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Vancouver Olympics could be protest target: Fontaine

The Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 6:22 PM EDT 17/04/08

Frustrated First Nations eye Vancouver Olympics as protest target, Canada's top native chief says ...Read the full article

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  1. Sean P from Vancouver, Canada writes: It doesn't surprise me that Phil Fontaine gets ignored by this government. I think any protest is warranted as long as it's a peaceful one. How else do you get people in power to do something about poverty? Not only for First nations but for any Canadians.
  2. Black Bart from West, Canada writes: That's great - Canada is a free country, where anyone can protest peacefully. I hope the chief is not implying the violent or illegal protests that some of his subjects seem to favour.

    There are certainly some issues that need to be addressed in our first nations: the poverty, violence and intimidation, lack of education and poor health are simply not acceptable in a modern society.

    Oh, and the lack of accountability. Yes, much to change - some within the Canadian and provincial governments, much within First Nations governments.

    That's the nice thing about freedom of expression - I'm free to criticize the travesties I have witnessed time after time on First Nations reservations, a few of which are so horrible they make their way into the news.

    If the chief is willing for a frank, public discussion, I'm all for it.
  3. William Ross from Victoria BC, Canada writes: Surely they realize that thought the threat to do such makes sense but it would not help their cause if they actually did one only has to see what is happening with Tibet - the violent protestors and violent reaction from China has not helped the Tibetan's cause 1 iota - better to engage in civil disobedience and non violent demonstrations that do not interfere with the event or citizen's daily lives.
  4. Mikwaan D from Canada writes: I'm going to sit here and wait to see what anti aboriginal remarks are made. I know they're comming.
  5. Glenn F from Winnipeg, Canada writes: Protest the Vancouver Olympics, lose all respect and sympathy of Canadians. Simple as that.
  6. Denis Love from Victoria BC, Canada writes: Hey Phil, we all know you like to get into the news but cool it. A earlier poster says he isn't surprised this government ignores you. But protests are legal. However some of the aboriginal ones sure as hell arn't legal protest. The folks protesting the Chinese games have members , beaten and dead and its not even opening day. Your comments will now start the ball rolling as assorted chiefs will say they are in support of the events , Some will be given assorted perks for their support and that's simply not getting the aboriginal citizens in this country any thing good. Lots of other folks will complain one more time about what those Indians really want? We figure we know some of the things they want, just as you do, as a ex DIAND manager. They want accountable band management, Human Rights councils being allowed to rule on abuse of women and kids. MOney that actually gets to the rank and file band members. All members with proper housing, not just the ones who are in the right families. Personally I could care less if some guys protest the Canadian Olympics as we couldn't afford to go anyway. Your remarks were pretty well a given. We have all heard such threats from you before. One hopes some atheletes, that happen to be aboriginal will not be targetted for their background not their abilities. Go do the job you are very well paid to do. Represent a percentage of folks, in getting their assorted grants, subsidies and quit suggesting a protest, one more time. What percent of the Canadian aboriginals do you actually represent?
  7. Randal Oulton from Canada writes: I think this is a great idea. There should also be some Tibet-style disruption of the torch runs as well to highlight the continued Canadian presence in the occupied Inuit territories, etc.
  8. Sean O'Reilly from Canada writes: Poverty is never something anyone wants to see.

    Saying that, to blame the government of Canada for the plight of natives is another example of not taking responsibility for your own circumstances.

  9. Kim Philby from Ottawa, Canada writes: Sean P: what do you want those 'in power' to do to end poverty among Aboriginal peoples? Successive governments have earmarked hundreds of millions of dollars for assistance to Aboriginals. I don't begrudge them the money, but I'm starting to wonder if a) it's simply guilt money, and b) how much good it's doing.

    Are you suggesting that handing over endless millions of dollars will magically result in Aboriginals suffering from substance abuse suddenly becoming clean and sober, or uneducated Aboriginals suddenly leaping out of bed in the morning to go sign up at the nearest university? Give me the details of your solution.

    At some point any individual, whether Aboriginal or not, whose life is off track has to take some personal responsibility for helping himself out of whatever rut he's stuck in. If they can't, it's not likely that government largesse is going to make any difference.

    As for protests disrupting the Olympics, it sounds like a plan to further alienate themselves from other Canadians. Probably not what they need to be doing.
  10. Curious G from Canada writes: Can someone educated and hopefully as unbiased as possible - please list the grievances to which the natives of canada are always complaining? It's been a long while since I heard anything specific. Is it land? Poverty? Treaty violoation? What treaty and why was it created? And if so - please be a little more specific. I'm tired of hearing how natives are treated so badly in Canada - and not ever getting a clear picture.
  11. matthew parsons from Canada writes: Poverty, crime, poor health, poor education...all have the abilty to be resolved at the lowest level with the individul and group. Go to school and get an educationand degree, it's al paid for by the taxpayer anyway. Get a job and get an income so that you won't have to resort to crime or gangs or violence. Poor health, again all medicare is covered by the taxpayers, so there is no one to blame. As for poverty, if you have a job with an income and don't blow every cent on booze and drugs, where is the poverty then. Perhaps it is because the Governments have been giving them too much for too long. They are accustomed to it and want more and more. Stop all of it and see what happens. Mikwaan D from Canada writes: I'm going to sit here and wait to see what anti aboriginal remarks are made. I know they're comming. They are not anti aboriginal remarks at all. When you put so much money and resources into something you epect to see an improvement or return. The taxpayers are sick of so much money being given to First Nations for what seems to be no return at all. Just more of the same old complaints about whitey and things that happened 300 years ago. Everybody gets the same opportunities, the same schooling and so on. Why can't the people of the First Nations be as succesful as everyone else?
  12. Darrin Duell from Canada writes: good idea... make sure that protesters spell out on their placards that the 11 billion dollars per year that the government gives em isn't enough. That ought to put it into perspective.
  13. Right On the Left Coast from Vancouver, Canada writes: This is not about awareness. I would be very surprised to discover that the majority of Canadians are not aware of the aboriginal plight. Some of those may disagree with the aboriginal position, and some of those disagreements may be founded in racism, prejudice or ignorance, but I think anyone who ever watches or listens to the news (ie. the same people which an 'awareness' action might influence) are aware, at the least, that Aboriginals are poorer as a demographic than average.

    Let's call this hinted-at action what it is: a threat by a disadvantaged group to disrupt a peaceful event that those in power are keen on keeping peaceful and un-disrupted. Is the hinted-at action justified? Perhaps, that's not a point I want to discuss. However, this is not an 'awareness' action, this is a threat to force the government to negotiate and/or settle.

    For the record, I agree with Glenn F. Disrupting the Olympics will only hurt the Aborginals, I suspect.
  14. Howard Roark from Whitby, Canada writes:
    Is this not the biggest EXTORTION RACKET in the country? They are basically saying: 'We will disrupt the global party and celebration of athletics you are hosting in two years, if you do not give us A, B and C. Oh, and forget about asking us for anything in return (like accountability, etc).'

    It is truly sad where the leaders of a once-proud culture have taken its people.
  15. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: As several people have already alluded to, there is already alot of Federal money being thrown at the problem of aboriginal poverty in Canada...

    Where is the breakdown occuring ?
  16. Dan Shortt from Toronto, Canada writes: Oh Gosh .... the 1st Nations should just go ahead and do it.

    Officials in London, Paris, and New Delhi will probably have to deploy thousands of police officers to deal with the world-wide protest over the way Canada treats it's aboriginal population.
  17. Theodore Majority from Ottawa, Canada writes: I don't know - seems reasonable enough to me. The olympics have become a political showpiece anyway, so it seems like an excellent venue for a protest. Governments can hardly complain - live by the photo op, die by the photo op. Just keep it civil, boys.
  18. Theodore Majority from Ottawa, Canada writes: Right on the left coast - I'm not sure the aboriginals' intent is to embarrass the Canadian government in front of its own people, who as you point out, are generally aware of the way the first nations have been treated. I'd guess they'd like to inform the rest of the world. What would the Canadian government care anyway, unless perhaps they were ashamed? How long does it take to resolve a land claim again?
  19. Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: Kim Philby, Paul Martin's Kelowna Accord would have magically lifted all aboriginals out of poverty. The problem is as easy as throwing more money at it.
  20. Terry L. from Vancouver, Canada writes: Protesting will be counter-productive, but hey we're a free country so I would expect protests of any sort before and during the Olympics. Look what happened at the Sea-to-Sky expansions in West Vancouver, or the in-your-face antics of the Anti Poverty Committee. To me, Fontaine sounds like he's jumping on the bandwagon of using the Olympics to create a buzz. I guess he's off to a good start.
  21. Dan H from Alta, Canada writes: I guess they're free to protest what and where they want as long as they obey the laws and do it peacefully, however I don't see them getting much sympathy from many Canadians. I think its pretty sad that the First Nations would latch onto other peoples events to pursue their agenda. Our athletes train hard and sacrifice a tremendous amount in order compete at a world class level. I think the least we can do is show them the respect and support that they deserve and give them their two weeks on the world stage.
  22. max from edmonton from Canada writes: I agree with the poster who stated most of the problems that face Aboriginals in Canada must be solved by the individuals themselves. Small groups and family units working together will be more successful than any govt policy.

    To the poster that thinks theses issues occured 300 years ago, well think again. Residential schools operated into the late 60's or maybe even the 70's in some cases. Look into it. Of course there is prejudice and the disadvantage that comes with that.

    I am in favour of continuing to offer the native community a hand up in several areas,

    Education
    Healthcare premiums (for Prvinces that still have this tax)
    Paid benefits (ambulance, pharm, eyewear)

    However, there must be a return on this investment. If an individual refuses to go to school and become educated, that individual looses some benefits. If the individual refuses to work or in some way provide for self and family, more benefits lost.

    The only way to solve the issues facing the native community is for the native community to solve the problems themselves. Anything else can be construed as too much govt interference.
  23. aging oldtool from Canada writes: 'I'm tired of hearing how natives are treated so badly in Canada and never getting a clear picture,'bemoans Curious G. Well, I can agree there is much complaining and I also agree we as citizens are seldom given much in the way of real facts. You might start to correct that problem, by looking a little deeper yourself into the issues. Granted main stream media is the last place to turn to if you are seeking detail. Given the nature of that beast, msm is never going to provide the resources for much more than occasional glimpses almost always tied to some other controversy. I'm not going to bother listing what I see as FN issues. All have been raised in earlier disputes,but again few pay attention unless there is seen the potential of more taxdollars being spent. Rather than looking at the money that goes FN as tax dollars, you might consider it rental fees covering the unceeded lands so many non-aborigional now use or live on. I know that gets the hackles of some who feel events in the past are history and not an unresolved issue. Whether it's one generation or 10 since land and other property was illigally taken from them, doesn't matter. Theft is theft and when it was part of government policy then the debt is never settled until real negotiations happen. I must say I am amazed when I hear people saying they don't understand what problems the Indians can't get by. Have you never been curious about or Aboriginals? Why their poverty rates are third world, why drugs and alcohol have such an impact on that community? Anyone who claims to be Curious anything, ought to have the smarts to go and find out why. In fact, with so many on this forum willing to discuss all manor of things about Indians but not speak to FN problems suggests much is known but little is cared about. Seems the only time FN get what might be described as positive comment is when it is meant to beat up on immigrants and vice-versa.
  24. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    The Government spends approximately $10 billion each year-EVERY YEAR- to fund programs directed towards Aboriginal people.

    Indian and Northern Affairs Canada provides about $6.1 billion, of which about 80 per cent is for basic, province-type services for First Nations on reserve ( education, social services, income assistance), where the Government has primary responsibility.

    Fifteen other federal departments and agencies, the largest of which is Health Canada, also provide about $3.0 billion for a wide variety of programs for First Nations on reserve, Inuit, Metis and off-reserve Aboriginal people.

    Over the last five years spending has grown by about 4.3 per cent or $350 million per year.

    Now I have some questions.

    1) What contributory taxes are paid to the Canadian govt. by these groups?

    2) What is the cost of services and infrastruture used.

    3) The Conservatives say First Nations must better account for $10-billion a year already spent by Ottawa on native programs — starting with money-tracking audits.

    ALL are accountable and what is the problem with this?

    4) Is there an end date, or does this go on for eternity?
    .
  25. Jiang Huang from scarborough, Canada writes: Fun, go ahead. Give them back a piece of land. Vancouver should be enough, I guess.
  26. F H from Canada writes: 'the violent protestors and violent reaction from China has not helped the Tibetan's cause 1 iota'

    True, but let's remember the was zero violence on the Tibetans behalf until they'd put up with three days of the Chinese regime 'disappearing' monks during the night. 3,000 are still unaccounted for.

    Luckily, Canada is a strong enough country to realize that peaceful protest is a valid way to share your message.
  27. J S from Toronto, Canada writes: I don't mind the protests, as long as their peaceful - I live down the street from the Chinese embassy...
  28. M Vatcher from Calgary, Canada writes: To compare canada and china is laughable. I find it hard to imagine that we would banish all media from an entire region and then kill one hundred natives in preperation for the olympics.

    Phil Fontaine should stop lying to his people and tell them its time for personal responsibilty. In a generation or two his people would be stronger and actually appreciate it. Its time for them to stop whining and get to work.
  29. chris columbus from the best country, Canada writes: Ahahahahahahahahaha...
    Big trouble in little Canada.
    All the freedom fighters are pretty quiet for this news story. Didn't they see this coming anyway? Ah but its just the aboriginals who have been blessed by Canada, who have been lifted out from having to hunt for food, they are enlightened now and were given a choice...

    Tibet: angry about losing culture, not getting economic benefits from the people that conquered them, feel oppressed.

    Natives: angry about losing culture, not getting economic benefits from the people that conquered them, feel oppressed.

    Its ok for Tibetans to violently protest but its not ok for the Natives....
    Right...the hypocrisy is amusing..
  30. Shades of Grey from Canada writes: It's time to pull the plug on global sporting events and public, global finance and trade meetings. They've become nothing more than a chance for people to air their complaints and have their five minutes of fame. Personally I'm in favour of the Olympics, but not at this cost.
  31. Harvey Mushman from cambridge, Canada writes: One thing is for sure...whether it's natives, or homeless, or poor, or environmentalists, or animal rights groups, or 'insert name of 2010's cause celeb here'...you can bet your bottom dollar that somebody will become the media protest darling and garner the spotlight in the run up to the Vancouver games.
  32. lary waldman from QUALICUM BEACH, Canada writes:

    You must be kidding. There is absolutely no doubt that the Vancouver Olympics will be perhaps amongst the most protested event in World History. It is likely that America will still be in Iraq. Osama will still be playing go in Pakistan. Karzi ain't goin no where, but the Indians and the Pakistani's are not falling deeper in love. Hugo Chavez, is on his second espresso, oh the Mugabe tale, could that be more weird, and here we are in Human Rights Cascadia, where you put up the fence, ain't necessarily where the fence will be tomorrow (remember Seattle), all those folks will be here, if they are not already. The RCMP estimates for security, well they are a complete joke; we are going to have to call the troops back from Afghanistan to keep this under control. Big Parties for rich people just keep getting harder and harder to throw. Pity.

    Lary Waldman
  33. C Dione from Canada writes: Chris you sound silly!!!

    You obviously don't understand the situation of Tibet nor the situation of the Canadian Natives.

    Keep believing the great leasders propoganda. I realize that you are only use to getting your news from the gov't so......

    The natives are recognized as a culture inside of Canada and have many many many gov't programs, not to mention the millions in social spending they get every year, nor the special hunting writes. Tibetans are being blanketed by chinese culture and language and have no access to protection from Chinas gov't, and no special recognition.
  34. P cheng from ottawa, Canada writes: Shades of Grey from Canada writes: It's time to pull the plug on global sporting events and public, global finance and trade meetings. They've become nothing more than a chance for people to air their complaints and have their five minutes of fame. Personally I'm in favour of the Olympics, but not at this cost.
    ===============>
    Agree with you on this. That is the reason that the Europe is united and do all the trade and everyone with Europe. At least, the protest will be just local.
  35. Peter Simpson from Vancouver, Canada writes: Phil Fontaine is a smart guy and is simply reminding us of what's happening in our back yards. He's also pragmatic and politically clever enough to know how bad an idea this is.

    Until we wrestle absolute power away from hereditary chiefs and allow people on reserves freedoms the rest of us enjoy, there will never be peace.

    The problem is chiefs who run mini fiefdoms without sharing the billions of dollars they receive. Not an athlete who has never stepped on Canadian soil.
  36. B to the A to the R to the T from the left coast, Canada writes: Of course the natives will use the Olympics to further thier cause. They'd be foolish not too, with the eyes of the world looking at us. But, unlike Tibet, our government engages in dialogue and negotiation where as the Chinese just try to surpress decent using military means.
  37. The Iconoclast from Canada writes: It is strange that so many people voiced their support for Tibet but remain so quiet when it comes to our own native people.
  38. Peter Simpson from Vancouver, Canada writes: Shades of Grey, I think your comments are sad.....but I feel the same way. The whole protest movement seems more of a career choice than anything else...
  39. F H from Canada writes: 'Its ok for Tibetans to violently protest but its not ok for the Natives....
    Right...the hypocrisy is amusing..'

    There's no hypocricy. It would be understandable if Natives violently protested if thousands of the formerly peaceful protesters were 'disappeared' and over a hundred confirmed killed.

    Luckily, this being a free country, it's extremely unlikely that would happen.
  40. Spencer C from Canada writes: Ah the irony.

    The very group the Vancouver Olympics are trying to make us all Canadians appear to be with their logos and marketing is going to protest their own party.
  41. Peter Simpson from Vancouver, Canada writes: chris columbus from the best country, you neglect to mention people in Tibet have lost their rights to Chinese rule. Natives in Canada lost theirs to Hereditary Chiefs.

    People in Tibet continue to be harassed and abused to the point of death. Not by one off nutbar cops with a taser and a club as we occasionally see, but in a systematic way.

    Your also operating under the assumption the world is supportive of violent protest.
  42. R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: Makes sense to me and it won't just be First Nations. All groups use these events not because of the event itself but rather because of media presence and we know they will report absolutely anything, the more confrontational the better.
  43. C Dione from Canada writes: So sorry master chris.....me did not mean to offend great leader. Also we of Darfur are sorry that when we are abused and murder we are so noisy!! We will be quiter for china next time.

    Natives have access to gov't programs and gov't funded secondary education. Also recognized as a special society in Canda.

    Tibet nothing of the sort. Alsoo my dim witted friend, we are not jsut mad about Tibet, we are mad that its own citizens don't have human rights, or access to a free media. This includes China turning a blind eye to the abuse they allow in Darfur!!
  44. Antonio San from Canada writes: Interesting stand by Mr Fontaine considering the number of settlements. The last one gave hectares of land and over $350,000 per man, woman and child. Did EVER any government make such a present to a taxpayer?
  45. Old Edmonton Man from Edmonton, Canada writes: To compare Canada and China is not laughable.
    You see, generally, it is not how much you get that bothers you, it is how you preceive how much you get that bothers you.
    If the natives perceive they are not treated fairly, then you can give them the world, they are not satisfied.
    Time to face the music, Canada.
    I ask the guy who hanged the 'Free Tibet' banner in China to hang a 'Free Native' banner somewhere across the Lion's Gate Bridge.
    Hey, dude, show the world what you are made of.
    You think you can break other country's law under the protection of a Canadian passport.
    This time show your countrymen you are not afraid to break your own country's law.
  46. Snow Lion from Ottawa, Canada writes: And when the First Nations protest, many of us will stand in solidarity with them. I sincerely hope the Lubicon get justice and their land issues settled and clean drinking water etc. etc. before then, but if not, they should milk the Olympic opportunity for all it is worth.

    Regardless, unlike the Tibetans, Canada's First Nations and their supporters won't be rounded up randomly by the thousands and spirited away to prisons for an indefinite period, denied due process, beaten, tortured, etc. just because they dared to voice their desire for self-determination or wave a flag or sing a song of freedom. They will not be told that they cannot have photographs of Elijah Harper, or Sitting Bull, or whether they may or may not worship the Creator of their choice. See here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=XNYK46DXnFM
  47. B Ford from Edmonton, Canada writes: C Dione wrongly says: 'The natives are recognized as a culture inside of Canada and have many many many gov't programs, ...millions in social spending...every year, ...special hunting writes. Tibetans are being blanketed by chinese culture and language and have no access to protection from Chinas gov't, and no special recognition.' also: 'Natives have access to gov't programs and gov't funded secondary education. Also recognized as a special society in Canda. Tibet nothing of the sort.' Tibetans are well recognized as 1 of 56 minorities in China and most Chinese learn about Tibetan dance, can sing a Chinese version of a Tibetan song -- can you sing aboriginal songs? Tibet and many areas have benefitted from government investment, including the railways. Of course, Canadian reserves and aboriginals near our railways have historically done better. Minorities are not at all or hardly covered by the one child policy in China. Minorities do have special recognition and privileged access to many universities. Many live in 'Autonomous areas' like Tibet with some measure of local control. There are 4-5 languages, including Tibetan, on Chinese money. More important is respect. we have had unfortunate and awful derogatory jokes and comments about aboriginals in Canada that, I am told, are not present in China. Most Tibetans lived under the Dalai Lama and his predecessors as a theocratic dictatorship in which most people were 'serfs', virtual slaves attached to the land with little freedom. If you do not believe it, do some reading. As with our aboriginals, the old life was not Shangri-la (a Chinese place). Of course, all China does is NOT sweetness and light. Yes journalists and others should be allowed into Tibet. Chinese should have more freedom. Issues are not so simple. Our policy re: aboriginals has been both good and awful, as in China with Tibet. Much awful stuff happened to all Chinese during the cultural revolution too.
  48. tiffany fox from Canada writes: black bart-how i wish more ppl could have the same outlook as you. ppl like you give us hope. i am the last person to dispute that accountability must be taken at all levels, including first nation band management etc, however, i would like to point out that the system currently in use is one forced upon the band councils by the govt and we know first hand it DOES NOT WORK. the situation we have now is an instilled dog-eat-dog scenario....this is not our way. not making excuses but you seem to have a good mind and may understand how this has occured. we know it has to stop...but we have to 'get permission' from the govt and canadian taxpayers first...and of course, that is going to cost the 'taxpayer' money in 'handouts'. many seem to grapple with the notion of money being completely irrelevant to first nation people. arguments based on money have no merit. the ignorance and uneducated outlook by average canadians of native matters and native governmental relations, including those in the government itself, is a hinderance to our struggle. some try to put the average canadian values of violence and violent protest upon the first nations....yet we value peace and intend to keep it that way here on this land as we have done for centuries. what is coming however is a big information download for the world on native history and rights and canada isnt looking so pretty. if you wish to get a head start on some information, i would recommend the 'two row wampum treaty' to begin. much quality information is available online. use your discretion. perhaps then some people might understand how 'taxpayer handouts for the native' can actually be considered a racist term for 'rents to natives have come due....are way past due and are collecting interest by the day, year, decade, century' the olympics is the perfect place for meeting new ppl from all over the world and sharing the message of what life in canada for native people is like.
  49. Yvonne Wackernagel from Woodville, Canada writes: R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:
    Now I have some questions.

    1) What contributory taxes are paid to the Canadian govt. by these groups?
    2) What is the cost of services and infrastruture used.
    3) The Conservatives say First Nations must better account for $10-billion a year already spent by Ottawa on native programs — starting with money-tracking audits.
    ALL are accountable and what is the problem with this?
    4) Is there an end date, or does this go on for eternity?
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I wonder why the Globe denied my comment which was in short:

    If we had paid the aborignals a reasonable rent for the lands we have been using for centuries, and/or part of the enormous profits made from the resources on their legally owned lands, we would not have the present unsettled situation. We are still in violation of so many treaties and only in B.C. does it seem that efforts are being made to bring some to closure, may I add, peaceably.
  50. Prairie Boy from Canada writes: Phil Phil Phil it's the WINTER OLYMPICS! Ok? It will be cold and how many countries even show up? You lost my respect this winter when 2 little girls were taken out at -50 with T-shirts on and you said it was funding. Protest away you have time.
  51. B Ford from Edmonton, Canada writes: Now a few Canadians may reflect and understand the situation of Chinese who favour the Olympics, the torch and do not want it to be highjacked. As for Tibetans being blanketed by Chinese culture, they have access to their schooling in their own language (unlike our Indian residential schools for most of their history) (and although the schools are not supposed to be religious - a bit like the debate over school funding in Ontario) and we have blanketed our Indians with white culture even more. Many areas that were majority aboriginal in Canada are not any more. More Tibetans likely speak Tibetan still than aboriginals speak their languages here. I am told Chinese minorities have other advantages that cause some there to see if they have minority ancestors and can claim that status. This knee jerk Canada good, China bad has gotta stop. Not saying at all we are equivalent but have some facts and perspective. If China is bad in this respect and Canada a bit bad, should they get a full boycott and we a partial boycott? Are you willing to do this with all your purchases and life's efforts or just with the lifelong aspirations of our athletes? If you have been to Mexico, are you too supporting a regime with past or recent human rights problems? Where does this end?
  52. Tom inCanada from Canada writes: Maybe it is not how good or bad we treat them in their little reservation, Maybe they just want their nation back.

    eh?
  53. Building an Ark from Eastern Slopes, Canada writes: Here is a thought, nuture your children - nurture your children! Take ownership of your house and community. How many injustices of the past are Phil and his gang going to repeat ad-nausium? Many immegres fron Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to name a few have come to our Country (after some extreem hardship and abuse) and seek to create a better life for them and especially the children. Time to put the responsibility for native children where it should be - on their Parents.
  54. Tom Howard from Calgary, Canada writes: Nicely put Antonio San! If the Chiefs of the various tribes would actually share the money they receive from our government we would not have the situation that we have today. The rich keep getting richer on the reserves and the poor seem to get nothing. Funny how they can afford to build multi-million dollar casinos and yet they still have no money to look after their own. Oh that is right, it is the responsibility of the rest of Canada to support them.
  55. hossein hajiagha from Victoria, Canada writes: good ideas I be there as new comers to ask stop racism, and equality
  56. CD W from Canada writes: Same old , same old. Poverty on the reserves is related directly to no financial oversight by an outside auditor. The Indian Chiefs of Canada and the Philmeister actively decry such oversight. So tell you what laddies, give back 10 years of Indian Act funding, about 90 Billion dollars, get everyone off welfare and then you can reset the complain-o-mete. As everyone knows in the real world, if you run against a chief and lose, or are a member of a family that is not part of the Chief's clan, you live in frozen bear turd on your reserve, fix that, and you will have no poverty.
  57. Gord Cee from Canada writes: I have little love for the Olympics which are a costly and a grossly inappropriate way for nations to compete in sports. At the same time I have no love and little respect for most Indians and it doesn't surprise me that they are continuing their destructive habits and continuing to display their desire for benefits without any responsibility whatsoever
  58. Right On the Left Coast from Vancouver, Canada writes: Spencer C - Not quite correct. For some reason, VANOC has decided to use Inuit imagery for the logos. This is probably because Vancouver and the Inuit have so much in common (eg. both are located in the same hemisphere). I don't think Phil Lafontaine speaks for the Inuit, does he?
  59. Angry West Coast Canuck from Canada writes: Until the Canadian apartheid regime is ended, until the Indian Act is repealed, until our government starts to negotiate in good faith to redress treaties that our government has broken in our name, then any and all protests are justified.

    Canadians who protest against Chinese occupation of Tibet, then ignore how our government treats First Nations, are nothing more than hypocrites. Or deliberately ignorant. Either way, it's something that needs to be addressed.

    The Indian Act imposes corrupt 'governments' on supposedly 'independent' First Nations. It creates an underclass of people called 'First Nation' (read: aboriginal peoples) that are given the illusion of control, but in fact are completely under the thumb of a mainly non-Native Indian Affairs bureaucracy. First Nations were forcibly given Canadian citizenship in the 1960s in order to avoid UN sanctions on genocide. Yet nothing much has changed since then.

    The Indian Act is a waste of money for our government, and an insult to First Nations. End it. Now.
  60. Boreal Moose from Canada writes: Peter Simpson from Vancouver, Canada writes: '...you neglect to mention people in Tibet have lost their rights to Chinese rule. Natives in Canada lost theirs to Hereditary Chiefs'.

    NO. In the case of The Six Nations (and many others), hereditary chiefs were selected by clan mothers, as they had done for centuries. But the government of Canada did not like dealing with hereditary chiefs, so they established the elected band council in 1920. By doing this they split the natives, and made it easier to domintate them by having less uppity red n&&gers to deal with.

    The Indian Act of 1876 allowed the vote only to those natives who terminated forever their official membership in their nations or tribes. This kept almost all natives from voting. Presto - there was no need to worry about pleasing the native vote.

    These are stellar achievements in the long and abysmal history of North American treatment of native peroples.

    Other loyalists who settled in Canada earned hero status and our abiding thanks. Joseph Brant and the Six Nations Iroquois got the shaft up the hooha.

    Protest away warrior society - where do I donate funds?
  61. Duane Freemantle from writes: This is where I start to laugh (generally I refrain to use the first person. Many protesters point fingers at China and its human rights record. Many protesters protest about Tibet. However, to many people refuse to recognize the problems in there our backyard (communities). This is what can be easily referred to the protest of convenience. I wish Fontaine the best in making the world know about the plight of his people. Fair is Fair.
  62. Sissy Schuss from Canada writes: they are entitled to protest peacefully as anyone is in a free society - the distinction here is important - in contrast to China where protestors clashed with police and people were killed
    such is lfe in an oppressive state where basic human rights are not respected
  63. Pretty Much Sane from Canada writes: You just had to know this was coming. The obvious solution to this problem is quite simple. 'CANCEL THE OLYMPICS'! No protests, no requirement for policing, so no damage to property which would cost millions of taxpayers dollars. Politics has and always will be involved with the Olympics. The sun will still rise and set as it always has and all this commotion Will eventually die a natural death.
    Who needs the heartache?
  64. C Dione from Canada writes: Old Edmonton Man from China says......I ask the guy who hanged the 'Free Tibet' banner in China to hang a 'Free Native' banner somewhere across the Lion's Gate Bridge.
    Hey, dude, show the world what you are made of.
    You think you can break other country's law under the protection of a Canadian passport.
    This time show your countrymen you are not afraid to break your own country's law.

    Now most of what you wrote makes no sense...however this is laughable. YOu forget it is you who lives in COMMUNIST CHINA, we live in a country where you are free to protest and we don't jail those who disagree and voice there opinions.

    You are the one who is being laughed at. Plus Canadians would never alow their gov't to stand by whiule they facilitated the killings in Darfur.

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