[IPSM] FW: Press Release from Grassy Narrows

[fiona at resist.ca]

"Protecting Our Mother" Walk to Toronto

PRESS RELEASE

“PROTECTING OUR MOTHER" WALK TO TORONTO

For Immediate Release, April 18, 2008

Contact: Campaign Coordinator, Chrissy 1-800-667-2129 (during the day),
807-925-2674 (evenings),  ojibwediva at hotmail.com

During the Walk:  519-761-7820

Grassy Narrows, Anishinaabe Territory – On April 30, 2008, "Protecting Our
Mother" Walk will commence from the Bypass 17 and Hwy 671 in Kenora, ON
and will end in Toronto in May at Queens Park. Date to be announced soon.
This walk has originated from long frustration for the way our people have
beencriminalized and imprisoned for protecting the Earth, our future
generations and our rights as Anishinabek and First Peoples of this land.
We want to raise awareness of the ongoing theft and plunder of our lands,
as well as repression of our people.

There are a few sacred dreams that come with this walk. The dream which
stands out for me is the one where I am walking through the hills of Lake
Superior and I am carrying a staff and in front of me the Sun is rising. I
pass this staff to my husband and he begins to walk with it.
One the things that has pushed me was a statement by Cecilia Begg from
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation. She said that it is not
our decision to approve development in our territories; it will be up to
the future generations to make that decision. So far in my own
community, the youth that I have spoken with continue to say that they
want to make sure that there is a home here for them and their children
and grandchildren.

Another push for me was the day I went and picked up garbage in the
community with some kids, and as people drove by they asked the kids what
they were doing, and the kids would reply "Protecting Our Mother!". I felt
that if writing letters and having rallies and blockades
was not enough, then what is? I feel like there is a way and I am hoping
that the sunrise in my dream means that there is a way, without being
pushed down for what we know is right in our hearts and spirits. I would
like to ask people from KI and Ardoch Algonquin and others who want to do
something for the land, for future generations and for our right to be
Anishinabe, to come and walk with us and help me carry this staff for our
children. Your support in donating food, water, footwear, socks, gas
money, tobacco, accomodation and the like would be greatly appreciated.