[IPSM] RCMP Poised to Arrest Tahltan Elders

[Macdonald Stainsby]

 "It's confusing when they can treat us like criminals, for defending our
rights and our land.  The real criminals are government and industry for
destroying what does not belong to them."

RCMP Poised to Arrest Tahltan Elders and Youth at the Klappan Blockade
Tahltan Traditional Territory | September 5, 2005

http://www.tahltan.blogspot.com/

On September 3 a court injunction and enforcement order was delivered to
the Tahltan people at the Klappan Blockade.  The court was held over 2000
miles away in Vancouver with very short notice.  The RCMP will be moving
in on Tuesday, September 6, to enforce the order. To add insult to injury
Garry Merckel, Appointed President of the TNDC and Curtis Rattray, Chair,
Tahltan Central Council have signed affadavits in support of the order. 
This illustrates, the blatant disrespect of the people who live on the
land.

On July 16, Tahltan Nation members and Elders began a blockade of the
Klappan Road .  One of many politicial actions taken to regain control
over traditional lands and resources in the vast, pristine Tahltan
Territory . Since, the Tahltan Nation Elders Sit-in began in Telegraph
Creek on January 17, Tahltan Nation members have taken responsibility over
land and resources.  A moratorium statement was released in Februrary to
stop resource development until certain conditions are met.  The lack of
consultation over resources sparked the original stand off. One of the
most recent actions, was a wildcat walkout of Tahltan Nation Development
Corporation employees demanding resignation of the President. This led to
the resignation of Jerry Asp shortly after the walk out.

Elder Jenny Quock, has been on the blockade for the past 7 weeks.  Jennys
says, "It's confusing when they can treat us like criminals, for defending
our rights and our land.  The real criminals are government and industry
for destroying what does not belong to them."  The elders led a prayer
with the defenders of the land, guests and supporters as night fell upon
the camp last night.  The light of the campfire gives us hope each night
and we discuss new ideas and encourage one another.  Young men work around
the camp in the day to prepare wood, water and do their chores.

We all know what this country was built upon. This is the stark reality of
Aboriginal People in a country that continues to ignore their fundamental
human rights.  When our women elders sing and beat the drum, we feel the
connection with our ancestors and Mother Earth.  Whatever happens in the
next 48 hours will not define us a People. We will continue to define
ourselves and it is in this realization we find Peace.

Dempsey Quock a young man who grew up on the outside, values what he has
learned from our Elders.  As he works throughout the day he takes breaks
to ask questions and make comments.  What he is learning is what we are
fighting for.  The right to determine our future and the right to practise
our ways and pass it on to future generations. Dempsey can be heard saying
to our elders, "  Our rights are human rights, everyone in the world has
the right to practise thier culture and spiritual ways. He goes on to
state that, "If we lose Klappan I will not have the opportunity to learn
what was taken from me at a young age.   We thank everyone who has come to
support us. We pray for your safety and ours.

For more information contact Rhoda Quock at 250-234-3023 or
peterandrhoda at yt.sympatico or message 250-234-3138

--
Macdonald Stainsby
http://independentmedia.ca/survivingcanada/
http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/rad-green
In the contradiction lies the hope.
--Brecht.