Miner and News

Building blocks over roadblocks

July 5, 2007

National Day of Action a rally for Common Land, Common Ground initiative

By Mike Aiken

Locally, Friday's long-awaited Day of Action turned into a rally for the Common Land, Common Ground initiative.

After a short walk from Tunnel Island to the Harbourfront, a tent full of people came to hear how their leaders will shape a better tomorrow. It was a welcome change from the much-feared mix of roadblocks and anger. Instead, Kenora Mayor Len Compton and Treaty 3 Grand Chief Arnold Gardner signed a broadly-worded proclamation, where they agreed to work on renewing the relationship between their cultures.

"Today, we have a historic opportunity to create a partnership with our neighbour," said Gardner. While referring to the findings of the Ipperwash Inquiry, the grand chief said it was important to address land claims in Northwestern Ontario. He also noted the economic challenges facing all residents in Northwestern Ontario, when he pointed out the importance of co-operation on resource development and revenue sharing. "We know there is unfinished business that is urgent," said Compton, as he supported Treaty 3 leaders in their call for action. NDP Leader Howard Hampton, who is also the member of Provincial Parliament for Kenora-Rainy River, said it was the recognition of a mutual destiny that is behind the movement towards co-operation. "It's better to go forward together," he said. Kenora MP Roger Valley agreed on the need for action, saying the current government is going to try and solve the issue through their own version of negotiation and compromise.

"The government is going to negotiate how much you are going to compromise," said the Liberal MP. Following the closure of the Devlin and Abitibi mills, as well as temporary shutdowns at iLevel and Kenora Forest Products, leaders at all levels are looking for ways to provide jobs for a new generation. Federal NDP candidate Tania Cameron, who is also a band councillor at Dalles First Nation, also led a march Thursday. She helped guide them on the 27-kilometre trek from the reserve to downtown, in order to raise awareness about the poverty gap between the aboriginal communities and municipalities.

While the Kenora Forest Products sawmill is hoping to get approval for a $30-million expansion, which could employ as many as 250, the province won't issue the wood rights to the mill owners without consent from First Nations, nor is it likely lenders will be available, unless there are assurances the wood supply won't be interrupted. Grassy Narrows Chief Simon Fobister, who is also the deputy grand chief for Treaty 3, emphasized his community is fed up with the status quo. After suffering from forced relocation to make way for hydro-electric dams, their traditional way of life was devastated by the combination of mercury contamination in the water and clearcutting on their traplines. "We can be passive and sit back, but our people in Grassy Narrows aren't going to take it any more," he said.

On an individual level, Fobister recalled how it felt to go through nine years of a residential school, where he was punished for speaking his language or practicing his beliefs. "The thing that was always enforced to me is that 'You're no good,' " he told his audience. "The struggle continues for us to have a human journey and to become whole again," he said. Chief Warren White from Whitefish Bay chastised Indian Affairs for their inaction on clean water, despite assurances it would be a top priority. He said there had been a boil-water advisory in place in his community for six months, and there were 50 homes without drinkable water. "They have not acted. They have put us on a shelf," he said. After visits to government offices in Ottawa, Toronto and Thunder Bay to try and improve living conditions in his community, White added too much was being spent on bureaucrats at the expense of band members.

Chief Eric Fisher of Wabaseemoong recalled his conversations with Colin Wasacase, who has fought for civil rights in Kenora for close to 50 years. Several years ago, Wasacase walked into a restaurant, where the waitress pointed to the sign that read, "We don't serve Indians." Fisher gave credit to Wasacase for his poignant answer, when he said, "I don't want an Indian, I want a hamburger." The chief of Whitedog, whose community is renown for its poverty and rough reputation, was encouraged by the day's activity. "No one is leaving, so let us keep walking side-by-side," he said.