Little Wonder, Then
It was a peaceful demonstration of civil disobedience. Since when has it been a crime to assemble for the purpose of contesting government inaction on long-standing unresolved issues so important to so many people who have suffered more than enough neglect in this country?
Yes, they were blocking a highway. That's inconvenient. And it looked rather like a stand-off. Does anyone really think that if the Barrier Lake Algonquins anticipated violence they would have brought along their children?
They would like the Indian and Northern Affairs Department to recognize the council they have themselves appointed, along with the chief whom they appear to trust. They feel the federal-provincial treaty having the potential to offer them a share of natural resources profits on their own land is owing to them.
They could use the funding. An unemployment rate in their community of 90% is fairly staggering.
The agreement the Barrier Lake Algonquins signed with Canada and the Province of Quebec in 1991 to sustainably develop their ten-thousand-square-kilometre geography is overdue for ratification. Make a separate deal if need be with the other, minority group and their chief opposing the agreement.
In any event, in a democracy doesn't the majority opinion hold sway?
The Algonquins planned the event both as a protest and as a community picnic atmosphere for their children. One supposes they are in the process of teaching the younger generation to stand tall for what accrues rightfully to them.
As matters stand at the present time the Algonquin community doesn't benefit from the millions in profits brought in through forestry, electric power generation and sports hunting - on their land.
Little wonder, then that they're at odds with the governments. Little wonder, then, that they're a trifle upset at the lack of action and understanding of their need.
Their day of action warranted the presence of news media for their blockade on Highway 117 north of Maniwaki. The media, having done their duty in reporting the incident, departed.
Which left a window of opportunity for the Surete du Quebec to move in and break things up in their usual orderly, respectful manner.
In a demonstration of solidarity with the Algonquins the police fired canisters of a chemical irritant into the group of 74 adults and 40 children, sans intrusive television cameras.
A band spokesperson informed the media later that the police saw the necessity to protect themselves from activists. In the process they manhandled a 59-year-old woman while removing the protesters.
And while the children were still seated at the makeshift dining arrangement, tucking into traditional beaver meat and other comestibles, their festive mood and food were suddenly in disarray, thrown on the ground.
A demonstration of callous contempt? Guess so.
Little wonder, then that aboriginal children grow up to be resentful of state authority, of government, of their instability in their fragile lifestyle. Pity the children. They deserve so much better.
Yes, they were blocking a highway. That's inconvenient. And it looked rather like a stand-off. Does anyone really think that if the Barrier Lake Algonquins anticipated violence they would have brought along their children?
They would like the Indian and Northern Affairs Department to recognize the council they have themselves appointed, along with the chief whom they appear to trust. They feel the federal-provincial treaty having the potential to offer them a share of natural resources profits on their own land is owing to them.
They could use the funding. An unemployment rate in their community of 90% is fairly staggering.
The agreement the Barrier Lake Algonquins signed with Canada and the Province of Quebec in 1991 to sustainably develop their ten-thousand-square-kilometre geography is overdue for ratification. Make a separate deal if need be with the other, minority group and their chief opposing the agreement.
In any event, in a democracy doesn't the majority opinion hold sway?
The Algonquins planned the event both as a protest and as a community picnic atmosphere for their children. One supposes they are in the process of teaching the younger generation to stand tall for what accrues rightfully to them.
As matters stand at the present time the Algonquin community doesn't benefit from the millions in profits brought in through forestry, electric power generation and sports hunting - on their land.
Little wonder, then that they're at odds with the governments. Little wonder, then, that they're a trifle upset at the lack of action and understanding of their need.
Their day of action warranted the presence of news media for their blockade on Highway 117 north of Maniwaki. The media, having done their duty in reporting the incident, departed.
Which left a window of opportunity for the Surete du Quebec to move in and break things up in their usual orderly, respectful manner.
In a demonstration of solidarity with the Algonquins the police fired canisters of a chemical irritant into the group of 74 adults and 40 children, sans intrusive television cameras.
A band spokesperson informed the media later that the police saw the necessity to protect themselves from activists. In the process they manhandled a 59-year-old woman while removing the protesters.
And while the children were still seated at the makeshift dining arrangement, tucking into traditional beaver meat and other comestibles, their festive mood and food were suddenly in disarray, thrown on the ground.
A demonstration of callous contempt? Guess so.
Little wonder, then that aboriginal children grow up to be resentful of state authority, of government, of their instability in their fragile lifestyle. Pity the children. They deserve so much better.
Labels: Canada, Social-Cultural Deviations, Values
posted by Pieface @ 5:43 PM
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