rates*
Following the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty's (OCAP) campaign to raise
social assistance rates in Ontario in 2005-2006, this documentary features
first-hand accounts of 5 women involved in the campaign as well as footage
from special diet clinics, demonstrations, and occupations. From powerful
voices of people directly affected by the welfare system comes a demand to
raise the rates, and a determination to fight back.
These films are part of OPIRG's Free Documentary Film Series
What: No Place Called Home & Raise the Rates
When: Wednesday, November 26 at 7:00
Where: Sadleir House, 751 George St. N.
*No Place Called Home*
No Place Called Home illustrates the desperate struggle faced by the Rices
and a growing number of working poor families.
Shot in an intimate, cinema verite style, No Place Called Home follows the
Rice Family over the course of a year as they move in search for
affordable housing.
No Place Called Home demonstrates the power of people with low income to
challenge oppressive landlords, and fight back!
*Raise the Rates*
Following the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty's (OCAP) campaign to raise
social assistance rates in Ontario in 2005-2006, this documentary features
first-hand accounts of 5 women involved in the campaign as well as footage
from special diet clinics, demonstrations, and occupations. From powerful
voices of people directly affected by the welfare system comes a demand to
raise the rates, and a determination to fight back.
These films are part of OPIRG's Free Documentary Film Series
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Algonquin blockade: Urgent call for support for Barriere Lake, and arrested community spokesperson Marylynn Poucachiche
This morning at 7:30am, 70 members of the Algonquin community of Barriere
Lake and 30 non-native supporters peacefully blockaded highway 117 in
Northern Quebec, while a Christian Peacemaker Team observed the action.
The Government-backed minority faction currently in power had fed
information about the blockade plans to the Quebec police, who established a
significant presence before the blockade was set up. They issued threats of
mass arrest, dismantled the blockades, and followed protesters down the
highway in a high-speed chase until the access road to the Barriere Lake
reserve, where Algonquins and their supporters are maintaining a presence.
Community spokesperson Marylynn Poucachiche has been arrested for
obstruction and mischief and is currently detained.
Once again, the community needs the public to make it clear right now that
this treatment is unacceptable, that the Algonquins have suffered enough
division at the hands of the government, and that the signed agreements need
to be honoured.
On October 6th, the first peaceful blockade of Highway 117 - a tactic of
last resort, after months of being ignored or dismissed by the Canadian and
Quebec governments - was met with violent repression, including tear-gassing
and pain compliance. In the last few weeks, forestry companies were
discovered cutting new logging roads without consent from Barriere Lake's
legitimate leadership - a violation of the November 2007 ban on new forestry
operations in the Trilateral territory. Despite decades of struggle and
these recent developments, the community refuses to back down.
"Instead of doing the dirty work of the federal government, Quebec should
implement its agreements and immediately lobby the federal government to
deal fairly with our community," said Norman Matchewan, a community
spokesperson. "Charest's brutal treatment of our community shows his
government has absolutely no respect for the rights of Indigenous peoples,
which should be an urgent matter of debate during the provincial election."
The Algonquins were promising to maintain the blockade until Canada and
Quebec committed in writing to honour their agreements and Canada appoints
an observer to witness and respect the outcome of a new leadership selection
in Barriere Lake in accordance with their Customary Governance Code.
*** What you can do right now to help: ***
We need people to let the government know that they support the demands
Barriere Lake has been fighting for for decades.
Please take 15 minutes to phone or fax a letter, see below for a model
letter, or modify and send a *sample letter.
*You can do that here:*
.http://barrierelakesolidarity.blogspot.com/2007/10/blog-post.html
*Stephen Harper*, Prime Minister of Canada
(fax: 613-941-6900)
*Lawrence Cannon*, Transportation Minister and MP for Pontiac
(613 992-2940 Fax: 613 944-9376)
*Chuck Strahl*, Minister of Indian Affairs
(819 997-0002, Fax: 819 953-4941 )
*** More information: ***
Demands, and a list of groups that have endorsed them:
http://barrierelakesolidarity.blogspot.com/2008/03/mission.html
Video of the October 6th blockade: http://blip.tv/file/1391794
A quick visual introduction to the community:
http://www.dominionpaper.ca/articles/1947
Lake and 30 non-native supporters peacefully blockaded highway 117 in
Northern Quebec, while a Christian Peacemaker Team observed the action.
The Government-backed minority faction currently in power had fed
information about the blockade plans to the Quebec police, who established a
significant presence before the blockade was set up. They issued threats of
mass arrest, dismantled the blockades, and followed protesters down the
highway in a high-speed chase until the access road to the Barriere Lake
reserve, where Algonquins and their supporters are maintaining a presence.
Community spokesperson Marylynn Poucachiche has been arrested for
obstruction and mischief and is currently detained.
Once again, the community needs the public to make it clear right now that
this treatment is unacceptable, that the Algonquins have suffered enough
division at the hands of the government, and that the signed agreements need
to be honoured.
On October 6th, the first peaceful blockade of Highway 117 - a tactic of
last resort, after months of being ignored or dismissed by the Canadian and
Quebec governments - was met with violent repression, including tear-gassing
and pain compliance. In the last few weeks, forestry companies were
discovered cutting new logging roads without consent from Barriere Lake's
legitimate leadership - a violation of the November 2007 ban on new forestry
operations in the Trilateral territory. Despite decades of struggle and
these recent developments, the community refuses to back down.
"Instead of doing the dirty work of the federal government, Quebec should
implement its agreements and immediately lobby the federal government to
deal fairly with our community," said Norman Matchewan, a community
spokesperson. "Charest's brutal treatment of our community shows his
government has absolutely no respect for the rights of Indigenous peoples,
which should be an urgent matter of debate during the provincial election."
The Algonquins were promising to maintain the blockade until Canada and
Quebec committed in writing to honour their agreements and Canada appoints
an observer to witness and respect the outcome of a new leadership selection
in Barriere Lake in accordance with their Customary Governance Code.
*** What you can do right now to help: ***
We need people to let the government know that they support the demands
Barriere Lake has been fighting for for decades.
Please take 15 minutes to phone or fax a letter, see below for a model
letter, or modify and send a *sample letter.
*You can do that here:*
.http://barrierelakesolidarity.blogspot.com/2007/10/blog-post.html
*Stephen Harper*, Prime Minister of Canada
(fax: 613-941-6900)
*Lawrence Cannon*, Transportation Minister and MP for Pontiac
(613 992-2940 Fax: 613 944-9376)
*Chuck Strahl*, Minister of Indian Affairs
(819 997-0002, Fax: 819 953-4941 )
*** More information: ***
Demands, and a list of groups that have endorsed them:
http://barrierelakesolidarity.blogspot.com/2008/03/mission.html
Video of the October 6th blockade: http://blip.tv/file/1391794
A quick visual introduction to the community:
http://www.dominionpaper.ca/articles/1947
*GIMME SHELTER!*
Demand the government ACT NOW to provide more emergency shelter and food!
**Demonstration & Press Conference**
*12noon – Wednesday, November 26, 2008
*Corner of Queen & Sherbourne, Toronto
*HOT LUNCH PROVIDED***
The economy is crashing and people are losing their jobs – and their homes.
More and more of our brothers and sisters are being pushed onto the streets,
in need of safe shelter and food. But THE SHELTERS ARE ALREADY FULL! In
fact, the government has recently CUT hundreds of beds from the system!
With winter setting in, this is a matter of life and death, with hungry
people spending nights outside the over-crowded shelters as the temperature
drops. The government MUST ACT NOW to prevent even more deaths!
*We urgently need more, *safe* beds and meals to deal with the crisis right
now - in addition to decent housing.
*EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO SAFE AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE SHELTER & FOOD!
___________
*For more information, childcare, or accessibility, contact TDRC:
**TORONTO **DISASTER RELIEF COMMITTEE (TDRC)
416-599-8372 | housingnotwar@tdrc.net** |
www.HousingNotWar.ca
**Demonstration & Press Conference**
*12noon – Wednesday, November 26, 2008
*Corner of Queen & Sherbourne, Toronto
*HOT LUNCH PROVIDED***
The economy is crashing and people are losing their jobs – and their homes.
More and more of our brothers and sisters are being pushed onto the streets,
in need of safe shelter and food. But THE SHELTERS ARE ALREADY FULL! In
fact, the government has recently CUT hundreds of beds from the system!
With winter setting in, this is a matter of life and death, with hungry
people spending nights outside the over-crowded shelters as the temperature
drops. The government MUST ACT NOW to prevent even more deaths!
*We urgently need more, *safe* beds and meals to deal with the crisis right
now - in addition to decent housing.
*EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO SAFE AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE SHELTER & FOOD!
___________
*For more information, childcare, or accessibility, contact TDRC:
**TORONTO **DISASTER RELIEF COMMITTEE (TDRC)
416-599-8372 | housingnotwar@tdrc.net** |
www.HousingNotWar.ca
Saturday, November 8, 2008
*TYENDINAGA Invite to Meeting This Sunday*
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVITATION FROM TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have sent an invitation wampum to all Mohawk communities requesting
their assistance in dealing with the current crisis that we face. We have
asked the Longhouse community to come to Tyendinaga to council and develop
a strategy that will assist us in getting through the impasse that we face
with the govt of Canada and its police. The Mohawk council is set for
Sunday Nov. 9 at 10am.
We are further wanting to extend an invitation to all people within the
Mohawk Nation and including non native people and organizations to come to
the community on Sunday to see and hear first hand the reality of our
situation.
This is to avoid a similar reoccurance of media manipulation and
propaganda that clouded the issues of Kanesatake in 2004.. It is
anticipated that a third attempt will be made sometime next week with
respect to the police building. There are currently efforts being made to
recruit officers from other communities with promises of $3000.00 per week
pay with all expenses paid.
The similarities between Tyendinaga 2008 and Kanesatake 2004 are too
obvious to be ignored. There is no expectation with respect to people
coming. We simply want people to know the truth before crisis ensues.
- Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
Thursday, November 6th, 2008
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9TH, 2008
Supporters are welcome from 12pm onwards
Driving Directions from Toronto:
Highway 401 East
Highway 401 past Belleville to Shannonville/Tyendinaga Mohak Territory exit
Exit 401 at Shannnonville/TMT exit and turn right at stop sign onto
Shannonville Road
Stay on Shannonville Road until it ends at an intersection
Turn left and then immediate right on to York Road
Stay on York Road (about 10 minutes) to Norways Side Road (on the right
hand side)
Turn right on Norways Side Road
Stay on Norways until it ends at Ridge Road
Turn right on Ridge Road
Stay on Ridge Road for 5 minutes, look for longhouse on the righthand side
(518 Ridge Road, longhouse is just past the mailboxes)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Driving Directions from Montreal:
Highway 40 and Highway 20 to Ontario: Highway 401 East
401 East past Napanee
Exit 401 at Shannnonville/TMT exit and turn left at stop sign onto
Shannonville Road
Stay on Shannonville Road until it ends at an intersection
Turn left and then immediate right on to York Road
Stay on York Road (about 10 minutes) to Norways Side Road (on the right
hand side)
Turn right on Norways Side Road
Stay on Norways until it ends at Ridge Road
Turn right on Ridge Road
Stay on Ridge Road for 5 minutes, look for longhouse on the righthand side
(518 Ridge Road, longhouse is just past the mailboxes)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTACT THE FEDS: Back off Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory:
COLONIAL GOVERNMENT OUT OF FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Tyendinaga Support Committee
(November 5th, 2008) At present, Tyendinaga Mohawk community members are
being targeted for their opposition to an expensive new police station,
paid for in part by the Federal Government of Canada, as well as their
opposition to quarry operations where no adequate environmental
assessments have taken place.
The Band Council in Tyendinaga put up half the money ($1 million) for the
new cop shop, while the Ministry of Public Safety and Security put up the
other half of the funding. Plans were made for this roughly $1.9-million
facility, even though the money could have been spent to address the lack
of safe water on the Territory and poor housing conditions.
A month ago, on September 24th, 2008, the new police building was put on
hold after community members blockaded the intended site of the building.
Such demonstrations took place again last week. Now several dozen
community members are facing arrest and criminal charges.
It seems clear the the Canadian government is intent on ensuring this new
cop shop be implemented, in a community which has stood up for its people
and its land, time and time again.
Take a moment to call on the feds who are helping to make this police
station happen, and express your concern at their involvement in pouring
increased policing monies into a First Nations community where water and
housing issues and the legitimate Culbertson Tract land claim remain
unresolved.
CONTACT:
Peter Van Loan
Minister of Public Safety
House of Commons
Ottawa K1A 0A6
phone: 613-944-4875 or 1-800-830-3118
fax: 613-954-5186
email: communications@ps.gc.ca
Stephen Harper
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa K1A 0A2
phone (constituency office):(403) 253-7990
fax: 613-941-6900
email: pm@pm.gc.ca
Harper.S@parl.gc.ca
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT FROM TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WARRANTS ISSUED: 30 MOHAWKS FACING ARREST
Tyendinaga Police 'Respond' to Community Concerns
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Wednesday, November 5, 2008) It appears that Tyendinaga Police Chief Ron
Maracle is making good on his promise of charging people involved in
demonstrations at the intended site for a second police station, as well
as a contested second quarry operation on the Territory (different
location than the original and on-going reclamation of the Thurlow
Aggregate quarry site).
It is believed that Tyendinaga Mohawk Police have issued warrants for 30
community members.
The people targeted for arrest are Longhouse people who maintain scrutiny
over Band Council operations and spending. This amounts to an
unprecedented attempt to criminalize and jail any effective opposition
that exists in the community. This is an attack on our families, our
children, our culture and the way we think. This has moved beyond a
simple community dispute. The federal government is making a final push
to eradicate those people who believe in the strength and power of the
Mohawk Nation and who will stand in its defence.
Despite community concern over widespread exposure to water that has been
declared unfit for human consumption throughout reserve homes and schools,
the Government continues to prioritize the second station over these
needs.
Concern over the second quarry operation stems from alarm at the
tremendous speed with which this particular quarry has been established
and grown in size. Community members are aware of the extremely rigorous
environmental study and assessment practices that are required before
quarries and aggregates can be established elsewhere in the province. Such
laws do not apply on reserves and concern as to whether environmental and
safety assessments have been properly conducted and meet recognized
professional standards.
These fears have increased in recent weeks as households in the direct
vicinity of quarry operations have experienced water problems and
collapsed wells for the first time ever.
The quarry is operated by Build-All Contractors, a company owned by Police
Chief Maracle's brother. The site preparation and overseeing of the
building construction at the site of the new police station was also
awarded to Build-All, the Police Chief's brother, in an untendered
contract.
All of this is taking place because we oppose a decision made by the Band
Council.
With army helicopters and fighter jets circulating the Territory today,
the Federal Government of Canada is making it clear that it intends to
exercise what it views as its interest in community affairs.
- Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
Wednesday, November 5th, 2008
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
New First Nations police station draws protest
By Brian St. Denis
http://www.thepioneer.com/?q=node/2983
Friday, October 31st, 2008
A protest against the installation of a new Tyendinaga police building
ended early Wednesday night when activists delayed its delivery for a
second time.
Native protesters braved the frigid weather for several days to protest
the installation of the York Road station on the Tyendinaga Mohawk
Territory, west of Deseronto.
The building, which was assembled off-site, was trucked in Oct. 29 but was
not successfully installed on the site.
"The trucking company had to leave because their permits were only good
for the daylight hours, so it when it started getting dark they had to get
out of there," said Brant Bardy, a spokesperson for the Tyendinaga Mohawk
Territory band office.
The original delivery date was Sept. 23, making this the second delay in
just over a month. Bardy said the protest has not deterred plans to bring
the building in.
"The building is bought and paid for, and every delay is pushing up
costs," said Bardy. "That's an injustice to the community coffers."
The issue of the heart of the protest was clean drinking water. According
to the protesters, approximately 80 per cent of the community's wells are
contaminated. The Quinte Mohawk School, just seconds down the road, has to
provide bottled water for students because the tap water is unsafe.
"They need to address the issues," said Dan Doreen, spokesperson for the
protesters. "They have bags over the fountains at the school."
He said that they don't object to the new building, but to the community
having to match the government funding of $980,000. They believe this
money should go to solving the drinking water problem first.
"Kids are number one," said another protester.
York Road was blocked off by the Mohawk Fire Department and several police
officers for the duration of the protest. The protesters had a pick-up
truck parked on the cement pad where the new building was to be placed.
The protesters also used a small tractor to dig on the property, claiming
it was for a new youth centre, but Bardy said it was just a red herring.
Police announced early Wednesday morning that the protest had become a
matter of public safety and blocked the public, including media, out of
the area. Bardy said that a police investigation is underway, but
Tyendinaga Police Chief Ron Maracle could not be reached for comment.
_______________________________________________
Tyendinaga_support mailing list
Tyendinaga_support@masses.tao.ca
https://masses.tao.ca/lists/listinfo/tyendinaga_support
INVITATION FROM TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have sent an invitation wampum to all Mohawk communities requesting
their assistance in dealing with the current crisis that we face. We have
asked the Longhouse community to come to Tyendinaga to council and develop
a strategy that will assist us in getting through the impasse that we face
with the govt of Canada and its police. The Mohawk council is set for
Sunday Nov. 9 at 10am.
We are further wanting to extend an invitation to all people within the
Mohawk Nation and including non native people and organizations to come to
the community on Sunday to see and hear first hand the reality of our
situation.
This is to avoid a similar reoccurance of media manipulation and
propaganda that clouded the issues of Kanesatake in 2004.. It is
anticipated that a third attempt will be made sometime next week with
respect to the police building. There are currently efforts being made to
recruit officers from other communities with promises of $3000.00 per week
pay with all expenses paid.
The similarities between Tyendinaga 2008 and Kanesatake 2004 are too
obvious to be ignored. There is no expectation with respect to people
coming. We simply want people to know the truth before crisis ensues.
- Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
Thursday, November 6th, 2008
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9TH, 2008
Supporters are welcome from 12pm onwards
Driving Directions from Toronto:
Highway 401 East
Highway 401 past Belleville to Shannonville/Tyendinaga Mohak Territory exit
Exit 401 at Shannnonville/TMT exit and turn right at stop sign onto
Shannonville Road
Stay on Shannonville Road until it ends at an intersection
Turn left and then immediate right on to York Road
Stay on York Road (about 10 minutes) to Norways Side Road (on the right
hand side)
Turn right on Norways Side Road
Stay on Norways until it ends at Ridge Road
Turn right on Ridge Road
Stay on Ridge Road for 5 minutes, look for longhouse on the righthand side
(518 Ridge Road, longhouse is just past the mailboxes)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Driving Directions from Montreal:
Highway 40 and Highway 20 to Ontario: Highway 401 East
401 East past Napanee
Exit 401 at Shannnonville/TMT exit and turn left at stop sign onto
Shannonville Road
Stay on Shannonville Road until it ends at an intersection
Turn left and then immediate right on to York Road
Stay on York Road (about 10 minutes) to Norways Side Road (on the right
hand side)
Turn right on Norways Side Road
Stay on Norways until it ends at Ridge Road
Turn right on Ridge Road
Stay on Ridge Road for 5 minutes, look for longhouse on the righthand side
(518 Ridge Road, longhouse is just past the mailboxes)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTACT THE FEDS: Back off Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory:
COLONIAL GOVERNMENT OUT OF FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Tyendinaga Support Committee
(November 5th, 2008) At present, Tyendinaga Mohawk community members are
being targeted for their opposition to an expensive new police station,
paid for in part by the Federal Government of Canada, as well as their
opposition to quarry operations where no adequate environmental
assessments have taken place.
The Band Council in Tyendinaga put up half the money ($1 million) for the
new cop shop, while the Ministry of Public Safety and Security put up the
other half of the funding. Plans were made for this roughly $1.9-million
facility, even though the money could have been spent to address the lack
of safe water on the Territory and poor housing conditions.
A month ago, on September 24th, 2008, the new police building was put on
hold after community members blockaded the intended site of the building.
Such demonstrations took place again last week. Now several dozen
community members are facing arrest and criminal charges.
It seems clear the the Canadian government is intent on ensuring this new
cop shop be implemented, in a community which has stood up for its people
and its land, time and time again.
Take a moment to call on the feds who are helping to make this police
station happen, and express your concern at their involvement in pouring
increased policing monies into a First Nations community where water and
housing issues and the legitimate Culbertson Tract land claim remain
unresolved.
CONTACT:
Peter Van Loan
Minister of Public Safety
House of Commons
Ottawa K1A 0A6
phone: 613-944-4875 or 1-800-830-3118
fax: 613-954-5186
email: communications@ps.gc.ca
Stephen Harper
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa K1A 0A2
phone (constituency office):(403) 253-7990
fax: 613-941-6900
email: pm@pm.gc.ca
Harper.S@parl.gc.ca
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT FROM TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WARRANTS ISSUED: 30 MOHAWKS FACING ARREST
Tyendinaga Police 'Respond' to Community Concerns
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Wednesday, November 5, 2008) It appears that Tyendinaga Police Chief Ron
Maracle is making good on his promise of charging people involved in
demonstrations at the intended site for a second police station, as well
as a contested second quarry operation on the Territory (different
location than the original and on-going reclamation of the Thurlow
Aggregate quarry site).
It is believed that Tyendinaga Mohawk Police have issued warrants for 30
community members.
The people targeted for arrest are Longhouse people who maintain scrutiny
over Band Council operations and spending. This amounts to an
unprecedented attempt to criminalize and jail any effective opposition
that exists in the community. This is an attack on our families, our
children, our culture and the way we think. This has moved beyond a
simple community dispute. The federal government is making a final push
to eradicate those people who believe in the strength and power of the
Mohawk Nation and who will stand in its defence.
Despite community concern over widespread exposure to water that has been
declared unfit for human consumption throughout reserve homes and schools,
the Government continues to prioritize the second station over these
needs.
Concern over the second quarry operation stems from alarm at the
tremendous speed with which this particular quarry has been established
and grown in size. Community members are aware of the extremely rigorous
environmental study and assessment practices that are required before
quarries and aggregates can be established elsewhere in the province. Such
laws do not apply on reserves and concern as to whether environmental and
safety assessments have been properly conducted and meet recognized
professional standards.
These fears have increased in recent weeks as households in the direct
vicinity of quarry operations have experienced water problems and
collapsed wells for the first time ever.
The quarry is operated by Build-All Contractors, a company owned by Police
Chief Maracle's brother. The site preparation and overseeing of the
building construction at the site of the new police station was also
awarded to Build-All, the Police Chief's brother, in an untendered
contract.
All of this is taking place because we oppose a decision made by the Band
Council.
With army helicopters and fighter jets circulating the Territory today,
the Federal Government of Canada is making it clear that it intends to
exercise what it views as its interest in community affairs.
- Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
Wednesday, November 5th, 2008
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
New First Nations police station draws protest
By Brian St. Denis
http://www.thepioneer.com/?q=node/2983
Friday, October 31st, 2008
A protest against the installation of a new Tyendinaga police building
ended early Wednesday night when activists delayed its delivery for a
second time.
Native protesters braved the frigid weather for several days to protest
the installation of the York Road station on the Tyendinaga Mohawk
Territory, west of Deseronto.
The building, which was assembled off-site, was trucked in Oct. 29 but was
not successfully installed on the site.
"The trucking company had to leave because their permits were only good
for the daylight hours, so it when it started getting dark they had to get
out of there," said Brant Bardy, a spokesperson for the Tyendinaga Mohawk
Territory band office.
The original delivery date was Sept. 23, making this the second delay in
just over a month. Bardy said the protest has not deterred plans to bring
the building in.
"The building is bought and paid for, and every delay is pushing up
costs," said Bardy. "That's an injustice to the community coffers."
The issue of the heart of the protest was clean drinking water. According
to the protesters, approximately 80 per cent of the community's wells are
contaminated. The Quinte Mohawk School, just seconds down the road, has to
provide bottled water for students because the tap water is unsafe.
"They need to address the issues," said Dan Doreen, spokesperson for the
protesters. "They have bags over the fountains at the school."
He said that they don't object to the new building, but to the community
having to match the government funding of $980,000. They believe this
money should go to solving the drinking water problem first.
"Kids are number one," said another protester.
York Road was blocked off by the Mohawk Fire Department and several police
officers for the duration of the protest. The protesters had a pick-up
truck parked on the cement pad where the new building was to be placed.
The protesters also used a small tractor to dig on the property, claiming
it was for a new youth centre, but Bardy said it was just a red herring.
Police announced early Wednesday morning that the protest had become a
matter of public safety and blocked the public, including media, out of
the area. Bardy said that a police investigation is underway, but
Tyendinaga Police Chief Ron Maracle could not be reached for comment.
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