[IPSM] (Ott) CN: Drop Your Racist Lawsuit!

[mattm-b at resist.ca]

“CN: Drop Your Racist Lawsuit!!!”

On Saturday, Nov 1st, indigenous solidarity activists dropped a banner off
of the walkway between the Rideau Centre and the Bay.  The banner read,
“CN: Drop Your Racist Lawsuit!”  Below, other activists handed out
pamphlets about Tyendinaga and the Canadian National Railway’s lawsuit.

Pictures available at: http://ipsmo.wordpress.com/

As part of long-standing struggles for land and self-determination -
including unresolved land claims, poverty, suicides and polluted water - -
members of the Tyendinaga Mohawk community have organized to defend their
territory. In particular, several actions, including blockades, have taken
place to expedite the slow negotiation process over the Culbertson Tract,
a piece of land the government has long acknowledged was taken illegally
from the Mohawks. A quarry on the land was reclaimed in March 2007, and
Mohawks have maintained a full-time presence on-site ever since.

Due to their actions in defense of their land, several members of the
Tyendinaga community have been charged with serious offences, and
forbidden from participating in protests. Instead of acknowledging the
just claims of the Tyendinaga Mohawks, the government and police permitted
the development of the mine on land to which they are not legally entitled
and then criminalize the community when it defends its territory.

CN is currently suing Shawn Brant, Jason Maracle, Tara Green, John Doe,
Jane Doe and Persons Unknown— for over $100 million.  The lawsuit is
intended to intimidate and marginalize indigenous organizers in order to
keep them from reacting to injustices in their communities.  Those who are
active in the legitimate defense of their land and livelihood face
criminalization, while the broader issues are not addressed. By bringing
public attention to the ludicrous lawsuit, we hope to pressure CN into
dropping all charges against the activists, recognizing that the Mohawks
have title to the land.