[IPSM] Hate Crime Committed Against Anishinabeg Algonquin First Nation

[samir]

am sure folks have come across this already, but read on below...

also, a link from a mainstream source (in french): 
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/regional/modele.asp?page=/regions/ottawa/2007/06/21/010-maniwaki-vandalisme-centre.shtml


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<http://mostlywater.org/other_criteria/take_action>Hate Crimes Should be 
a Thing of the Past

http://mostlywater.org/hate_crime_committed_against_anishinabeg_algonquin_first_nation

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