[IPSM] Open Letter to the Gov of Canada, regarding Six Nations Territory Dispute

[willowtree at mts.net]

(for background information, please see the link following this letter)

Open Letter to the Gov of Canada, regarding Six Nations Territory Dispute

Respectfully,

In light of how Canada seems to be intent on allowing/inciting a violent 
confrontation with the Six Nations, to address this Federal-Jurisdiction 
matter in Caledonia, I thought I might share some thoughts which I hope 
will be considered and used towards Canada's acceptance of their role in 
the Nation-to-Nation relationship with the Haudenosaunee, rather than 
see violence occur by Canada criminally ignoring their responsibilites, 
and acting as a group of boneless thugs that believes itself superior to 
it's own people, the Original People's of this land, the Law of the 
land, and its very own Canadian Law.)

To proceed with violence, aside from the tragedy of such an act, will 
permanantely shed the image that this country is peaceful, a Nation 
capable of taking a leading role in the world by first taking care of 
it's own affairs, in an honourable manner.

I say that because the Original Peoples of this land are actively 
maintaining Peaceful relations with the Government of Canada, as per our 
original agreements - which also required we mutually benefit one 
another, never initiate violent altercations between our Nations, never 
interfere with what's not our business.

We are upholding our end, and all that is being asked here is for Canada 
to do the same, which will result in Justice for the Hauenosaunee and 
clarification for all of us that Canada is indeed a model, peaceful 
Nation. To use violence to 'resolve' this - well, you will be acting 
against legally-binding International agreements, and the integrity of 
Canada itself.

Secondly, I must point out that, contrary to statements made in the 
media: this is about Law, Jurisdiction, People, and Our Responsibilities.

As pointed out in the "OBJECTION TO INVASION OF KAIANEREH’KO:WA 
TERRITORY BY THE FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND ONTARIO, THEIR 
CORPORATE ENTITIES TO ARREST ROTINOSHON’NON:WE FOR DEFENDING THE LAND 
KNOWN AS THE “HALDIMAND TRACT” the relationship and role of Canada to 
the Indigenous People of this Land is irrefutuable. All situations 
between Canada and the Original peoples of this Land is solely and 
exclusively a Federal Matter. The role of Provinces, is to assist and 
serve the Original Peoples of this Land on behalf of the Federal 
Government. Furthermore, as all corporations in Canada are subject to 
the Law of Canada, no corporation can directly effect the lives (or the 
land) of the Original Peoples on this Land without Canada getting Our 
approval.

The Original Peoples of this land have never forfeited their title, 
Sovereignty, or role as a Nation of Nations on this Land. To ignore this 
criminally negligent.

Third, in relation to the current Ipperwash inquiry (and related 
historical international altercations betwen Canada and the Original 
Peoples) -- Canada is in fact validating what will become the eventual 
conclusion in the Ipperwash Inquiry, which will, in time, lead to a 
number of standards and practices contrary to current and historical 
Canadian Governmental policies towards Indigenous People. Most certainly 
this will benefit all of us, and these changes will happen regardless of 
what happens in Caledonia, but it will go a long way for Canada to 
accept their role and obligations here. Especially considering, in 
reference to the article written in the Hamilton Spectator called 
"Nobody wants another Ipperwash," the fact is, Ipperwash is not what 
will reoccur here. OKA's what will be repeated.

I'm certain all Canadians in Caledonia and surrounding areas would hate 
to see OKA happen near their homes - to see Elderly Women, Pregnant 
Women, Children, and Great Grandfathers being stoned while the Police 
stand by because it's "too risky" --- to see a Woman who's about to give 
birth be terrorized and violated by Men wanting to look between her legs 
to make sure she's not hiding anything...

The People of Caledonia, and indeed all Canadians would rather see their 
government act with integrity, honour, and to resolve this peacefully. I 
know for certain the Rotinshon’non:we (Women Title Holders) want to 
resolve this Peacefully. So do all the protesters supporting them, the 
United Nations, and everyone around the world watching and waiting to 
see if Canada has learned anything from history, and if Steven Harper 
has what it takes to be a Prime Minister, or if he's just going to mimic 
the unremarkable and hypocritical legacies of Paul Martin, Jean 
Chretien, and Brian Mulroney.

Respectfully,

John Schertow

Background Information
http://intercontinentalcry.mahost.org/unitytalk/t124-Nations%2C-Ontario%2C-Canada%3A-News-Updates.html