Idle No More -Where is the Leadership?

Cliffy

Standing Member
Nov 19, 2008
44,850
193
63
Nakusp, BC
Just posted National Post
Just like I said.

Quote"The APTN report said an assembly source pointed to Onion Lake Cree Nation Chief Wallace Fox as one of the leaders fighting the 2012 election results, which saw Mi’kmaq lawyer and activist Pam Palmater place a distant second. In an interview with the National Post, Mr. Fox categorically denied that he is behind a push to unseat Mr. Atleo, although he did not rule out supporting an ouster should council members call for such a move at a meeting next week. He also released a statement earlier this month saying his nation “has not given the AFN any mandate to speak for Treaty Peoples.”

Ms. Palmater, who told the Hill Times she partnered with Mr. Fox to stage a protest on Parliament Hill last December, has likewise questioned the validity of the assembly, using her Twitter account to criticize last week’s meeting with the Prime Minister and assuring her followers not to “worry that AFN has no [national chief] right now,” even though no such power vaccuum exists.
Perhaps that is how she is representing herself, but she really has nothing to do with Idle no More. It is crap like this, that the media loves, that discredits the movement and foments discord with the general population. The Globe and Mail has done us all a disservice by spreading disinformation.
 

Goober

Hall of Fame Member
Jan 23, 2009
24,691
116
63
Moving
Just posted National Post
Just like I said.

Quote"The APTN report said an assembly source pointed to Onion Lake Cree Nation Chief Wallace Fox as one of the leaders fighting the 2012 election results, which saw Mi’kmaq lawyer and activist Pam Palmater place a distant second. In an interview with the National Post, Mr. Fox categorically denied that he is behind a push to unseat Mr. Atleo, although he did not rule out supporting an ouster should council members call for such a move at a meeting next week. He also released a statement earlier this month saying his nation “has not given the AFN any mandate to speak for Treaty Peoples.”

Ms. Palmater, who told the Hill Times she partnered with Mr. Fox to stage a protest on Parliament Hill last December, has likewise questioned the validity of the assembly, using her Twitter account to criticize last week’s meeting with the Prime Minister and assuring her followers not to “worry that AFN has no [national chief] right now,” even though no such power vaccuum exists.

Where are your links- not hard to copy.
You were also wrong about Pam being a founding member of IDNM.
 

gerryh

Time Out
Nov 21, 2004
25,756
295
83
Where are your links- not hard to copy.
You were also wrong about Pam being a founding member of IDNM.


She may not be a founder, but she has a pretty big finger in the pie.

Indigenous Nationhood: What is the Idle No More Movement ... Really?

I have been honoured by the request of the Idle No More Founders to be one of their organizers and spokespersons. Working within this movement was a natural extension of the work we already do in First Nations with leaders and citizens. In the last few weeks, many of the media's questions related to how the movement started, what do we want and where it might be headed. I have done my best as one of the spokespeople to answer these questions based on the views shared with me by some of those in the movement.
Perhaps that is how she is representing herself, but she really has nothing to do with Idle no More. It is crap like this, that the media loves, that discredits the movement and foments discord with the general population. The Globe and Mail has done us all a disservice by spreading disinformation.


Read the above link cliffy.
 
Last edited:

Mowich

Hall of Fame Member
Dec 25, 2005
16,649
998
113
76
Eagle Creek
Actually no I am not in errror.
I am well aware who the 4 original founders are.
But Palmater often gets quoted as an original founder.
She also gets quoted as the the official spokesperson of Idle ,Quote Canada Politics: "Idle No More spokesperson calls leak of Attawapiskat audit ‘political’.
If you know all about Palmater you know she is controlling the agenda on this movment and manipulating it for her own political ends.
Tell me who gets all the coverage on Idle via the media?

I have seen a few interviews where Palmater associates herself with INM. From the little I have listened to her say so far, I have to agree that the woman seems to have an agenda all her own.
 

Goober

Hall of Fame Member
Jan 23, 2009
24,691
116
63
Moving
I have seen a few interviews where Palmater associates herself with INM. From the little I have listened to her say so far, I have to agree that the woman seems to have an agenda all her own.

Oh that she do all right. That she do.
 

Mowich

Hall of Fame Member
Dec 25, 2005
16,649
998
113
76
Eagle Creek
It is not to late but they have to step up. They saw it was being hijacked and did make some statements. Time to lead or others will and they will be left with the stain of doing nothing when leadership was needed.

I agree with you Goob. I do not associate INM with the more radical fringe, as I think of them, who are blockading highways, roads and bridges, etc. INM has spoken up against the illegal blockades but they need to go further if they wish to keep Canadians engaged in their dialogue. They need to have a cohesive and coherent message devoid of any of the blame game or such tactics and they need someone to step up to the plate and deliver it. If they don`t, the movement could very well be hi-jacked by Palmater for her own ends.

Due to their lack of leadership this is what Canadians think- Not all. But it is a road where violence can occur.

Canadians' attitudes hardening on aboriginal issues: new poll - The Globe and Mail

This I find most heartening.

`Despite the poll’s findings, however, 63 per cent of respondents believe that the federal government must act now to help raise natives’ quality of life. The same number supported resolving land claims to provide aboriginal peoples with the land and resources needed to become self-sufficient.`

We really do need to get this done and dusted.


Idle No More is a big joke! Do they not see the blatant irony in it? If they hadn't been idle for so damn long already they wouldn't be in poverty. So I say they shouldn't be idle no more, they should put down their beer, get of the couch and go find a job instead of demanding hand-outs from the rest of us for another 400 years.

Oh that attitude is so helpful.


And we have the ability to paralyze them with tazers & rubber bullets and even some real bullets if they think they can pull this bull****.

Someone who calls for armed resistance has obviously run out of reasoned argument.

Perhaps that is how she is representing herself, but she really has nothing to do with Idle no More. It is crap like this, that the media loves, that discredits the movement and foments discord with the general population.

I happened to see her on an edition of The Agenda, Cliffy and she was most definitely associating herself with INM. I agree that the media has its own agenda when it comes to coverage. It`s all about titillating the public, substance was thrown out long ago.

 

gerryh

Time Out
Nov 21, 2004
25,756
295
83

Goober

Hall of Fame Member
Jan 23, 2009
24,691
116
63
Moving
I agree with you Goob. I do not associate INM with the more radical fringe, as I think of them, who are blockading highways, roads and bridges, etc. INM has spoken up against the illegal blockades but they need to go further if they wish to keep Canadians engaged in their dialogue. They need to have a cohesive and coherent message devoid of any of the blame game or such tactics and they need someone to step up to the plate and deliver it. If they don`t, the movement could very well be hi-jacked by Palmater for her own ends.



This I find most heartening.

`Despite the poll’s findings, however, 63 per cent of respondents believe that the federal government must act now to help raise natives’ quality of life. The same number supported resolving land claims to provide aboriginal peoples with the land and resources needed to become self-sufficient.`

We really do need to get this done and dusted.






Oh that attitude is so helpful.




Someone who calls for armed resistance has obviously run out of reasoned argument.



I happened to see her on an edition of The Agenda, Cliffy and she was most definitely associating herself with INM. I agree that the media has its own agenda when it comes to coverage. It`s all about titillating the public, substance was thrown out long ago.


It has been hijacked by Spence and some radicals as we have read and heard. Why do the founders not step up and take action. Give direction.

And if it explodes over some dumb *** situation then there will be hell to pay. And some radicals are looking for just that reason. Whether it is real or contrived then we could or will have an escalation of violence in various parts of Canada.
And we head down the road to hell. And the end result will not be what the Founders wanted, what they called for but they will wear the blame for sitting Idle to Long.
 

Mowich

Hall of Fame Member
Dec 25, 2005
16,649
998
113
76
Eagle Creek
I posted a link to her blog where she states she is a spokesperson for INM. Here it is again.

I don`t dispute that she says she is, I do wonder what the ladies of INM have to say about her `role`.

It has been hijacked by Spence and some radicals as we have read and heard. Why do the founders not step up and take action. Give direction.

And if it explodes over some dumb *** situation then there will be hell to pay. And some radicals are looking for just that reason. Whether it is real or contrived then we could or will have an escalation of violence in various parts of Canada.
And we head down the road to hell. And the end result will not be what the Founders wanted, what they called for but they will wear the blame for sitting Idle to Long.

I don`t like throwing the term `blame` about, Goob. There will be more than enough to go around should this end in violent conflict. That they may well live to regret not acting sooner, could be and probably is true.
 

Goober

Hall of Fame Member
Jan 23, 2009
24,691
116
63
Moving
I don`t dispute that she says she is, I do wonder what the ladies of INM have to say about her `role`.



I don`t like throwing the term `blame` about, Goob. There will be more than enough to go around should this end in violent conflict. That they may well live to regret not acting sooner, could be and probably is true.

I did not like it either- but that is how it will play out. They will be pilloried for not standing up- any movement has to be guided, led and even pushed or dragged at times.
They have laid out their principles and for the most part stayed silent. Just what I see happening if this spirals into violence and I mean plural as in a number of violent situations.
 

Goober

Hall of Fame Member
Jan 23, 2009
24,691
116
63
Moving
I stand corrected.

She could not find an impartial Canadian news source?

Rabble.ca is well I will leave it at that.

In my opinion she has an agenda that is self serving.

I posted a link to her blog where she states she is a spokesperson for INM. Here it is again.

[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT]
What is you opinion of Pam Palmater?
 

PoliticalNick

The Troll Bashing Troll
Mar 8, 2011
7,940
0
36
Edson, AB
`Despite the poll’s findings, however, 63 per cent of respondents believe that the federal government must act now to help raise natives’ quality of life.
I say 100% of natives need to get off their a$$es and become self-sufficient for themselves. If it is handed to them on a plate they will squander it. It is not my job or your job to build a life for someone else, they need to do it for themselves.

Oh that attitude is so helpful.
How about this one then.....
"I've been #IdleTooLong about this whole topic, and I feel like I need to express my point of view without disrupting innocent travelers on highways, and cargo carrying freight trains.
First, allow me to clarify that I am a Cree man with full status. I have family in positions of political power in this very province, and should declare that my opinions are my own. While everyone needles over the finite details of the current situation, I'd like to paint my thoughts for you with much broader strokes.

I'm so very proud of my culture. The way the plains Indians lived on this land was a fantastic example of community, art, respect for our environment, ingenuity, and spirituality. I'm proud of the native inspired tattoos that I sport permanently on my body. As a father, I'm teaching my son that same respect and understanding of where his blood derives from, in the hopes that his pride will outshine the prejudice he will inevitably experience growing up, or at some point in his life.

I'm also very proud to be Canadian. Our vast mosaic of cultures, languages, and beliefs make up this welcoming land of opportunity for all. Whether you like it or not, we all have the same citizenship, but some have a different view on the value of it.

I don't pretend to know all the ins and outs of the government bills, documentation, or policy that is driving the current protests, but I've intently watched news stories, read columns, and have regularly monitored the comments being made on facebook. Based on all of this, I feel the need to break my silence on this issue.

1 - It's embarrassing how the #IdleNoMore protest is being handled.
Blocking major traffic thoroughfares does nothing good to bring support and awareness to your cause, it creates immediate animosity towards you. Protesting freely in parks or in front of government buildings seems like a much more productive way to attract the attention of those you seek. The politicians. Not the regular welder-Joe who's just trying to get to work. Hold him up and cost him money? See how much support you'll get out of that guy...

Clarify what you are protesting for, or against. I've never seen such a passionate group of people go forward in protest in such disarray, and without clearly stating what it's all about. If it's generally about your need to be consulted, respected, justified for being mistreated, or the preservation of your culture, then let's be out with it and start a constructive discussion.

Understand that you do not need to be consulted for anything any more than the Canadian citizen next to you does. Your opinion on things doesn't count "more" than anyone else's.
Respect is earned, not given.

There's no question that the native people of yesterday were brutalized, hunted, tortured, and humiliated for decades. It's awful, and no one should ever have to suffer like that. The elders of the time signed those treaties to bring peace, and offer what they hoped would be a leg-up in a new world that they realized couldn't be held at bay. But those days are long over. It defies logic to have the current population pay for the tragedies committed by people that came so long before them.

The preservation of your culture is YOUR job, not anyone else's. For example, Polish, Irish, and Ukrainian societies thrive all over the country with very little or no support from government coffers. They celebrate traditional dance, language, and food all by simply passing it down from generation to generation. Native communities can do the very same thing (and generally do), but without financial support.

2 - "This movement is about the whole environment, its not just about the treaties....The bill that passed now un protects the rivers, lakes, forests, land, etc, etc, so we need this bill to further protect ur childrens futures.....thanks to Harper Govt....rigs n developemtn will pollute the air, waters, etc, etc.."

It's no secret that our Canadian economy is driven by the oil and gas industry. Yes, there have been some awful environmental blunders due to a plethora of different reasons. I heartily agree that we need to protect our natural areas that support wildlife, but I also know that there is aggressive legislation, and powerful government offices in place that already have that very same sentiment at heart. Millions of Canadians support green technology and research, as well as lobby for stronger federal policy. So if that's what this is all about, there's no need to blockade anything, as a majority of people would already agree with you.

3 - "It is about the 480 page Bill that the government has passed without you knowing about it. It went through the house of commons and the senate in 2 wks. 480 pgs long...do you think that many people had time to read it? It says that under age criminals can be punished as adults. It makes more budget cuts. The librarians at schools are being budget cut. It is about ALOT more than Aboriginals, it's about everyone in Canada. The Aboriginals are the ones who started to realize the Bill was gonna to do irreversable damage!"

Back in the days of copying notes off a blackboard or projector in school, I'm certain I've WRITTEN 480 pages in two weeks, let alone read that many. In a political world where literacy at a high level is demanded, I'm willing to bet that most could plow through that many pages in a very short period of time. I suppose the content would be laden with bureaucratic jargon and would need time to fully interpret...but that's why you have a legal team.
Quite frankly, I agree with underage criminals being tried as adults, and I'm willing to bet that a landslide majority of Canadians will agree with me.

Budget cuts are a reality of our democratic world. I'm not sure if this means that librarians from schools are being removed, or the library itself, but the fact of the matter is, our schools rely on a healthy economy for funding. When money gets tight, things get sacrificed. I truly hope that the readily available knowledge in a library would be the last to go.

4 - "It's not about the Aboriginals! That is what they are doing to distract you from what it really is about! It only affects the aboriginals- just like it will effect ALL of us!"
This is very confusing, but seems to sum up the general knowledge about what is going on. Who is "they"? Are we going into conspiracy theory depths here? Do people not realize that we have an official opposition in place as a natural government watchdog to debate everything that in-power government is trying to enact? If there were truly earth shattering implications in the bill in question, the opposition would be whistle blowing and bleating into any available microphone available so fast it would make your head spin.

First and foremost, I'm a human being just like you. I believe in equality. Across the board equality. Our country is so multicultural, that to give any specific group levity over everyone else is completely ridiculous. I'm not familiar with the particulars of old treaties signed, but I get the gist because I have used some of the special privileges provided to me. I do not pay for health care. I did for awhile in my young working life, but then the government discovered my native status and sent me a HUGE apology letter, and a cheque for every dime I had put into the system. Odd. I lived just up the street from my fellow truck driving friends, did the same job, paid the same taxes...yet there I was with this benefit because of my racial background and some papers that were signed all those years ago. I've used it for eye wear. This was particularly handy when I was “up against it” financially, but had broken my glasses welding. Here's the thing though, why should I have an advantage on a co-worker who might be in the same situation? It's not fair, and it needs to stop.

I move that Canadians start their own march towards coast to coast equality, or at least the serious discussion of it. Our country should offer no free rides to anyone. No help for those who refuse to help themselves. No quarter for those who would inhibit the lives and success of others. No limit to what anyone can accomplish with a steely resolve, and a great idea. It doesn't matter who built the first camp fires and communities on this land, it's those that work hard to continue to stoke the flames of collective well being that matter.

As a man that stands by his word, I pledge to never again use my native status to further myself in a way that isn't available to every other Canadian. I will leave my son unregistered, and will teach him the importance of keeping it that way. I am a proud native man, and a hard working, forward thinking Canadian that believes the opportunities and advantages this country has to offer should be available to everyone equally.

- Anthony Sowan
@sowanonair"

Someone who calls for armed resistance has obviously run out of reasoned argument.
Blockading the highway and rails is reasoned? Costing thousands of hard-working, average people, who have done nothing but pay the taxes that fund Indian Affairs, their income is reasoned?

They can protest in malls and in parks and in front of the legislature all they want but if they get in the way of me feeding my family they will learn what moose-bars are the hard way.
 

CDNBear

Custom Troll
Sep 24, 2006
43,839
207
63
Ontario
Bump....just because I think everyone should read Mr Sowan's piece above....or below depending on your settings.
Did you really need to point out another one of your stupidity filled posts?

I say 100% of natives need to get off their a$$es and become self-sufficient for themselves.
Followed up by an Op/Ed that you clearly believe, that shows that not all 100% of First Nations are on their asses, lol...

How about this one then.....
"I've been #IdleTooLong about this whole topic, and I feel like I need to express my point of view without disrupting innocent travelers on highways, and cargo carrying freight trains.
First, allow me to clarify that I am a Cree man with full status. I have family in positions of political power in this very province, and should declare that my opinions are my own. While everyone needles over the finite details of the current situation, I'd like to paint my thoughts for you with much broader strokes...

- Anthony Sowan
@sowanonair"

You'd think you wouldn't want to highlight the stupidity of your posts.

But here we are, lol.
 

Machjo

Hall of Fame Member
Oct 19, 2004
17,878
61
48
Ottawa, ON
The leadeship is:
Dr.Pam Palmater PhD, LLB. Department head of Centre for Indigenous Governance.
Activist and politician.
Runner up to Shaun Atleo for Grand Chief.
One of the founders of and spokesperson for INM.
And she knows exactly what she is doing regarding Idle.
Bring down Shaun Atleo and forment revolution and discord in Canada.

They're the initiators, not the leaders. for reasons of convenience, they are spokespersons appointed by the media, but for all intents and purposes no one individual really guides INM. It's taken on a life of its own for the most part.
 

PoliticalNick

The Troll Bashing Troll
Mar 8, 2011
7,940
0
36
Edson, AB
Did you really need to point out another one of your stupidity filled posts?
Awww....does my bluntness on the native issue bother you so much you have to call me stupid? Poor little Bear stuck being part of the hard-done-by first nations.
Followed up by an Op/Ed that you clearly believe, that shows that not all 100% of First Nations are on their asses, lol...
Nope, but 100% of the ones that are and crying about lack of govt funding and woe-is-me about us white folk not supporting their life should get a grip and get a job. Try being the proud race they claim to be.

You'd think you wouldn't want to highlight the stupidity of your posts.
The piece highlights the stupidity of the majority of the natives who don't have the balls to take control of their own lives, get a grip, get a job and get over the past.
 

CDNBear

Custom Troll
Sep 24, 2006
43,839
207
63
Ontario
Awww....does my bluntness on the native issue bother you so much you have to call me stupid?
Nope. As far as uneducated, stupid and bigoted commentary goes, you're a light weight.

Oh, and I didn't call you stupid. You really should learn how to read.

I pointed out the stupidity of saying 100% of First Nations have to get off their ***, right before you highlight a First Nations rep that has.

I'm sure even though I point that out a second time, you still won't understand.

Poor little Bear stuck being part of the hard-done-by first nations.
I'm not hard done by or poor.

Nope, but 100% of the ones that are and crying about lack of govt funding and woe-is-me about us white folk not supporting their life should get a grip and get a job.
The bulk of the First Nations I know that believe that somewhat, have a better grip than you and have better and far more fulfilling jobs that you do, lol.

Try being the proud race they claim to be.
I and those I surround myself with are.

The piece highlights the stupidity of the majority of the natives who don't have the balls to take control of their own lives, get a grip, get a job and get over the past.
No it doesn't.

You really should learn to read. Your posts wouldn't be as stupid and asinine.