National Day of Action 2007
L-R, Chief Larry King, Russ Jock & Chief Joe Lazore
This National Day of Action originally was called for by the chiefs in Assembly at a December 2006 Annual General Meeting of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) in Ottawa. The First Nations from across Canada from North to South and East to West participated in a number of Peaceful Rallies, Marches, in each province and territory across Canada.
These marches and rallies were be held to demonstrate the frustrations of the First Nation People from across Canada in the manner in which the Federal Conservative Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper is addressing First Nation issues.
These rallies and marches served as an opportunity for First Nations and Canadians to stand together and call for action to improve life for First Nations Citizens. We raise awareness of these issues so the Federal Government of Canada will work with First Nations to better understand the issues and work in partnership with First Nations.
First Nations want an economic base to be self sufficient, First Nations want self Government. The Government must work with First Nations to implement plans that present real opportunities for progress such as honoring the commitment of the Kelowna Accord, implement and the honoring the recommendations in the RCAP report (Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples). Improving the lives of First Nations citizens is a goal for all Canadians.
Elder Ernest Benedict
These First Nations issues that we bring forward include;
Poverty on First Nation Communities and the lack of housing;
Land Claims, just recently the Federal Government began addressing this issue;
Funding Cuts to First Nations, First Nations were not recognized in the recent Federal Budget. The Federal Government has a fiduciary responsibility to support First Nations but yet continue to impose a 2% funding cap on First Nations Funding;
The removal and cutting of funds for the Aboriginal Language program;
The refusal of the Conservative Government Canada to recognize the Kelowna Accord;
The refusal of the conservative Government of Canada to support the “UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples”, This is a declaration, which provides minimum standards for the dignity, survival and well being of the world’s Indigenous peoples, and has been under discussion within the United Nations for more than two decades now.
In recent years, Canada had played a key role in the negotiation of the Declaration and has collaborated with Indigenous peoples to draft a number of the provisions that have been critical in building support among other states.
However, since the election of the Conservative government, Canada has joined with the United States, Australia and New Zealand in denouncing provisions that Canada had previously supported.
The refusal of the Conservative Government to consult or properly consult with First Nation on issues that will affect First Nation Communities such as the, Matrimonial Real Property, and Safe Drinking waters act, Bill C-44 which is an amendment to the Canadian Human Rights act.
These are just a few of the issues that First Nations and Akwesasne brought to the forefront on June 29th for all Canadians to see how the Conservative Government of Canada is totally out of tone on First Nation issues.
Grand Chief Tim Thompson
For Akwesasne specifically, our issues include the …
Land Claims, we have a number of claims that have been with Canada and we have also more recently submitted other claims.
The Akwesasne Border Crossing Case has gone to the Supreme Court of Canada and is currently at the United Nations Inter-American Commission and we are awaiting a ruling this fall on this case. Here also, Canada has refused an offer from the Inter-American Commission to participate in a friendly settlement negotiation to resolve this case.
With the Western Hemisphere Travel the concern is the requirement of a passport to cross the Canada/U.S. border, come the summer of 2008, for every Akwesasne community member. Akwesasne members from new born to elders cross the border on a daily basis and are 75% of the users according to a study conducted by Transport Canada. We have been trying to meet with Public Security Minister Stockwell Day to assist us on this issue and he continues find delays in meeting with the delegation from Akwesasne.
The remission order that we signed with Revenue Canada and Finance Canada needs to be reviewed and amended to address Akwesasne Specific issues so that Akwesasne can have an economic base.
All First Nations are feeling the Funding cuts including Akwesasne because Canada again refuses to lift the 2% cap placed on First Nations funds.
These are the issues specific to Akwesasne on the National Day of Action.
The future of seven generations is at stake; the time is now to protect the future and give the seven generations something to look forward to.
At Akwesasne, the National Day of Action included a number of speeches from various politicians including Former Prime Minister, Paul Martin, Conservative Member of Parliament Guy Lauzon, Mayor of the City of Cornwall Bob Kilger, Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament Jim Brownell, Elders and Youth along with former Grand Chiefs and MCA Chiefs.
This was a peaceful rally and day of entertainment, including the Akwesasne Women Singers and other entertainers.
Marlana Thompson & her daughters
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne would like to extend its sincerest appreciation and thanks to those individuals and organizations whose assistance helped to make Akwesasne’s National Day of Action a success:
Akwesasne Freedom SchoolMohawk Council Ambulance
Seaway International Bridge Corp.
Ryber Promotions
Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service
MCA staff Karla Ransom, Christie Lauzon, Russ Jock, Jennifer Jock, & Sheila Oakes
