CALL/FAX/EMAIL

In September of this year, the international community adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, despite high-profile opposition from Canada and three other settler states - New Zealand, the United States and Australia. Article 26 of the UN declaration states: "Indigenous peoples have the right to the lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired."

By voting against the Declaration, Canada clearly belies its on-going contempt, racism, and lack of will to negotiate in good faith with or atone for the genocidal crimes committed against the First Nations peoples of this land. Colonialism continues.

The criminalization and persecution of Shawn Brant, a Mohawk who has made great sacrifices to stand up for his community, his people, and his land, serves as a sharp and unacceptable example of this very colonial agenda.

Seeking to send Shawn to jail for the acts of resistance taken by his community is unacceptable. In turn, return of the Culberston Tract to the Mohawks of Tyendinaga is a crucial step in building a new relationship between First Nations peoples and the rest of Canada.

Write or call the Attorney General of Ontario, the Minister of Indian Affairs, and the Head Office of CN Rail, to call for the following:

We demand that:

1. Michael Bryant, Attorney General of Ontario drop the charges against Shawn Brant, who, if convicted, could face serious time in a federal penitentiary.

2. CN Rail abandon its multi-million dollar lawsuits against Shawn Brant, Jason Maracle, and Tara Green.

3. The Provincial and Federal governments return all lands that rightfully belong to the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and immediately cease exploitation of resources on those lands, thereby committing to negotiating land claims issues in good faith, and to honest governance for all Ontarians.

4. The Federal and Provincial Governments to engage in meaningful dialogue to end the exploitation of First Nation lands and resources.

ADRESS YOUR DEMANDS TO THE FOLLOWING:

Chris Bentley,
Attorney General of Ontario
Ministry of the Attorney General
720 Bay St, 11th Flr
Toronto ON M5G 2K1

Tel : 416-326-4000
Fax : 416-326-4016

cbentley.mpp@liberal.ola.org

Chuck Strahl,
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Phone: (613) 992-2940
Fax: (613) 944-9376

ottawa@chuckstrahl.com

Canadian National Railway Company
935 de La Gauchetière Street West
Montreal, Quebec
H3B 2M9

Phone: 1-888-888-5909

contact@cn.ca