Good Day Everyone, Things have been moving very fast and I wanted to send all of you a few key updates so you know where we stand in the battle against the FNEA. We need everyones attendance at as many of the upcoming meetings as possible to ensure we are all on our game, as we head into this important and fast paced time. This is the 11th hour. NATIONAL VIDEOCONFERENCE ~ Opposition of FNCFNEA (last week) Last week Donna was able to get us connected with her friend a cree lawyer who is an strong political organizer/activist. She connected us to a network of AFN leaders who reject the FNCFNEA. They offered us one seat for Kahnawake at a press conference table and the working group suggested Mike would be the best spokeperson and that we would send a delegation of support along with him to Ottawa. Our delegation was made up of 18 people, Kahnawake was well represented! NATIONAL PRESS CONFERENCE ~ Monday April, 28 The day began at 8:00am at a hotel in Ottawa, in attendance were five panel speakers and their support teams for a pre-press conference prep meeting. Diane, Deidre, Trina, Janice, Mike and Skyler for KTV were all present. Many great points were raised and then we all walked on foot from the hotel to the national press theatre. Press conference went very well Mike was one of five leaders, Each covered similar areas and then also went into theor own direction, together covering many bases. the press tried to dramatize some things said which ruffled our own people. But all in all we got some good coverage both in and out of our communities. Lynne, Nancy, Laura, Lorna, Joe, Regan, Robert, Skyler, Mike, Rhonda, Winona, Diane, Trina, Janice, Louise and I for attending. AFNQL-FNEC MEETING ON THE FNEA ~ Monday, 28 Updates were given on various analysis of the newly released FNCFNEA. A motion was put on the floor to develop a resolution to clarify the AFNQL and its members had never been consulted nor do they support bill-33. Clarification that neither the AFN nor the national leader are in a position to negotiate on behalf of the 22 communities on education. Rhonda, Winona and several other leaders from AFNQL were able to meet with Mulcair of the NDP the following day to share information and gain support to oppose C-33 Winona, Mike, Rhonda, Lloyd, Skyler and I attended. NATIONAL TELECONFERENCE CALL ~ Thursday May, 1 Today these same organizers who coordinated the press conference invited us to participate in a follow up conversation about how the press conference went but mostly to give an update that the Bill-33 was being fast tracked, could pass the house within 2 weeks and to plan our course of action. It was stressed that this was fast moving and we need to react quickly. Approximately 30 very influential people were on this call. Education Administrators, teachers, AFN & traditional political leaders from east to west coast. Everyone highly motivated and in opposition to FNCFNEA. Key points agreed to: Communities/regions should reach out to local provincial MPs/Premiers/Education/Churches/ groups to share information and seek letters of support to stop the FNEA from our allies. People were all encouraged to write a letter and or ask to speak at the Senate hearings and it was pointed out that the UN are aware and supportive of our cause but that they should be CCd in all important letters and position taken.(Contact me for these addresses) The idea of a central file was raised. Every community is to compile proof of their opposition to the FNCFNEA as well as any minutes, notes letters which could be used to build a type of central legal case file, to be used to prove the true opposition and lack of consultation in the development of this act. Once the files are complete they should be printed in hard copies, put in binders or envelopes an address will be shared as to where to ship the documentation. An update was given that an Ontario leader has submitted a request to the AFN executive to demand an emergency meeting using article 14 of their constitution. That table will be working to address the rejection of the FNCFNEA. Idle No More will be doing an extensive Kill Bill C-33 campain photo and video campaign against the FNCFNEA There was a request for communities and regions to go back to their people to organize some sort of immediate grass roots action/pressure for this coming week. Request for each region to develop a resolution and or position paper of some sort to reject the FNCFNEA and to clarify that only communities have the right to negotiate education and that document should be forwarded everywhere. A national day of action is planned for Wednesday May 14, 2014 in Ottawa. A man was named the primary organizer and several women volunteered to help him. A request will be circulated that all Indigenous children stay home from school as an urgent measure to show our collective discontent with Bill-C-33 and to use the day to participate in the ottawa or any other local rally. Communities too far from Ottawa are all encouraged to organize a day of protest in their region. Many other groups opposing various legislation will all be invited as will idle no more, missing and murdered women and defenders of the land, C-10 and other legislation opponents etc. Suggestion that a national Facebook page be created opposing the FNCFNEA. Joe, Janice, Laura, Nancy and I attended the teleconference. KAHNAWAKE EDUCATION WORKING GROUP A working group meeting has been called for Monday at KCSC at 4:15pm, the room is booked. An emergency community meeting has been called so we can share all of this information with the community and parents. Wednesday May 7, 7:00pm Karonhianonha. We will also use this time to ask them how they wish to proceed at this time. A call was put in to the EDoor to ensure we got some PR out before their deadline. A talkshow slot has been scheduled for Thursday May 8th Deidre, Laura and Janice will do it and the content will be updates of the past 2 weeks. We are all doing an amazing job! Keep it going people, there is hope for us. Just keep working together, unity will give us the strength to stop this. D.
Posted on: Fri, 02 May 2014 13:27:03 +0000