[IPSM] White Supremacists Commit Hate Crimes at Anishinabeg Algonquin First Nation

[mattm-b at resist.ca]

*PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY*

Hate Crimes Should be a Thing of the Past

Greetings to all,

On this day when we are to celebration the great and rich heritage and
culture of the aboriginal peoples, we, the members of Kitigan Zibi
Anishinabeg Algonquin First Nations, have become victims of a hate crime.
I am deeply sadden by this - I have no words to describe the sorrow that
my spirit and heart are carrying at this moment. My heart is wounded, but
my spirit is not broken. I appeal to you for help.

As a community member, as a mother, as a grandmother, to you my brothers
and sisters in culture and spirit, I am seeking your help - sometime
during the night, my community, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg has become the
victim of a hate crime, our Cultural Centre has been vandalized, with huge
black paint swatzika signs and with the wording "White Power" written
completely around the entire building, furthermore, picnic tables and
tents have been destroyed. Just as our community was preparing for its
aboriginal day celebration today, there is no celebration, our community
is in tears, and I must say that this heinous crime also raises the issue
of our safety and security of our people, our community.

Please, I am asking you as brothers and sisters, to get this message out
to media, to the public. This crime must be reported to the public. We
need the media's attention on this devastating situation! We need public
attention and support. If you have further questions, you may contact the
Kitigan Zibi Cultural Centre directly at 819-441-1655, and ask for Slyvia,
Anita, Rene or Gilbert, or you may contact me at 613-728-5999. I Thank You
for your attention to this message and for any help you can provide.

Claudette D. Commanda
Kitigan Zibi Algonquin Anishinabeg