Defenders of the Land Gathering - Press Release

DEFENDERS OF THE LAND GATHERING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2008

National Gathering of Indigenous Peoples Challenge Harper Government in Winnipeg

Winnipeg—Grassroots activists, elders, and elected leaders from First Nations fighting for self-determination and protection of land and resource rights presented a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the Conservative Party's national policy conference in Winnipeg today. The Indigenous spokespeople have come to Winnipeg from communities across Canada to form a network dedicated to fighting for recognition of and respect for Indigenous rights, and deliver their message to Prime Minister Harper.

"Canada, along with the United States and New Zealand, is one of three countries that have voted against the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We call on Canada to join the vast majority of nations who have adopted this declaration," said Art Manuel, of the Indigenous Network on Economies and Trade.

Terry Sappier of Tobique First Nation said the "The federal government, jointly with Indigenous communities, must change its policies on self-government, land claims and historic Treaties to bring them in accordance with standards of international law, a fair and just interpretation of these rights, which are protected in the Constitution of Canada and in court cases."

"When Indigenous peoples stand up for our land and resource rights, and fight for self-determination, the governments of Canada and the provinces criminalize us. We're calling on these governments to act honourably and fairly towards Indigenous peoples as the courts have directed them to do, instead of cherry-picking the rights and court cases they like," said Sam McKay, spokesperson of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, who was jailed for over two months for non-violently preventing mineral exploration on their traditional territory.

The Indigenous Peoples were stopped by the police from entering the convention centre and a member of the RCMP committed to delivering the letter to the Prime Minister. The Indigenous peoples pledged to form a national network to continue their fight for land rights and self-determination. Irene Billy, an elder from the Skwek'wek'welt Protection Centre said, "We will be watching your government's actions and if your government does not accede to our reasonable requests, we will take coordinated action to convince your government to respect our Indigenous Peoples and communities."

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For more information,
Harmony Rice 416.576.9718 (c)
Art Manuel 250.319-0688 (c)
Russell Diabo 613.296.0110 (c)