http://www.saultstar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2231347

This idea was ingenious. If we all exercised our rights to cross border shop it would send a direct message to the neighboring retail community that they need our dollars. It should help to send a message to the province and the Feds if they don't want us to spend our money elsewhere. I propose carpool shopping trips to the states. Add your thoughts...

http://www.nationalpost.com/related/topics/story.html?id=2368792

Formulate your own opinion after reading this story about the Pequis First Nation. One of the Grand Chiefs out there says that a nation has a right to determine how much it's leadership is paid...In that case, there may very well be a petition going around this community in the near future in regards to how much our dictatorship, oops, I mean our leadership is paid.

Financial Meeting Dec. 05 2009 --Community Room

Finance Meeting Dec. 12 2009 -- Wages for Chief $160,000 Council over $100,000 a year. Gas allowance $500.00 a month! Christmas bonus $6,000 $1,000 clothing allowance. Finance Officer over $200,000 Band Manager $130,000 plus. Since the spring of 2001 Indian and Northern Affairs has instituted an informal disclosure process to reflect provisions under Section 8 of the indian band money revenue regulations. This is in compliance with the Federal court of Canada decision in Montana band vs Indian Affairs 1989. As a result the Ontario region of Indian Affairs is able to provide an informal ATIP request so band members can get audited financial statements.

Unity Rally, Queen's Park

The weather was cold and grey when we left for the city, all seven of us in a van. But by the time we got there the skies had cleared and it was a good turn out. Grand Chiefs from all over were there to lead us in our protest against the governments latest tax grab-the HST. We marched, we drummed, we sang our songs, we blocked traffic, we became ONE and we DEMANDED that the government consult with our leadership BEFORE they infringe upon our rights as the first nations of this land. While our leaders spoke and we cheered three hawks began to circle over head as we all looked to the skies for guidance and affirmation that our ancestors have joined us in our fight for our rights as First Nations people. The power and the energy we raised was strong and it reminded me of some of the stories that came out of the Caledonia protests when police reported seeing HUNDREDS of indians on horseback at the site. There were indians from Six Nations there of course, but not on horseback. Some of the officers quit the force soon after seeing those visions. It goes to show you, we are NEVER ALONE in our fight for what's good and what's right. Sometimes we might feel isolated and powerless, but were not. We are never alone. The HST Protest yesterday at Queen's Park was all the affirmation needed to continue doing the work we've set out to do and that is to bring power to the oppressed and relief to those living with poverty. I'm sorry more people from Rama weren't able to join us, but eventually they will. If I took one thing away from the rally yesterday it's that we have drawn a line in the sand and that we now have to FIGHT for what's rightfully OURS. As long as the River flows, as long as the grass is green.....