Okanagan Nation Alliance: Open letter to Stephen Harper regarding Idle No More movement

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      Attention: The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada

      Re: Okanagan Nation “IdleNoMore”

      On behalf of the Elders, Chiefs and Grassroots People of Okanagan Nation, I am writing in regards to the “IdleNoMore” movement born out of the growing frustrations experienced by our First Nations People(s) as a consequence of your governments sweeping unilateral oppressive legislative agenda. In particular, Bill C-45 similar to its processor Bill C-38, which both serves to remove regulatory environmental protective measures over our lands and resources and seeks to terminate our constitutionally and legally protected aboriginal and treaty rights.

      Subsequently, throughout our Okanagan Nation Territory and across Canada, grassroots sponsored political actions are being carried out in response to your governments heavy handed-political agenda for the purpose of drawing these issues to the attention of the Canadian public.

      In solidarity with the “IdleNoMore”, movement, Chief Theresa Spence has initiated a hunger strike in efforts to bring attention to the dismal third-world conditions that continue to exist in her community of Attawapiskat. Chief Theresa Spence began her hunger strike on December 11, 2012 and will continue with these efforts until a meeting is achieved between the Crown (including provincial Crown representatives, the Prime Minister and the Governor-General) and all Treaty First Nations to discuss the Treaty relationship and the obligations and issues that arise out of this relationship.

      As noted by Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, this situation “is a direct correlation to the humanitarian crises being faced in many First Nations communities today".

      The Syilx Nation unequivocally opposes the current Harper legislative agenda and omnibus bills that impose broad sweeping changes to legislation that do not include adequate consultation and accommodation measures. Furthermore, we demand a section 35 legal analysis that demonstrates how the Government of Canada is upholding the Honour of the Crown in its dealings with First Nations in light of its unilateral imposition of broad sweeping legislative changes.

      The Okanagan Nation offers its full, unconditional support to Chief Theresa Spence in honour and recognition of one of the most selfless and courageous acts a leader can take to protect the rights and interest of our people.  Mr. Prime Minister, the Okanagan Nation Chiefs demand immediate response to this urgent matter.

      This hunger strike is not a matter of concern about a single First Nations community; rather this has become a matter of great urgency to all Aboriginal People(s) and their allies’ right across Canada. The Syilx Nation will continue to stand in complete solidarity with all First Nations and their allies from Coast to Coast to Coast as “IdleNoMore” action progressively increases, driving home the message that this is a critical turning point in Canadian history, where indifference to First Nations rights will no longer be tolerated.

       We expect and demand your immediate response and action on this matter before it continues to escalate any further. 

       Sincerely,

      Okanagan Nation Alliance

      Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Chair

      Comments

      15 Comments

      Larry

      Dec 22, 2012 at 2:10pm

      Although I am non-native I am in full support of the, "Idle no more" movement not so much for the native issues but for the water issue. If this goes through Harper will see unrest that will be hard to undo. It may be blood on his hands.

      Linda

      Dec 22, 2012 at 3:07pm

      Bills C-38 and C-45 are of concern to all Canadians not just FNs. We must all work together - environmental groups, unions and the opposition parties - to fight the dozens of pieces of non monetary legislation that are included in what the prime dictator and his racist minions call a Budget Bill.

      Mantis Tobaggan

      Dec 23, 2012 at 7:17pm

      "continues to escalate any further. "

      I like this nice little touch of writing at the end of the letter!

      jenlee

      Dec 24, 2012 at 8:48am

      Get rid of HARPER!!!! One shall suffer when its his time, you might mess with us but you can't mess with the big guy up stairs, he will be marked.......poor guy.

      Julia Banford

      Dec 24, 2012 at 1:07pm

      I really do wonder of any of these new bills are actually legal. I'm happy to hear that an investigation is requested and hopefully the 'Harper' gov will be charged or forced to take it all back. In solidarity!

      Wanda Wolf - Kishmoquah-USA

      Dec 24, 2012 at 6:22pm

      We are your neighbors next door and it saddens my heart that the Canadian Gov. has to start stepping backwards in dealing with our Tribal neighbors and friends instead of working together for the betterment of all! If this man is suppose to be an elected leader than he must be lacking in human respect and respect for nature! I hope and pray that God will show the way in this situation!

      TerryJ / Nanaimo

      Dec 24, 2012 at 9:06pm

      I believe every Canadian should support The Idle No More revolution.
      The timing, however, is very challenging. Getting the message out and communicating to draw in support during Christmas activities will fall , largely, on distracted ears.
      Our PM is one person who should respond in some sincere way. He will not. Don't expect him to change his demeanor: that of an Icicle. Harper is politically cold-hearted, even at Christmastime.
      Instead, our PM's priority is to pander to the First Nations vote, ie - a Commemorative coin promoted in TV commercials. So very pathetic and sad, it seems to me.
      That Chief Theresa Spence cares deeply for the plight of First Nations People, there can be no doubt.
      I am Red River Metis. If I could meet with Chief Spence I would plead with her to save her life for her people and live to fight another day. I would say to her: "Please don't waste away waiting for a cold-hearted politician like Mr. Harper. He is definitely not worth it. "
      Chief Spence's leadership is principled. Our PM's leadership is unprincipled, it is fair to say.
      My Christmas message to Chief Spence:
      "Live to lead. People need you."
      [Prime Minister Harper? ...not so much.]

      Susan Eyre

      Dec 24, 2012 at 9:58pm

      Idle No More is not an act of Terrorism. We must declare a preemptive strike by declaring that we are patriots taking care of Canada, that we are not Terrorists. Tonight I saw on RT that the Wall Street Occupy movement has been declared by the FBI to be terrorism. Everyone in the Occupy Movement needs to be aware of this and declare themselves patriots. We must take away the neo-cons reason to be able to jail everyone. Same goes for Idle no More. We need a lawyer to read the Canadian constitution so we may have a legal definition of "patriot"| and "terrorist". let's be in the clear here , that we are Canadians working for the health of Canada.

      Pip patch

      Dec 25, 2012 at 8:32am

      Idle no more is a good idea.....you fns get off your a**es and do something yourself about your situation in Canada. You certainly get enough money already to do that.

      Tom Dennis

      Dec 25, 2012 at 11:59am

      DEAR PEOPLE, Harper's leadership is symptomatic of growing apathy , IDLE NO MORE is patriotic renewal. It is an effort to motivate change in attitudes and awareness to effect influence upon government,I hope this is the catalyst we all need to get the job done to restore the respect for the environment and ultimately our mother earth...,