[IPSM] Tuesday: COURT SUPPORT and PRESS CONFERENCE

[stef at tao.ca]

---------------------------- Original Message -------------------------
Subject: Tuesday: COURT SUPPORT and PRESS CONFERENCE
From:    "TMT Support" <support.tmt at gmail.com>
Date:    Mon, April 6, 2009 10:53 am
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Dear Supporters:

We are asking all allies and supporters to attend at the Ontario
Superior Court tomorrow, for a press conference (9am) and court
support (10am).

Please forward widely!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------For
Immediate Release:

CN RAIL: Drop your Racist Lawsuit
Tyendinaga Mohawks in Ontario Superior Court of Justice

PRESS CONFERENCE: Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

LOCATION: 393 University Avenue (north of Queen)
TIME: 9 AM
Court Hearing: 10am

Speakers:
** Peter Rosenthal, counsel
** Shawn Brant, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory

(April 3rd, 2009) On Tuesday April 7th, three Mohawks from Tyendinaga
and their counsel will appear in a Toronto court, to argue a motion
regarding Canadian National Railway’s attempts to sue members of the
Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.

CN Rail is suing Shawn Brant, Jason Maracle, and Tara Green, as well
as unknown community members (Jane and John Doe, also named in the
suit).  CN has filed two lawsuits: one is a response to a blockade on
CN tracks during April 2007, and another is against Shawn Brant for a
blockade on June 29, 2007.  CN has not yet specified the amount in
damages they are seeking.

Statements of defense and counterclaim have been filed against CN,
claiming that CN pollutes Tyendinaga lands, creates a nuisance by the
noise their operations cause, and scares away game.  Further, the
counterclaim alleges that “(CN) and its predecessor railroads have
profited from the taking of Aboriginal lands 
 and from the
exploitation of First Nations people in Canada” and that “the
expropriation of Aboriginal lands has directly contributed to the
impoverishment of First Nations communities.”  CN has filed a motion
asking the courts to strike much of these counterclaims. This motion
to strike will be argued in open court on April 7.

CN’s website claims that they seek "to promote a harmonious working
relationship with the many Aboriginal communities along its
rights-of-way across Canada ... through a climate of mutual trust and
understanding".  And yet, CN (and the previous railroad companies that
became part of CN) played a significant role in creating the
impoverishment of First Nations people, and continues to unjustly
profit from these "rights of way" through First Nations territories.

Mr. Rosenthal and the defendants will be speaking outside the
courthouse before the hearing begins.

WHEN:  Tuesday, April 7 at 9:00 a.m.
WHERE:  Outside the Court House, 393 University Avenue

** Court begins at 10 am on Tuesday morning **

For more information: email support.tmt at gmail.com