Dear Romeo Saganash....

RE: Bullying Fellow Indigenous Candidates

Unfortunately the last two days have witnessed some extreme pettiness from the NDP benches because of Bill C-51 (the legislation relating to stronger/stricter laws on potential terrorist threats). As many of us know there are flaws with this legislation and I completely agree with the fact there are flaws.

While the Liberals have expressed their intention to support Bill C-51, because of the extra security and safety it may add for the innocent on Turtle Island, Trudeau and the Liberals have admitted there are issues with it. In fact they offered amendments to C-51, although voted down by the Conservatives, and promised to still make amendments to the legislation after obtaining government (if they were to win the October 2015 election).

In response to this ‘controversy,’ Robert-Falcon Oullette, an Indigenous Liberal candidate for Winnipeg-Centre, stated:

“I strongly believe in protecting the right to protest, the freedom

of speech and association, and political activism. I will stand with

you and walk beside you in peaceful protest. If they come for you,

then they will come for me.”

Now, the NDP have opted to vote against Bill C-51, which is their right to do and may be reliant on their supporter base (albeit the NDP have been criticized from becoming extremely insular amongst some of the Caucus, Muclair and his specific inner-circle), but Muclair has expressed if he formed a government in October 2015 he would amend it and thus keep the legislation …

In other words, whether the NDP or Liberals formed a government in October 2015, both would amend Bill C-51 to reflect their views but not abolish it. In other words THEY WILL DO THE SAME BLOODY THING.

Yet, the NDP are now viciously attacking the Liberals for supporting the bill – even though the NDP also do not plan to abolish it if they formed a government. Confusing? Yes. Why? Because the same END RESULT will exist. Whether the NDP vote yes or no – or whether the Liberals vote yes or no.

Now, I don’t like the bill – but I wasn’t going to weigh in until NDP MP Romeo Saganash uttered these words:

“Indigenous Liberal Candidates endorse a threat against Aboriginal

rights by supporting Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau’s decision to back

the Harper government’s anti-terror bill through the House of

Commons.”

My eyes widened and my mind yelled “What the Hell!?!?!

Thus, according to Saganash, Liberal Indigenous candidates are impeding on Indigenous rights and sovereignty because they stand by the Liberal Party of Canada Leader, Justin Trudeau, on Bill C-51 – even though all but one are not sitting MPs. I think Saganash’s comments are problematic and here is why:

1.     If we go by Romeo Saganash’s logic, can Indigenous peoples thus state that he himself infringes on Indigenous rights and sovereignty, as an NDP, MP, for opting to run for the NDP following their decision to VOTE WITH THE CONSERVATIVES & BLOC QUEBECOIS on pushing the Matrimonial Real Property Bill into second reading in May 2009? (Todd Russell, then Liberal MP for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Critic for the LPC, moved to have the legislation effectively destroyed – the NDP opted to VOTE WITH THE CONSERVATIVES rather then follow the wishes of Indigenous peoples to have the bill voted down/destroyed). Thus Mr. Saganash, can we blame you for the NDP’s assault on Indigenous rights and Indigenous sovereignty?

2.     What about in January 2013 when Thomas Muclair endorsed Stephen Harper’s working relationship with Indigenous nations? Following the very controversial and timid meeting with some of the AFN Regional Chiefs and Band Council Chiefs – the FNCM Meeting, Muclair endorsed the working relationship … and since Harper is imposing private property, colonial rules, and other patriarchal structures on our nations, communities, and peoples – while also making it harder for Indigenous peoples to vote in Canada’s elections if they so choose. Thus, why has Muclair not rescinded his endorsement? Why has Muclair not apologized for his endorsement? Thus, by Mr. Saganash’s view, can we not blame him for Muclair’s ‘approval’ of Harper’s imposition on our rights and sovereignty as Indigenous peoples?

3.     What about the New Brunswick Provincial Election of 2014? Do we recall the protests and anger over fracking? What about the Comments by the NB NDP leader that referred to the protestors, mainly Mikmaq peoples, as terrorists? Yet, Muclair endorsed him and campaigned with him – pushing New Brunswickers to vote for a man who called Indigenous peoples terrorists…. For standing up for their treaty rights … for their sovereign rights. Thus, again, Mr. Saganash – are you complacent in this as an NDP Indigenous MP?

4.     Or what about the NDP’s stance on Quebec sovereignty and separation? The NDP believe Quebec has a right to separate by 50% plus 1 … In other words, the NDP is ok with Quebec separating if they achieve this level …. To separate …. With unceded/treatied Nehiyaw, Maliseet, Wendat, Mikmaw, Haudenosaune, and Anishinaabe land… Mr. Saganash – you are a Nehiyaw/Quebecer Member of Parliament …. Does this not seem like a slap in the face of Indigenous peoples and nations who Quebec shares territory with? Does this not undermine Indigenous treaty rights and sovereignty? And again, going by your logic towards LPC Indigenous candidates in relation to Bill C51, are you not at fault for this infringement and potential appropriation/degradation of Indigenous rights and nations?

In following your logic Mr. Saganash, yes – I can look at you as endorsing the infringement and degradation of Indigenous treaty rights and sovereignty because of you doing the same thing as LPC Indigenous candidates. In other words, your logic and attacks are heavily flawed and very hypocritical.

So, such a flawed logic made me wonder: What are the other possible reasons of such an uptick in bullying towards the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission, and Liberal Indigenous Candidates, from Saganash, and even Nikki Ashton? Perhaps, if one looks at where LPC Indigenous candidates are, alongside the increased support the LPC has obtained and the loss of support for the NDP, we can see a clearer picture.

Example 1:

Quebec: Michele Audette, the former President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, has the opportunity to upset the NDP in the riding she is seeking (Manicouagan). It would be an Indigenous candidate vs. an Indigenous candidate between the two parties, but there is strong potential … at the expense of the NDP. Lets also wonder, why was it the NDP could not bring Michele Audette (The Native Womens' Association of Canada's past-president and a major force in pushing for attention to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls) into their fold?

Example 2:

Manitoba: Robert-Falcon Ouellette (Winnipeg Centre), Dan Vandal (Saint. Boniface-Saint Vital), and Rebecca Chartrand (Churchill). All three can not only upset incumbents, with two being NDP, but also eat heavily into their votes. Chartrand, a well respected individual in Cree territory and the riding of Churchill, amongst Indigenous peoples and community. Vandal, a Metis individual with great connections amongst the Indigenous and Non-Indigenous community in Winnipeg. And Ouellette, a Winnipeg Mayoral Candidate who made a massive dent in former NDP MP Judy Wasylycia-Leis’ bid for Mayor and brought many Indigenous supporters to his side. How did the NDP not pick up any of these individuals to represent them for 2015?

Example 3:

Saskatchewan: Lawrence Joseph (Desenethe-Missinippi-Churchil River); Lisa Abbott (Saskatoon-West); Ray Fox (Battlefords-Lloydminster) and Marcel Isnana (Regina-Qu’Appelle). All four are well known in their communities. Abbott is a well-respected Lawyer, Fox a town councillor, and Joseph a respected leader AND former NDP candidate … all in ridings that the NDP, for the most part, did better then the Liberals and risk losing support. Isnana and Abbott in their ridings no longer make it a two-way race between the Conservatives and NDP; Joseph’s move to the LPC takes away the massive gains the NDP made in DMCR in 2011.

Example 4:

Alberta: Daniol Coles (Edmonton-Griesbach). A Metis individual who works as a Health & Benefits Consultant and has been working hard to not only represent Edmonton and Indigenous peoples but also Alberta. Another well respected individual who risks taking the NDP from second place in the area to third if he taps into the various populations in the riding. Thus, it doesn’t look good for the NDP in this situation either.

Example 5:

British Columbia: Louis De Jaeger (Chilliwack-Hope), Karley Scott (Central Okenagan-Similkameen-Nicola), and Jody Wilson-Raybould (Vancouver Granville). All three are respected and known in their communities. Perhaps, the most known is Wilson-Raybould, the head of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations. Wilson-Raybould is a well-respected, honoured, and cherished leader amongst the Pacific Coast Nations. Has done much work as a lawyer and Indigenous leader for Indigenous peoples. Again, how can the NDP, if they ‘represent’ Indigenous peoples on such a ethic level, have not obtained her as their candidate in Vancouver-Granville? 

This discussion doesn’t even include Yvonne Jones, Phillipe Archenbault, as candidates, or other potential nominees under the Liberal Banner – which equals well above 50% of total Indigenous candidates between all four major parties). So, why were the NDP not able to obtain these candidates – why do the NDP seem to only have two Indigenous candidates at this time (Saganash and Genest-Jourdain)? Who knows.

Perhaps it has to do with the strong work of Indigenous women and men, as well as Non-Indigenous allies in the Party that brought them into considering a run as a Liberal candidate; perhaps the early endorsement and support on bringing forth action on #MMIWG; Nation-to-Nation relations; Outreach to the AFN and communities, supporting Idle No More far more quickly than the NDP, etc. OR, perhaps its because of the support the LPC has shown in the last few years and the fact that Justin Trudeau is listening to them – rather then ignoring them, as some claim Muclair to do – remember what happened to their Edmonton-Centre Candidate…. Just Saying. In other words Mr. Saganash, there is no need to cast stone's at your 'glass house,' you broke it on your own.

So Mr Saganash, you question the integrity of Indigenous Liberal candidates who stand by Justin Trudeau and you wonder why? Its called faith – faith that the Liberal leader will indeed bring changes to the laws if/when he becomes Prime Minister …. Just as you must with Muclair as he too would simply amend the laws rather then repel. So you, like the Liberal Indigenous candidates, adhere to faith in your leader. Your point, argument, and attacks are excessively hypocritical. Therefore, perhaps you and the NDP should focus on the NDP and Muclair's misgivings towards Indigenous rights and sovereignty before mudslinging. 

Dear Patricia Arquette: You are Right AND Wrong

As many know the Oscars were a big focal point this past Sunday, with many well-paid Actors and Actresses strolling down a red carpet, to partake in an awards ceremony for the creme-de-el-creme of the acting world. Additionally, as many of you know Patricia Arquette won her first Oscar last night because of her work and performance in "Boyhood." I congratulate her on her stellar performance in a movie of amazing talent. Additionally, I was enjoying her acceptance speech until this popped out of her mouth:

"It's time for all the women in America, and all the men that love women and all the gay people and all the people of color that we've all fought for to fight for us now." (Patricia Arquette, February 22 2015).

My mouth, on the other hand, dropped in astonishment that someone who claims to be of such humbleness, not to mention support for the disadvantaged, would say such a thing without fully comprehending the entire background on the situation - let alone the problems her comments create for Indigenous, 'coloured,' and 'LGBT' women & men.

Now, I am very much in favour of women deserving/having equal pay to that of men. I grew up learning women are stronger then men - this from a family where the moms, aunties, sisters, grandmothers, and female cousins were/are the strongest - The 'cornerstone' or 'rock' of the family. I grew up with a mother who served in the military, as a single parent, doing everything a man could do, but probably being shafted on equal pay because she was a woman BUT, as stats show, because she was also an UNWED INDIGENOUS women. Similar stories exist for many women of colour, Indigenous women, as well as bisexual, lesbian and transgender women.

In other words, Patricia Arquette's comment is extremely problematic - straight white women still trump 'people of colour,' Indigenous, LGBT (to name but a few human grouping caveats) women and men. 

To tell Indigenous peoples and 'People of Colour' that they have been fully stood up for when they, in most cases as research and stats show, are still far more disadvantaged then white straight women, and must therefore stand up for Women ... is a slap in the face and glossing over the fact that the issues of identity and ethnicity are not solved; acting as if women of colour, Indigenous women, and bisexual/lesbian/transgender women are considered equal to that of straight wealthy women goes against the research and statistics that have existed over the last 50 years.

Matter of Fact: The differences and division have not been solved - ethnic and identity differences, are arguably more divisive then women/men. Now, am I saying there is not a problem between men and women in various ethnicities or societies? No I am not saying that because I know there is a problem. But to act as if ethnicity/identity doesn't play into the factor and divides women themselves is a misnomer... Canadian stats show that when looking at social hierarchy on pay English Men outrank everyone, followed by French Men.... Then English Women and French Women; Next is Asian Men and then Asian Women.... at the bottom two 'seats:' Indigenous men rank second lowest and Indigenous women the lowest.

Thus let us remember: some of the most ardent first wave feminists only cared for upper-class white women to have the same rights as men.... Some second wave feminists choose to pretend that identity and ethnicity is a sub-issue to that of gender ... not to mention some take advantage of their privilege, such as Patricia Arquette, on stolen Indigenous territory ... In her fashion designer friend's (Rossetta Getty) gown - at an awards ceremony, for the best of the acting world here in North America ... you know, the lifestyle of the rich and the famous.

So yes, I as a a Indigenous/European Gay Male who has worked hard to get to where I am (who has come from a reservation, a single parent family who's mother served the Canadian military only to get early retirement and for my mom, sister, and I to live in very humble means while fighting racism, homophobia, sexism, etc) do stand proudly next to the many many women who have influenced me and demand their equality... and the equality of all women, no matter their ethnicity or identity. 

BUT I do not stand next to those badgering others who stand as a movie star, with a wealthy bank account, telling those who are still treated unfairly to stand up for equal pay when - while that actor enjoys the fruits of a high-paid acting career... on Indigenous land... that was also tilled by slaves, migrant workers, and those impacted by low-income wages (whether women or men or children). Allies are good, but perhaps if you 'talk the talk' you should completely 'walk the walk' (I have the same issue with Bono).

So Patricia Arquette - congrats on your oscar win .... and congrats for potentially pushing the equal rights movement for those of different ethnic and LGBT identities back a notch by utilizing your privileged position to assume, and tell your followers, that LGBT, people of Colour, and Indigenous people are equal now, despite the stats and research that shows you are, in fact, one of the reasons that accounts for the unequalness of Indigenous, LGBT, and coloured people - whether a man or a woman 

But I guess when you are entrenched in the lifestyle of the rich and the famous, it may be hard to notice that by the select few people of colour and the few LGBT people, and the extreme few Indigenous people, who were there alongside you at those oscars.

The #FNFTA: Feds Not Fulfilling Treaty Agreements

Ad Courtesy of the Aboriginal Peoples' Commission

Last week, as many of you know, the Canadian government, headed by the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC), continued its colonial expansion and onslaught on many Indigenous nations. The continued colonial expansion and onslaught is through the FNFTA: The First Nations Financial Transparency Act. A symbol of the Feds Not Fulfilling Treaty Agreements. Now, many of you will look at this title and the preamble to this legislative act that became law this month as a step forward – a step towards transparency. However, this is not the case and continues to sow the tide of ignorance, division, and hatred between Canadians and Indigenous peoples.

The FNFTA sought to bring transparency and openness to Indian Act communities because it assumed that none, or at least most of them, do not show transparency to those ‘who elect them.’ In fact, Canada’s Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Bernard Valcourt claims “this is in an effort to provide First Nations people with transparency and allow them to hold  their elected leaders accountable.” I have many problems with this as well as how the media and general Canadians of all/non-political stripes have been viewing this.

What Are Some of the Problems?

Let us first focus on the biggest ‘hole’ in the CPC logic of accountability and transparency. First, the CPC has tried to argue this is to benefit the people whom elect them. Yet, the Indian Act Chiefs and Councils are a unilateral imposition by Canada that has been in practice for over a century per se. In order to destroy Indigenous governance structures and forms of representation, Canada outlawed the traditional forms of governments, clan systems, as well as Indigenous judicial processes. In doing so they imposed a system that further divided Indigenous nations and confederacies into communities with systems of governments that require them to be accountable to Indian Affairs and Canada. Therefore, one must ask how a unilateral imposition of a foreign governance structure with no adequate consultation for a change in governance can be held accountable or transparent? The system is already on eggshells and is only there to hold up the concept of the Canadian state.

Ad courtesy of the Aboriginal Peoples' Commission

Now, many communities and Indian Act Chiefs and Councils have learned to utilize the ‘masters tools’ to try and bring change, but when they do Canada threatens to withhold funding. If this does not work, they formulate some form of legislation to get what they want. For instance, many do not know that most Indian Act communities are already heavily monitored and thus a question that basic media tends to forget to ask to Canadians is, why the problems of accountability and transparency exists if it all is already monitored and reviewed by Aboriginal Affairs? Why is it that corruption in a select few cases of 630+ communities gets greenlit through Aboriginal Affairs but it is not highlighted when media breaks the story? Lastly, why is it never highlighted that over 50% of treaty monies (funding as Canada calls it) go into the financing of Aboriginal Affairs? These are questions I still am looking for an answer to.

On the topic of Media, it has been mind-boggling that focus has been specific to one chief who made almost One million during the 2013 fiscal year. Why have they not reported on much of what Hayden King, an Anishinaabeg from Beausoleil and Director for the Centre of Indigenous Governance at Ryerson University, has highlighted in his article on August 2^nd, 2014. For instance, Dr. King points out that

                        “of course, this information is important to know. But we can

 also expect the media to do little else. Few will cover the

hundreds of chiefs and/or councils that make $10,000 a year.

Few will examine the extreme AANDC underfunding this new

data reveals… Few will ask critical questions about the

consequences of First Nations (which are often both governments

and corporations) disclosing the details of business dealings with

current and/or future negotiating partners.”

Dr. King’s poignant assessment is ringing true a week later as focus continues to relate to one Chief and the fact that one Canadian Federal Politician has stated he wants to see an overhaul of the bill – with true respect and nation to nation dialogue as its underpinning.

In fact I was impressed that Justin Trudeau stated it needed to be dismantled and redone – I think it highlights a massive change in Liberal ideology on Indigenous peoples since the Chretien Era. Much has changed since 2003 – with the Liberals opening their minds to Indigenous understanding; the Conservatives taking the Liberal’s 1969 (White Paper) and 2002 (First Nations Governance Act) extremely outdates views on how best to deal with Indigenous Nations, and the NDP falling short on action - especially with their leader, Thomas Muclair, still not apologizing for endorsing the CPC relationship with Indigenous nations in January of 2013.

Minister Bernard Valcourt's Email to CPC Supporters (August 13, 2014)

Yet, the attacks continue and the well preserved ignorance of the masses dominates discussion. This allows the Conservatives to make cheap shots at other political parties while Indigenous peoples continue to fight for treaty recognition; rights to their government structures; Nation-to-nation dialogue; the protection of their children and of women; to adequate water, housing, infrastructure, health and education; and the promises made through the  Canadian government on behalf of the Crown. Instead, the Conservatives are using it as a fundraising technique (see email sent out via Bernard Valcourt on August 13, 2014) while many in Indigenous  communities continue to fight for survival.

Unfortunately most general Canadians continue the belief that these issues are long ago, that Indigenous peoples are nothing more then Canadian citizens, we must integrate, and get rid of our ‘special rights.’ In other words, we are stalled at the starting line of the race towards decolonization.

Conclusion:

I constantly hear people say they are open to learning, open to listening to the Indigenous side but I am becoming increasingly aware that actions speak louder then words…. That sometimes words are just a placation of seeming intolerant. Unfortunately, the discussions I have had with people on the FNTPA continues to rear the ugly heads of ignorance and colonial continuation in Turtle Island – and all through the fuel of the CPC spin doctoring machine. However, I do know one thing – decolonization and both sides travelling down the river together, side by side in their boats is a long ways away. The First Nations Financial Transparency Act highlights that. How can accountability and transparency even exist through unilateral imposition, falsification, the untold truth of Canada’s historical founding, and the Feds Not Fulfilling Treaty Agreements.

Transparency and accountability are nothing but empty and soulless words when espoused from the Conservative Government of Canada. 

Suggested Sources and Readings:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/aboriginal/first-nations-transparency-act-may-do-more-harm-than-good-hayden-king-1.2725654

http://www.chilliwacktoday.ca/outrage-over-first-nations-chiefs-salary-misplaced/

http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1322056355024/1322060287419?utm_source=transparency&utm_medium=url

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Salaries-of-First-Nation-leaders-online-269065481.html

http://www.cbc.ca/news/aboriginal/first-nations-divided-on-new-financial-transparency-act-1.2721871

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/08/11/justin-trudeau-first-nations-financial-transparency_n_5668640.html

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2014/07/29/disclosure_of_first_nations_salaries_raises_eyebrows.html

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/chiefs-dont-answer-to-ottawa-270274231.html

Tamara Ward-Johnson: One Example of Many In What is Wrong With Canada (And the Ontario Election)

Earlier this week an ad was placed in the Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal for the Ontario Libertarian Party’s Candidate: Tamara Ward Johnson. Now, some of you may recall Ward-Johnson was originally a Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario Candidate for Thunder Bay-Superior North.

Ward-Johnson made comments in February of 2014 that Indigenous peoples and their businesses have unfair advantages over ‘poor’ and ‘innocent’ Ontarians. The uproar against her comments led the PCs to ditch her as their candidate, leading her to express that she was “removed for speaking the truth.” Others in the area took to social media to counteract Ward-Johnson’s clear use of misunderstanding, ignorance, and the Canadian public’s lack of understanding towards treaty relations/agreements. My friend, Damien Lee and a member of the Fort William Community/citizen of the Anishinaabeg Nation, was one such person.

In his opening letter he expresses to Ward-Johnson that she “made a number of accusations, including the argument that First Nations are getting ‘illegal’ tax breaks, that First Nations should follow Ontario law, and, most recently, that gas stations in [Fort William] price gasoline based on race.” Damien then goes on to dissect each accusation and explains how federal and provincial legislation/agreements/treaties formulate some of the differences that exist. In other words, Damien highlights how Ward-Johnson’s comments are misinformed and full of nothing more then ignorance and perpetuating stereotypes.

While the rest of us moved forward in our daily lives and were oblivious to ongoing tension between Indigenous peoples and a segment of Canadians, which is usually what happens here in the Canadian state – we only learn of a Canadian/Indigenous mishap when the crap has hit the political, national, and sociological fans (despite Indigenous peoples discussing it and countering it for months and sometimes years before), Tamara Ward-Johnson obtained the Ontario Libertarian Party’s Nomination for her riding in the Robinson-Superior Treaty area. During this time a twitter hashtag was also developed to counter Ward-Johnson in the social-media world: #RelaxTamara. Additionally, ongoing racial accusations and uninformed/stereotypical accusations where made by Ward-Johnson and her cultish/ignorant flavoured ‘koolaide-drinking’ supporters.

The Final Week of the Ontario Election & Ward-Johnson’s Racist-Indoctrinated Political Ad.

            Now lets forward to the week of June 9^th 2014, when Ward-Johnson had a political ad printed in the Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal. The ad says:

Ward-Johnson's Ad in the Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal

“Voters: No group of people are above the laws of Ontario; No group of people can illegally block our roads and rail lines; No group of people are ‘entitled’ to handouts’ No group of people are owed a ‘debt’ by today’s taxpayers’ No group of

people ‘own’ Crown lands. Crown lands are public lands. Not native lands. We all own these lands; No group of people are ‘special’ and deserve first class ‘super-citizen’ status.”

It then follows with:

                       

“Tax Payers: Help me stop this doctrine of entitlement; Help me stop the inequality; Help me stop the injustice; Above all else, help me stop the ‘gravy train; Seniors and retires, your children and grandchildren deserve the right to live in a fair, equal, and just Ontario. Vote for their Future Thursday, June 12, 2014. Vote Tamara Johnson and the Ontario Libertarian Party.”

Since this ad’s appearance on Monday it first got much attention through social media and those in tune with support of Indigenous rights, treaties, and coming to understand Canada’s true history and how treaties are the basis for Canada’s existence. My friend Damien Lee and many others took Ward-Johnson and the Libertarian Party to task over the last three days, with the non-Indigenous media finally paying attention as of today.

A Meme on Ward-Johnson's Racist Comments & Actions

            Many have taken to social media, media outlets, and to the streets to express outrage at such an abhorrent and ignorant attack on Indigenous peoples. Not only this but its clear lack of truth and comprehension of not only treaties but Canadian federal law, supreme court rulings, and, to an extent – Ontario Law. Spoofs and memes have been made to mock her ignorance and clear pandering to the misunderstanding of Canadian/Indigenous relations. One just has to go on their twitter account and search #RelaxTamara to see what is being said from those opposed to her spread of misunderstanding and hate. One just has to look at it and her own platform and social media pages to see how she truly does not fit as a representative of a population.

I say this because she expresses the need for fair, equal, and a just Ontario. Yet the idea of ‘the rule of law’ still has yet to be properly followed when it comes to Indigenous peoples. Treaties are forms of law but according to Tamara Ward-Johnson they do not need to be followed because they are specific to Indigenous peoples. So, it seems Tamara Ward-Johnson’s views are that when a law doesn’t favour her views, then it is unjust and ‘race-based.’ But if Ward-Johnson took the time to actually learn she would realize the laws she wants to be utilized over Indigenous peoples are raced-based themselves because they refuse to acknowledge or follow the treaties that are legally binding. – Someone needs to send her Roger Epp’s “We Are All Treaty Peoples,” A copy of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, A copy of the Ipperwash Inquiry, A copy of the Robinson-Superior Treaty, and a copy of Canada’s Constitution Act, 1982.

A Response to Tamara Ward-Johnson's Ad in the Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal from Fort William First Nation.

Not only does she need copies of these sent to her, but it is clear the provincial and federal political parties need to speak out on this. Why have the Green Party and New Democratic Party of Canada’s MPs (Hyer and Rafferty) for Thunder Bay-Rainy River & Thunder Bay-Superior North not spoken out against this? Why have the leaders of Canada’s federal political parties not spoken out against this (Harper, Muclair, Trudeau, and May)? Why have the provincial leaders not spoken out against Ward-Johnson’s comments (Wynne, Hudak, Horwath)? The only leader, Allan Small of the Ontario Libertarian Party, has made a comment – which is “no comment [on Tamara Johnson] until after the election.” This horrible situation is not just a 'provincial' issue, as some may argue. Indigenous/Canadian relations are interconnected to not only the Federal Government of Canada, in some cases, but also the Crown and its representatives. Additionally, these actions permeate from the local area and throughout Turtle Island and the land shared by Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

What Does Ward-Johnson Highlight?

A Spoof of Ward-Johnson's Ad.

The actions of Ward-Johnson and the inaction thus far from Canada’s political leaders is but another example of how Canada has such a long way to go in healing a tenuous and broken relationship, as Justin Trudeau referred to it at the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission’s AFN event in July 2013, before it can be healed and even properly understood. Additionally, Ward-Johnson highlights the high amount of ignorance that still exists in understand Canada’s historical formation, apartheid-like & genocidal legislation, and the inability for Canada to come to terms with its historical & current relationships with the Indigenous nations it shares this territory with.

            Additionally, Tamara Ward-Johnson highlights that despite her claim to freedom of speech, that in Canada, when it comes to racism, Indigenous peoples are still a free-for-all target. Apologies are consistently presented when articles or comments are written about Women, Africans, Asians, middle-eastern, LGBT, and Jewish citizens – but when it is related to Indigenous peoples, it is still freedom of speech.

            However it is important for those espousing freedoms to remember: Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from judgement, protest or action from those who call bluff on your ignorance and stupidity.

In Conclusion:

Tamara Ward-Johnson – you are what IS wrong with Canada and its inability to not only decolonize and understand its past, present and future; but also why the ‘bridge’ between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples is easier to burn then kindling….

….like the bridge that linked Fort William and Thunder Bay.

Sources to Consider:

http://zoongde.wordpress.com/2014/03/03/open-letter-to-tamara-johnson/

http://zoongde.wordpress.com/2014/06/10/relaxtamara-and-beyond/

http://www.scribd.com/doc/229212659/Letter-to-CJ-Sponsors-FINAL

http://www.wawataynews.ca/archive/all/2014/4/3/former-pc-candidate-s-comments-prompt-call-apology-boycott_25516

http://www.ammsa.com/content/our-daily-blog

http://anishinabeknews.ca/2014/06/11/letter-to-the-thunder-bay-chronicle-journal/

http://www.cbc.ca/superiormorning/episodes/2014/06/11/yesterdays-full-page-ad-for/index.html