aboriginal

Mr. James Anaya,Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, United Nations Office of the High Commissioner For Human Rights has agreed to meet with Paula LaPierre, Principal Sachem of the Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation, regarding numerous Algonquin concerns.

Paula LaPierre, an Algonquin leader, has been raising concerns regarding serious irregularities concerning land claim negotiations, distribution of public funds, accountability, good governance, and the need for external intervention regarding domestic policies and Canadians' lack of independent information regarding national developments and much needed institutional reform at the international level now for years.

She first became concerned when observing numerous irregularities surrounding the "Algonquins of Ontario" Land Claims negotiations process.

Her first concerns were about the lack of adequate anti-corruption mechanisms in place. She then became further concerned when participation in the negotiations required compliance to the severely flawed and wasteful process.

Subsequently, she learned that identity manipulations and coercions, substandard policy, and excessive expenditures of public money into questionable processes removed from the rule of law were common features in many Aboriginal processes and policy.

Open Letter Regarding Land Disputes and Legal Empowerment Presentation

We are an Indigenous Peoples of Canada with a documented historical record well capable of meeting the requirements of a fact-finding process as is determined necessary for the purpose of reconciling sovereignty assertions made by the "Crown". However, because of systemic gaps regarding Indigenous issues, we have long been denied equitable opportunity to address our outstanding land claim disputes, unable to rely on the domestic policy structures of the existing Canadian State.

I would like to thank the panelists for this relevant and timely discussion as it pertains directly to the numerous issues that we as an Indigenous Peoples have been attempting to resolve, but according to the existing avenues, have absolutely no effective recourse. We are in dire need of legal empowerment.

Of particular interests to us are those rights associated with Independent Land Title and Rights Registration, as we, as part of the Algonquin Nation, have never legally ceded or surrendered any title or associated jurisdiction.

As a traditional Indigenous Peoples in North America we are severely disadvantaged since reliance on any of the domestic policy currently available automatically acquiesces our potentially over-riding Aboriginal and international rights and places us in an assumed position of compliance with unresolved British Crown assertions, and is then further assumed to be our agreement to the continuing encroachments associated with adverse possession. Our history directly challenges the assertions of the existing “Crown of Canada” void of Indigenous Peoples appropriate recognition.

Aboriginal rights are the rights of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. Indigenous Peoples are the citizens of original nations. ALL descendants of citizens of those nations still qualify as natural citizens....and since their rights are inherent and inalienable....all benefits and rights belong equally to ALL descendants!!! Kichesipirini history proves the Indigenous Peoples founded Canada prior to sovereignty assertions of the British Crown. ALL Canadian domestic policy illegally robs ALL Canadians of their rights as citizens of the true nation of Canada.....and instead protects the interests of the British Crown....still.

The Indigenous Peoples of Canada still hold the rights, even if currently trapped beneath layers of domestic policy such as the Indian Act or generated false identities that erode the identities and rights of the original nations can still reverse the illegal population transfers and return to original nations.

The traditional role and jurisdiction of the Kichesipirini is to teach and lead in international trade and diplomacy. The Kichesipirini insist that they be provided the resources to continue in their rightful inherent and inalienable role in providing accurate and independent information for the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. The federal and provincial governments must release the resources needed for Kichesipirini to do so.

Please view for information regarding this important part of Canadian history and law:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn8Y7IAFcas&feature=related

Canada Domestic Policy Continues to Breach Constitution Through Illegal Demographic Manipulations

Manipulation #1- We are not Metis.
Aboriginal rights are inherent and inalienable. The Algonquin Nation has never signed a Treaty. We are still sovereign. We can determine our own identity according to international law. Program and services dollars only lure the ignorant and desperate.

Manipulation #2- Aboriginal rights belong to a certain race of people who can prove they are that race.
Blood quantum policies erodes the true rights of Indigenous Peoples. Race was never the issue. Natural citizenship is. Racism is a tool of colonization to break down the sophisticated Indigenous Nations.

Manipulation #3-The Canadian court system gives Indigenous Peoples their rights.
The domestic court system is an extension of the colonial legacy and is sworn to protect the interests of the Crown. The domestic court system can only articulate limited recognition of the existing Indigenous rights. Relying on courts can generate Strawman strategies & erode rights .

Fact: The Algonquin Nation has never ceded jurisdiction or title. Rights and benefits belong equally to ALL persons of Algonquin descent. Domestic policy uses monies to rob large numbers of people from appropriate compensations. Current rationalizations to continue eroding the rights of Algonquin descedants, and refusing to release appropriate revenues to enable Kichesipirini to provide accurate information raises serious implications for all public servants and Ministers acting within Algonquin territory.

For further information please view:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuxksnqvnSI

Friends, Kichesipirini Citizens

Kichesipirini leadership, in accordance with our uncompromised and specific Title and Jurisdiction, and with reference to the principles established in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, after years of assertions and refusing in any way to abrogate or derogate our inherent rights, is pleased to announce that the various documents and letters submitted by the Kichesipirini to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, The Hague, have now been, as of March 30, 2009, "duly entered in the Communications Register of the Office."

The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court is specifically mandated to respond to crimes against humanity, most specifically genocide, discrimination and persecution in accordance to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

Thank you to all those who have supported and encouraged us through this difficult process.

Chi migwetch.

Paula LaPierre

Principal Sachem

Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation

Kichi Sibi Anishnabe

Canada

The past month has been a hotbed of indigenous social justice activity in Ottawa. The Algonquin community of Barriere Lake has organized and carried out several actions alongside local organizers and ally groups.

On June 26th, 2008 a dozen Algonquins and supporters occupied the office of MP Lawrence Cannon, Stephen Harper’s Quebec Lieutenant. Cannon is the also the Minister of Transportation and MP Responsible for the Pontiac Region in Quebec, in which Barriere Lake is located.

“We came here today to demand a meeting with the minister,” said Acting Chief Benjamin Nottoway in front of the MP’s office in Buckingham, QC. His demand of the minister was “to call for a leadership reselection in our community. We hope to get a response by today, or we will stay here as long as it takes.”

The aboriginal activists and allies unfortunately could not stay, as by five in the evening they were forced to leave the office. Six were arrested, detained, and released later in the night, greeted by a crowd of cheering supporters.

The chief’s promise to continue putting pressure on the minister was not in vain as on July 16th almost a hundred members of the reserve of 450 came to Ottawa for a three-day protest and camp-out.

We’re here to demand the minister live up to the promise that he made to us,” said former chief Jean-Morice Matchewan. “They never kept one promise that they made to us,” he continued.

OTTAWA- The Barriere Lake Algonquins are once again back in Ottawa for a three day protest. Camping out on Victoria Island, the community, alongside Montreal and Ottawa activists, has organized a panel discussion, a series of protests, marches, and events including a panel discussion, film screening, and poetry show.

Last time the Algonquins came to Ottawa, they peacefully occupied MP Lawrence Cannon's office, demanding the end of a March coup d'etat the government enacted on their reserve.

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Press Release

Friday, July 16, 2008

Algonquins to demonstrate in front of Department of Indian Affairs and march through downtown Ottawa: demand Government of Canada end illegal interference in community governance and oversee new leadership selection

Ottawa, ON / – Algonquins from the Barriere Lake First Nation will end three days of demonstrations in Ottawa by picketing in front of the Department of Indian Affairs in Gatineau at 11:00am and marching through the downtown core at 1:30pm, demanding that the Government oversee a leadership re-selection in accordance with Barriere Lake's customs, and honour its signed agreements with the community.