This is an incredible film about the treatment of treaties and Native peoples in Canada. It’s now available for rental from Canada’s National Film Board. I saw it at the NAISA conference this June and highly recommend it. It is extremely sad and disturbing at times but also incredibly inspiring.
Canada
ICWA Notice Case out of Washington Court of Appeals
Here.
The Blackfoot/Blackfeet notice issue comes up pretty regularly. Depending on what court the parent is in, the Department may or may not be ordered to notice Blackfeet even if a parent says Blackfoot. In this case, the Washington Court of Appeals said the was no need to notice Blackfeet when dad said Blackfoot and Cree. According to the opinion, notice went out to “several Cherokee, Cree, and Hopi Indian tribes.”
Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report
Recently released, here is the executive summary on residential schools, the survivors’ stories, and the call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. There has also been extensive news coverage in Canada surrounding the release of the report.
Executive Summary (pdf, 388 pages)
The Survivors Speak (pdf, 260 pages)
Calls to Action (pdf, 20 pages)
Thanks to Treena for sending them our way.
Anishinaabe nibi inaakonigewin (water law) gathering
Announcement from Professor Aimée Craft:
I hope that you will consider joining us for the Anishinaabe nibi (water) gathering taking place in the Whiteshell this June. After a few years of gathering with Elders on a project relating to Anishinaabe nibi inaakonigewin (water law), we are inviting people to come and learn about water teachings in an outdoor teaching lodge format. We want to focus on youth participation and attendance.
Please share with your networks and people you think would be interested in attending. All are welcome.
To RSVP and for questions: watergathering2015@gmail.com
*Also, please consider bringing a young person to accompany you or assist us with travel funding for youth.*
Michigan Radio on the Proposed Lake Huron Nuclear Waste Site
Here.
Includes a brief quote from Vernon Roote, Saugeen First Nation Chief.
Council of Canadians Report on Drinking Water in Canada
On Notice for a Drinking Water Crisis in Canada is a report by Council of Canadians water campaigner Emma Lui that provides an overview of the drinking water advisories in effect in each of the provinces, territories and in First Nations. As of January 2015, there were at least 1,838 drinking water advisories in effect, including 1,669 drinking water advisories in communities across Canada and 169 drinking water advisories in 126 First Nation communities. It also provides a summary of the threats to drinking water sources across Canada.
EPA Letter Review of the State Department’s Final SEIS on the Keystone Pipeline
Two Articles from Canada This Past Week
The Macleans article on racism in Winnipeg.
For decades, the friendly Prairie city has been known for its smiling, lefty premiers, pacifist, Mennonite writers and a love affair with the Jets. Licence plates here bear the tag “Friendly Manitoba.” But events of last fall served to expose a darker reality. The Manitoba capital is deeply divided along ethnic lines. It manifestly does not provide equal opportunity for Aboriginals. And it is quickly becoming known for the subhuman treatment of its First Nations citizens, who suffer daily indignities and appalling violence. Winnipeg is arguably becoming Canada’s most racist city.
And a palate cleanser–
Young Indigenous Leaders to Watch (CBC)
We’re just a couple weeks into 2015 and already we’re catching wind of some young indigenous folks making great strides this year. They’re community organizers, big thinkers and creative types. We’ll be watching these movers and shakers and others just like them in the coming year.
So if you’re wavering on New Year’s resolutions, looking for some inspiration, or seeking some dynamic people to follow on Twitter, read on.
APTN Report on Number of Native Kids in Care in Canada
The numbers are mind boggling, to say the least. Here.
Over 5,000 Aboriginal children are in care of the province of Alberta. They represent nearly 70 per cent of kids.
The number grows to 5,600 Aboriginal children in Saskatchewan or 83 per cent of all kids in care.
But it’s Manitoba that has the highest numbers.
More than 10,000 Aboriginal children, 87 per cent, are under the care of the province.
Disproportionate Numbers of Native Kids in Care in Canada
Article here.
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