PM, GG given 72 hours to respond to Attawapiskat Chief Spence's request or 'mass demonstrations' will unfold: aide
Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence won’t end the hunger strike until her requested treaty meeting begins and expects a response from Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Gov. Gen. David Johnston in 72 hours, aides say.
APTN National News
OTTAWA–Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence won’t end her hunger strike until a requested treaty meeting begins and she expects a response from Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Gov. Gen. David Johnston within 72 hours, aides say.
Spence met with Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo and Charlie Angus, among others, Thursday and stated she won’t give up her hunger strike on just a commitment from Harper and Johnston to meet with First Nations leadership on the treaties.
“She is tired of the broken promises, she wants to see the actual meeting,” said Danny Metatawabin, one of Spence’s closest aides.
Spence also expects a response to her request from the prime minister and the governor general within 72 hours. If the deadline passes, mass demonstrations will unfold across the country, said Metatawabin.
“There will be mass demonstrations,” he said.
During the meeting, Atleo was told that the meeting to discuss the treaties should happen sooner than the Jan. 24 date Atleo offered in an invitation letter sent to Harper and Johnston on Jan 1.
First Nations chiefs are planning to meet on Jan. 24 in Saskatchewan to discuss the treaties, but Spence’s aides say that date is too far off with the chief’s health failing as her hunger strike continues.
“It is too far for Theresa, Raymond (Robinson) and Emil Bell,” said Matatawabin, referring to two elders who are on a hunger strike along with Spence.
Spence began her hunger strike on Dec. 11. Spence has said she doesn’t need to be present at the meeting.
Metatawabin said Atleo was told to include the 72 hour deadline in his Jan. 1 letter to Harper and Johnston.
There was no mention of a deadline in Atleo’s letter.
A spokeswoman for the governor general said the office received Atleo’s letter and will respond in “due course.”
The Prime Minister’s Office said they would also respond to Atleo’s letter in “due course.” The PMO said in a statement that the “government remains willing to work with the First Nations leadership to deliver better outcomes for First Nations communities.”
“The little
demagogue” is being given a hard time….boohooohoo. He cannot bring
himself to do it. It’s a matter of ‘losing face’ and not being able to look
into the eyes of Chief Spence while she explains a few ‘things’ to the
arrogant bully and sets him another inch ‘straighter’ – ‘the little demagogue’
has a long way to go yet. And only sleeping dolts that have either not
yet realized ‘the little demagogue’s’ ‘bulliness’ yet, or those who are of the
same ill ’bent’…only those do not know that ‘the little demagogue’
truly is a BULLY. Evidence=C-38, C-45, and intent on the genocide of
cultures…and this only for starters. Many have you in heart Chief Theresa
Spence. Thank you for your courage.
Conservacanuk why the alias are you afraid that your boss might see this post and realize that you are racist and have you fired….I have checked every posting on here and your the only one who doesn’t use your real name….People should even give you the time of day as well the person who is looking at these post should not have allowed your post at all so either be a man or a mouse …which you are now a mouse….use your real name….
Stop sending AFN and chief spence our money that will shut them up!
I think you’ve got that backwards, …(wakeupcall) … it is all because of the ‘just crumbs’, that happened to fall from the table, which they have been living on, and which is why Chief Spence is in effect saying “Quit Ripping US OFF” you are starving MY people”
But on the same note, you’d think that if you cut Harpers salary until he had resolution/restitution made you might get action. …
HOWEVER, we all know that his Corporate Sponsors would just pay him his token “30 pieces of silver as Blood Money” directly for selling First Nations, us and Canada out, so that there would still be no pressure.
What an ignorant and dehumanized psycho you are. Just sick.
Who are you referring to “Ferapont” ??????
Who does this woman think she is? Trying to blackmail the PM of the country by threatening demonstrations is not the answer. In fact I would expect that it will cause the government to be more determined than ever to not meet with the leadership. Ms. Spence is a chief of a small reserve. That is it. She is not part of the national leadership. She should be back managing her own reserve and working through the national aboriginal organization.
why did shawn atleo not mention the deadline date?
72 hours to act Harpo and GG . Right on. What was Sean Atleo thinking when he said the 24th. Obviously another chief who hasn’t gotten the memo yet.
Hey Peggy, I really would like to see if you could live without water, you will probably live only 3 days the most. Bill C-45 will lead to drinking water contamination. You should count your blessing for what mother earth provides so you may survive. Peggy whatever you utter you are ( A mockery).
The real issue is whether chiefs and councils are meeting the needs of First Nations peoples. It won’t matter what the government forks out, if that doesn’t happen. Until it does, the Canadian people won’t give a sweet tweet what Idle No More hucksters and like cronies in the native government world squawk about.
I can see some people here do not like what Spence is doing
nor do I but I will not empose my will on her She is free & has pupose
unlike who choose to be lead like sheep.They deny Canada’s history
& how it was formed. They complain about how good natives got it?
But would not last 1 week on the reserve living under the Act.
Yes there are some who are this way it is a shame. Don’t give in to
Violence it is what they want so they can say see I told you so.
It bugs them that they casted the first stone but you are good
people & forgave them of the past but they want to live there
not move forward. peace to all the brother & sisters out there
Respect your selfs & ignore their unfounded rants of missinformation
but talk to the ones that will Listen Because you are better than
sheep who follow the wolf blinded bye greed.
peace because it works
This is the same crud the americans continue to do. The warriors of the Americas will unite an create a warrior nation under the guidance of many elders. This will be a combination of all the women and men warriors. walk with your head held high an the spirit will continue to walk with you
The meeting should be on Victoria Island in site of the Parliament Bulidings and One week before that deadline…
I know one thing for sure, should chief spence lose her life as a result of her cause this uprising will become more powerful than ever.
Harper is NOT my prime minister.
The you must be living in another country. If not, then your vote was not enough to put whomever you wanted in power. As he is the Prime Minister, suck it up until the next election or actually leave and find a country more to you liking.
No one will really notice you or those like you being gone.
Who is this idiot? ConservaCanuk? You need to read some history and get a life you troll. Do you honestly not have anything better to do than to pretend you are cool and comment on this? Please your trolling is so last year! You’re pathetic.
History lesson on what and from who? You? Your advanced age and world experience is enough to ensure the rest of us can live off your wisdom?
How about some history for you. These types of Occupy movements are tolerated for a period of time, like a safety-valve letting off steam.
There will be a line crossed, then it will be shut down. The blocking of things is the line, and jail is the response.
Your choice. Learn from it or be dumb enough to repeat it.
You get the hell out of our country Conservacanuk!!!!!
Eh ConservaCanuk did you vote for this Harper/Conservative Dictatorship? or are you just a federal PC Plant? … either way get a life!
What is wrong with you? It’s because of people like you that our country is failing.
The country is doing fairly well right now, but with the slow infestation of progressive parasites onto a healthy “host”, then the host has less of a chance. The idle/Occupy movement is like a Lamprey on the side of a fish. At some point there will be no more fish (people to support the parasites through taxes) for the lamprey to attach.
ARE YOU AN OPERATIVE?
Of what? I’m a voice. Unfortunately for those who support the Idle/Occupy movement, those who share my opinion vote in a manner to allow my beliefs to be put into law.
You might want to try that. Also, the people who block things and scream into television cameras are not the only people who will be part of the conversation, no matter how much that offends you.
I used to be a liberal but I have changed to Conservative. FN need to be held accountable for my tax dollars.
Then you need to be held responsible, for our severe MISTREATMENT
That is the entire argument in a nut-shell. There is no voice in this entire conversation on the part of natives that says “enough of the destruction of our people by our own people”.
Until that takes place, this goes nowhere.
sounds like someone should have put Peggy on the Titanic along with a few others who have those type of minds, and i sure as heck hope she did not reproduce any of that kind, go Chief Spence go , you woke the Nation up, maybe if it was Harper’s wife at the wheel things would be a lot better instead of prime minister procrastinater
Those that talk don’t do!
Peggy: you sound racist and don’t know your Canadian history. Go back to school
Enough is enough. Ive been screaming for years to get ppl rallied and now our own ppl will be condemned because we sat idle while she died.
we forgive the past people…. if they are intimating you..Rise above it…anything and everything you do makes a difference. stay strong brothers and sisters.
were ready to do what it takes. stay strong brothers and sisters.
Idle no more is nothing more than a co-opting of the usual native
grand-standers by the Occupy groups (Unions, Progressives, Suzuki-ites,
Anarchists). You can’t negotiate with these individuals, and the threat
of jail must be real and utilized when there are any more blockages. The
rule of law must prevail, and the leadership of any police force that
will not enforce the law must be replaced.
So they become Idle-No-More Police.
Maybe he wants all of us in prison cells, stacked five-high? Out of sight: Out of mind, yes? Of course the next step in this solution would almost certainly be building huge gas chambers …
I bet he’s a wannabe prison guard…
Yes, it you break the law. I don’t care what your specific belief of beef is, but you can make your case legally. If you chose not to, then you can spend you time in a cell not of your choosing.
No, they actually act like real police. Real police enforce the law. Idle police stand by “idle” and allow people to break the law. Idle police need to be replaced.
Section 2 of The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom states, and I quote:
Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
freedom of conscience and religion;
freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;
freedom of peaceful assembly; and
freedom of association.
The Charter guarantees certain freedoms for everyone in Canada. Canadian traditions and laws have reflected the freedoms set out in section 2 for many years. Since 1982, the Charter has given these freedoms constitutional protection.
Under section 2 of the Charter, Canadians are free to follow the religion of their choice. In addition, they are guaranteed freedom of thought, belief and expression. Since the media are an important means for communicating thoughts and ideas, the Charter also protects the right of the press and other media to speak out. Our right to gather and act in peaceful groups is also protected, as is our right to belong to an association such as a trade union.
These freedoms are set out in the Charter to ensure that Canadians are free to create and to express their ideas, gather to discuss them and communicate them widely to other people. These activities are basic forms of individual liberty. They are also important to the success of a democratic society like Canada. In a democracy, people must be free to discuss matters of public policy, criticize governments and offer their own solutions to social problems.
Even though these freedoms are very important, governments can sometimes limit them. For example, laws against pornography and hate propaganda are reasonable limits on freedom of expression because they prevent harm to individuals and groups.
Despite your disapproval, this is a lawful action.
^ THANK YOU. *applause*
The CONs don’t give an unappropriate word about what you write and the rule of law even though they use the rule of law like a red, white and blue flag shawl. They troll, they redirect, but they don’t want to hear what you have to say. And I guess I’m guilty of that myself as well ’cause I don’t really want to hear what they have to say either. Idle No More. 72 hrs eh? Funny we are going to be out blocking intersections and circle dancing well before the 72 hours are up. 3 days is a long time when one has been hunger striking since what, Dec 11th? These CON trolls are the pits. I can hardly wait to vote them under the bus.
I suspect Harper is a fan of Mein Kampf: “Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it.” ― Adolf Hitler
But the Harper government’s majority is built on only 39.2% of the votes. More than 61% of us need to vote next time, or we’re in deep trouble as a nation.
Yes But Vote for an “INDEPENDENT MP/MLA” not just another “Corporate Politician” Sponsored by and owned/directed by “Big Oil and Big $$$”
Gord – The 39.2% issue is a red herring. With only a couple of exceptions have gov’ts in Cda never been elected with more than 50% of the votes. It didn’t seem to bother anyone when the Liberals won elections with roughly the same percentage of the popular vote as Harper. However, this is now presented as a rallying cry of the injustice of our current situation.
Standing on a road or railway is NOT a freedom, and must be punishable by incarceration.
You can associate with whatever fringe group (including Unions), you like, you just lose all credibility standing next to the Occupy type of anarchists.
Peaceful acts that may disrupt services or individuals are good and proper forms of protest. Ignorant people will not hear the protesters’ message, nor take action. Ignorant people will say, “Standing on a road or railway is NOT a freedom, and must be punishable by incarceration,” ignoring Section 2 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Forgive him gord, for he is a typical CONSERVATIVE. They seem to ignore a lot of lawful acts.
Please notice that I speak using my real name. I am not afraid to stand up and show who I am. Why are you?
Yeah ConservaCanuk you’ve been slinging shit at everyone from behind your disguise.
No Balls or what? Step out and Get real or crawl back under the rock where you came from …
The only anarchists that i have seen are the CONSERVATIVE members of parliament, and that BRAZEAU guy.
Unless of course if you disrupt people from going to work and paying their taxes then you should be arrested and charged
Am I to assume you believe natives do not pay taxes? If you believe that, you’re as ignorant as that other joker who can not or will not use his real name. Your opinion means nothing because it is anonymous and ill-informed.
Gord, I agree that she isn’t doing anything unlawful. What I don’t understand is why everyone is willing to blame the PM for not meeting with her. The comments here suggest that he is at fault for her continuing to starving herself. I don’t think the PM should run to meet with someone just because they launch a hunger strike. That being said, I don’t think hard line tactics as suggested by ConservaCanuck will help the situation.
I am not sure he is being blamed, George. He is the head of the Harper government, and as its leader, he is obliged to take the blame when things go wrong, just as he gets the credit when things go right.
As I see it, the problem is really Harper’s apparent hubris, refusal to address the questions raised in a fair and democratic manner, disregard for Canada, Canada’s people – even non-natives – and the sliminess of the omnibus bills his government is pushing into law, despite the protestations and concerns from a very vocal segment of (again, even non-native) Canadians . Boiling this situation down to Chief Spence vs Stephen Harper is an over-simplification of a very complex set of issues, many of which might have been avoided had the Harper government been transparent, and honest, well as honest as government ever is. I believe Chief Spence has, whether intentionally or not, stirred the fires of revolution. I say all power to her, even if she is drinking fish broth.
“The rule of law must prevail, and the leadership of any police force that will not enforce the law must be replaced”
Do you not understand the Harper government broke INTERNATIONAL law when he broke the Treaty agreement? If any laws must be enforced it should be enforced against the Harper government. I think the threat of jail should be made reality for those in political power. First Nations are standing up for our rights through blockades and rallies. It’s just a small inconvenience to you or other people who have to wait, First Nations have been inconvenienced since the time of settler arrival. It’s time we make our voices heard LOUD AND CLEAR
What agreement was broken? If you are assuming that the C-45 act required consultation, you are wrong. C-45 does not specifically change Navigable Waters other than forcing any proposed construction down to the municipal/provincial levels instead of the Feds. Provincial measures are in place that require consultation from first nations. If you are unclear on this, you need to inform yourself instead of reading the Idle/Occupy websites. If natives want to go to court and lose, fine. If natives want to block a rail line, then prepare to be put in jail.
Change the laws through parliament.
Well they sure are afraid of the threat of jail all right. Look at how much they shucked and jived to try derail the lawsuites and enquires about election fraud etc.. Yes you are absolutely right. Threats of jail must be real and utilized when there are any more blockages. Contempt of court comes to mind. Bye Bye Harper…. You are a goner.
I am a white Canadian who believes that the treaties should be honoured. However, I do not think the PM should give into the blackmail that Spence is trying to pull. I have no problem with peaceful demonstrations as long as they are constructive and not devisive and I would even be happy to join in some of those protests. I, however, do not consider blackmail to be an honourable form of protest.
Would you consider Ghandi’s actions to protest his people’s abuse by the British colonists in 1932? blackmail? Chief Spence is making a bold stand against oppression, and theHarper government’s unlawful actions. Someone has to lead a revolution. Chief Spence has stepped up. Our situation here in the 21st C is no different from that of Ghandi’s India.
Yes, it was also blackmail. A defintion of blackmail from Google dictionary is: “To force (someone) to do something by using threats.” Are you suggesting that what Ghandi did was not blackmail?
She is no Ghandi! Fish broth does not constitute a hunger strike.
Was Elizabeth May blackmailing the government when she went on a hunger strike? “In 2001 May went on a 17-day hunger strike in front of Parliament Hill to demand the relocation of families at risk next to Canada’s largest toxic waste site, the Sydney tar ponds in Cape Breton.” (Wikipedia)
Was Ghandi blackmailing the government when he went on a hunger strike? Mohandas Gandhi was imprisoned in 1922, 1930, 1933 and 1942. Because of Gandhi’s stature around the world, British
authorities were loath to allow him to die in their custody. It is
likely Britain’s reputation would have suffered as a result of such an
event. Gandhi engaged in several famous hunger strikes to protest British
rule of India. Fasting was a non-violent way of communicating the
message and sometimes dramatically achieve the reason for the protest.
This was keeping with the rules of Satyagraha. (wikipedia)
Hunger strikes are a form of protest that have spanned decades with many types of people from all backgrounds demanding justice from a political body. I believe the voices of the 50 million strong Idle No More movements as well as Chief Spence and elders in solidarity with her are making their voices heard whether you believe they are constructive or not
See my previous post containing the defintion of ‘blackmail’. I think you are capable of answering this question for yourself. Also threatening to take the life that the Creator has given (even if it is your own) I certainly see as a form of violence.
Hundreds of missing and murdered Native women incite complete apathy from our police. That is violence.
Using the word blackmail brings negativity to what i believe is honourable. To make a drastic change to a paternalistic government approach takes drastic action.
What have you done lately to change the world we live in? How do you want to be remembered?
I work a lot with the people who live on the street. Most of the women and girls that go missing or are murdered are living in poverty and sold into prostitution (or enter into it themselves or are forced into it by family members). It is not just native women, it is all nationalites. The reason that a greater percentage are native women has nothing to do with race, it has to do with the percentage of native people living in poverty. When police try to investigate they are often given the run around and false and misleading information. Families become close lipped and will not turn family members in. I had a small part to play in an investigation a few years back and got to see first hand what the police have to go through. While it is true that some police may be apathetic, most of the ones involved in that case were truly trying to do their job and find out who was responsible for the murder of a young native teen. As for what I’ve done to change the world lately, I know I could always do more, but do certainly try.
Violence? POVERTY IS THE WORST type OF VIOLENCE anyone can do to another.
Yes, poverty is a horrible thing and many people living in poverty do not know how to get themselves out of it as it’s all they know. We need to do what we can not only as a community, but especially as individuals to reach into their lives and come along side of them for support.
“I would even be happy to join in some of those protests” Really? This PM has been blackmailing us ever since he gained his majority by rigging the votes and using omnbus bills to ram through his agenda. Na, I don’t think you will go out and protest. You are too blind to do that. Anyways we have been protesting since Bill C – 30.
Harper has already quite clearly demonstrated that he will not listen to us demonstrating peacefully. C-30, FIPPA, NEB Gateway, C-45 …. So now we make things awkward for him by causing peaceful but painful disruptions. Tough love for you CONs I know, but c’est la vie. Things will only keep getting worse until he and you are gone from Parliament and we have changed the voting system to some kind of proportional representation. Then you can have your 30% say in the situation.
The Prime Minster is a COWARD hes afraid of confrontation, and knows he is not a good leader. He is selfish and an IGNORANT BASTARD, but you can expect that from an ugly white guy like him. Ha. Yes this is a racist comment, but he’s being racist to all First Nations people! this is not a generalization either, he is racist to ALL!!! I seriously hope this meeting takes place as it should, and relationships are made RIGHT!
Some of us must be sacrificed if all are to be saved. Because if we fail
in this, then none of us will be saved, and we will be only a memory.
Thats when it will become un-peaceful
Peggy, you are so involved in this treaty thing, thank you so much but all of your comments are unnecessary. Move along now and get over it.
peggy if these treaties are thrown out this means harper will sell out our land and and that will kill our drinking water and water give life…with out our water we are all going to suffer that even includes you and your kids and grand kids to come..this does not only effect us first nations people only….we where tricked and robbed of our lands..
Exactly..No water no mankind ?? No one see this ?? Dec 4 we had 2,5 million protected rivers and lakes…DEC 5 th we have now only 93 lakes…89 rivers and 3 oceans protected..when the water on earth is poisoned by the big corporations that’s it earth you me all things will be dead.. this is serious !! Join Idle No More save the world ! Melba
I am very proud that the Prime Minister of Canada does not bow to stupid threats from the equivalent of a village mayor. Get real. FN are not sovereign nations. A real nation is financially independent and capable of defending its borders. The pomposity and arrogance coming out of Theresa Spence is laughable. Do not mistake or assume that I do not care about the people of Attawapiskat, I do but Spence is making a mockery of herself.
A basic history lesson would help Peggy. Canada is a built on a nation to nation relationship.. if you like it or not.
Peggy. Do read up on the history of First Nations people. They are a sovergeign nation with treaties in place. What Prime Minister Harper did with the passing of omnibus bills C-38 and C-45 was break those treaties. If you do a little more reasearch, you would also understand that Chief Spence is doing this not just for Attawapiskat, but for First Nations across Canada and essentially anyone else who cares about the future of the land, water, resources, animals, etc. Without an understanding of the history, I can see why you might have the views that you do. Perhaps you should also visit the Idle No More website and find out what the whole thing is about. It’s not just Attawapiskat.
Peggy, you are so involved in this treaty thing, thank you so much but all of your comments are unnecessary. Move along now and get over it.
The arrogance of your comment is laughable. Chief Spence is willing to lose everything, including her life, to forward the spirit of this movement. What are YOU willing to lose, Peggy? What are YOU prepared to give up to make the planet and global community work better, more cooperatively, and in peace and harmony?
Right now the treaties that the current Harper government are trying to circumvent with two omnibus bills are at play, and have real legal standing. And in fact will trump any proposed environmental damage in the name of corporate progress and profit.
That is why the current oligarchal system in Canada is scared, and trying to downplay IDLE NO MORE. At least the First Nations are willing to extend an olive branch to have a meeting to discuss issues on equal terms.
My wish is for this to be resolved in as peaceably a manner as possible. But when push comes to shove, I believe more than one person would be willing to put everything on the line like Chief Spence.
For example lets say Spain, Greece or can you think of other countries who have been taken down by the ONE WORLD CURRANCY. Wake up this is your fight too. We aren’t the only ones who need clean air and water.
http://cdnopposition.wordpress.com/2013/01/03/zimmerman-a-settlers-guide-to-idle-no-more/
Educate yourself.
Chief Theresa Spence is more a leader than Harper will EVER be!
educate youself there Peggy, soon enough, YOUR prime minister won’t have to worry bout bowing down, but resign……oh wait!!!! that IS bowing down
Laughable or not, there is a tremendous growth of protests in the US as of today in support of Chief Teresa Spence, and all Indigenous Nations in Canada AND the US. In addition, this “Idle No More” has grown world wide. Laugh all you want, in the long run we are grateful for Chief Spence. She is a powerful woman for her stance in her hunger strike. I suggest you go face her and laugh in her face and see what happens?
wanna get off my land and leave my natural $resources$ in the sea and on the land of my ancestors… my people can extract and sell them and be financially independant… if we keep the waters and lands clean there will be ARMIES of people wanting to move onto it cuz it will be the only place left on earth…
the Crown set the rules many moons ago.. harper spits on everything that stands in HIS way of selling off this country and letting her be poisoned to uninhabitability…
Canada is not a Nation Peggy…….. Educate yourself ………… The UN and the rest of the world knows this except for you dumbed down sheeple
You know don’t answer this woman she couldn’t say this to our face that’s for sure COWARD who hides behind the wall you stay there insect
I smell BS from the government offices , The time WILL lapse , they don’t care, just one more dead Indian not to have to worry about as far as they are concerned
exacty…….!!! nothing will happen unless we make it happen. stay strong brothers and sisters.
But you know they say what goes aroound comes around so Steven will have that moment when he will say what did I do and pray someone will forgive him for what he has done. Even God is on our side Steven.