[Iswg3906.organizers] Updates

Sat Jul 20 14:07:27 EDT 2013

Thanks for sending this around, Jess, and thank you for organizing all the
cheques last week. All that work you do is very helpful to accomplishing
the group's work.

I am okay with a $350 donation for sure to the Sundance ceremony. It seems
like we have a lot of money to try and spend before August, and in my eyes
that should be the goal. Budget rollover is such a capitalist thing to do.

Below you will find a donation request that came in two days ago. It sounds
absolutely incredible. I think we should fund it and discuss how we can do
something similar in southern Ontario. Has anyone heard of this project
before? I am also going to send out a couple attachments once the system
allows it.

I'd also like to talk to folks about donating some money to the cabin
building project happening in the north right now as well. Not sure if
folks have heard of that one? It seems like a great project too. I've
posted information about that project below as well. Maybe we can talk
about it at the next meeting. I'd be available any evening after Monday for
a meeting.

Finally, sorry Jess, I hadn't checked this email in a few days and didn't
catch the email you sent that got caught up in the system. I think I
released it, but it looks like you sent it around again? Anyway, sorry for
the delay.

Take care,

Tony

____________________________________________________________________________

Greetings,

I'm contacting you today to request your financial support, in whatever
capacity you have, for the Grassy Narrows 2013 Youth Gathering in Grassy
Narrows' traditional territory in Northern Ontario, which is taking place
this August.

The goals of the Youth Gathering are to educate First Nations youth in
Grassy Narrows and the surrounding territories about the struggles that
have faced the community over the years as well as pass on the traditional
knowledges about the land that the elders of the community hold, and to
develop activist skills in this younger generation so that they may join
and continue the struggle for the health and sovereignty of Grassy Narrows
and surrounding communities.

Please see the attached documents for more information about the Youth
Gathering, including a proposed budget, and letters from Grassy Narrows
Deputy Chief Randy Fobister and the Grassy Narrows Women's Drum Group.

CUPE 3906 has demonstrated a firm commitment to act in solidarity with
First Nations struggles in the past and I hope that this commitment
continues today through your support of the Youth Gathering.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me and
I'll do my best to address them.

In solidarity,

Terrance Luscombe
Earth Justice Action (Grassy Narrows' Toronto Support Committee)
________________________________________________________________________________

Dear friends,

Biimadasahwin means “life” in Ojibway, and is the name that Darlene Necan
and her organization – Northern Starlights Citizens of Ojibway – have given
to the project of building a home and community gathering place on her
ancestral hunting grounds. The Two Row Society is excited to write to you
to report a hugely successful cabin build in Saugeen territory and with
news of our next steps forward!

In this email:

1)        *The cabin home is finished!* Photos and videos of grassroots
homebuilding to reclaim ancestral hunting grounds. *Your support is needed
for the next phase of Biimadasahwin. *
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/biimadasahwin-gathering-place/x/3163352

2)        On  *July 27th, 7pm at Beit Zatoun (612 Markham st),* join us for
food, a documentary screening, photo exhibition and discussion.

1)  On Aboriginal Day June 2013, after decades of homelessness, Darlene
Necan moved into her new home and base for organizing for housing and
treaty rights, on her trapline.This powerful act of reclaiming land and
rebuilding home was made possible because Darlene Necan stepped out to
trust the International League of People’s Struggles Indigenous Commission
(ILPS-IC), and because the CAW, CUPE 3903 and 80 grassroots donors  saw
this project as necessary to support.

The cabin was only the beginning. Please *watch and share* our *video and
campaign* for the next phase of work! This video includes a heartfelt *
thankyou* from Darlene to all the donors:
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/biimadasahwin-gathering-place/x/3163352

Check out our website for *videos, local and national media coverage* on
the project: www.ilpsindigenouscommission.wordpress.com

Check out our facebook for *photos*:
https://www.facebook.com/IlpsIndigenousCommissionCabinBuild/photos_stream

While the cabin finally gives Darlene a home from which to further her
organizing for housing and treaty rights, it is only the beginning. She
will be creating a gathering and teaching place for youth, community
members and supporters on her land to further the vision of the Northern
Starlights Citizens of Saugeen. It will function as a summer camp for
Indigenous youth, a meeting place, and a school for treaty teachings,
crafts, music, and more. In August 2013, the ILPS-Canda Indigenous
Commission will bring a delegation of union members and ILPS member groups
to build relationships and infrastructure on Darlene's trapline. The timing
of support for this community building movement is crucial given the
current commercial interest in the region’s natural resources, especially
because of its proximity to the Ring of Fire.

2) Join us at *Beit Zatoun (612 Markham St) on July 27th at 7pm,* where we
will screen a short documentary that shares Darlene's story and showcases
the collective home building project. The event will also feature a photo
exhibition including beautiful stills of this project, and the Saugeen land
and people in Northwestern Ontario. The photos will be sold as part of
fundraising for the next phase of work. We’ll host a short discussion with
ILPS members who participated on the trip. See poster attached. Facebook
event:https://www.facebook.com/events/545596872166365/

Thank you for your ongoing support. *Please share the new campaign and hope
to see you on July 27th!*

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/biimadasahwin-gathering-place/x/3163352
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