Campaigning at Norway House Cree Nation;
My people have forewarned me that this contest is even dirtier than previous elections. As a witness to those messy affairs, I find that hard to fathom. Prior to arriving, I receive a frantic call from one of the elders. �Can you please stay with Marcel Balfour,� she pleads, �there are rumours they are planning to have him beat up.�
[…]
On Wednesday, March 15, one day before the vote, the talk among friends and acquaintances is all about who may win the election. It turns out the old Northern store building has been stocked up with new furniture and appliances, and band members have been hauling things home all day. �Didn�t chief Louis Stevenson just use the same election ploy over at Peguis?� they joked. �Nah, Indian Affairs said it wasn�t vote-buying, so there!�
The reports expand: �Band members have been coming out of the office all day with money!� someone remarks. �Now is the time to get money from them,� another says. �After all it is our money, anyway.� This, I remember, has been going on for many past elections here. Nor do I find it unusual to discover the tires on my car have been slashed.
“Politics as usual” on the rez – or maybe not.
I’d like to see some more coverage of this kind of voting ‘irregularity’ a little more often in the MSM. People on the left, almost uniformly, advocate for self-government for aboriginals (fully paid for by ‘white’ taxpayers), without the same kind of zeal to point out dishonesty, graft, corruption, and basic cruelty that they foam at the mouth about in regards to the ‘fascist’ Harper government.
many years of liberano rule taught them well.
After hauling away the sacred MAYTAG dishwashers, the elders’ next item to be discussed at the Tribal Council was who would be in charge of dispersing the SACRED IKEA furniture to potential voters.
Will things really change there? That is the question. The new chief will have a long uphill job to do. He can probably ask PMSH how tough it is.
The good news is he doesn’t have to worry about MSM but then the person who is most likely to knife you will probably be someone he knows.
Who learned from whom? Perhaps Chretien’s stint as minister of Indian and Northern Affairs was where he learned how to take the lpc to power and hold them there.
The article, after all, suggests some striking similarities between the incumbent band council politics and that of the liberals whilst they enjoyed power in Ottawa
Much is always made of First Nations and the problems with accountability.
I say that “pound for pound” the non-First Nations governments have squandered more tax payer wealth than all the First Nations communities in Canada combined together. This involves both the federal and provincial governments. But I have yet to read an editorial or hear somebody argue that the federal or provincial governments should not be allowed to govern themselves because of the way they waste tax payers money.
My argument is that First Nations have growing pains on governing themselves to the same degree as the federal and provincial governments do. The federal and provincial goverments are always in the news on how they have wasted taxpayers money. But the general public will make the argument that First Nations should not be allowed to govern ourselves, but never make that argument to federal and provincial governments It makes no sense.
Please somebody help make sense of all this bull for me!
Corruption, theft, vote buying and voter intimidation are not “growing pains”. They are crimes. Period. Full stop.
Until the apologists stop wrapping illegal acts in the soft racism of lower expectations, nothing will change. If we can’t hold the governance of Indian reservations to the same standards of legality that we hold the rest of society to – then it’s time to throw in the equality towel and just declare that the culture isn’t advanced enough to practice self-government.
“I say that “pound for pound” the non-First Nations governments have squandered more tax payer wealth than all the First Nations communities in Canada combined together…”
Well, you say wrong, then.
“But the general public will make the argument that First Nations should not be allowed to govern ourselves, but never make that argument to federal and provincial governments…”
Because the Federal and Provincial governments are are, aside from equalization funding, wasting the money of the people who elect them (to the extent they are wasting money – despite your assertion, the problem is much greater in Indian Band spending than non-Band spending). Indian Bands are wasting the money of people who did not elect them, and have no say in who is elected. When you want to tax yourselves (and are able to do so) to provide funds for your leaders to piss away, you can fill your boots. Until then, you will have to endure the humiliation of those who write the cheques demanding that the money be spent responsibly.
The Quebec Ad Scandal(CA), Spudco(SK), The Gun registry(CA)! Just to list a few!
You are the one splitting hairs and you know it.
Those were and continue to be a huge waste of taxpayers money and yet you still believe that those governments are more accountable than the first Nations Government. Crazy!
PLEASE! You’ll have to do better than call me an apologist to convince me otherwise. (I notice that everytime I argue this I’m called a Racist – odd)
Besides wasn’t the Quebec Ad scandal just another vote-buying scheme to keep quebec inside Canada.
Try again Kate!
I invite you to search this site and find an example of where I characterized any of the examples you give as “growing pains”. Indeed, I’ve charged that the Liberal Party of Canada should be deregistered under the rules of Elections Canada. I believe a few NDP polticians should have done jail time for Spudco.
Now, ask yourself why you would attempt to diminish the significance of criminal activity on reserves by comparing it to other criminal activity off reserve – unless you are under the misconception that such comparisons have the magical rhetorical power to transform a crime into a misdemeanor.
And why would you even want to do this, unless you are indeed – an apologist for those who commit them?
By the way – the word “apologist” is not synonymous with “racist”.
why put this post up? it’s been a month or more since the elected council vote was taken. your link is a month old. is there some other reason why you dug this up? oh, you’re trying to make a point!
gotcha. point taken. let’s go find some more kids.
Beardy,
Your argument is ridiculous. I didn’t like the way the federal liberals were spending MY money so I, along with many others, turfed them at the last election. That’s democracy.
In the case of the band councils, YOU are the one voting but it is, again, MY money. Since I am supplying the funds, shouldn’t I be the one who votes for the council? Perhaps that’s the way it should work. The Canadian taxpayers should vote for the people who will manage the reserve’s funding.
Despite all the tremendous amounts of cash thrown at reserves and indians in general, poverty is the norm.
By poverty I don’t mean this faux only 1 32″ TV and dial up internet poverty. Third world conditions because of this corruption.
We do the same thing over and over and expect different results? Property rights on reserves(not to mention for canada), supervised elections and a stop to the welfare.
The Quebec ad scandal was to save Canada only in name. It was a gravy train for connected Liberal.
enough
Sorry to go OT, but this is a Shelby Steele must read.
ohh…please DO stop Noel Coward..er,.. Ottawa core..
What was wrong then is wrong now.No more sweeping fraud under the rug,it’s already bulging with Liberal dust bunnies…
As far as the kids go,did we poke out their eyes or did i miss that? sure got their illegal parents out into the spotlight didn’t it?
breaks my heart it does….
Ottawa Core – precisely what “point” do you think I was trying to make?
Give it your best shot.
Kate — I think this is how many people validate their crimes — I can buy votes today, but because it is history tomorrow, then all is good. Because this is a month old, it is no longer a crime.
Reminds me of the shenanigans in January up at Desnethe-Missinippi riding in northern Saskatchewan, where Conservative Jeremy Harrison lost by some miraculously discovered late votes. There was also talk of arm-twisting and raffle tickets for those who voted Liberal. Even the NDP candidate had concerns. Of course Elections Canada would not do what would be politically incorrect and call a spade a spade.
My point is this.
People argue that First Nations should not govern themselves because of corruption!
I say the federal and provincial governments should not govern themselves because of corruption.
If the argument is good enough for the First Nations governments than it is good enough for the federal and provincial governments. If it isn’t, than the argument that First Nations should not govern themselves because of corruption has been debunked!
Besides this is the way it is. Self-government is a right protected by the Constitution.
So no matter how much you disagree with this point, it’s the way it is and you can’t do anything about it except whine. Which is exactly what I’ve read since logging on.
Everyone should except the fact that First Nations will always govern themselves, despite whose taxes are being spent or what crimes or being committed. Further, the fact is that the First Nations people are the only ones who are in the position to make their governments accountable. Correct?
By voting, in a similar manner to the way every one did when they voted the liberals out the last election.
Canada is still maturing despite being a colony of England. First Nations are still maturing too despite being dictated to by Indian Affairs.
Good night and good luck
🙂
I just want to ask: Where is the Consitution does is give the RIGHT to self govern???? As far as I understand it there are only two levels of government reconized. Provincial and Federal, period. Self government is another thing that is being forced down our throats regardless if it is wanted or not. Self government is doomed to fail. In the charter they are dealing with section 25 and 35 maybe everyone should read this and decide if it is their right or not. It needs to be challenged in the Supreme Court.
“People argue that First Nations should not govern themselves because of corruption!”
Possibly, but you’re the only one who has raised that argument here.
This sort of corruption and intimidation is wrong, regardless of how it impacts on self-government. It’s not fair for the band members who have to live under this sort of tyranny. It’s disgusting that tax money of all Canadians is funnelled through a privileged few while the people it is intended to support live in poverty. It’s embarrassing that the rest of Canada can ignore that this sort of third world BS takes place in an advanced democracy.
Thankfully, the people of Norway House had the courage and the wisdom to do the right thing this time, but it couldn’t have been easy. You would think people who profess to care about the rights of First Nations indivuduals would be in favour of some sort reforms to make sure they can enjoy the same sort of democracy other Canadians take for granted.
Wow, looks like somebody has ruffled Beardy’s feathers. He still thinks that First Nations are hard done by those evil white folk. You know what? It is time to grow up. The First Nations, for the most part act like spoiled kids. They want to be on their own to do their own thing but still collect their allowances. They piss away their money and then demand that the great fathers in Ottawa give them more. You think after all this time things would have evolved but the haven’t.
It is time to make the challenge: Are we all Canadians and to be treated the same, have the same rights and priviledges or not? Shit or get off the pot.
Lest I be labeled a racist which is the standard comeback for those who don’t have a real answer, I have to say that not all people of aboriginal heritage are in this catagory. There are many bands across the country that are self sufficient and productive. They also could probably get along fine in the real world without the Dept of Indian Affairs or whatever they call themselves. Oh, and by the way there is some native blood in my family (via marriage) and they don’t care for the political correct crap either.
/vent valve closed\
Everyone misses the point.
First Nations democracy will only prevail when the First Nations people demand it, but not when a bunch of uninformed anonymous whinning bloggers demand it. Get it.
I’m sure the Spudco investors would see my point.
Is this the same democracy that the citizens of Caledonia are taking for granted??? If you think that this can not happen next door to you, think again.
You miss the point again. Caledonia is a living example of the exercise of democracy. Protest to be heard. The Six Nations people are taking nothing for granted, they are employing all possible tools to be heard. To silence those people is an affront to democracy! Wouldn’t it?
Maybe I should call into John Gormley’s show instead!
Beardy
You’re probably right. EVERYONE misses the point except you. It’s obviously a case of your superior intellect as evidenced by statements like, “Everyone should except the fact”
They have the right to protest. The residents and the owners of the land have the right to protect their property and livelihoods.
The protesters should be tossed in jail as long as they continue to break the law.
The protesters being catered to is an affront to democracy.
Can’t have it both ways.
enough
Caledonia is an example of mob rule.
A democratic action would be before the courts, and would accept the decision of the courts.
Instead of throwing petty insults, please write a well thought out argument instead. Otherwise I’m not convinced!
“The Six Nations people are taking nothing for granted, they are employing all possible tools to be heard.”
Actually they are committing a crime by occupying private property and should be arrested and prosecuted accordingly. Why this hasn’t happened yet is beyond belief. If a group of Canadian taxpayers had done this, we would all be hauled off to jail within hours.
I thought Canada was a democracy. In your world Lew anyone who speaks against the government should be hauled off to jail!
Sounds like China to me!
beardy…
i guess in your mind burning bridges, litterly, is how to resolve the land dispute in caledonia. anongst other acts of vandelism that have been going on down there. will six nations pay for there vandalism ? not likely.
I speak out against the government all the time and still have my freedom – that is one of the great things about Canada. If I disobey the law I expect to go to jail.
What the Six Nations are doing by occuping land illegally is not ‘democracy’ – it is a form of terrorism. They might get respect from the rest of Canada if they tried democracy and stopped resorting to terrorism when they don’t get their way.
Good idea Spike – let’s make Six Nations pay for all the vandalism, lost wages and property damage caused during their occupation. Sounds pretty fair and democratic to me.
So in other words Beardy if I have what I feel is a legitimate claim against the government I can: occupy your house, pile burning tires in front of it in order to block the street, light a bridge on fire & threaten to shoot any firefighters that attempt to put it out. Is that what you are maintaining?
Yes Kevin! But YOU will never, under law, find that legitimate claim You can assert against the government, right? The Six Nations people do have a legitimate claim,(where you don’t)! thats why the governments are noticbly inactive during this protest! Just because you are uninformed of what that right is, doesn’t give you the right to dismiss it.
So Kevin your point is moot! Because it could never happen
educate yourself
beardy…
explain a ligitimate claim ? by the way you have’nt given me an answer to my above post or is that not a ligitimate question in your world. do you have a ligitimate claim to go into whitey’s land with impunity ?
Doesn’t the government claim that right land has been ceded in a previous agreement? If that’s the case, what makes the natives claim automatically legitimate in your opinion?
I can claim many things based on a personal oral history Beardy, I bet I can find people willing to substantiate those claims as well. I can also find many instances in which I feel I have been treated unfairly by the government, should I be able to destroy property in order to have my claims heard? Should I be able to threaten to shoot firefighters if they attempt to do their jobs?
You say they have a legitimate claim, in who’s opinion, the courts? Wasn’t there also a court order that dealt with their occupation of the development? If that’s the case you seem to cherry pick what court rulings suit you.
The Treaties give the six nations people the legitimate right! Yet the federal govt tries to ignore those Treaties even though they are honour bound to uphold them by law. Ask any supreme court justice, they’ll tell you I’m right!
If you have to ask what are Treaties and what do they mean in law. Than that will tell me I’m wasting my time trying to have an intelligent debate with you.
So what should the Six Nations people do if their democractically elected federal government is not living up to their Constitutional and legal obligations. Sit back and take it? No cuz that would be consenting to tyranny!
That lower court decision was not based on the Treaties, in fact it conveniantly ignored the Treaty argument. That’s how I cherry pick the good and thoroughly though out court decisions from the inadequate ones.
Hey Kate aren’t you proud!
Bet you didn’t expect to see this much action on this issue huh?
John Gormley recommends this Blog on his show for the intelligent debate. Maybe on other issues! So far all I’ve heard is the same rhetoric utilized by politicians of all stripes – liberal NDP and Conservative.
Like I said, cherry picking. You pick the ones that suit your way of thinking.
I cherry pick the same way every lawyer does when arguing the merits of law.
The ball is in your court to show me how I made a mistake in arguing that the lower court decision will be trumped with what the Supreme Court has already declared on these matters
another hostage situation as reported in CBCpravda
First Nation hopes to block pipeline project
Last updated May 2 2006 12:22 PM CDT
CBC News
A small First Nation in Alberta is going to federal court with hopes of blocking one of the biggest energy projects in Alberta’s history � the giant Mackenzie Valley pipeline.
For years, the Dene Tha’ have complained about the effects of oil and gas development on land they consider their traditional territory in the northwest corner of Alberta. They’re worried that the Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline development will ruin their way of life.
INDEPTH: Mackenzie Valley pipeline
The band claims they’ve never benefited from the energy revenues.
So they’ve decided to take their case to federal court to stop the project, arguing that they were not properly consulted about the pipeline.
Elders and longtime trappers like Alex Mercredi complain that there are fewer animals to catch for food and for fur. He believes the more than 350 oil wells in the area have already damaged the environment, and he’s worried the pipeline will make things worse.
“Once it goes through, our livelihood is gone,” Mercredi said. “We won’t be able to live off [the] land, we won’t be able to trap, we won’t be able to hunt.”
The Dene Tha’ say they weren’t officially told about the Mackenzie Valley pipeline until January of last year, long after plans had been in place. By going to court, they’re hoping for a full consultation of what the project will mean for their land.
Chances of blocking project remote
Band Chief James Ahnassay says the pipeline will take a 100-metre swath of land. “If you look at northwestern Alberta, it’s criss-crossed with seismic lines, pipelines, roads, [and] there are many oil and gas leases,” Ahnassay told CBC News. “So the destruction has taken place already.”
The Dene Tha’ will be in court in June, although Ahnassay admits it would be a miracle if the First Nation of 2,500 people blocked the giant pipeline project. If they fail to stop the project, the Dene Tha’ will get a chance to make their point in public hearings scheduled for this summer.
If the pipeline does go ahead, the Dene Tha’ hope energy companies will hire some of their band members and provide trades training for those who want to work on the project.
Please answer Kevin:
So what should the Six Nations people do if their democractically elected federal government is not living up to their Constitutional and legal obligations. Sit back and take it?
I say no cuz that would be consenting to tyranny!
Has there been a higher court overturn the lower court’s decision yet? That judge must be quite ignorant of the law if you can predetermine that ruling will be overturned with such confidence!
Cool for the Dene
A proper analogy to the Caledonia situation would be me breaking into the home my Great-Grandfather legally sold in 1930 while its current owners were out. I would claim it was rightly mine and threaten anyone who attempted to enter. My argument would that he was under duress & confused when he sold. Not only that, but he had a well established rule in his home that my Great-Grandmother made all the important financial decisions, not him, so any legal agreement in his name was invalid. I would forcefully refuse the legality of any documentation showing that the house was sold following due process – instead I would assert my memories of third-hand conversations with my Mom & Dad about family history and traditions as my legal right.
My claim would be as valid as the Six Nations is, but I would be quickly removed by the police – and rightly so!
Beardy – Do you know if it’s true that a band lawyer, aboriginal herself, has instructed them that the land was surrendered to the crown in 1841 and no legal claim exists?