July 8, 2010 - No. 129

20th Anniversary of "Oka Crisis"

Hands Off Native Land! End the Genocide!
Native Rights Now!

Oka March of Solidarity with Native People on the 20th Anniversary of the "Oka Crisis" Sunday, July 11 -- 8:30 am Buses from Montreal will leave from Parc Émilie-Gamelin at 8:30 am. (metro Berri-UQAM, corner Berri and de Maisonneuve) Bring your lunch; return around 3:00 pm. Donations welcome. Organized by: Regroupement de solidarité avec les Autochtones For information/to register: http://rsa.site.koumbit.net, To download the flyer, click here.

• 20th Anniversary of "Oka Crisis"
• Statement Concerning the "Mohawk Crisis 1990" - Kanonsonni:onwe, Kahnawake Territory, October 14, 1992
• Kanesatake Mohawk Reject Niobium Mine on Ancestral Lands
• BC First Nations Say "No to the Enbridge Pipeline!"

Palestine
• UN Human Rights Commission to Begin Probe into Zionist Raid on Freedom Flotilla

• Coming Events

20th Anniversary of "Oka Crisis"

July 11, 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of the "Oka Crisis." This event was brought about by the intransigence and perfidy of the Canadian state with respect to its obligations to honour the hereditary and treaty rights of the Mohawk of Kahnawake, such that it used the force of its police and military against the Mohawk and their supporters. On this occasion TML calls on Canadians to continue to inform themselves and broaden support for the just struggle of the First Nations as part of establishing nation-to-nation relations between the Canada and the First Nations, including compensation for the genocidal anti-Native policy of the state. TML is reprinting below an item by the Clan Mothers and Chiefs Council of the Mohawk of Kahnawake which provides the context for the 1990 "Oka Crisis" and the formula for nation-to-nation relations required to render justice for the First Nations.

Statement Concerning the "Mohawk Crisis 1990"

- Kanonsonni:onwe, Kahnawake Territory, October 14, 1992 -

The Rotinonson:ni are a sovereign people. With the arrival of the European powers to North America, peace was established by an agreement known as the Two Row Wampum Treaty. This treaty was made between the Rotinonson:ni and the Dutch, and the British in North America. This agreement is a treaty of peace, friendship and respect. A great peace was established between sovereign nations.

It was also agreed that should any opposing power or nation threaten this peace, then the participating nations of this compact would intervene to protect the people and restore the peace. As the Dominion of Canda was formed, the Canadian People naturally inherited the responsiblity from their British predecessors to uphold this peace agreement. Our People, the Rotinonson:ni, continued to promote this original relationship agreement with the new Canadian authority. Our nations remained at peace and there was no need to expect a threat from our peaceful neighbors since the Two Row Wampum Treaty was and still is considered sacred. All parties to this agreement pledged to uphold and protect this Great Peace in the event of any potential threat.

As time passed, and under the presumption of being protected by our international treaty, the Rotinonson:ni became unwilling victims of subjugation by the new Canadian Authority. The elected Band Council system was imposed on our people with the assistance of the Dominion Police and force of arms tactics which in turn forced our traditional government and the traditional people to function underground.

Since then more crass methods were used to suppress the legitimate sovereign Rotinonson:ni and our Government. These methods still hamper our ability to tend to our affairs. The principles of peace which had inspired our original laws and institutions of government also inspired the creation of the sacred Two Row Wampum Treaty Agreement that was agreed to by all participating nations.

Common ground was achieved when our forefathers understood and accepted that this treaty would ensure peace and the well-being of the peoples of our nations.

It is concluded that the armed agression against our people at Kanesatake on the morning of July 11, 1990, by a force of heavily armed Surete Du Quebec Police Officers, was in breach of our historic agreement known as the Two Row Wampum Peace and Friendship Treaty.

The Rotiskenenkehte immediately responded in order to protect the peace and to prevent another attack against our people in Kanesatake. Access was restricted to the Mercier Bridge from Highways 138, 132, 207 and the Old Chateauguay Road. Access was also restricted to these highways from the Mercier Bridge effectively preventing any use of these roads except for emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire. All Surete Du Quebec Police and RCMP. vehicles were also restricted access to these routes. This measure was in response to the attack on our people in Kanesatake and used as a deterrent to another attack.

As a result of the lack of formal relations between our two nations which is both our responsibilities according to our sacred Two Row Wampum Treaty, no other alternative was feasible in order to ensure the safety of our two peoples in conflict with each other in Kanesatake.

As a result of the increased violence against our people and the prsence of arms and armed aggression used by the aggressors, and because of the constant disregard for the principle of cooperation in the maintnance of peace and security within our territories according to our treaties, the Rotiskenenkehte were and are justified to take measures, as is required, against the use of force which may threaten the peace and security of our people our laws and our territories, including the use of defensive arms for defensive purposes as regulated by the laws of our People governing the restrictions, use and storage of such arms.

Other measures utilized by the Rotiskenenkehte were the use of barricades and equipment as such, for the specific purpose of security and peacekeeping and to deter any violent attacks agains our people. These measures were also justified because of the force used against us by the Surete Du Quebec, The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and The Canadian Armed Forces throughout this ordeal.

These acts and the acts committed by our reserve forces to suppress and deter the threats to the peace among our People were, and continue to be justified according to our Constitution (Kaienerekowa), our laws (specific articles pretaining to the responsibilities of the men and women), and according to the historic treaties between our two nations.

We now stress the importance of renewed peaceful relations between our two nations. We encourage peaceful negotiations be initiated to install the framework for these discussions. We encourage the Canadian authorities responsible for interactions with our community to be aware of the peaceful intentions of the Mohawks of Kahnawake and to ensure and maintain the peace within their communities and avoid situations which may jeopardize the peace which exists between Kahnawake and the people of Quebec and Canada.

It is suggested that all actions in violation of the jurisdiction of the Mohawks of Kahnawake, now yield in the wake of these proposed peace negotiations, which is an appropriate measure in accordance with our sacred treaty which is consistent with the universal principles of peace and cooperation.

It is agreed on this day, October 14, 1992 in Kahnawake, and therefore recorded.

Clan Mothers and Chiefs Council, Rotinonson:ni, Kahnawake.

Oka, Quebec

Kanesatake Mohawk Reject Niobium Mine
on Ancestral Lands

For more than 10 years mining firm Niocan Inc. has been pursuing the development of an underground niobium mine in southern Quebec near the town of Oka. Numerous concerns have been raised by the local communities including the residents of Oka and the Mohawk of Kanesatake. This area is part of a unsettled land claim that became particularly well-known after the 1990 "Oka Crisis" in which developers sought to dispossess the Mohawk and build a golf course on their ancestral land. TML denounces the continued attempts at the theft of First Nations' territory and calls on everyone to support the Mohawk of Kanesatake in the struggle to affirm their hereditary rights, oppose the mine and for a just resolution to their land claim.

In a June 9 statement the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake categorically rejected the niobium mine. Niocan has plans to locate the mine on land forming part of the Seigneury of Lake of Two Mountains. "Our position is clear. We will never allow our land to be used without our consent and in a way that is harmful to the environment," said Grand Chief Sohenrise Paul Nicholas. This opposition of the Mohawk Council was forwarded to the Quebec Government, which is expected to rule shortly on the request for a Certificate of Authorization made by Niocan to the Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs (MDDEP), the statement points out. It continues:

"The Council of Kanesatake wishes to remind those concerned that the entire Seigneury of Lake of Two Mountains, including the area chosen for the mining project, is currently the subject of territorial dispute. Therefore, until an agreement has been reached, the governments should impose a moratorium on any development project that could have a negative impact on the rights of Mohawks.

"The Council also wishes to stress that serious concerns have been raised by numerous experts regarding the long-term health and environmental hazards that the proposed mine will create. The many pollutants, the radiation emitted by the mine, the gases, the noise, the dust and the possibility of significant impact on the natural hydrographic network could have disastrous consequences for the environment and the health of families living in the vicinity.

"For all these reasons, the Mohawk Council says 'no' to Niocan's project."

"The Mohawks of Kanesatake have never consented to this project, have never been seriously consulted and continue to strongly oppose it," said Grand Chief Nicholas.

Mining Watch Canada points out that potential damage to the environment from the mine includes:

* Consumption and contamination of groundwater by the mine.
* High concentration of radioactive elements in the ore body that would be disturbed by mining and pose a serious environmental and health risk including risks to the local drinking water supply.
* Conflict between mining and the agricultural and agrotourism potential of the region.
* Proximity of the mine to a park, a secondary school and many homes.

A petition campaign to the Quebec National Assembly is currently underway until August 25 to block the mining operation from going ahead. To sign the petition, click here.

(Mohawk Council of Kanesatake, Mining Watch Canada)

Petition

WHEREAS there is a blatant conflict between the food/agricultural potential of the region of Oka and the establishment of a niobium mine;

WHEREAS, the citizens of the Parish of Oka have already voted 62% against the mining project on April 16, 2000;

WHEREAS the proposed mine is located near a national park, a school and many residences;

WHEREAS none of the five successive ministers of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, have allowed Niocan to develop its project despite repeated requests from the mining firm for 12 years;

WHEREAS Niocan intends to dispose about 30 kg of radioactive waste annually in Rousse Creek, which empties into Great Bay of Lake of Two Moutains, the latter supplying water to surrounding municipalities;

WHEREAS that stream flows in a protected environment rich in animal and plant species, some of which are threatened;

We, the undersigned residents of Oka, neighboring municipalities and Quebec, are asking the Quebec government to undertake to protect the agricultural community, residential, recreational and ecological value that represents a large region of Oka against any mining development project, present or future.

(Translated from French original by TML Daily)

BC First Nations Say "No to the Enbridge Pipeline!"

Kitimat, BC, May 28, 2010 (Ian McAlister/ILCP)

More than 500 Indigenous People, other northern residents and elected officials gathered in Kitamaat on the BC coast, on May 28 to oppose the Northern Gateway Pipeline, a pipeline project that would transport oil from the Alberta Tar sands to the deep sea port in Kitamaat for shipping overseas by super tankers.

The gathering, hosted by the Haisla and Gitga'at First Nations, was held two days after Enbridge filed its application for the project. A 16-foot billboard stating "We Say No to Enbridge Oil," was erected outside the gathering.

"Every day more and more people, from all walks of life, are coming together to stop this dangerous project. They are sending a very clear message: Enbridge oil spills will not be allowed to destroy our territory," said Gerald Amos, a Haisla Councillor and organizer of the event.

"Today Coastal First Nations reaffirm our declaration that we will not allow tar sands oil to pass through our lands and waters. Enbridge pushing ahead with this project despite our declaration shows a lack of respect that will not be tolerated," said Art Sterritt, executive Director of Coastal First Nations.

"The Union of BC Indian Chiefs is proud to stand in complete solidarity with all of the First Nations who are defending the integrity of their aboriginal title and rights from the environmental threats posed by the Northern Gateway Pipeline," said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC).

"Fish are very important to us -- we are a fish-eating people," said Chief Larry Nooski of the Nadleh Whut'en First Nation. "We need to collectively stand up and say no to Enbridge. We don't want to see another oil spill. There have been too many."

In March, on the 21st anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, more than 28 First Nations declared that the Enbridge 1,170km twin pipeline project would not be allowed to bring tar sands oil through their territories. They included First Nations from the Carrier Sekani and the Wet'suwet'en territories whose traditional lands would be crossed by the pipeline as well as First Nations concerned about the potential impact on the downstream rivers and the coastal waters on which they depend.

Enbridge has filed an application to build two parallel pipelines connecting the Alberta oil sands to the BC coast. The proposed pipelines could carry up to 1 million barrels of crude oil a day as well as some 193,000 barrels a day of industrial condensate which is used to extract and transport oil from the oil sands. The project also proposes the construction of new facilities near Kitimat so that this oil could be shipped by tankers to Asia and the United States. It has been estimated that if the project goes ahead more than 200 tankers a year would travel in and out of this facility at the end of Douglas Strait.

Evidence indicates that transporting vast quantities of oil over large distances will, sooner or later, lead to spills. One estimate, based on a review of previous studies of pipeline and tanker spills, predicts that the Northern Gateway Pipeline project would create a risk of a major spill in less than 16 years as well as smaller spills before then.

Particularly within the context of the disaster now unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico the aboriginal peoples of BC are determined to uphold their duty to Mother Earth by refusing to allow this pipeline to proceed.

Resolution of Chief's Council of Union of BC Indian Chiefs
- March 17-18, 2010 -

RE: Enbridge Pipeline Project

WHEREAS Enbridge proposes to build two parallel 1,170 kilometre pipelines through Alberta and British Columbia to export crude oil and other oil products;

WHEREAS these pipelines would involve over 1000 stream and river crossings and result in 525,000 barrels of crude oil/day, 193,000 barrels of condensate/day, and 225 tankers a year travelling through the territories of nations along the pipeline and tanker routes;

WHEREAS the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline Project will ship oil products by tankers in our coastal waters;

WHEREAS First Nations have practiced uncontested, supreme and absolute jurisdiction over our territories, our resources and our lives with the right to manage our territories including our lands and waters;

WHEREAS First Nations laws and customs define our responsibilities to protect our lands and waters;

WHEREAS BC First Nations will not put their territories and waters at risk caused by the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline and crude oil tanker traffic;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCIC Chiefs Council oppose the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline Project.

Palestine

UN Human Rights Commission to Begin Probe into Zionist Raid on Freedom Flotilla

Following the brutal Zionist raid on the humanitarian aid volunteers and activists of the Freedom Flotilla on May 31, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) decided to set up the committee to investigate this crime.

The members of a UN-appointed panel to investigate Israel's deadly raid on the Gaza aid flotilla could be named by the end of the week, the chair of the global body's Human Rights Council said Wednesday. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Thailand's ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva and the council's current president, said the panel members will be selected "on the basis of their renowned expertise, independence and impartiality." The investigation committee will begin its work on July 13 after its full membership is announced, news agencies report.

Canadian Philippe Kirsch, a former president of the International Criminal Court who was intitially offered the job to head the panel, said he turned down the post for personal reasons. "My reasons are primarily related to conflicts particular to this summer," he wrote in an email to the Associated Press. "It is fair to say there was no pressure. The decision was my own."

Israel has refused to co-operate with previous probes ordered by the council. This includes the commission headed by South African judge Richard Goldstone which charged Israel with war crimes and crimes against humanity over its deliberate targeting of civilians and using Palestinians as human shields among other things. Instead, Israel has made extensive efforts to avoid a similar disgrace by trying to convince the international community to agree to an internal Israeli investigation which includes no more than two foreign observers with limited powers. The U.S. imperialist backers of the Zionists have also opposed an international probe and welcomed the formation of an internal inquiry by Israeli authorities.

Israel's internal probe, approved by the Israeli cabinet on June 14, will be led by a retired Israeli Supreme Court justice, will also have two foreign observers, including retired brigadier-general Ken Watkin, Canada's former chief military prosecutor. Watkin served as a Canadian Forces legal officer for more than 25 years, and he has been involved in various inquiries arising from the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. The other foreign observer is Lord William David Trimble of Northern Ireland, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

"I am convinced that the commission's uncovering of the facts will prove that the goals and actions of the state of Israel and the Israeli military were appropriate defensive actions in accordance with the highest international standards," Netanyahu said of the cabinet's approval of the probe. The statement from the Netanyahu added that Trimble and Watkin "will not have the right to vote in relation to the proceedings and conclusions of the commission."

Despite broad condemnation from Canadians and the peoples of the world, the Canadian ruling elite continue to keep apace of with their U.S. counterparts in their despicable support of the Zionists and their crimes against humanity. As soon as the Israelis announced their probe, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon issued an obsequious statement to support it:

"We welcome the Israeli Government's decision to set up an independent public commission which will investigate what exactly occurred on board the flotilla headed for Gaza a few weeks ago.

"Canada fully supports an impartial, credible, and transparent investigation into the tragic incident.

"Canada joins others in calling on Israel and the Palestinian Authority to return quickly to negotiations toward a comprehensive and lasting peace in the region.

"Canada fully understands and sympathizes with Israel's legitimate security concerns in the face of terrorism against its people.

"While we fully support the importance of delivering humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, we also fully support Israel's right to inspect ships to ensure military material and armaments do not reach the hands of Hamas terrorists.

"Retired Canadian Forces Brigadier General Ken Watkin will be a part of the panel leading the investigation.

"Given his career in the Canadian Forces, and his service as Judge Advocate General, Brigadier General Ken Watkin is well suited to participate in this commission.

"We expect that the findings of the investigation, upon completion, will be presented to the international community.

"States and international bodies should not rush to judgment before all the facts are known."

TML condemns the attempt by the Zionists to escape being held to account for this latest crime and also denounces the Harper government which time and time againt openly sides with Zionist facsism including opposing any stand in support of the Palestinian people. It is clear that the only purpose for having a Canadian as a member of the Israeli inquiry is to provide it an imprimatur of legitimacy based on Canada's allegedly impartial reputation. This nefarious collaboration of Zionists reactionaries in Canada and Israel will not wash!

In related news, on Monday, Israel once again rejected calls by Turkish officials demanding an apology over its deadly attack on the flotilla. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on July 5 said his country would sever its diplomatic ties with Israel if Tel Aviv failed to offer a formal apology over the attack, Hurriyat newspaper reported. He also announced Turkey has closed its airspace to all Israeli military flights.

In response, Israeli officials with utmost mendacity defended the criminal attack on the civilian aid convoy and criticized Turkey's warnings of "broken" diplomatic ties. "Israel will never apologize for defending its citizens. Of course, we regret the loss of life but it was not the Israeli side that initiated the violence," AFP quoted a senior Israeli official as saying. This position echoed earlier remarks by Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu who defended the attack as an act of "self-defense." "When you want an apology, you don't use threats or ultimatums," Israel's Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor self-righteously remarked, while accusing Turkey of having ulterior motives.

Reports are also emerging of the insidious role of U.S. President Barack Obama to waylay holding Israel to account for the flotilla raid. Turkish sources told the London-based al-Hayat newspaper that during the G20 summit in Toronto, Obama conveyed to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan the view that an international inquiry into the Israeli raid on the Gaza-bound flotilla may "hurt Turkey." Obama told Erdogan that "such an inquiry commission may lead to accusations against several passengers on the Marmara ship, or members of the IHH organization [a charitable organization spuriously linked by Israel to terrorism] and Turkey must know that its request could turn into a double-edged sword," the report stated.

(Press TV, Canadian Press, DFAIT, Yedioth Ahronoth)

Coming Events

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