[IPSM] No One Is Illegal Newswire/Bulletin de nouvelles (April 24, 2006): Six Nations Special Section ... USA Mayday Strike ... Status for All!
No One Is Illegal Montreal
nooneisillegal at gmail.com
Wed Apr 26 03:52:11 PDT 2006
=====
NO ONE IS ILLEGAL-MONTREAL NEWS AND EVENTS DIGEST
BULLETIN DE NOUVELLES ET D'ÉVÉNEMENTS DE PERSONNE N'EST ILLÉGAL
=====
APRIL 24, 2006 -- LE 24 AVRIL 2006 (1.10)
::::: MONTREAL EVENTS/ÉVÉNEMENTS À MONTRÉAL :::::
1) Appel à la formation d'un contingent précaire dans la manifestation
d'un contingent précaire dans la manifestation du 29 avril 2006
2) (April 29) Mayworks Film Festival/Festival de Film à Mai à l'Oeuvre!
3) Mayworks! Montreal 2006!/Mai à l'oeuvre Montréal 2006! (29 avril)
4) (April 30) Benefit Show/Show Benefice: with Outernational and LAL
5) 1 de mayo/1er mai/May 1st: Manif de solidarite avec les
mobilisations des immigrants aux E-U/Solidarity demo with immigrant
mobilizations in the United States
::::: SIX NATIONS :::::
6) (28 avril) Assemblée d'organisation du support pour Six Nations à
Montréal/Montreal Six Nations Solidarity Assembly (April 28)
7) Six Nations Information, Resources and Up-to-date News
8) (The Dominion) Home On Native Land: The people of Six Nations are
repossessing their land
9) Major train lines between Montreal and Toronto shut down by
Tyendinaga Mohawks (New York Times)
10) Trans-Canada Highway blocked by Native Youth Movement picket in
British Columbia (NYM Communique)
11) Montreal Bridge briefly shut down by Kahnawake Mohawk Peacekeepers
(Globe and Mail)
12) Vancouver solidarity rally briefly shuts down bridge (24 Hours Vancouver)
13) Native youth refuses to recognize colonial court's authority
(Hamilton Spectator)
::::: STATUS FOR ALL! UN STATUT POUR TOUS ET TOUTES! :::::
14) (USA) May 1st Immigrant General Strike: No Work! No School! No
Selling! No Buying!
15) Endoso de Solidaridad sin fronteras en Montreal/Endorsement from
Solidarity Across Borders
16) (La Presse) Immigrants illégaux: Des militants montréalais
demandent une amnistie
17) (Le Devoir) Sortir les sans-papiers de l'ombre: Une coalition
réclame la régularisation des immigrants sans statut
18) 27 mai: Journée Nationale d'Action (Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal)
19) Press Release: Montreal immigrant rights group puts forward proposal for the
regularization of all non-status immigrants in Canada
20) May 27: National Day of Action (Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal)
::::: EN SANCTUAIRE/IN SANCTUARY :::::
21) Abdelkader Belaouni présente une nouvelle demande parrainée par
cinq individus
22) Abdelkader Belaouni launches a new appeal sponsored by five individuals
23) Support the Portnoy Family of Marystown, Newfoundland
24) Alexi Kolosov marks one year in sanctuary (CBC Newfoundland & Labrador)
::::: GUANTANAMO NORTH/NORD :::::
25) Gitmo North opens at Millhaven (Kingston Whig-Standard)
26) Report on the People's Commission on Immigration "Security"
Measures (Free Speech Radio News)
::::: NEWS/NOUVELLES :::::
27) (Toronto Star) Palestinian activist fights to stay in Canada
28) (Windsor Star) Immigration raid snares 12 agricultural workers
near Leamington, Ontario
29) (Democracy Now!) Immigration Crackdown: 1,200 Undocumented Workers
Detained Across U.S.
30) (Montreal Gazette) U.S. border vigilantes look north
-----
The No One Is Illegal News and Events Digest is a bilingual (English
and French) weekly selection of analysis, news and events, compiled by
the No One Is Illegal collective in Montreal. To subscribe or
unsubscribe, visit:
https://lists.resist.ca/mailman/listinfo/nooneisillegal-l; to
contribute, e-mail nooneisillegal at gmail.com
Le bulletin de nouvelles et d'événements de Persone n'est illégal
rassemble une sélection hebdomadaire et bilingue (anglais - français)
de nouvelles, analyses et événements compilée par le collectif
Personne n'est illégal - Montréal. Pour vous abonner (ou vous
désabonner), suivez ce lien:
https://lists.resist.ca/mailman/listinfo/nooneisillegal-l; pour
contribuer au bulletin, contactez-nous par courriel: nooneisillegal at gmail.com
-----
(((((1)))))
APPEL À LA FORMATION D'UN CONTINGENT PRÉCAIRE
DANS LA MANIFESTATION SYNDICALE DU 29 AVRIL 2006
À l'occasion de la journée des travailleuses et des travailleurs, le
Réseau de Solidarité des Travailleuses et Travailleurs (RST) et
l'Association pour une Solidarité Syndicale Étudiante (ASSÉ) vous
invitent à participé dans le but de d'unir nos forces afin de former
un contingent «Précaires» dans la manifestation organisée par les
grandes centrales syndicales. Ce contingent mettra de l'avant le
syndicalisme de combat, en opposition à la tactique de concertation
des grandes centrales syndicales qui ont tendance à délaisser les
secteurs de travail jugés non-rentables.
Les revendications communes pour le contingent précaire sont :
1. Pour une éducation publique, gratuite, laïque, de qualité,
accessible et non discriminatoire
2. Contre la précarité au travail et à tous les niveaux
3. Pour la régularisation de toutes les personnes sans statut et la
fin des déportations
4. Pour des logements décents et accessibles
5. Contre la pauvreté
6. Pour un mouvement social, combatif, démocratique et solidaire
:::
samedi le 29 avril
Rassemblement parc Théodore
MÉTRO Viau, coin Théodore/Hochelaga
à 12h
:::
Organisé par:
le Réseau de Solidarité des Travailleuses et Travailleurs (RST)
l'Association pour une Solidarité Syndicale Étudiante (ASSÉ)
Endossé par:
Solidarité sans frontières
Personne n'est illégal-Montréal
==========
(((((2)))))
(français ci-dessous)
Mayworks! Film Festival
presented by Les Lucioles and No One Is Illegal-Montreal
::::::::::
Saturday, April 29, 2006
2-6pm
at Chalet Kent
(in the park, at the corner of Côte-des-Neiges and Appleton).
For more info: 342-2111
::::::::::
As part of this year's Mayworks! Day Shift at Kent Park, Les Lucioles
and No One Is Illegal-Montreal present a series of films on the theme
of work and migration.
This year's program begins at 2:30pm inside the Chalet Kent, with the
following films:
--> DOCUMENTARY ON THE "NO ONE IS ILLEGAL" MARCH TO OTTAWA
by Merdad Hage and Guylaine Racine
50 min. 2006
In June 2005, around a hundred people -- many of whom are refugee
status claimants -- took part in a march from Montréal to Ottawa under
the banner "No One is Illegal!" Independent filmmaker Merdad Haqe and
Guylaine Racine, a member of the METISS research team, will be screening a
rough cut of the documentary they are making on this event. The
screening will be followed by a discussion with the audience.
--> NEW WORLD BORDER
A film by Jose Palafox and Casey Peek.
28 min. 2004
New World Border is a film documenting the rise of human rights abuses
along the US-Mexico border since the implementation of border walls
(such as Operation Gatekeeper) that have been erected in populated
areas throughout the border region during the last decade. This
documentary includes interviews with immigrant rights organizers,
testimony from immigrants, analysis of 'free trade' policies, and
discusses current efforts to build a vibrant movement for immigrant
rights.
--> JAMBAR (Guerrières)
by Chloé Germain-Thérien
19 min. 2006
A documentary-short about the life of women who leave their villages
to work in Dakar, the capital of Senegal in West Africa. An exposé of
the displacement of women from rural areas to the city.
--> BATEYS
by Stéphane Lahoud
15 min.
A documentary short about Haitian workers in the Dominican Republic.
--> MAKIBAKA
by Dahlia Namian et Julie Côté
20 min.
A documentary about Filipino women who come to work as domestics in
the homes of Montreal.
--> MYTH OF CANADENSIS
by David Widgington
16 min.
What does the Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Minister do with
refugees who are recognized by the UN and categorized as « stateless »
? He deports them to the United States and their prisons.
--> and some surprises!!!
Presented by Les Lucioles and No One Is Illegal-Montreal.
INFO: 342-2111 or noii-montreal at resist.ca
:::::
Festival de Film à Mai à l'Oeuvre!
Présenté par Les Lucioles et Personne n'est illégal-Montréal
:::::
Samedi, le 29 avril
14h-18h
Au Chalet Kent
(dans le parc, coin Côte-des-Neiges et Appleton)
Pour plus d'info: 342-2111
:::::
Cette année dans le programme de jour de Mai à l'oeuvre! au parc
Kent, Les Lucioles et Personne n'est illégal-Montréal présenteront une
série de films sur le thème du travail et de l'immigration.
La projection commence à 14h30 au chalet Kent avec les films suivants:
-> LA MARCHE "PERSONNE N'EST ILLÉGAL": EXTRAITS DE CITOYENNETÉ
Réalisation: Merdad Hage et Guylaine Racine
50 min. 2006
En juin 2005, une centaine de personnes, dont bon nombre de
revendicateurs du statut de réfugié et de « sans papiers », ont
participé à la « Marche sur Ottawa – Personne n'est illégal » entre
Montréal et Ottawa. Merdad Haqe, cinéaste indépendant et Guylaine
Racine, chercheure de l'équipe METISS présentent une version
préliminaire du documentaire qu'ils ont réalisé sur cet événement. Le
visionnement sera suivi d'un échange avec le public.
-> NEW WORLD BORDER
Réalisation: Jose Palafox et Casey Peek.
28 min. 2004
New World Border est un documentaire sur l'augmentation des violations
des droits humains aux frontières du Mexique et des États-Unis depuis
la construction de murs (comme l'opération Gatekeeper), érigés au
cours de la dernière décennie dans les régions habitées le long de la
frontière. Ce film présente des entrevues avec des gens qui militent
pour les droits des immigrants, des immigrants, des analyses des
politiques de « libre-échange » et parle des efforts actuels pour
construire un solide mouvement de défense des droits des immigrants.
--> JAMBAR (Guerrières)
Réalisation : Chloé Germain-Thérien
19 min. 2006
Invitation à partager le quotidien de femmes qui ont quittté leurs
village pour aller travailler à Dakar, la capitale du Sénégal, grande
métropole de l'Afrique de l'ouest. Malgré les difficultés et la
précarité de leur situation, ces femmes gardent la tête haute. Leur
métier est celui de lingère. C'est elles qui lavent le linge sale des
Dakarois. Dans l'espoir d'une vie meilleure. C'est l'exil rural au
jour le jour.
--> BATEYS
Réalisation.: Sthéphane Lahoud
15 min.
Documentaire sur les travailleurs haîtiens en République Dominicaine.
--> MAKIBAKA
Réalisation.: Dahlia Namian et Julie Côté
20 min.
Documentaire sur les femmes philippines qui viennent travailler dans
les maisons à Montréal.
--> MYTH OF CANADENSIS
Réalistion: David Widgington
16 min.
Qu'est ce que le Ministère de Citoyenneté et immigration Canada fait
avec des réfugiés reconnues par l'ONU et catégorisé "sans états" par
le ministre Denis Coderre? Il les déporte vers les Étas-Unies et leurs
prisons.
--> Et quelques surprises!!!
Présenté par Les Lucioles et Personne n'est illégal-Montréal
INFO: 342-2111 ou noii-montreal at resist.ca
==========
(((((3)))))
[la version française ci-dessous ...]
*Mayworks Montreal 2006!*
A festival of working people and the arts, Mayworks! is a
multi-disciplinary arts festival that celebrates the building of
communities and people's struggles for social and economic justice.
Built on the premise that workers and artists share a common struggle
for decent wages, healthy working conditions and a living culture,
Mayworks!'s goal is to promote the interests of cultural workers and
trade unionists and to bring working-class culture from the margins of
cultural activity onto centre stage.
******************
*"DayShift!": A Day in the Parc with the Immigrant Workers' Centre*
Saturday April 29th
from 2pm to 6pm
Parc Kent
On blvd Côte-des-Neiges at the corner of Appleton/Plamondon
Celebrate our work on labour and migration with dance and music
performances, art workshops, art exhibits, children's activities and
film projections (by No One is Illegal).
For more info :
514-342-2111
iwc_cti at yahoo.ca
******************
*"NightShift!": 1 year of Worker Solidarity*
Saturday April 29th
8pm
Main Hall, 5390 St-Laurent
The Workers Solidarity Network celebrates its first anniversary with a
concert, theatre and a painting exhibit.
On the agenda :
*Joe Beef*, a play by David Fennario
*Without Ben's Ukelele*, a folk-punk musical outfit
*Genr' Radical*, a feminist-folk musical outfit
The *paintings of Benoit Tremblay*, member of the Workers' Solidarity Network
also...presentations on struggles that involved the Solidarity Network in
the past year : direct actions, strike support, help with union drives.
for more information :
859-9092
rst.wsn at gmail.com
::::::::::
Mai à l'oeuvre Montréal 2006!
Un Festival portant sur la conjugaison de la lutte ouvrière et les
arts, Mai à l'oeuvre! est un événement artistique multidisciplinaire
célébrant les luttes populaires de justice sociale et économique,
contribuant à bâtir la solidarité entre ouvriers et artistes, qui
partagent une lutte commune visant des salaires décents, des
conditions de travail saines et une culture bien vivante. Le but de
Mai à l'oeuvre! est de promouvoir les intérêts des travailleurs et
travailleuses du domaine des arts ainsi que ceux du milieu syndical
tout en accordant une place centrale à la culture ouvrière, trop
souvent marginalisée dans les milieux culturels.
*****
« Shift de jour! »
Une journée dans le parc avec le Centre des travailleurs et travailleuses
immigrants
Samedi, le 29 avril
14h à 18h
Parc Kent
Sur blvd Côte des Neiges, coin Appleton/Plamondon
Célébrer les enjeux du travail et de la migration avec des
performances de danse et musique, ateliers artistiques, exposition de
l'art, activités pour enfants, projections de films (par Personne
n'est illégale)
Pour plus d'info :
514-342-2111
*****
« Shift de soir ! » : 1 an de Solidarité Ouvrière
Samedi 29 avril
20h
Main Hall
5390 St-Laurent
Le Réseau de Solidarité des Travailleurs-euses fête sa première année
d'existence avec un concert, du théâtre et des expositions.
Au programme :
Joe Beef, présentation de la pièce de théâtre avec David Fennario
Without Ben's Ukelele, ensemble musical folk-punk
Genr' Radical, ensemble musical folk féministe
Exposition des oeuvres de Benoit Tremblay, membre du Réseau de Solidarité
aussi... présentations sur les luttes auxquelles a participé le Réseau
de Solidarité dans la dernière année : actions directes, support aux
grèves, aide à la syndicalisation.
pour plus d'information :
859-9092
rst.wsn at gmail.com
==========
(((((4)))))
Benefit Show for Solidarity Across Borders
Show Bénéfice pour Solidarité sans frontières
::::::::::
Sunday, April 30, 8pm
Club Lambi 4465 Boulevard St-Laurent
$6 (all proceeds to Solidarity Across Borders)
::::::::::
-> featuring OUTERNATIONAL
Brooklyn's genre bending mix of hip-hop, punk and politics make their
Montreal debut!
"Uplifting and raw!" – Tom Morello (Audioslave and Rage Against the Machine)
-> and LAL
Silky lyrics spilled over deadly danceable beats. "Warm Belly, High
Power" won Exlaim! 2004 Soul Album of the Year.
-> with DJS TASHISH AND MOONSTARR
All proceeds to Solidarity Across Borders
www.solidarityacrossborders.org
Presented by Public Transit Recordings
www.ptrmusic.com
and Beats Against Borders
INFO: sansfrontieres at resist.ca or 514-848-7583.
==========
(((((5)))))
(français ci-dessous... English below the French ...)
C O N V O C A T O R I A
La Asociación Comunidad Mexicana de Québec convoca a toda la comunidad
Mexicana, Latinoamericana y pueblo en general, a unirse a una sola voz
como parte de la lucha de los derechos de los inmigrantes en EU.
Apoyemos con nuestra fuerza, recursos e idealismos manifestándonos con
inteligencia y en forma civil y ordenada el día Lunes, 1º de Mayo del
2006, a las 13:00 hrs. Frente al Consulado General de los Estados
Unidos. En el No. 1155 St. Alexandre.
Para información y colaboración. Tel: (514)481-9534 (Les invitamos a mostrar su
creatividad realizando sus propias pancartas de protesta para la
manifestación).
(avisa a todas las personas que conoscas)
C O N V O C A T I O N
L'Association de la Communauté Mexicaine du Québec convoque toute la
communauté mexicaine, latino-américaine et population en général, à
s'unir en une seule voix afin de faire part de la lutte pour les
droits des immigrants des É-U. Appuyons avec notre force, ressources
et idealisme en manifestant intelligement et avec civisme et ordre en
date du lundi 1er mai 2006 à 13:00hrs en face du Consulat Général des
Etats-Unis. L'adresse est le 1155 rue St-Alexandre. Pour avoir des
renseignements et collaborer, s'adresser au (514)481-9534 (On vous
invite à faire preuve de créativité en réalisant vos propres pancartes
de protestation.)
Visita nuestro sitio Internet: www.comexqc.org
Correo electrónico: info at comexqc.org
Teléfono: (514) 993-8320
C A L L O U T
The Association of the Mexican Community in Quebec is asking the
Mexican and Latin-American Community, as well as the general
population, to unite in one voice in order to support the struggle for
the rights of immigrants in the United States. Let us support with our
strength, resources and idealism on Monday, May 1st at 1pm in front of
the U.S. Consulate located at 1155 rue St-Alexandre. For more
information or to get involved please contact (514)481-9534 (We invite
you to use your own creativity to make your own protest banners and
placards).
Website: www.comexqc.org
Email: info at comexqc.org
Telephone: (514) 993-8320
==========
(((((6)))))
(English below)
ASSEMBLÉE D'ORGANISATION DU SUPPORT POUR SIX NATIONS !!!
FAITES CIRCULEZ !!!
À tous les gens de Montréal intéressés à appuyer la résistance de la
communauté de Six Nations cette assemblée est pour vous!!!
VENDREDI LE 28 AVRIL
À 18H AU DIRA 2035 ST-LAURENT au 3ème étage
Nous proposons la formation de 4 comités de travail qui feront le
suivi de ce qui aura été discuté et décidé à l'Assemblée:
a) Comité transport
b) Comité traduction et diffusion
c) Comité actions de solidarité
d) Comité financement / (et support légal si nécessaire)
NOTE : Nous voulons sortir de cette assemblée avec des décisions
concrètes pour commencer immédiatement le travail parce que le temps
presse. Idéalement les points discutés en assemblée se feraient assez
rapidement afin de pouvoir passer rapidement à la formation des
comités et leur laisser du temps pour se réunir avant la fin de la
soirée.
Avant l'Assemblée informez-vous autour de vous :
1) Qui à une auto disponible et pour quelles dates est-elle disponible ?
2) Qui est intéressé à aller à Six natons et quelle est la
disponibilité de chacun ?
3) Qui peut faire de la traduction Anglais/francais –
Français/Espagnol ou Anglais/espagnol ?
4) Qui peut faire de la diffusion et sur quels réseaux ?
5) Qui a une émission de radio qui peut couvrir ce qui se passe à Six Nations?
6) Qui a des contacts avec des assos étudiantes, syndicats ou autres
pour du financement ? etc.
PASSEZ LE MOT !!! À VENDREDI !!!!
::::::::::
Come One, Come All!
Montreal Public Assembly to Organize Solidarity with Six Nations
****************************************************
When? Friday April 28th @ 6pm
Where? DIRA
Address: 2035 St-Laurent, 3rd Floor
Metro: St-Laurent
****************************************************
This is a call-out for all groups and individuals interested in
joining forces to organize support for the ongoing Six Nations Land
Reclamation. The Assembly will focus on the formation of committees,
and strategizing for each area of work.
Groups who've expressed interest include: IPSM, PASC, SAB, PPL, CLAC
Latin America, NOII, CAPMA and ISM. So please, if you recieve this
email, pass it on to your members.
The proposed committees, so far, include:
1. Transport: coordination of rides to and from Six Nations
2. Finance/Legal: budgets for transportation, supplies, money for Six
Nations, legal support, etc.
3. Action: Montreal solidarity actions and coordination with toronto support
4. Information: collecting and creating info, from the ground, and
translating it into French and Spanish.
Also, regular updates are available at http://sisis.nativeweb.org
And a ride board is at: http://excoboard.com/exco/forum.php?forumid=91715
==========
(((((7)))))
Six Nations Resources, Information and Up-to-date News
Indigenous Coverage:
--> Gathering Place First Nations Canadian News, with reports and
photos from people visiting the support camp and blockade:
http://gatheringplacefirstnationscanews.ca/breakingnews.htm
--> The Land Reclamation Information Site, a website has been prepared
by the staff at Onkwawenna Kentyohkwa, a language centre on the Six
Nations Grand River: Territory:
http://www.reclamationinfo.com/
--> If you'd like the latest info from the standoff at Caledonia you
can listen live to the local Six Nations radio station CKRZ over the
internet: http://www.ckrz.com/index.html
--> NDN News Page on Caledonia and Six Nations:
http://www.ndnnews.com/Caledonia%20Occupation.htm
--> Turtle Island Native News Network page on Six Nations:
http://www.turtleisland.org/news/news-sixnations.htm
More Information:
--> Settlers in Support of Indigenous Sovereignty Six Nations
Solidarity Page: http://sisis.nativeweb.org/actionalert/
--> Six Nations Caledonia Resource Page by Autonomy and Solidarity:
http://auto_sol.tao.ca/node/view/2012?PHPSESSID=6636d4771ff904c3899dfc6202cb0186
==========
(((((8)))))
Home On Native Land: The people of Six Nations are repossessing their land
by Hillary Bain Lindsay
The Dominion Paper
http://dominionpaper.ca/original_peoples/2006/04/19/home_on_na.html
According to the Six Nations Confederacy, women are the title holders
of the land.
Sewatis has been at the Six Nations blockade since it began on
February 28. "I was the first one to encounter your enforcement
officer," he says. "I was peaceful and just explained the situation.
[I said] 'I cannot follow your orders because I'm not Canadian. I'm
Haudenosaunee.'"
The police officer he was speaking with didn't appear to know how to
handle Sewatis' response to his order. Apparently, the fact that
someone born and raised only a few miles from where they stood--just
outside of Caledonia, Ontario--was not Canadian was a difficult
concept to grasp. "So, I just told him 'You'll have to wait for my
superiors to come,'" says Sewatis. "That's the kind of language they
seem to understand."
I am sitting with Sewatis in his van. For over six weeks this is where
he has slept. That is to say, when he has slept. Many nights he sits
by the fire, keeping watch in case the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)
chooses to invade the site.
>From where we sit, we can see dozens of people gathered around the
fire, singing, laughing and talking. To our left is a cookhouse that
was recently built to feed the growing number of people that have come
to support the repossession of Six Nations' land. There are several
tents, a teepee and a couple of trailers scattered nearby.
It might feel like a camping trip except for the fact that we are in
the middle of a construction site. There are no trees or grass and ten
partially built suburban homes stand nearby. Henco Industries had
hoped to build hundreds of houses here. Construction was halted on
February 28 when the road to the site was blocked and Henco was
informed that the land is not theirs to build on.
"We're here telling people that it's our land and it was illegally
attained and it was illegally sold," says Sewatis. "That's just the
plain and simple truth."
This is not "the kind of language they seem to understand."
On April 6, the Canadian government said that the Six Nations dispute
is not about land rights. "This is not a lands-claim matter," said
Deirdre McCracken, a spokesperson for the Minister of Indian Affairs
Jim Prentice. She also said that the blockade "has nothing to do with
the federal government."
But according to a statement released on March 20 by the women of
Rotinoshon'non:we (meaning Iroquois or Haudenosaunee, depending on the
language being spoken), the blockade has quite a lot to do with
land--and with the Canadian government.
The statement outlines how "General Haldimand confirmed that Britain
would affirm the right of the Six Nations to a tract of land six miles
deep on either side of the Grand River, running from its mouth to its
source." The piece of land immediately under dispute is only a small
part of the much larger 'Haldimand Tract.'
This piece of history is not being debated. A plaque erected in
Cayuga, Ontario by the Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board
says much the same thing. The sign also notes that the land was
awarded in 1784 in recognition of the Six Nations' help to the British
Crown during the American Revolution. What the plaque says next is
where the stories diverge. "In later years, large areas of this
tract...were sold to white settlers."
According to the women of the Rotinoshon'non:we, however, "None of
this land [the Haldimand tract] was ever legally surrendered." The
women's statement carries a great deal of weight as, "Women are the
'Title Holders' of the land of Rotinoshon'non:we as recalled by Wampum
44 of the Kaianereh'ko:wa."
The significance of the previous sentence will be lost on most
Canadians, who will have no idea what it means.
Indigenous nations have their own constitution (Kaianereh'ko:wa). "The
idea that British Colonists or their descendents--like Canadians--were
the only people who had 'law' is a legal fiction," says Kahentinetha
Horn, a Mohawk elder from Kahnawake. Canada "has totally disrespected
our laws and agreements to conduct a nation-to-nation relationship."
The Six Nations Confederacy has been called the oldest living
participatory democracy on earth. Hazel Hill, one of the women active
at the blockade describes how decisions are made: "There are fifty
chiefs which represent the Confederacy Council and they have a
clanmother with each chief. It is the people whose voice the chiefs
and clanmothers carry. Any decision regarding land, comes first from
the women, and then to their clans, and through the process of our
council, when all are in agreement, or when consensus has been
reached, only then does the decision stand," she says. "In our history
of the Haldimand Tract, this has never been done."
In 1924, the Band Council system was imposed by force on Six Nations.
In the place of the traditional government what critics refer to as "a
puppet government" was installed using the Indian Act.
Since 1924, the Canadian government has done its negotiating with the
Band Council, a system that is a part of and paid for by the federal
government. "The Band Council," says Horn, "does not represent the Six
Nations peoples according to international law."
In an open letter to local newspapers, Hill compares the government's
agreements with Band Council to finding a few people in Caledonia to
agree to sell their town to the people Six Nations. "Would that be
legal?" she asks.
The Band Council system does not allow the voice of the people to be
heard, says Horn. If the Canadian government wants to seek legitimate
discussions, negotiations must be undertaken on a nation-to-nation
basis. "There could then be an orderly settlement based on an orderly
investigation of the facts and an orderly identification of the laws
that apply," says Horn. "The reason Canada doesn't want to do this is
because it knows full well that when the process is complete, the
facts will clearly show they have illegally invaded our land."
There is a large sign at the Six Nations blockade that reads "Oh
Canada, your home on native land." The play on words from something as
basic as the national anthem is appropriate for a standoff that could
turn the meaning of Canada on its head.
"A lot of people have squatted on our land," observes Carol Bomberry.
Pointing to Caledonia she continues, "This is one of the towns that is
on our land."
Most Caledonians probably don't consider themselves squatters. Chances
are they consider Caledonia home. What does it mean if Caledonia is
not Canada?
Mike Laughing, one of the men manning the blockade, responds
matter-of-factly. "Look at it this way: just imagine if all those
people got to live on native land. Instead of paying taxes to the
government they could be giving it to the true landlords, back to this
nation," says Laughing. "If they didn't want to do that then they'd
have to move. But we're not saying move away."
As for the small piece of land immediately under dispute, Bomberry has
a similarly straightforward suggestion: she'd like to see the Canadian
government buy the houses back from Henco Industries and restore the
land to Six Nations.
The Six Nations Reserve, the most populous reserve in Canada, is
currently less than five per cent the size of the original Haldimand
Tract. "There's a ten year waiting list for houses," Bomberry points
out. "Our population is growing every year. We need more room."
Acknowledging Indigenous land rights will, of course, mean much more
than establishing who lives where or who pays taxes to whom. Laughing
says he's at the blockade for the sake of his kids. Canada "has been
standing on the back of an Indian for too long," he says. "It's time
to get off and let us stand proud of who we are."
It is not only First Nations people that stand to benefit from a just
outcome to the Six Nations standoff, says Horn. Native and non-native
people alike are suffering from a system that is destroying the
environment. Horn believes that under Indigenous title, the land would
be treated with far more respect. "According to our constitution, we
have to take care of the land, in other words we're
environmentalists," explains Horn. "That's why it's important [for
non-native people] to help us assert our jurisdiction."
People from across Canada and around the world have lent their support
to the Six Nations' struggle. Hundreds of people have gathered at the
site each time there has been a threat of the OPP moving in.
"The Canadian government calls themselves peaceful," says Sewatis. "I
hope that they live what they say."
If the OPP chooses to invade, many at the site feel that it is their
duty to defend their land and defend their people. "We're not seeking
violence," Sewatis says. "I seek peace first...but, I believe in
what's right."
Sewatis has seen how standoffs over land rights have ended before.
"They think they can make peace by having a gun and having it their
way," he observes. "We want to talk about peace and the laws and
jurisdiction of the lands. We are going to utilize the great law of
peace. We're going to offer it one more time."
At the time this article went to print, over 50 police cruisers were
gathering in Caledonia and Six Nations was on "Red Alert."
==========
(((((9)))))
April 22, 2006
Mohawks and Others Block Trains in Ontario to Protest Land Use
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/22/world/americas/22canada.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
By CLIFFORD KRAUSS
TORONTO, April 21 — Native Canadian protests spread across southern
Ontario on Friday over a land dispute dating back to the Revolution,
with Mohawks stopping at least a dozen freight trains and interrupting
passenger train service between Montreal and Toronto.
There were no reported arrests or injuries.
CN Rail won a court injunction ordering the removal of demonstrators
should protests continue. Via Rail, the national passenger line,
announced it could no longer take weekend reservations on trains
linking Toronto with Ottawa and Montreal, the nation's busiest routes,
and was obliged to charter buses to honor existing reservations.
The demonstrations began at the end of February, when Mohawks of the
Six Nations, a confederacy of Native groups, occupied a road outside
Caledonia, an Ontario farming town, contending that a developer was
building a housing project on Native land nearby.
The protests received little attention until the Ontario provincial
police raided the group and arrested 16 people before dawn on
Thursday. A scuffle left three officers injured, including one who was
hit on the head by a bag of rocks and needed stitches. A few
protesters said they had been hurt by police Taser guns.
The police action seemed only to feed the protests, as about 200
people returned to the site to build makeshift barricades, heap piles
of gravel and burn tires and an abandoned van on the road.
Native protesters wearing camouflage pants and bandanas manned the
barricades on the same road through Friday, but the police said they
had no immediate plans to remove them again.
"We obviously prefer to have peaceful resolutions," said Prime
Minister Stephen Harper. "But we gather there has been some attempt at
that, and the situation is quite complex on the ground."
Leaders from the Six Nations reserve are meeting with officials from
the federal and provincial governments to try to settle the matter.
The dispute, involving a 100-acre plot, has its roots in a 1784
agreement in which Britain granted a large strip of land in what is
today southwestern Ontario to Natives in gratitude for their support
against the American colonial rebels. The Six Nations surrendered the
land in 1841, but Native activists filed a lawsuit in 1995 claiming
that the agreement was made under duress, and that in any case the
authorities had failed to meet their commitments.
Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, a professor of aboriginal studies at the
University of Toronto, said the Caledonia land dispute "could become a
symbol of the broader dissatisfaction with how the government has
dealt with land claims."
On Friday, Mohawks from the Tyendinaga reserve, near Belleville, set
fires beside a CN Rail track and used two school buses to block
traffic on a nearby road.
Natives of the Akwesasne reserve, near Cornwall, picketed a road near
a busy American border crossing, and a group of Mohawks blocked the
Mercier bridge near Montreal for nearly half an hour, interrupting
commuter traffic.
==========
(((((10)))))
(Photos from the picket are available at:
http://sisis.nativeweb.org/actionalert/updates/060425secwepemc.html)
From: "NYM Communications" <nymcommunications at hotmail.com>
Sent: Sat, 22 Apr 2006 19:00:25
NATIVE YOUTH MOVEMENT
INTERNATIONAL STATEMENT
STOP THE TERRORIST ATTACKS ON NATIVE PEOPLES
KKKANADA CALLS FOR POLICE AND MILITARY REINFORCEMENT ONTO NATIVE
WOMEN, CHILDREN AND WARRIORS OCCUPYING DISPUTED INDIAN LAND
NYM TAKES SOLIDARITY ACTION TO SUPPORT SIX NATIONS
(Neskonlith Reserve, unceded Secwepemc Territory/Saturday April 22,
2006) -- The Secwepemc Native Youth Movement has set up an information
picket along the Trans Canada Highway (Hwy #1) at Neskonlith Reserve,
5 KM west of Chase, BC to show solidarity with our Brothers and
Sisters at Six Nations, near Caledonia, Ontario. We have set up camp
and posted billboards, banners and Warrior flags to get the message
out to the 10,000+ travellers per day that drive this highway. The
billboards read: "Stop OPP Terrorism" "OPP out of SIX NATIONS"
On Thursday, April 20, 2006 over 150 heavily armed Ontario Provincial
Police (OPP) with M-16's and riot gear moved in to try and end the
52-day occupation at Six Nations. The Six Nations have been occupying
the land of disputed Douglas Creek Estates luxury housing development
since Feb. 28th. This Land has always belonged to Six Nations but
KKKanada and Ontario have made land deals without true ownership, with
stolen Land.
The OPP arrested 16 Natives, assaulted women, threw tear gas at them
and tasered some during the arrest but police retreated as Natives
chased them off and more Natives arrived. KKKanada has called for
massive police and military reinforcement. There is over 3000 OPP and
RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Pigs) and 1000 military just waiting for
KKKanada to give them word to move in for another assault.
The Six Nations (sovereign Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca
and Tuscarora Nations) has called for support and to let the World
know that terrorist attacks are happening here in KKKanada against the
Original Peoples of the Land.
This land is all Indian Land. We have a common struggle with our
Brothers and Sisters at Six Nations; we never surrendered our land to
anyone. We claim jurisdiction throughout our whole territory.
STOP POLICE TERRORISM---OPP OUT OF SIX NATIONS---NATIVE LAND
Contact information
NATIVE YOUTH MOVEMENT
Voicemail (604) 682-3269 ext. 7845
nymcommunications at hotmail.com
FIGHT FOR LIFE
WARRIORS UNITE FROM ALASKA TO ARGENTINA
==========
(((((11)))))
Mohawks shut down bridge in support
Ingrid Peritz
The Globe and Mail
Friday, April 21, 2006
MONTREAL -- The confrontation in Caledonia, Ont., caused
reverberations outside Ontario yesterday. In Montreal, a pivotal
commuter bridge linking the city to South Shore communities was
briefly closed to traffic when a group of Mohawks from the Kahnawake
reserve decided to show their support for the Ontario protesters.
Peacekeepers from the Kahnawake reserve stopped traffic so a group of
men could scale the structure of the Mercier Bridge to erect Mohawk
flags. Traffic was halted shortly after 11 a.m. for about 25 minutes,
said Timmy Norton, a spokesman for the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake.
The blockade caused momentary alarm because it brought back memories
of the 1990 Oka crisis, when Kahnawake Mohawks blocked the bridge in
sympathy with fellow natives in Oka during a 78-day standoff with
police.
"Nobody in this community wants another 1990, we're going to avoid
that at all costs," Mr. Norton said.
Joe Delaronde, another spokesman for the council, said: "It's about
supporting our brothers and sisters in the Six Nations. We're all
Iroquois together."
==========
(((((12)))))
April 26, 2006
Natives protest violence
By Matt Kieltyka, 24 HOURS
http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/News/2006/04/26/1550770-sun.html
Hundreds of frustrated natives took to the streets of Vancouver to
show their distain for a violent police raid on an unarmed Six Nations
camp in Ontario last week.
Police allegedly assaulted women and used excessive force, sparking
nation-wide protests from other First Nations.
"We're here to show our solidarity to the Six Nations and send a
message that we'll stand in unity to protect each other," said Annita
McPhee, one of the organizers of yesterday's rally at the Vancouver
Art Gallery.
"They were unarmed but police beat them up with batons."
David Dennis, vice-president of the United First Nations, told 24
hours that the incident has shaken aboriginal people's faith in the
government.
"You can throw out all these good relationships [the government claims
to have]," he said. "We're not satisfied with the violence and how
police dealt with this, and if they do it again we'll have lots more
of [these protests] across the country."
More than 300 people took part in yesterday's rally, which ended with
a march to Stanley Park where protesters briefly blockaded the Lion's
Gate Bridge, backing up traffic.
==========
(((((13)))))
Activist defies court's authority
http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=hamilton/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1145657414155&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=1014656511815
Justice moved arraignment to Mohawk's cell after he refused to be
fingerprinted or photographed
By Paul Legall
The Hamilton Spectator CAYUGA (Apr 22, 2006)
Six native activists facing criminal charges are challenging the
authority of Canadian courts. One man refused to come out of his cell
for a bail hearing yesterday.
The 20-year-old resident of the Kahnawake reserve south of Montreal
has refused to co-operate with the authorities since the OPP arrested
him for contempt of court at the Douglas Creek Estates occupation site
Thursday.
He would only identify himself by his Mohawk name of Gu-Heh-D-Yo and
wouldn't allow police to fingerprint or photograph him as the contempt
order required.
As a result, he was charged criminally with failing to comply with a
probation order.
The other five accused, who were also arrested Thursday on and off the
occupation site, face charges of assault with a weapon, mischief to
public property, intimidation, resisting arrest, creating a
disturbance, assaulting police and dangerous driving.
They were all released on bail of $1,000 or $2,000 without actually
having to put up any money and ordered to keep away from Douglas Creek
Estates, which has been occupied by native protesters since Feb. 28.
They were also prohibited from having firearms, crossbows, ammunition
or explosives, except for a native protester who hunts as part of his
survival.
The five were all ordered to return to court on May 17.
Outside the courtroom, lawyer Chris Reid told reporters the accused
all believe they belong to a sovereign Mohawk nation and the Canadian
laws don't apply to them. He stated in court they respected the law,
however, and would abide by their bail conditions.
At least three of the accused told reporters they'd probably return to
Douglas Creek, including Wayne Van Every, 30, who has been living in a
tent there for 35 days.
"I don't see any reason why not. It's my land. I've got a tent pitched
there for the summer."
Weighing more than 180 kilograms, Van Every said he was charged with
mischief after he damaged a video camera in a police van and broke a
pair of metal handcuffs. Like the others, he was held overnight in
Simcoe before appearing for a bail hearing in Cayuga.
Gu-Heh-D-Yo -- also identified in court as John Doe and Nicholas Diabo
-- was to appear before Justice of the Peace Paul Welsh for a bail
hearing yesterday.
But he'll have to spend the weekend in custody, after refusing to
leave the holding cells at the Cayuga courthouse. He will be held
until his bail hearing Monday.
Welsh took the unusual step of moving the judicial party into Diabo's
cell for the arraignment. Welsh also authorized police to use as much
force as necessary to obtain Diabo's fingerprints and photograph.
One of the most vocal protesters, Jeff Henhawk of Caledonia, was
released on $2,000 bail on charges of creating a disturbance,
intimidation and assault with a weapon in relation to an incident near
a Canadian Tire store in Caledonia at 8:38 a.m. Thursday.
Assistant Crown attorney Alexandra Paparella alleged that Henhawk and
Alex Crawford, 18, were seen getting out of a vehicle near the store.
Reading the Crown brief, she alleged Henhawk brandished a large stick
while shouting at store employees and that he struck civilian and
police cars with the club.
She also will try to prove Crawford, who was charged with
intimidation, jumped in front of cars, waved his arms and shouted
obscenities at motorists. The incident occurred less than 500 metres
from the main entrance of Douglas Creek Estates after police swooped
in for an early morning raid.
Released on $1,000 bail, Crawford told reporters he was reluctant to
violate a court order. "I don't want to go back (to Douglas Creek) ...
If I have to go, I will."
Albert Douglas, 30, who emerged from the courthouse in camouflage
hunting gear, also indicated he might resume the protest.
"I live my life and will be where the people need me," said Douglas,
who was released on $2,000 for charges of resisting arrest and
assaulting police.
The Crown is alleging he struggled with police and wrenched an
officer's leg when they arrested him at the construction site.
David Martin, 44, was released on $1,000 bail for dangerous driving.
It's alleged he endangered police officers during the Thursday raid by
driving his 1997 pickup truck on the construction site at excessive
speeds and in an aggressive manner.
==========
(((((14)))))
http://www.nohr4437.org
The Great American Boycott: A day without an Immigrant!
MAY 1, 2006
CALL TO ACTION: No Work! No School! No Selling! No Buying ...
Yes to Immediate Amnesty - Yes to Family Unity - No to Criminalization
- No Border Fences and Racism - No Increased Enforcement
http://www.nohr4437.org
==========
(((((15)))))
[Texto en español sigue]
----------
http://www.nohr4437.org
The Great American Boycott: A day without an immigrant!
MAY 1, 2006
CALL TO ACTION: No Work! No School! No Selling! No Buying ...
Yes to Immediate Amnesty - Yes to Family Unity - No to Criminalization
- No Border Fences and Racism - No Increased Enforcement
http://www.nohr4437.org
----------
To our sisters and brothers in struggle --
We are writing as members of Solidarity Across Borders, a migrant and
refugee rights network based in Montreal.
We are writing to wholeheartedly endorse your May 1 Call to Action ("A
day without an immigrant: no work, no school, no selling, no
buying!").
We are inspired by your grassroots mobilizations in defence of the
rights all so-called "illegals", and for the rights of all migrants.
We assert that there is no such thing as "illegal" immigrants, only
unjust laws and illegitimate governments.
This past June 2005, we marched for one-week from Montreal to Ottawa
(the national capital) in support of our main demands: the
regularization of all non-status people; an end to the deportation and
detention of migrants; and the abolition of security certificates.
We continue to mobilize, and your actions in the USA inspire us, and
provide our own struggles with momentum.
This coming April 29 we will marching in local Mayday demonstrations,
as part of a contingent demanding the regularization of all non-status
people, and an end to deportations. As well, this coming May 27, we
are organizing a national day of action, with allies in Toronto and
Vancouver, demanding Status for All! Consider both actions our gesture
of solidarity with your mobilizations.
We wish you well in your fight. Your struggle is our struggle.
In solidarity,
The members of Solidarity Across Borders (Montreal)
April 13, 2006.
http://www.solidarityacrossborders.org
sansfrontieres at resist.ca * 514-859-9023
::::::::::
A nuestras hermanas y hermanos en lucha --
Les escribimos como miembros de Solidaridad sin fronteras, una red de
inmigrantes y refugiados basada en Montreal.
Estamos escribiendo para endosar su llamada a la acción del 1 de Mayo
("Un día sin inmigrantes: ¡Ni trabajo, ni escuela, ni venta, ni
compra!").
Sus movilizaciones populares en la defensa de los derechos de los
"ilegales" y de todo inmigrante nos inspiran.
Afirmamos que no existe tal cosa como inmigrantes "ilegales",
solamente existen leyes injustas y gobiernos ilegítimos.
Este último junio del 2005, marchamos durante una semana desde
Montreal hasta Ottawa (la capital nacional) para exigir la
regularización de todos los sin-papeles; el fin de las deportaciones y
las detenciones de los inmigrantes; y la abolición de los certificados
de seguridad.
Continuamos movilizando, y sus acciones en los EE.UU. nos inspiran, y
dan ímpetu a nuestra propia lucha.
Este 29 de abril marcharemos en las demostraciones locales del Mayday.
Seremos parte de un contingente que exige la regularización de todos
los sin-papeles, así como el fin de las deportaciones. También, este
27 de mayo, estamos organizando un día nacional de acción con aliados
en Toronto y Vancouver exigiendo ¡Papeles para todos! Consideren ambas
acciones como un gesto de solidaridad con sus movilizaciones.
Les deseamos todo lo mejor. Su lucha es nuestra lucha.
En solidaridad,
Los miembros de Solidaridad sin fronteras (Montreal)
13 de abril, 2006.
www.solidarityacrossborders.org
sansfrontieres at resist.ca * 514-859-9023
==========
(((((16)))))
Le jeudi 20 avr 2006
IMMIGRANTS ILLÉGAUX
Des militants montréalais demandent une amnistie
Laura-Julie Perreault
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20060420/CPACTUALITES/604200790/5077/CPACTUALITES
Encouragés par la mobilisation massive aux États-Unis en faveur d'une
amnistie pour les immigrants illégaux, des organismes montréalais
veulent ouvrir le débat au Canada: ils demandent au gouvernement
d'accorder la résidence permanente aux quelque 150 000 sans-papiers
qui vivent présentement au pays.
Rassemblés sous la bannière de Solidarité sans frontières, une dizaine
d'organismes qui oeuvrent auprès des immigrants à Montréal demandent
au ministre de l'Immigration, Monte Solberg, de mettre sur pied un
programme de régularisation qui permettrait à tous les sans-papiers se
trouvant au Canada d'accéder à un statut légal.
Il n'existe pas d'évaluation exacte du nombre de sans-papiers sur le
territoire canadien, mais les experts s'entendent pour dire qu'ils
sont entre 120 000 et 150 000. Certains sont issus de l'immigration
clandestine, mais la plupart sont restés au Canada après l'échéance
d'un visa ou après un refus d'Immigration Canada.
«Être sans statut, ce n'est écrit sur le front de personne, mais c'est
une situation de stress constant pour ceux qui la vivent», a témoigné
hier Smail Behlouli. Ce demandeur d'asile débouté a vécu neuf ans dans
l'incertitude avant que le gouvernement canadien ne mette sur pied, en
2002, une procédure spéciale de régularisation pour les sans-statut
algériens.
Ottawa ne veut pas d'amnistie
Les membres de Solidarité sans frontières savent déjà que leur demande
ne sera pas accueillie avec enthousiasme à Ottawa. Le nouveau ministre
a déjà rejeté l'idée d'une amnistie, arguant qu'une telle procédure
n'est pas équitable pour les immigrants qui respectent les lois
d'immigration et qui doivent attendre en ligne. Le ministre considère
cependant élargir le programme de travailleurs saisonniers.
«Pourquoi faire venir de la main-d'oeuvre d'ailleurs quand il y en a
déjà ici?» a demandé hier Marcia Rivero, du Centre d'appui pour les
travailleurs agricoles migrants, lors d'une conférence de presse qui a
eu lieu au centre-ville de Montréal. «Contrairement à ce que le
gouvernement dit, ce n'est pas aider le développement du Mexique de
faire venir des travailleurs, de les exploiter et de les retourner
chez eux quand nous n'avons plus besoin d'eux», déplore la jeune
femme.
Ce n'est pas la première fois que Solidarité sans frontière porte son
projet de régularisation à Ottawa. Selon le militant Jaggi Singh,
toutefois, le vent de mobilisation qui souffle aux États-Unis en
faveur d'une amnistie pour les 11 millions d'immigrants illégaux ne
peut que pousser la mobilisation canadienne dans la bonne direction.
Alors qu'un Canadien sur quatre est né à l'extérieur du pays, Jaggi
Singh est convaincu qu'il y a au Canada, comme aux États-Unis, un
immense bassin de population favorable à une amnistie. Une marche qui
aura lieu le 27 mai à Vancouver, Toronto et Montréal, en faveur de la
régularisation, permettra de mettre cette mobilisation à l'épreuve.
Jaggi Singh ne s'attend pas à voir, comme aux États-Unis, des milliers
de sans-statut descendre dans les rues des grandes villes du Canada.
«Aux États-Unis, un projet de loi veut faire des criminels des
immigrants illégaux. Ils n'ont plus rien à perdre, souligne-t-il. Mais
ici aussi, nous voulons briser le silence.»
==========
(((((17)))))
http://www.ledevoir.com/2006/04/20/107160.html
Manifestation le 27 mai - Sortir les sans-papiers de l'ombre
Une coalition réclame la régularisation des immigrants sans statut
Clairandrée Cauchy
Édition du jeudi 20 avril 2006
Mots clés : Québec (province), sans-papiers, immigrants sans statut,
manifestation le 27 mai
Alors que des manifestations de Latino-Américains secouent les
États-Unis et que des politiciens américains jonglent avec l'idée
d'une amnistie, le nouveau ministre canadien de l'Immigration, Monte
Solberg, a fermé la porte à une telle avenue dans une lettre ouverte
publiée lundi dans le Toronto Star. Qu'à cela ne tienne: des
sans-statut vivant au Canada imiteront leurs confrères américains le
27 mai.
http://www.ledevoir.com/2006/04/20/107160.html
==========
(((((18)))))
:::::
Arrêtez les Déportations!
Statut pour tous et toutes!
Samedi 27 Mai 2006
Journée Nationale d'Action
(Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal ...)
:::::
A travers le Canada, des migrant-e-s, des réfugié-e-s et leurs
allié-e-s vont manifester contre la déportation et la détention de
migrant-e-s et de réfugié-e-s, and pour un programme de régularisation
totale, inclusive, inconditionnelle et continue, ce qui signifie
STATUT POUR TOUTES ET TOUS!!
Nous appuyant les efforts continus de la part des communautés
migrantes à travers le Canada, nous manifestons car des centaines de
milliers de personnes vivent sans statut, tandis que des centaines de
milliers d'autres sont exploités par la politique raciste et
arbitraire d'Immigration Canada. Des milliers de migrant-e-s sont
obligés de vivre dans la pauvreté, privés de l'accès minimal aux soins
de santé ou à l'éducation, et dans la peur terrible d'être emprisonnés
ou déportés, tout en étant les plus exploités du marché du travail.
Nous manifestons dans le cadre de la lutte pour l'autodétermination
des migrant-e-s, des immigrant-e-s et des réfugié-e-s, avec le soutien
de nos allié-e-s.
Soyez des nôtres le 27 mai, à Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal et
ailleurs. Nous refusons d'être invisibles; nous refusons de vivre dans
la peur. Nous exigeons le STATUT POUR TOUTES ET TOUS!
----
A VANCOUVER --> Plus de détails seront confirmés dans les semaines qui
viennent. La manif sera organisé par la Coalition STATUS ("Standing
through action towards unity and solidarity") de Vancouver. Pour plus
d'information, ou pour vous impliquer, appeler le 778-885-0040 ou
saic at resist.ca
A TORONTO --> La Marche Statut pour Toutes et Tous! commencera à 1pm à
O.I.S.E. (252 Bloor Street West à la station de métro St. George).
Nous marcherons à travers la ville et nous finirons avec un festival
communautaire. Pour plus d'information ou pour vous impliquer,
contacter nooneisillegal at riseup.net; http://toronto.nooneisillegal.org
A MONTREAL --> La Marche Statut pour Toutes et Tous! commencera à MIDI
au Square Phillips (au coin de Ste-Catherine et Union, métro McGill)
et traversera le centre-ville, montera au Plateau et dans le Mile End,
puis montera jusqu'à Parc Extension et Côte-des-Neiges pour un
pique-nique communautaire à Parc Kent. Pour plus d'information ou
pour vous impliquer, contacter le 514-859-9023, ou bien
sansfrontieres at resist.ca; www.solidarityacrossborders.org
-----
-> Pour soutenir la Journée Nationale d'Action STATUT POUR TOUTES ET
TOUS (27 mai 2006), envoyer un e-mail à : sansfrontieres at resist.ca
-> Si vous organisez une action ou une manifestation dans votre
communauté local, contactez-nous à : sansfrontieres at resist.ca
PAS DE FRONTIERES, PAS DE NATIONS, ARRETONS LES DEPORTATIONS!
JUSTICE ET DIGNITE POUR TOUS LES MIGRANT-E-S ET LES REFUGIE-E-S!
==========
(((((19)))))
For Immediate Release - To all News Editors
Montreal immigrant rights group demands an "amnesty" for all "illegals"
Solidarity Across Borders to put forward proposal for the
regularization of all non-status immigrants in Canada
:::::
Press Conference: WEDNESDAY, April 19, 2006 - 10am
1500 de Maisonneuve West, suite #204
CONTACT: 514-848-7583 or sansfrontieres at resist.ca
http://www.solidarityacrossborders.org
:::::
Speakers to include representatives of the Migrant Agricultural
Workers Support Center of Quebec; the Immigrant Workers Center; PINAY
(Filipino Women's Organization in Quebec); the Action Committee of
Non-Status Algerians; Solidarity Across Borders and others.
---
Montreal-area non-status migrants and allies - active with the
Solidarity Across Borders immigrant rights network - will re-iterate
their demand for a full, inclusive and ongoing regularization of all
non-status persons in Canada, in response to recent comments by
Immigration Minister Monte Solberg.
In the face of continued removals and increased enforcement, local
immigrant and refugee rights groups will speak out against the
deportation and detention of migrants. Recently, long-time migrant
workers in Toronto were deported in planes to Portugal. Meanwhile, in
Longueuil, Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officials entered a
bus to check the identity of employees at a chicken factory, detaining
two non-status workers. Last week, two Montreal children lost their
school year when their family was removed, despite pleas to postpone
their deportation until the end of June. Meanwhile, at least seven
individuals and families remain in church sanctuaries -- in Vancouver,
Toronto, Ottawa and Newfoundland -- as well as here in Montreal.
Currently, there are between 200,000 to 500,000 "illegals" living in
Canada, with at least 40,000 in the Montreal-area. There are thousands
more who are part of exploitive temporary work programs, such as the
Seasonal Agricultural Work Program, without any chance of full status
in Canada.
In the United States, historic demonstrations are calling for a full
amnesty for "illegals". Solidarity Across Borders will be detailing
its own regularization program, as well as announcing the "Status for
All" National Day of Action that will take place this coming May 27 in
Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal (the Montreal protest will gather at
noon at Phillips Square - Ste-Catherine and Union - and march to Parc
Extension and Cote-des-Neiges to end with a community picnic).
-30-
==========
(((((20)))))
:::::
Stop the Deportations!
STATUS FOR ALL!
Saturday, May 27, 2006
National Day of Action
(Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal ...)
:::::
Across Canada, migrants, refugees and their allies will demonstrate
against the deportation and detention of migrants and refugees, and
for a full, inclusive, unconditional and ongoing regularization
program, meaning STATUS FOR ALL!
Building on ongoing organizing efforts led by migrant communities
across the Canadian state, we are demonstrating because hundreds of
thousands of people live without status, while hundreds of thousands
more are exploited by the arbitrary and racist policies of Immigration
Canada. Thousands of migrants are forced to live in poverty, without
sufficient access to health care or education, and in great fear of
being detained or deported, all the while being the most exploited in
the workplace.
We are demonstrating as part of a struggle for self-determination as
migrants, immigrants and refugees, supported by our allies.
Join us on May 27, in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and elsewhere. We
refuse to be invisible; we refuse to live in fear. We demand STATUS
FOR ALL!
-----
IN VANCOUVER --> Action to be organized by the STATUS (Standing
through action towards unity and solidarity!) Coalition. For more
information, or to get involved, please phone 778-885-0040 or e-mail
saic at resist.ca
IN TORONTO --> The Status for All! March will meet at 1pm at O.I.S.E.
(252 Bloor Street West at the St. George subway station). We will
march through the city and end with a community festival. For more
information or to get involved, contact nooneisillegal at riseup.net;
http://toronto.nooneisillegal.org
IN MONTREAL --> The Status for All! March will gather at NOON at
Phillips Square (corner of Ste-Catherine and Union, metro McGill) and
march thru downtown, up into the Plateau and Mile-End, north to Parc
Extension and into Cote-des-Neiges for a community picnic at Kent
Park. For more information or to get involved, contact: 514-859-9023,
sansfrontieres at resist.ca; www.solidarityacrossborders.org
-----
-> To endorse the STATUS FOR ALL National Day of Action (May 27,
2006), please e-mail: sansfrontieres at resist.ca
-> If you are organizing an action or demonstration in your local
community, please get in touch with details: sansfrontieres at resist.ca
NO BORDERS, NO NATIONS, STOP THE DEPORTATIONS!
JUSTICE AND DIGNITY FOR ALL MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES!
==========
(((((21)))))
Abdelkader Belaouni présente une nouvelle demande parrainée par cinq individus
http://www.soutienpourkader.net
Montréal, 25 avril 2006. Abdelkader Belaouni et son Comité de soutien
proposent une solution au Ministre de la Citoyenneté et de
l'Immigration afin de résoudre sa situation, alors qu'il cumule plus
de quatre mois en sanctuaire à l'église St-Gabriel de Pointe
St-Charles. Une nouvelle demande de résidence pour motifs humanitaires
vient d'être déposée et apporte de nouveaux éléments pour l'évaluation
du dossier. De plus, cinq citoyens canadiens acceptent de le
parrainer, démontrant qu'il dispose d'un support économique.
M.Belaouni et son Comité de soutien demandent au Ministre Solberg de
permettre que soit étudiée cette solution le plus rapidement possible
afin qu'il puisse régulariser sa situation. Elle répond aux motifs de
refus exprimées par le ministère de la Citoyenneté et de l'Immigration
lors de l'évaluation de la première demande de résidence de M.Belaouni
à la fin 2005, c'est-à-dire, manque d'intégration en emploi et absence
d'un soutien familial au Canada.
Le nouveau dossier fait état des multiples obstacles auxquels
M.Belaouni a fait face dans son intégration en emploi au Canada, du
fait qu'il a des limitations fonctionnelles. Il montre aussi les
moyens qu'il a mis en oeuvre pour améliorer ses possibilités d'emploi
et le potentiel qu'il a de s'intégrer en emploi (bénévolat, cours
d'orientation pour non voyants).
Selon la Ligue des droits et libertés, ne pas tenir compte des
obstacles structurels face à l'emploi de M.Belaouni dans le cadre de
l'évaluation de sa demande de résidence aurait pour effet de lui faire
subir de la discrimination et ne serait pas conforme à la Charte
canadienne des droits et libertés. De plus, cette évaluation doit
aussi reconnaître les obstacles à l'accès à des programmes de
formation que M.Belaouni a rencontré tout comme le fait un rapport du
gouvernement canadien à l'égard des personnes handicapées dans les
termes suivants: « Pour participer pleinement au marché du travail,
les personnes handicapées doivent disposer des outils nécessaires à
leur réussite - en l'occurrence, un accès à la formation, à
l'apprentissage et au perfectionnement en milieu de travail ».Or,
M.Belaouni a tenté à plusieurs reprises de participer à des programmes
de formation et à des stages d'emploi avec Emploi-Québec, mais comme
il n'avait pas le statut de résident canadien, il n'y avait pas droit.
Parrainage
En ce qui a trait au support familial, le parrainage des cinq
individus répond à cette préoccupation puisque ceux-ci s'engagent
formellement à jouer ce rôle de facto en soutenant économiquement
M.Belaouni. Les cinq parrains de M.Belaouni sont: le Père James
McDonald, prêtre à l'église St-Gabriel; Ian Ilavsky, co-fondateur de
Constellation Records; Pierre Dongier, médecin; Marc Champagne, ami de
Kader et résident du quartier Pointe St-Charles ainsi que Guylaine
Racine, professeur à l'école de travail social de l'Université de
Montréal.
La nouvelle demande de résidence de Abdelkader Belaouni est aussi
soutenue par des dizaines d'organismes, dont la Ligue des droits et
libertés et un grand nombre dans le quartier Pointe St-Charles, où il
a habité et trouvé sanctuaire. Le Comité d'appui à Abdelkader Belaouni
a écrit au Ministre Solberg à plusieurs reprises, lui a téléphoné et
s'est même rendu à Ottawa sans jamais recevoir de réponse de sa part.
Il constate tout de même que le Ministre peut répondre rapidement
lorsqu'il le veut, comme cela a pu être fait pour une famille belge en
Ontario.
Les quatre longs mois en sanctuaire de M.Belaouni, alors que sa vie
est en suspens, constituent une épreuve très difficile qui a un impact
sur sa santé déjà fragile, alors qu'il souffre du diabète. M.Belaouni,
son Comité, la Ligue des droits et libertés ainsi que ses parrains et
les nombreux organismes qui l'appuient espèrent que le Ministre
Solberg saura faire preuve de compassion et accepter la solution
proposée pour qu'il puisse continuer à vivre au Canada et contribuer
à la société.
-30-
Comité de soutien de Abdelkader Belaouni, Tél: 514-222-0205
Ligue des droits et libertés, Tél.: 514-849-7717
==========
(((((22)))))
Abdelkader Belaouni launches a new appeal sponsored by five individuals
http://www.soutienpourkader.net
Montreal, April 25, 2006 -- Abdelkader Belaouni and his support
committee are offering the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration a
solution to Mr. Belaouni's situation, which has dragged on since Mr.
Belaouni took sanctuary in St. Gabriel's Church in Point St. Charles
almost four months ago. A new application for permanent resident
status on humanitarian and compassionate grounds has just been
submitted, offering new elements for the evaluation of the claim. In
addition, five Canadian citizens have come forward to sponsor Mr.
Belaouni, guaranteeing his economic support.
Mr. Belaouni and his support committee are asking that Minister
Solberg consider this solution as soon as possible in order to
regularize Mr. Belaouni's situation. The solution responds to the
grounds on which Citizenship and Immigration Canada refused Mr.
Belaouni's first application for residency in 2005; that is, lack of
integration in employment and the absence of family support in Canada.
The new file details the multiple obstacles that Mr. Belaouni faced
while trying to find employment in Canada, due to physical handicaps.
It also shows the efforts he made to improve his employment prospects
and the potential he has to integrate into the job market (volunteer
experience and orientation courses for the blind).
According to the Ligue des droits et libertés (Quebec Civil Liberties
Union), the failure to consider the structural barriers that Mr.
Belaouni faces in finding employment in his claim for residency
amounts to discrimination, and is a violation of the Canadian Charter
of Rights and Freedoms. Furthermore, the barriers to access to
training programs that Mr. Belaouni experienced must also be taken
into account, as summarized in a Canadian government report : "To
participate fully in the job market, handicapped people must have
access to the necessary tools for their success ? such as access to
training, apprenticeship, and upgrade programmes in the workplace."
However, Belaouni attempted many times to participate in job training
and internship programs with Emploi-Québec, but, because he didn't
have Canadian residency status, he was not eligible.
Sponsorship
The sponsorship responds to the concern about family support. Five
individuals have formally committed to take on the de facto role of
family by lending their economic support to Belaouni. Mr. Belaouni's
five sponsors are: Father James Macdonald, a priest at St-Gabriel's
church; Ian Ilavsky, the co-founder of Constellation Records; Pierre
Dongier, a medical doctor; Marc Champagne, a friend of Belaouni's and
a Point St-Charles resident; and Guylaine Racine, a professor in the
school of social work at the University of Montreal.
Abdelkader Belaouni's application for residency is supported by over
50 organizations, including the Ligue des droits et libertés, Amnesty
International, and a large number of groups from the Point St-Charles
neighborhood, where Mr. Belaouni was living and found sanctuary. The
support committee for Abdelkader Belaouni has written letters to
Minister Solberg on several occasions, telephoned him, and even
traveled to Ottawa without receiving a response from him. The support
committee is aware that the Minister is able to respond rapidly, as he
has done so in the case of a Belgian farming family in Ontario who
refused deportation with the support of their local farming
association.
Belaouni's four long months in sanctuary, with his life in suspension,
has been difficult and has already had health consequences since he
suffers from diabetes. Abdelkader Belaouni, his support committee, the
Ligue des droits et libertes, as well as his sponsors and the many
organizations that support him hope that Minister Solberg will show
humanity and accept the solution proposed so that Abdelkader Belaouni
can live in dignity in Canada and contribute meaningfully to society.
-30-
The Committee to Support Abdelkader Belaouni, tel : 514-222-0205
Ligue des droits et libertés, tel. : 514-849-7717
==========
(((((23)))))
The Halifax Coalition Against Poverty (HCAP) will visit the
Citizenship and Immigration Canada Office in Halifax on May 1st to
show our support for the Portnoy family who has been living in
sanctuary in Marystown, Newfoundland since October, 2005.
The Portnoy Family, a family of 6, has lived in Canada for over 5
years and is now facing deportation. The family took sanctuary in a
church in Marystown Newfoundland in October 2005 - Angela Portnoy,
mother, and her 4 children remain in the church while Alexi Portnoy,
father, was picked up and deported in January. Angela is 6 months
pregnant, and has been denied access to the medical care that she
requires. 2 of the children have serious health issues and are
dependant on the care they receive in Canada. The Portnoys are to be
deported to Israel, their transitional home, where they cannot access
the needed medical services. There is no possibility of returning to
their home country, the Republic of Moldova, due to the political
situation there.
HCAP demands that:
* The Portnoy Family be immediately granted full Canadian status,
and Alexi Portnoy, the father, be allowed to return to Canada with
full status. Reunite this family!
* A stay on the deportation order be issued for the entire family
(so they can return to their regular lives while their application is
processed)
* The family's application for status be fast tracked
* Angela Portnoy, the mother, be given immediate access to a
hospital and any other medical care she requires
ON MAY 1st: Call/Fax/Email the Immigration Minister and the Director
of Operations at the Halifax C.I.C. Office in support of the Portnoy
Family:
Director of Operations, Halifax Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Office: Ron Heisler (or Mary-Lou Parsons - Acting Director)
(902) 426-3154
Fax: 426-4241
Email: Ron.Heisler at cic.gc.ca
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration: Monte Solberg (613) 992-4516
Fax: (613) 992-6181
Email: Solberg.M at parl.gc.ca
When you call, please:
- State the name of the family
- Explain that this is an urgent situation and it needs to be
addressed immediately
- Express your support for the demands listed above
:::
SAMPLE FAX/EMAIL
*Please cc: hcap at riseup.net on all emails*
Dear ________,
Angela Portnoy and her 4 young children have been living in sanctuary
in a church in Marystown Newfoundland since October, 2005. The family
took sanctuary as a last resort to stay in Canada, where they need to
be for a number of reasons.
I feel that this deportation of a family well-established in
Newfoundland is inhumane. This family needs to stay in Canada to
maintain the health of the children, 2 of whom have serious medical
disorders.
Angela Portnoy is 6 months pregnant. She needs to access medical care
for her own and her unborn child?s health and safety. To do this she
needs permission to leave the church without fear of being deported.
I ask that you use your powers to ensure that:
* The Portnoy Family is immediately granted full Canadian status, and
Alexi Portnoy is allowed to return to Canada with full status.
Reunite this family!
* A stay on the deportation order is issued for the entire family
* The family's application is fast tracked
* Angela Portnoy be given immediate access to a hospital and any other
medical care she requires
Sincerely,
Your Name
:::
Angela Portnoy and her 4 young children have been living in sanctuary
in a church in Marystown Newfoundland since October, 2005. The family
took sanctuary as a last resort to stay in Canada after they had been
issued a deportation order back to Israel, their transitional home
between the Republic of Moldova and Canada.
The Portnoy Family needs to stay in Canada to maintain the health of
the children. Anna-Maria, age 5, has cystic fibrosis - a very serious
medical condition that reduces her life expectancy. Anna-Maria has
flourished with the medical care she has received in Canada and needs
to access this care to survive. Mark has an expressive disorder.
Speech pathologists have determined that he has adopted English as his
native tongue, and that his disorder needs to be treated in English.
He would have great difficulties in a country where Hebrew is spoken,
and his quality of life would be severely diminshed. Deporting this
family would certainly cause extreme hardship on the children and
their parents.
Angela Portnoy is 6 months pregnant. She needs to access medical care
for her own and her unborn child's health and safety. This request
has been repeatedly denied by Canadian Border Services Agency.
After being detained in December, Alexi Portnoy (father and husband)
was deported to Israel in January, 2006. The family's separation has
caused extreme grief and hardship on Angela and her children.
For more information, go to www.supporttheportnoyfamily.ca or contact
Keli at 902-444-5060
==========
(((((24)))))
Latvian man marks a year in sanctuary
Last Updated: Apr 25 2006 08:01 AM NDT
http://www.cbc.ca/nl/story/nf-sanctuary-year-20060425.html
Supporters of a man who has spent the last year living in sanctuary in
a St. John's church say they are frustrated with what they call slow
movement by the federal government.
Alexi Kolosov marked a full year Tuesday since he sought sanctuary in
the West End Baptist Church.
Kolosov, who is facing deportation to Latvia unless he can convince
the federal government to have a second look at his case, has won
support not only from the church's congregation but from numerous
people in the community.
Supporters say Kolosov was given terrible representation by an
immigration consultant, who has since vanished with his clients'
money.
Kolosov, who has grandchildren living in Newfoundland, struggles to
find words to describe the past year.
"Every day I wait," he said. "I don't know what will be my future."
Rev. Gordon Sutherland said there has there has never been a shortage
of food or support from the community.
"Alexi has had no problem with the law," Sutherland said.
"He's been a good worker and he wants to stay here for his grandchildren."
Kolosov's son was deported in December, although that man's children
still live in the province.
Sutherland and other supporters have been trying to persuade federal
immigration officials to review Kolosov's case.
So far, their appeal has not been heard.
Sutherland says the supporters are frustrated that immigration
officials have refused to even contact the church in more than eight
months.
"It's as if they said, 'We've made up our mind, it's now up to you to
turn him over and let us deport him.' We think that would be unjust,
unfair and lacking any compassion that Canada's known for."
Kolosov's supporters are starting an e-mail campaign to lobby the
federal government.
Federal Immigration Minister Monte Solberg and Newfoundland and
Labrador's cabinet representative, Loyola Hearn, were not available to
comment.
Under Canadian law, church sanctuary provides no legal protection for
would-be immigrants. However, authorities have not yet taken action
against claimants seeking protection within church walls.
In January, authorities deported claimant Alexi Portnoy to Israel,
after he sought sanctuary in a Roman Catholic church in Marystown.
In that case, however, Portnoy was apprehended by authorities after
police detained him for a speeding violation. He had left the church
to help a friend collect clothes for a charity drive.
==========
(((((25)))))
Gitmo North' opens at Millhaven
The Whig-Standard
Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 07:00
http://www.thewhig.com/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=28851&catname=Local+News&classif=News+%2D+Local
Local News - A high-security prison for foreign terrorism suspects
opened without warning at Millhaven yesterday morning.
Four men being held on suspicion of terrorism were moved without
notice into the newly-constructed $3.2-million facility that is on the
grounds of, but physically separate from, the prison.
It is operated by the federal Canada Border Services Agency and has
already been dubbed "Guantanamo North" by protesters, who compare it
to the American camp in Cuba where suspected terrorists are held
without charge based on largely-secret evidence against them
"The transfer has been completed for the four," Cara Prest, a
spokeswoman for the agency said late Monday, having earlier refused to
confirm the move, citing security concerns.
One of the new occupants of the Kingston Immigration Holding Centre is
Mohamed Harkat, who was whisked out of the Ottawa-Carleton Detention
Centre by a heavily-armed RCMP tactical squad yesterday morning and
flown to Kingston.
His wife, Sophie Harkat, knew that his transfer was coming, but did
not know it was underway until another inmate at the Ottawa jail
called her yesterday morning.
"Today was one of the worst days I've had, it's been very stressful,"
she said last night.
"I felt like my husband was a secret detainee being flown somewhere."
She is convinced of her husband's innocence and runs a group aimed at
freeing him.
"They didn't allow him a phone call. They didn't allow him a chance to
say goodbye," she said.
"They just grabbed him."
The other three inmates are from the Toronto area.
They are Mohamed Harkat, an Algerian national, Hassan Almrei, a
Syrian, Mohamed Mahjoub and Mahmoud Jaballah, both Egyptian.
Along with Moroccan-born Adil Charkaoui who is now out on bail in
Montreal the men were arrested in Canada on suspicion of having ties
to international terrorist groups.
The Canadian government is trying to deport all five to their
homelands, employing a rare procedure called a national security
certificate that allows them to be held without charge in
administrative detention while all evidence is reviewed behind closed
doors by a Federal Court judge.
The four suspects are fighting expulsion on the grounds that they will
be tortured, imprisoned or executed if they return to their countries
of origin. They are also challenging the legality of their
confinement.
All five are free to leave Canada if they wish at any time, but until
Monday, the men were housed in provincial jails.
Prest said the Millhaven facility was built to better meet the needs
of the special prisoners, whose detention is governed by different
laws than those of regular inmates.
"The facility is going to be better suited for them to meet with their
families, have better access to writing materials, reading materials,
exercise, health and dental services and religious observance," she
said.
The prisoners will wear green T-shirts and beige jackets to
distinguish them from federal inmates and Harkat said an agency
official has told them the men will be guaranteed an hour of free
telephone calls each day.
Harkat is fighting deportation and waiting for the Federal Court to
rule on a second bail hearing.
He is also waiting for the Supreme Court to ruling on the
constitutionality of the certificate hearings.
==========
(((((26)))))
Free Speech Radio News - Feature Story
Report on the People's Commission on Immigration "Security" Measures
The immigration debate is heating up in Canada as the People's Commission
on Immigration Security Measures gets underway this weekend in Montreal,
which features a series of public hearings where immigrants, indigenous
people, activists, scholars, and community leaders will testify on the
impacts of Canada.s national security policies. FSRN's Aaron Lakoff has
more from Montreal.
-->To download or listen to this 4-minute radio feature, visit:
http://radio.indymedia.org/news/2006/04/9448.php
For more information:
www.peoplescommission.ath.cx
www.solidarityacrossborders.org
==========
(((((27)))))
Activist fights to stay in Canada
Palestinian group political, not terrorists, he says
Refugee raised family, lived here for two decades
Apr. 20, 2006. 01:00 AM
TABASSUM SIDDIQUI
STAFF REPORTER
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1145483415700&call_pageid=970599119419
Supporters of a local Palestinian activist are protesting a
deportation order issued by Canadian authorities that calls for his
imminent expulsion from the country.
Issam Al Yamani, head of the Mississauga-based Palestine House, has
been fighting to stay in the country for 13 years. He has lived and
raised a family in Canada for the past 21 years.
He is scheduled to appear before an expulsions officer today at the
Canada Border Services Agency's Greater Toronto Enforcement Centre.
Flanked by supporters, including Tarek Fatah of the Muslim Canadian
Congress and Queen's University law professor Sharryn J. Aiken, Al
Yamani held a press conference yesterday at the Toronto office of
lawyer Barbara Jackman, who has represented him since the case began
winding through the courts in 1993.
"I'm very sad by the decision of the Canadian government, not because
of the question of deportation, but this is a desecration of the
democratic process," Al Yamani said.
The latest deportation order is the most recent development in a long
legal battle between the federal government and Al Yamani, who was a
refugee in Lebanon before immigrating to Canada in 1985.
Al Yamani, a 50-year-old father of two who lives in Mississauga, says
his troubles began when he applied for Canadian citizenship in 1988.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) refused to clear him
due to his previous affiliation with the Popular Front for the
Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a group co-founded by Al Yamani's
father that was known for terrorist attacks in the 1970s. Under
legislation brought in after 9/11, even previous membership of a
suspected terrorist group is illegal.
Al Yamani said he severed ties with the political wing of the PLFP in 1991.
"If they have any evidence that Issam Al Yamani was involved in any
violent activities, I'm willing to make myself deported," Al Yamani
said, calling the PFLP "a national liberation movement."
The immigration department and CSIS allege Al Yamani is part of a
North American network of PFLP operatives and has channelled hundreds
of thousands of dollars to groups in the occupied territories, some of
which have connections to the PFLP.
It could take months before a final decision is made, but if Al Yamani
is deported, questions remain as to where he would be sent as a
refugee, Al Yamani is essentially stateless. Jackman said she will
appeal the order.
==========
(((((28)))))
Immigration raid snares 12 workers
Leamington agribusiness probed
Sharon Hill
Windsor Star
Saturday, April 22, 2006
LEAMINGTON - The Canada Border Services Agency is investigating a
Leamington agribusiness after 12 people were arrested in an
immigration enforcement raid.
"The people that were part of this investigation were found to not be
possessing valid work permits," agency spokeswoman Andrea Kent said
this week.
The agency's immigration enforcement, with the help of the RCMP and
the OPP, went to a Leamington "agricultural business" the morning of
April 12, she said. The extra police presence is not uncommon, she
said, when properties are large or there are many employees.
Kent would not name the business or say whether it was a greenhouse or
another type of farm. She would not say if the business was charged.
"It's part of the investigation. It's open, ongoing."
EIGHT DETAINED
The agency arrested 14 foreign nationals for violating the Immigration
Refugee Protection Act but released two after they showed they had
permanent resident documents, she said.
Eight people have been detained and four have been released on bonds
and terms and conditions, she said.
The arrests didn't surprise Stan Raper, the national co-ordinator of
the United Food and Commercial Workers Union's agricultural worker
program.
"We know that there are undocumented workers in the Leamington and
greater Essex-Kent areas," he said Friday. "They are not only Mexican
workers but we have noticed a huge increase in Vietnamese and Asian
workers in the area."
Raper said it's difficult to gauge how many illegal workers may be on
local farms. "This is kind of the first big raid story I've heard in
the Leamington area."
It is probably easier for undocumented workers to get a job in
agriculture in rural Ontario because they toil in areas with many
legal foreign workers and they work long hours in isolated places, he
said. It would be easy to see officials or police cars coming down the
road.
"When officials do go to these operations, it's very easy for them
(undocumented workers) to disappear quickly whether it's just outside
the operation or hiding inside the operation," he said.
Raper said Canada's immigration policies don't deal with employers'
needs for blue-collar workers.
"Employers are prepared to gamble and take on undocumented workers
because they can't find anyone else."
The Canada Border Services Agency wouldn't release details on the
workers, such as what countries they came from or how they got into
Canada.
Alberto Acosta, the head of the Consular Agency of Mexico in downtown
Leamington, said four of the people detained were from Mexico. Acosta
said a hearing was held Tuesday and three of the men have to return to
Mexico. He said they are in the Windsor jail waiting for
transportation to Toronto before they fly back to Mexico. He said one
man is requesting to remain in Canada.
Acosta said any time employers use illegal migrant workers, someone in
Mexico is losing out on an opportunity to work in the Seasonal
Agricultural Workers Program.
John Wright, the chief liaison officer in the Toronto Jamaican
consulate, said some workers wait two to three years to get a spot in
that program.
Officials at the Jamaican liaison offices in Leamington and Toronto
said they had not been contacted after the arrests. Wright said it is
"quite unlikely" that any of the Jamaican workers would be illegal.
Leamington and Kingsville, which is home to the largest concentration
of greenhouses in North America, had 2,372 workers from Mexico and 589
workers from Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, who came to the
area in 1994 to work on farms through the program.
1966 AGREEMENT
It dates back to a 1966 agreement between Canada and Jamaica that
supplies foreign workers when farms can't find Canadian workers. The
workers are allowed to stay in Canada for up to eight months a year
and many of the men have been coming to the same farm for years to
earn money for their families.
That program is part of a larger foreign worker program that allows
employers to request foreign workers through Human Resources and
Social Development Canada.
Jorge Aceytuno, the HRSDC's team leader for the foreign workers
program, said those workers would be allowed to stay up to a year.
Employers pay for airfare to and from Canada in both programs.
Aceytuno said there is no financial advantage for an employer to
request an employee under one program or another. Seasonal
agricultural workers get their accommodations free but have to pay
back part of the plane tickets while other foreign workers get their
return airfare paid completely but don't live on the farms, he said.
Agricultural workers who are paid by the hour can make a minimum of
$8.30 an hour, he said.
Aceytuno said it's rare for legal workers to overstay their work
permits. He said there is a lot of incentive to follow the rules, such
as being allowed to come back next year.
Workers must have a valid work permit that lists the employer and
conditions such as length of stay. It's up to employers to make sure
the workers have permits.
Outside of an employer asking for a foreign worker, the only other
foreign nationals who should be legally employed at farms would be
those with an open work permit. Those permits are available to people
who are in the process of becoming permanent residents, said Rejean
Cantlon, spokesman for Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
==========
(((((29)))))
Immigration Crackdown: 1,200 Undocumented Workers Detained Across U.S.
Friday, April 21st, 2006
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/04/21/132239
In what is being called one of the largest immigration crackdowns in
recent U.S. history, 1200 undocumented workers from 26 different
states were rounded up and detained late Wednesday. We take a look at
the unprecedented immigration raids and the ongoing struggle for
immigrant rights. [includes rush transcript]
We look at the ongoing struggle around immigration rights in this
country. On Wednesday evening, immigration authorities rounded up
almost 1,200 undocumented immigrants in 26 states in what law
enforcement officials say was the culmination of a year-long criminal
investigation. The authorities raided the offices and plants of the
company IFCO Systems North America which is based in Houston, Texas
and makes wooden pallets and crates. Among those arrested were seven
current and former managers who were charged with conspiracy to
transport, harbor and encourage illegal immigrants to reside in the
United States for commercial and financial gain. The managers face up
to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each undocumented
worker. Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff made the announcement
of the arrests yesterday morning.
INTERVIEW: Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security speaking
April 20, 2006.
The arrests come on the heels of the massive rallies in support of
immigration rights that have taken place in the last month. The
rallies are a response to proposed federal legislation that would turn
millions of undocumented immigrants into criminals and would fence off
sections of the U.S border with Mexico. In Chicago, which held some of
the earliest protests, it is estimated that up to 60 people were
arrested last night in the raids and were held at the Broadview
Detention Facility on the city's Southwest Side.
INTERVIEW: Jorge Mujica, one of the lead organizers for the March 10
protest in Chicago that drew up to 300,000 people. A former journalist
and union organizer, Mujica has worked for La Raza, Univision, and
Telemundo, and has been involved in union organizing in both the US
and in Mexico.
==========
(((((30)))))
U.S. border watchdogs look north
Against 'illegals'. Grandmother, 73, is proud member
JAMES GORDON
CanWest News Service
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=4d8300d5-8666-4e94-9a1b-7d67fb0aafa2&k=18457
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Joan Isgro-Grant looks like a typical grandmother.
Age 73, she works part time as a real estate agent and loves to gossip
about her son's job in California and her church.
On this night, she's sporting a grey T-shirt with rhinestone
butterflies and a baby-blue sweatsuit matching the frames of her
bifocals. Yes, Isgro-Grant might even be considered a textbook
grandmother.
Until she pulls out her night vision goggles and peers across a
pitch-black field at the Canadian border, about 400 metres away.
Isgro-Grant is on this isolated back road in upstate New York at 11
p.m. with the Minuteman
Civil Defence Corps, a group of U.S. citizens who fear their country
is being overrun by illegal immigrants sneaking in from Mexico and
Canada.
One year into the campaign that began with a few hundred ex-military
types in Arizona, the Minutemen boast thousands of members and
supporters from all walks of life.
Critics call them ignorant fear-mongers at best, racist gun nuts at
worst. The Minutemen maintain they're nothing more than the
neighbourhood watch transplanted to the U.S. frontier.
Either way, one thing is certain: Canadians had better get used to
their presence along "the world's longest undefended border."
- - -
Peter Lanteri, the 35-year-old electrician and ex-marine co-ordinating
this week-long patrol near the Champlain border crossing between
Quebec and New York, about 70 kilometres south of Montreal, is annoyed
with area law enforcement.
He stopped by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection detachment
earlier to drop off a list of vehicles and licence plates attached to
the patrol as a courtesy. One agent - informed ahead of time that the
Minutemen were on their way - typed up a note and left it under the
wiper of Lanteri's military-green Hummer H3: "Go home and let us do
our jobs."
Addressing the 10 recruits gathered at the 87-11 Diner - a closed-down
restaurant provided by a local to serve as headquarters - Lanteri
complains about the snub.
"If they had enough people up here, we wouldn't have to be here," he
argues from behind the grungy, laminated countertop. "We want the
border secure. We want to know who's coming in, who's going out. We
want people medically and criminally background-checked, and that's
not happening."
There's a brief flutter of conversation about "illegals" and the
recent rise of tuberculosis in North America before Lanteri pipes up
again with rules for the week.
No littering. No fires. No going on private land. No vigilantism. If
you see something, call the border patrol. Do not respond to the usual
protesters - American Civil Liberties Union, communists, "the open
borders crowd" - if they show. It goes without saying that those who
are armed (there are two) must keep their weapons holstered, unless
they face a life-threatening situation.
"If there are racist comments, I have to know about that because that
person has to be talked to," he warns.
"That is not tolerated for any reason."
He and a number of recruits begin poring over maps, finalizing the
locations of four observation posts.
At 57, Bart Johnston probably falls right near the average age of this group.
Most are retirees, due simply to the fact they can get away for a week
without too much trouble.
Peeking out from under a blue FDNY hat, Johnston explains why he drove
over from Vermont to take part in the patrol.
"I've been real concerned about illegal immigration for a long time,
going back to the '60s," he says. "Another thing, I don't like to see
the working man's wages lowered by the illegals coming in that'll work
for so much less."
Johnston, who has family in Ontario and Quebec, says the threat isn't
from Canadians, but the fact that the country "lets in just about
anybody." He argues immigration should be curtailed almost completely.
"I think North America has enough population right now," he says.
For the most part, however, members profess to be supportive of legal
immigration. At a Subway restaurant across the parking lot from the
87-11, 63-year-old grandmother Judy Storms maintains she has "the
greatest respect" for those who enter the country the legal way.
"There's nothing racist about that," she says. "Just come here legally
and I'll be glad to help you."
Storms says many people are surprised to hear she volunteers her time
with both the Minutemen and the American Red Cross. After Hurricane
Katrina tore through New Orleans last August, she went down from New
Jersey to the front lines.
"I'm a caring person, and to me, caring goes right on down to caring
about my country," she says.
Yet amid the professed support for legal immigration, there's an
unmistakable xenophobic vibe that occasionally permeates the
conversation.
Storms complains that the children of illegal immigrants who obtain
U.S. citizenship simply for having been born there "aren't adding
anything to this country."
"They're not open to learning our language and becoming American," she
says with indignation. "They don't sympathize with American culture.
They want to have a separate culture and I'm saying: 'What is this?' "
Isgro-Grant jumps in with a remark she's already made several times in
the two hours the group has been together.
"Santa Anna said he was going to take this country back without firing
a shot," she declares, referring to the Mexican general who captured
the Alamo in 1836 after a 13-day siege on independence-seeking Texans.
"And he was right."
Despite the northern location, the chatter focuses on Mexican
immigrants and not foreign nationals sneaking in through Canada.
This might explain why an estimated 1,000 volunteers have gathered for
the Arizona patrols throughout the month of April, and fewer than a
dozen are here for a week.
- - -
Named after a group of anti-British citizen-soldiers required to be
battle-ready "in a minute's notice" during the American Revolution,
the modern Minutemen are the brainchild of a California ex-newspaper
reporter, accountant and Vietnam veteran named Jim Gilchrist.
Although the group was officially formed in 2004, it wasn't until the
first major patrols in April 2005 - led by Tombstone, Ariz., newspaper
publisher Chris Simcox - that the Minutemen really entered the
American psyche.
Playing on fears that U.S. culture and infrastructure couldn't handle
the weight of the estimated 1.2 million people who cross into the
United States from Mexico illegally each year, Simcox said his group
was only trying to do the job U.S. President George W. Bush had
refused. The group held another national rally in October, which was
the first time volunteers targeted the north. Along with New York,
areas of Washington State and New Hampshire were targeted for patrols
this month.
Despite support from prominent Republicans including California
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the group initially courted much
controversy.
Although they tried to distance themselves from hate groups, the
Minutemen received an unwelcome early endorsement from the white
supremacist Aryan Nations.
This added fuel to a growing firestorm of criticism from various human
rights organizations, area Hispanics and even Mexican President
Vicente Fox, who described the Minutemen as "extremists."
One relatively incident-free year later, there are fewer protests and
the group appears to be achieving a measure of mainstream acceptance.
Yet in nearby Plattsburgh, N.Y. - only a 20-minute drive from the
border and home base to Lanteri's patrol - some still worry about the
group's intentions.
Stacy Mancin, a 52-year-old New Yorker passing through town to watch
his son play baseball, says he doesn't know much about the Minutemen,
but is torn regarding their purpose.
Four years ago, he was standing 10 blocks from the World Trade Centre
when the jetliners hit. Tearing up as he describes losing friends at
financial firm Cantor Fitzgerald, Mancin says he knows first-hand the
importance of border security.
If the Minutemen are just providing a wake-up call to law enforcement,
he explains, that's great. But stirring fear about immigrants is the
wrong way to go.
"When you start closing borders and you start changing the philosophy
of free thinking and the ability to come to a melting pot such as the
United States, it hurts us in some degree," he argues.
In addition, he regards parts of the Southwest as "a breeding ground
for every anti-social organization that's ever been thought of," and
wonders if the Minutemen are really who they say.
"You have to worry that these people don't become too big and too
powerful and create their own little branch of influence," Mancin
says. "It's when people like this sometimes go too far in the deep end
and become the subversives, then we have to worry."
==========
-----
No One Is Illegal/Personne n'est illégal-MONTREAL
tel: 514-859-9023 -- noii-montreal at resist.ca
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