First nations will blockade roads as part of 'Idle No More' protest

[para transit fellow]

Originally Posted by Nuje

There isn't one. As a Polish citizen, I have yet to hear of any benefits I am entitled to from either Russians or Germans, even though both had governments (and in this case still within the last century) that wronged Poland greatly. This seems to be unique to Canada, and it baffles me to this day.

However I do notice that Russia has since left and returned the land to the people of Poland. I predict that if Canada were to do the same: leave and return the land to First Nations, then the First Nations could not have expectation of any entitlements from the Canadian Government.

[schteve_d]

[Minnie]

I have a friend who is First Nations and she is PISSED about this whole thing. She thinks it is the stupidest thing and she is furious with Spence.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Slava

I think they should meet. Have some open and honest discussion about a treaty/reserve system that is clearly doing no good for either side and maybe make some progress toward a better future. When you see the conditions on the reserves and the corruption you have to wonder what "culture" is being preserved here. I say that not based on anything meant to be racist or derogatory towards the First Nations either; its just that with as much corruption and terrible conditions as we've seen (and that's a whole other concern, in that its largely self reported), is there a lot of culture left to preserve?

As long as the bands are fighting audits of where Canadian taxpayer dollars are going while demanding even more money, I think we both know that an "open and honest discussion" is not going to happen.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by schteve_d

I see the point of this post, but all I want to do is kick my screen when I see Ezra.

[para transit fellow]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

I see the point of this post, but all I want to do is kick my screen when I see Ezra.

He has become an info-tainer and little else

[schteve_d]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

I see the point of this post, but all I want to do is kick my screen when I see Ezra.

I agree, but it seems he did his homework on this. I was going to type it all out just to avoid his being a part of my post but was worried I would appear to be trying to pass it off as my own!

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by Minnie

I have a friend who is First Nations and she is PISSED about this whole thing. She thinks it is the stupidest thing and she is furious with Spence.

Good hopefully some people listen to her.

[Vulcan]

I don't know anything about this chief and her reserve but that isn't what this "Idle no more" protest is about.

[MelBridgeman]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

I don't know anything about this chief and her reserve but that isn't what this "Idle no more" protest is about.

Well now you know and tell us what it's about cause some of us aren't sure

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by MelBridgeman

Well now you know and tell us what it's about cause some of us aren't sure

Post #31

Here you go people since all most of you can do is write racist comments.

Quote:
Bill C-45 removes all environmental protection from waterways and Lagimodier adds this is setting the stage for a westbound pipeline.
"They've gone from strict controls and environmental guidelines around developing near water that protected tens of thousands of bodies of water," he said.
"With unprotected waterways it makes it easier for industry to develop in and around water or put a pipeline under a river."
Quote:
The second cause for concern revolves around land rights and the process of selling reserve land.
"In order to previously release and sell land you had to go through a strict process which included having a majority of a majority of the band members vote to do so," he said.
"Now with the changes which the government is doing without consulting the Indians, all you need is to call a meeting and if the majority of the people vote to give up the land they'll give out the land. If chief and council are corrupted from resource companies, they'll just get their supporters out to vote."
http://www.newstalk650.com/story/abo...ill-c-45/88307

[Slava]

Originally Posted by schteve_d

Either this information is suspect, or you have to wonder who the real idiots are here. $450k in welfare per month for a town of 300 homes? C'mon Ezra....you're not even trying!

[First Lady]

Originally Posted by para transit fellow

He has become an info-tainer and little else

Perhaps, but I've looked at those numbers and they all correspond to ones in the financial statement.

So the only statement on there that might be debatable is the one about the hunger strike not being a hunger strike.

[schteve_d]

Originally Posted by Slava

Either this information is suspect, or you have to wonder who the real idiots are here. $450k in welfare per month for a town of 300 homes? C'mon Ezra....you're not even trying!

You're kidding yourself if you think that's unrealistic. I can't say the number is spot on nor do I have proof. But unrealistic? I, as a taxpayer, wish.

[First Lady]

Originally Posted by Slava

Either this information is suspect, or you have to wonder who the real idiots are here. $450k in welfare per month for a town of 300 homes? C'mon Ezra....you're not even trying!

Is based on the average of $1500.00 per family (or 300 homes as you mention).

[Slava]

Originally Posted by schteve_d

You're kidding yourself if you think that's unrealistic. I can't say the number is spot on nor do I have proof. But unrealistic? I, as a taxpayer, wish.

Originally Posted by First Lady

Is based on the average of $1500.00 per family (or 300 homes as you mention).

So we're sending a cheque to every single house on the reserve? I assume that there have to be exceptions?

Frankly if the reserve has as much money as everyone seems to think and we're still sending that much cash there we have a bigger problem with the social services sector than we do with the Indian and Northern Affairs.

[MelBridgeman]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

Post #31

Starting reading that article and stopped here

Indian Act which has been in place to protect aboriginal rights.

Laughable

pushed through in an undemocratic way

We had an election

[chemgear]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle6894436/

Theresa Spence, the chief of the impoverished community of Attawapiskat, who has been fasting for 24 days to demand the face-to-face discussion, has told her supporters and other native leaders that a meeting must occur within the next 72 hours, and she will not start eating until it has begun. Raymond Robinson, an elder from the Cross Lake First Nation in Manitoba, is forgoing food along with her.

[First Lady]

Originally Posted by Slava

So we're sending a cheque to every single house on the reserve? I assume that there have to be exceptions?

Unemployment rate there is about 60%, so no not "every" house is getting a cheque. Others that do though, are likely getting more than $1500/month, especially if they have children.

Frankly if the reserve has as much money as everyone seems to think and we're still sending that much cash there we have a bigger problem with the social services sector than we do with the Indian and Northern Affairs.

Now you're starting to see the light. As is the case on many reserves, it is a a select few who benefit the greatest from government dollars; the money doesn't get down to those who truly need it.

Here are some other things that might surprise you.

Purchases on reserve (and most vehicles) are GST exempt.

Income considered earned on reserve is tax free.

They are then considered to have zero taxable income; so they qualify for full GST Rebate and Child Tax Benefit.

The right hand side of this document (pdf) shows what De Beers has contributed to Attawapiskat.

http://www.debeerscanada.com/files_3...s_vm_attfn.pdf

I haven't been able to find any reference in the band's financial for these funds. Where is that recorded?

[First Lady]

For Vulcan and MelBridgeman

http://abearsrant.com/2013/01/the-mi...rve-lands.html

Bit long, but well worth the read. Is part one of three; I've only read this first one so far, but it helped my understanding greatly.