National Day of Action 2008
Grand Chief Tim Thompson in Ottawa on May 29th
Speech from Grand Chief Tim Thompson,
Mohawks of Akwesasne
May 29, 2008,
Ottawa
Sekon, Bon Jour, Greetings from the people of Akwesasne;
To the Elders, National Chief, Brothers and Sisters and Fellow Canadians,
This National Day of Action, brings a second year of attention to the treatment of Native People by Canada and the deplorable conditions that are still allowed to exist within First Nations Communities.
All across the country First Nations Communities face tremendous strife on a daily basis.
I am Tim Thompson, Grand Chief for the Mohawks of Akwesasne - a Mohawk Community to the south of Canada’s capital - which has the distinction of having a unique geographical and political location between the countries of Canada and the U.S., and the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and New York State.
Canada Border Security Agency
Because of Akwesasne’s unique location along the International Border, a Canadian Customs Port of Entry is located in our Community. Akwesasne Mohawk land was illegally expropriated for this purpose and today, it is the only Canadian Customs facility located on a First Nations Territory.
The existence of the Customs office at Akwesasne has caused problems for decades - imposing restrictions on our aboriginal right to cross the border with our own personal goods. Many high level court cases including going all the way to the Supreme Court have not resolved everyday issues that our people face on a daily basis and the lack of will by Canada’s leaders to negotiate a working relationship with Akwesasne with respect to border crossing has continued to sour our relationship with Canada Customs.
The Customs port of entry is situated at a major crossroad within a residential district within Akwesasne. Recently, our people have endured acts of provocation, including racial profiling and harassment by customs officers, which have already forced the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne to file complaints with the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Much to Akwesasne’s dismay, the Commission has not yet produced any favorable results that could remedy this already tense situation.
In the last year, the Harper Government has advocated for all Canada customs officers to carry Guns at the Border Crossings and implementation of this program has already commenced across the country. This is unacceptable to the Akwesasne Mohawk Community because we are greatly concerned for the safety of community members who are 70% of users and other travelers that utilize this border crossing.
In response to Canada’s intention to arm customs officers, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne has unanimously passed a resolution that places a ban on the carrying of firearms by CBSA officers at the Akwesasne Port of Entry. The resolution also demands that an immediate consultation process or commission of inquiry be implemented to re-evaluate the issue of permitting customs officers to carry firearms.
Akwesasne’s call for an urgent meeting with the Minister of Public Safety, Stockwell Day and other relevant Federal Ministers and senior officials has fallen on deaf ears. Akwesasne continues to wait for a response from the federal government to facilitate the safe and expedited passage of community members within Akwesasne.
Our people are growing increasingly frustrated and it will not be long before this frustration leads to acts of violence on both sides. Akwesasne insists that actions be taken by Canada to remedy these problems now. Guns and arming of customs officers at Akwesasne is not the answer. Good faith negotiation between our governments is the answer.
Consultation
Akwesasne and First Nations across Canada have a common problem. They have not been consulted on matters that affect them. They are not consulted on laws or policies that impact upon them directly and they are not in control of their own futures. This is a major source of frustration.
Akwesasne and other First Nations need direct face-to-face consultation on matters such as the, Matrimonial Real Property Act, the New Land Claims Tribunal Act and Bills affecting safe drinking water, our language and traditional cultures, healers, and Human Rights.
Akwesasne made presentations to various standing committees, and we will continue to be present at these various standing committee hearings.
Meaningful consultation needs to occur with the people who are directly affected by any impending legislation. That is the First Nation such as you and me.
The Conservative Government has an obligation and duty to consult and accommodate First Nation Communities on the issues that directly impact them. There are supreme court rulings that mandate the Gov’t of Canada to consult. This is Canada’s responsibility.
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Akwesasne, First Nations of Canada and Indigenous Peoples of the world are appalled at the refusal of the conservative Government of Canada to support the “UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples”.
This is a declaration, which outlines the minimum standards for the dignity, survival and well being of the world’s Indigenous peoples. It has been under discussion within the United Nations for more than two decades. 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. Recently a positive vote in the House, has failed to receive the support of Canada’s government. This is unacceptable.
Akwesasne and First Nations of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to set a good example for the world nations, by adopting the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and to encourage other countries to respond in the same positive manner by respecting the rights of the world’s Indigenous Peoples.
Closing
Today, all across this Turtle Island, First Nations Peoples and good Canadians of this land stand together, to bring attention to the long-standing grievances that First Nations People face on a daily basis, AND to insist that the Conservative Government of Canada respond to the crises in First Nations Communities.
This National Day of Action can be a positive first step in the right direction.
Let us all make the commitment to work together to make changes in laws and policies.
Let us promote ACTIONS by the Canadian government, that will make a positive difference in the lives of Native Peoples across Canada and improve the quality of life for First Nations People.
In this world, poverty, inequality, and injustice are the seeds of frustration, violence and even war.
It is the hope of Akwesasne and other First Nations, that Canada will work with them to prepare new ground, where peace, friendship and respect can grow and where a new relationship can flourish.
Akwesasne joins other First Nations and Canadians across this country in a demonstration of solidarity for the First Nations who suffer violations against their basic human rights. Action is long overdue. The remedies need to be found today not tomorrow!
We call upon Canada to act now on the issues facing First Nations and the Seven Generation to come.
