Press Release Involving Rama First Nation and Tribute Resources-Another Business Partnership We Knew Nothing About?

Filing Services Canada

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FSC / Press Release
Tribute Resources Inc. Announces Submission of Bid for Waterpower Project on Trent-Severn Waterway
Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States
London, Ontario CANADA, April 09, 2010 /FSC/ - Tribute Resources Inc. (TRB - TSX Venture), ("Tribute"), a developer of renewable energy projects in Ontario, announced today it recently submitted a bid to the Parks Canada Agency for a six megawatt hydraulic generation project ("Project") at locks 24 and 25 on the Trent-Severn Waterway ("TSW"). If its bid is accepted, Tribute will enter into an equal 50/50 limited partnership with the Chippewas of Rama First Nation ("Rama") to develop the Project. A letter of intent has been executed by both Tribute and Rama. Upon receipt of a positive bid response from the Parks Canada Agency, the newly formed limited partnership will apply for a 40 year power purchase contract through the Ontario Power Authority's ("OPA") Feed-In-Tariff Program ("FIT") for both of the sites to inject their electrical output into the Hydro One Networks Inc. local distribution grid.
Tribute anticipates that if the Parks Canada Agency approves its bid, the limited partnership will commission detailed engineering studies in 2010 and will complete its environmental studies by 2011. The Project will work its way through the FIT production program and Ontario's Renewable Energy Approval ("REA") process prior to construction, which would commence in 2012 and be completed in time for a 2014 commercial operation date. The Chippewas of Rama will greatly assist in all aspects of Project development, including the planned Education Centre and species studies.
About Tribute Resources Inc.:
Tribute is a Canadian energy company with a focus on adding value to shareholders by exploring for; developing and maintaining a long-term interest in market-based priced underground natural gas storage assets and in developing renewable energy projects in the Province of Ontario. Tribute's objective is to build a company capable of delivering and sustaining long-term per share growth by developing and managing diversified energy projects that will generate stable long term cash flow when fully developed. Tribute's business plan is to build upon its current asset base to identify, permit, develop, and construct projects that meet its threshold return criteria. Tribute will create value by identifying project opportunities, providing the expertise to develop the projects and maintaining an interest in the completed assets to build long-term stable utility quality cash flow from a strong and diversified energy related asset base.
Tribute believes that it is well positioned to take advantage of opportunities in the ongoing restructuring of the energy markets in Ontario and North America. Tribute's three business units - Renewable Energy Development, Underground Natural Gas Storage and Natural Gas Exploration - are strategically aligned with the evolving energy market.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may include "forward-looking" statements which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Tribute to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, such statements use such words as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "project", "believe", "plan", and other similar terminology. The risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in reports filed by Tribute with applicable securities regulatory authorities. New risk factors may arise from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all of those risk factors or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results, performance and achievements of Tribute to be materially different from those contained in forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchanges) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

For further information on this press release please contact Jane Lowrie, President of Tribute at (519) 657-7624 or visit our website at www.tributeresources.com.

Source: Tribute Resources Inc. (TSX-V: TRB) http://www.tributeresources.com


Maximum News Dissemination by Filing Services Canada Inc. *


www.usetdas.com

The Canadian Human Rights Commission now accepts discrimination complaints in relation to the indian act   and the Federal governments use of its authority under that Act. This inclides potential complaints on.

- Eligilibitlity for indian status

- Band memebership list held by INAC

- Second generation effects of bill C-31

- Election rules under the indian act

- Education decisions made under the indian act

Compliants against band councils in relationship to the indian act will not be possible until the end of the transistion period on June 18th, 2011. After this date, the canadain human rights commission will accept complaints on :

- Band council by- laws

- membership codes

- election codes

- decisions on housing and land allocations

Since membership and election codes and most by-laws require approval by the minister of indian affairs, it could be argued that the federal government should be at least partly responsible if such laws are discrimatory.

Complaints against band councils not in relation to the indian act are possible during the transition period. This includes complaints on :

- employment deciosions

- Spending dcisions

- Welfare

- Education assistance matters

Some hurdles to bringing compliants to the canadian human rights commision include:

- There is a 1 yr time limit on bringing compliants to the canadain human rights commision, subject to very narrow exceptions.

- the repeal of section  67 is not retroactive in complaints realting to the indian act must be based on events that occurued after June 18th 2008 for the federal government and after June 18th 2011 for band councils. However an exception to this is discrimitory policies or rules that were in place before these dates that continue to discriminate afterwards. This may include rules or policies that continue to deny public services to people, such as registration or membership rules.

We continue to contribute to the fight against the HST and the taxation of our Citizens

Saturday, March 13, 2010

The Contact List--E-Mail and Fax your letters in DAILY!!!

Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty

Phone: (613) 992-1573
Fax: (613) 943-0938
E-Mail: finpub@fin.gc.ca
E-Mail: jflaherty@fin.gc.ca
TTY: 613-995-1455


Prime Minister Stephen Harper
Phone: (613) 992-4211
Fax: (613) 941-6900
E-Mail: harper.s@parl.gc.ca
E-Mail: pm@pm.gc.ca

Chuck Strahl Minister of Indian Affairs
Phone: (613) 992-2940
Fax: 819-953-4941
Fax: (613) 944-9376
E-Mail: minister@inac.gc.ca
E-Mail: ottawa@chuckstrahl.com
E-Mail: riding@chuckstrahl.com
E-Mail: strahl.c@parl.gc.ca

Dwight Duncan Provincial Minister of Finance
Phone: 1-800-337-7222
Phone: (519) 251-5199
Phone (416) 325-0400
Fax: (519) 251-5299
Fax: (416) 325-0374
E-Mail: dduncan.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
E-Mail: financecommunications.fin@ontario.ca

Chris Bentley Ministry of the Attorney General and Ministry of Indian Affairs
Phone: (519) 657-3120
Fax: (519) 657-0368
Fax: (416) 326-4007
Fax: (416) 326-4017
E-Mail: cbentley.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org

Dalton McGuinty Ontario Premier
Phone: (416) 325-3777
Fax: (416) 325-3745
E-Mail: dmcguinty@premier.gov.on.ca
https://www.premier.gov.on.ca/feedback/feedback.asp?Lang=EN

Michael Ignatieff

Phone : (613) 237-0740
Fax : (613) 235-7208
email : info@liberal.ca

Copy and Paste for email convenience:

finpub@fin.gc.ca,
jflaherty@fin.gc.ca,
pm@pm.gc.ca,
harper.s@parl.gc.ca,
ottawa@chuckstrahl.com,
riding@chuckstrahl.com,
strahl.c@parl.gc.ca,
dduncan.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org,
financecommunications.fin@ontario.ca,
cbentley.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org,
dmcguinty@premier.gov.on.ca
info@liberal.ca

Rama Citizens to Join Fight Against HST at Parliament Hill

Orillia Packet & Times- Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Although I don't agree with everything the reporter included in the story, she included a quote from Dunlop who says he agrees that Natives living off reserve shouldn't be entitled to exemptions, I am pleased with
most of the story and it's good to see she did her homework before it went to print.

An example of good governance on a First Nation

Rama Chief and Council could take a page or two out this book from the Chippewa of the Thames and implement some changes. Or maybe the changes that need to be implemented is a change in Chief and Council. Let's elect leaders capable of leadership this year.

Band Council Elections - Congress of Aboriginal Peoples - Representing the rights and interests of off-reserve people living in urban, rural, and remote areas across Canada

List of Bands in Ontario using the Custom Election Process

Band Council Elections - Congress of Aboriginal Peoples - Representing the rights and interests of off-reserve people living in urban, rural, and remote areas across Canada

Band Council Elections - Congress of Aboriginal Peoples - Representing the rights and interests of off-reserve people living in urban, rural, and remote areas across Canada

A little bit about Band Custom Elections instead of word of the week this week;

Band Council Elections - Congress of Aboriginal Peoples - Representing the rights and interests of off-reserve people living in urban, rural, and remote areas across Canada

Don't forget to read the current issue of the Anishinabek News!

Jan/Feb 2010 issue

Word of the week: Accountability

Accountability is a concept in ethics and governance with several meanings. It is often used synonymously with such concepts as responsibility,[1] answerability, blameworthiness, liability, and other terms associated with the expectation of account-giving. As an aspect of governance, it has been central to discussions related to problems in the public sector, nonprofit and private (corporate) worlds. In leadership roles, accountability is the acknowledgment and assumption of responsibility for actions, products, decisions, and policies including the administration, governance, and implementation within the scope of the role or employment position and encompassing the obligation to report, explain and be answerable for resulting consequences.

As a term related to governance, accountability has been difficult to define.[2][3] It is frequently described as an account-giving relationship between individuals, e.g. "A is accountable to B when A is obliged to inform B about A’s (past or future) actions and decisions, to justify them, and to suffer punishment in the case of eventual misconduct".[4]

680News - February 5 - This week on Bamoseda

680News - February 5 - This week on Bamoseda

All First Nation native news programming by my friend Jennifer!!!

Get caught up on the issues facing First Nation reality.

Dedicated to the Group for Accountability-Keep up the good work!

The Roles and Duties of Council

The Roles and Duties of Council

Self Governing Nation - VERY interesting stuff!

Council must place communicating with members at the top of its duties. Communications, or public relations, is the key to building support and trust between council and community members.

from the Packet & Times

http://www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2275832

Word of the Week: Propaganda

Propaganda is a form of communication aimed at influencing the attitude of a community toward some cause or position. As opposed to impartially providing information, propaganda in its most basic sense, presents information primarily to influence an audience. Propaganda often presents facts selectively (thus possibly lying by omission) to encourage a particular synthesis, or uses loaded messages to produce an emotional rather than rational response to the information presented. The desired result is a change of the attitude toward the subject in the target audience to further a political agenda.

Propaganda is neutrally defined as a systematic form of purposeful persuasion that attempts to influence the emotions, attitudes, opinions, and actions of specified target audiences for ideological, political or commercial purposes through the controlled transmission of one-sided messages (which may or may not be factual) via mass and direct media channels."

—Richard Alan Nelson, A Chronology and Glossary of Propaganda in the United States, 1996

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Since when is calling for accountability a bad thing? Since when is it wrong to want to hold your government responsible for the good and the bad? I have noticed very recently that in response to this blog, Communications now keeps a blog on behalf of Chief and Council, but their blog is heavily censored, so any comments you may wish to leave for them have to be approved first. So in the effort to communicate more and be more open and accountable they are still in essence trying to control and manipulate what's said and what comments make it on to their blog. There is one particular comment that was left by Anonymous. Only someone who didn't grow up here and spent a portion of their lives denying their ancestry would have the nerve to refer to us (Rama) as "The #1 First Nation in Ontario" and accuses the Group for Accountability of 'causing negativity'. My response to that would be this - It's not that were not the #1 First Nation in Ontario, but we would never be so arrogant as to refer to ourselves that way. Many of us have family and friends in other First Nations communities and it's just not like us to put ourselves above another community. THAT'S JUST NOT OUR WAY! Someone who actually grew up on the Rez or lives here might actually know this, and I mean no disrespect to our off reserve membership, you're the one's were trying to reach. But seriously, how out of touch with the community can you be???? And as for causing 'negativity', if choosing to educate and advocate for community members on their right to know and right to partcipate than I suppose were guilty of rocking the boat and shaking things up a bit. But if we didn't feel it was 100%, ABSOLUTELY necessary for community members to know what the issues are and participate in their government for the sake of future generations to come then I suppose we wouldn't take the time to do what were doing. But obviously we care a great deal about our community and the health of our people and if that can be twisted by Chief and Council OR administration and made to look like attempts to breed negativity for the sake of maintaining their secrecy and iron grip on affairs then I wouldn't put it passed them for trying. Be aware of what you hear and what they put out there that casts this group in a negative light. In the coming months you may start to hear some very obvious attempts at attention diversion. Do not be fooled! You know better than this! You know that something isn't right. You know it in your gut and you know it in your heart. Question everything, and don't believe everything you hear. We, the members of the Group for Accountability have doors that are always open and are willing to listen to your concerns. We will never stoop to spreading rumours or attempting to divert your attention from the issues at hand and we will continue to press Chief and Council for the answers to the questions they don't want to address. Miigwech.

Moving Forward in a positive direction

I really like that Patrick Madahbee talks about moving forward in a positive way and working with Rama, part of the Anishnabek Nation Family. Do you think this means we will 're-join' the Union of Ontario Indians and take up the fight against the HST now that the 35% case has been lost? What are your thoughts?

http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/business/82704662.html

http://www.news.ontario.ca/maa/en/2010/01/casino-agreement-signed-with-rama-first-nation.html?utm_source=twitterfeed

Link to the court case

http://www.ontariocourts.on.ca/decisions/2010/january/2010ONCA0047.htm

An open letter/E-mail to Chief and Council

Chief Stinson Henry & Members of Council;

Is this your convoluted idea of accountability?
Laughable.
Less than 24 hours notice for a community invitation?
Give me a break.
Have another open forum community meeting before the budgets are due.
Then you might be able to call yourselves accountable.
And I challenge all the councilors to speak up and voice your opinions.
And try not sitting together like you need each other to hide behind.
Try sitting amongst the people instead of together at the front of the room.
Enough of the arrogance.

Shawna L. Snache
shawnas@csolve.net
705.326.3213
705.238.3298 cell

Breaking News-What does this mean for the future of RAMA's finances?????????????

BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS

Things are starting to heat up.....

http://www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2266967

http://www.nfb.ca/film/encounter_with_saul_alinsky?_fb_q=1


Who are the participants in this video? It's pretty damn awesome and enlightening~!!

http://www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2265514

http://www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2260420

http://www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2256657

Borrowed from another First Nation....An achievable dream

OUR VISION


To be an economic, independent, self-sustaining, self-governing First Nation where all Members share a strong cultural identity based on a profound understanding of who we are and on a clear sense of connection with our cultural origins. A community that lives in peace with all of creation, maintains a healthy balance between the individual and collective needs, and works productively with both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities, based on a sense of mutual respect and equality. Where Members rightfully come together and virtuously establish a strong sense of self-esteem, respect for each other and who work together for the well being of all. A First Nation in which the youth have a positive future and the Elders hand over a strong and thriving community to the next generation.

The numbers don't lie......

as of 1:35 this afternoon, the number of 'hits' recieved is at 1044. just to note, the counter does not count the same computer twice, so you can check the blog 100 times from the same computer and the counter only counts it once. So that's 1044 different and separate computers (or pairs of eyes) that have read our blog.
i am noting this to be courteous of cathy edney and chief and council so that they understand what the numbers mean.

we understand that community members no longer wish to be outspoken about the issues on other forms of social networking like the facebook group and that's fine. we understand that you are aware that facebook is monitored nowadays, by communications and chief and council. we get that. if i had a job to protect i would be hesitant as well but we need to start moving away from that culture of fear and intimidation. anyone can comment on this blog anytime and choose to remain anonymous. or if there's a particular thread you'd like us to talk about e-mail thegroupforaaf@gmail.com and we WILL respect your privacy. we want to educate our members and allow them a freedom of speech they don't currently enjoy as a band employee or member. we are not against  chief and council. we are not ANTI anybody. we simply want to see the fairness that we all deserve in this community.

peace out.

From the Ten Year Community Visioning...

• Leadership

People commented that they would like to see improved relations with other First Nations and for the community to be free from lawsuits. They also see Mnjikaning (Rama) as a role model for other First Nations with economic diversification and not reliant on the Casino funds. They would like to see employment for all, with Band members at the director and manager level within the Band administration. They also mentioned that management of the Casino was something they envision. An expanded land base was important.

• Community Dynamics

The words used by community members to describe how they envision community dynamics included, healthy, balanced, respectful, togetherness, unity, harmony, wellness, happy, close knit and hard working. They see a community that emulates these qualities and carries with it a strong sense of pride and spirit.

• General Growth

Members commented that they saw the First Nation evolving into a self - sufficient community with more off reserve members returning home. The community would also be larger due to an expanded land base.

Letter to the Editor

click the link to the the Letter to the Editor in Thursdays Packet from band member Shawna Snache.

Bob Goulais: No padding to First Nations paycheques

Bob Goulais: No padding to First Nations paycheques

Welcome 2010

2009 Saw the Group for Accountability and concerned community members achieve alot. The Group sent a letter to the editor of the Packet & Times which brought APTN to the community in June where they did a bit of an expose piece on the corruption of power and politics in the community. This momentum allowed us to put pressure on Chief and Council and an open community meeting was held in June. The turn out was good and members were given the opportunity to tell Chief and Council how they felt about the issues. Although there is much work to be done still we have created this blog, a facebook group and a twitter account to keep community members informed, both of what were doing and what Chief and Council is doing. We put pressure on the Chief and the Administration to get involved in the fight against the HST, something the other 133 First Nations were doing, but Rama was still waiting for their auditors to give them a "report". We kept the pressure on and Novembers Ojibway Times newsletter saw them printing the Band Council Resolution wherein they are stating their position against the HST. We advised Chief and Council that a unity rally against the HST was occuring at Queens Park and we 'advised' them that they should be sending a bus or a van to show their support. We attended that rally and showed our support in the fight against the HST.
In the mean time we, the Group for Accountability were studying the financial information for the band that we obtained through INAC after their MANY ATTEMPTS at stalling the process. INAC had to send us all of the audited financial statements that we requested (2002 to present) through an informal request for information. We attended every community meeting held in 2009 and began to host our own meetings out of the Church hall. We chose to discontinue those open Church hall meetings after it was discovered that someone was attending our meetings with the sole purpose of disclosing what was said to members of council (parking lot politics). We did not feel it was fair to the people who were showing up to share in confidence their experiences and frustrations, only to have them told to Chief and Council. So we discontinued that meeting format for the time being and have been continuing to meet in each others homes. Followers of this blog, community members; we want you to know that we have identified our priorities for 2010. We want you to know the fact that it is an election year is not lost on us. We want you to know that members of this group have an ACTUAL PLAN that would allow us to put an end to council being drunk on power and greed, administration that has no checks and balances in place or policies to govern them and an end to parking lot politics. Decisions affecting your life and the lives of our children SHOULD NOT BE MADE IN A PARKING LOT IN THE FRONT SEAT OF A PICKUP TRUCK. That is wrong on so many levels and we've seen it work for those that are affiliated but the exact opposite is true if you are not. We have a better way, a safer way and a fairer way for all band members. We expect 2010 to be a challenging year, an exciting year, but mostly a year meant for change.

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.....

Boxes Bound for Attawapiskat

Wednesday, November 25, 2009
by Shawna L. Snache

When Cheryle Graham Snache of Rama First Nation got fed up with the stories coming out of Attawapiskat and other northern First Nations dealing with extreme poverty and third world living conditions she asked herself one question, “What can I do, as the average Joe citizen?” Out of that question the Northern Project was born.

The Northern Project has been collecting quality used clothing for distribution for over a year. Through word of mouth donations have been rolling in continuously. “The hard part is getting it there, where it’s needed most” she admits.
Recently an opportunity to overcome that obstacle presented itself and Cheryle was able to connect with like minded individuals Susy Sirois of Brighton, Ontario and university student Lyndsay Brutt who decided to get a truck and take a load up to where it’s desperately needed; Attawapiskat First Nation.
Susy has also been collecting clothing and has over 100 boxes at present. Together with Cheryle’s 60 boxes the clothing will make it’s way to Timmins on November 29th before flying Air Creebec to Attawapiskat care of the church for distribution to the community.
Since 2008 the Northern Project has been able to make shipments of clothing and winter coats to Massey, Bear Island/Temagami First Nation, Toronto to Council Fire and Women’s Resource Centre and the Canadian Diabetes Association. The Northern Project aims to continue to collect gently used clothing donations to send to northern First Nation communities and is interested in becoming a registered charity in the New Year (2010).
If you would like more information about the Northern Project or would like to make a donation please contact Cheryle Graham Snache at cherylesnache@hotmail.com

I think about all the money that we have had here in Rama since the casino. And what we now have, what we could have done with it. What we should have done.  I no  there is more jobs but we have more of our people on part time or on call then ever. There is no job shadowing for our members. And we are spending 27 million on wages a year. With a buget of 48 million a year, the new deal is 30 miilion a year which we had no say in. And we will now be just the landlords. We have 60 milion in the bank how long is that going to last.  We had 172 million ten years ago and what did we do with it ? At the finance meeting we see that our business are not making any money  .All the the band has belongs to all of us we need to have a say in how it is being spent.  cheryle

October Anishinabek News

http://www.anishinabek.ca/AnishinabekNews/CurrentIssue.pdf

Native Unity blog

Check out this Blog for some additional reading.

Thoughts to Ponder...Please leave your comments...

During times of uncertainty and communication break downs, do you go with the flow and 'not rock the boat', accepting things as they are "because that's how it's always been" or do you question authority, engage in meaningful conversation and maybe even ruffle a few feathers?
There are times when government and policies do not seem to affect you. You go to work. Your kids go to school. You pay your bills. You pay your dues. And the outside world does not seem to have much impact inside the four walls of your dwelling.
Fair enough. But it's important to know, that even though the path of least resistance seems appropriate for you and your family, acceptance can and might eventually lead to the loss of everything we enjoy right now as we know it.
It's most important to consider the facts. The decisions we make, or the decisions we allow others to make for us are likey to have an impact for generations to come. The community is no longer the community that you or I grew up in. We need to take responsibility for the future of our community and step up in ways that maybe we've never thought of before. 
There are genuine reasons why we feel it's important not to rock the proverbial boat. We certainly don't wish to risk our jobs for fear of speaking out against what we know in our hearts to be wrong. It is easier to accept the situation as it is than to try and change it. We don't wish to alienate ourselves from our 'tribe'. Being ostrasized is almost as terrible a thought as losing our jobs. But questioning leadership and demanding answers is the only way to force the accountability promised to us. If we don't, than the spiral continues, the imbalance of power and lack of community consultation continues.  It's up to each of us, individually, but more importantly together, in groups and numbers, to get leadership to pay attention to our concerns. Because believe me, if we don't, it allows them to pretend amongst themselves that they are doing a great job and that they don't need to break out of their comfort zones to demonstrate real leadership capacity. Some of them are so used to making over a hundred thousand dollars a year, plus gas allowance, clothing allowance, six thousand dollar bonuses and sick and vacation payout that they no longer take the job serious enough to even get out of their trucks. They continue to ride the gravy train every day at our expense because we're yet to force them to justify earning such ludicrous amounts of money at our expense.
The main thing we need to understand is that they work for us, not the other way around. We put them into those top paying positions. Once we come to this understanding as a community and a membership then we can dictate to them how they do their jobs, and how much they make doing them. We can tell them what OUR values are and how we wish to see our community governed.We can decide what economic development opportunities we choose to invest and participate in. And we can be kept in the loop because WE are the decision makers. Chief and Council is there to respresent OUR wants, our NEEDS and our DECISIONS. Keeping in mind, until now, we've had to LIVE with the decisions that they've made without asking us for our input or informing us of their dealings. No business transactions should be taking place without the community's knowledge and concensus and yet were always the last to know, suggesting that's it's really none of our business what they negotiate. But it is our business, we are all stakeholders in this Community. The future of our leadership, education, housing, status rights, and the health and safety of our community as we know it depends upon us exercising our stakeholder rights and responsibilities. I guess what it boils down to is that we are ultimately responsible to each other. Now how's that for a community concept? Ahow.
Miigwech.

My Hero, Chief Isadore Day, actively opposing the HST

Chief Isadore Day of Serpent River First Nation has passed a BCR opposing the HST, taxation legislation that threatens our rights to tax exemption.

Chief Stinson Henry has yet to inform the community of her position, though she has been asked by members of the Group for Accountability and has responded that they are "researching the status of this proposed litigation and will be putting together an article for the newsletter".

Well I haven't seen anything, have you???????

Please read the article. The link can be found by clicking on Chief Isadore's name.

If we don't take a stand on this issue, the liklihood of the inevitable increases. Put pressure on Chief and Council to actually DO SOMETHING about this issue. It's baffling that they earn such substantial pay checks without even fighting for our most basic rights as First Nations People.

http://www.appointments-nominations.gc.ca/prflOrg.asp?OrgID=AEDB&lang=engStinson Henry, Sharon


Orillia, Ontario

During Pleasure (Interpretation Act)2008-04-11

2011-04-10

Dear Chief Henry,

We the Group for Accountability have been wondering if your appointment to the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board is a paying position? yes or no.

We were also wondering what economic development experience and background you actually possess that qualifies you for this appointment?

Are you aware that under your leadership Rama has not invested in any new economic development opportunities that have made any money to date?


Yours Truly,



Arnold Snache

Chair Person of

The Group for Accountability and Fairness


www.facebook.com/thegroupforaccountability

www.chippewasoframacommunityforum.blogspot.com

www.twitter.com/ramafirstnation

The Agenda - Broadcast - Using and Abusing the Past | Chief Isadore Day

The Agenda - Broadcast - Using and Abusing the Past | Chief Isadore Day

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Thursday, October 1, 2009

http://www.mnjikaning.ca/updates/june%206%202008%20Chief%20and%20Council%20Update.pdf

A little light reading to get you thinking

The die was cast. "“Non-accountability is the reward that Indian Affairs gives to chiefs and councils for their compliance,” says Cardinal.

"We also have no history of colonialsm"

This sounds like something Sharon Harper would say. Did I just say that out loud? My bad....


http://communities.canada.com/vancouversun/blogs/communityofinterest/archive/2009/09/28/really-harper-canada-has-no-history-of-colonialism.aspx

Hidden from History

http://www.hiddenfromhistory.org/

The Williams Treaty

How do you feel about hunting and fishing rights? Are you informed? Should we be striving as a community to incorporate this natural way of surviving into our lifestyles? What would is take to relearn some of this knowledge once it's been lost? Like our language isn't this an integral part of the fabric of our community? Should it be a priority to preserve this? http://www.canadiana.org/citm/themes/aboriginals/aboriginals11_e.htmlhttp://www3.sympatico.ca/dshaule/williams.htmhttp://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/al/hts/tgu/pubs/Twil/traw-eng.asphttp://www.accessandprivacy.gov.on.ca/english/order/prov/p-979.html

Opinion Polls

Check out the opinion polls at the bottom of the page. Cast your vote. Continue to check back for further opinion polls.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/travel/First%20Nations%20urged%20take%20fight%20Stonehenge/2022225/story.html

Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People

http://www.amnesty.ca/ip_un_petition/UN_indigenous_rights_petition.php

Instructions on "How to Use the Blog"

To the right there is a heading called 'Followers'.

Above that heading is a 'button' called FOLLOW.

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Please just keep it resepectful. Remember, we were and ARE a respectful people. We just want to share our feelings and thoughts about our community, good, bad or otherwise.

Miigwech

Dig unearths human remains

The article reads that the Chippewas of Rama will be contacted because legislation states that they have to contact the nearest first nation.

http://tinyurl.com/mnzz24

Battle for Casino Rama Profits Begins

http://tinyurl.com/mb9823
Check out the link to the article published in The Toronto Star on September 9, 2009.

Olympic Torch

Today I learned today that band members at Six Nations will be protesting the Torch coming through their territory. Upon further discussion it was learned that by allowing the Olympic Torch to be showcased running through First Nations communities in Canada that it's essentially sending the message to the world that relations between Canada and our First Nations communities are positive. If this were ACTUALLY the case, would education funding be threatened? Would treaty rights be infringed upon? Would our people have to endure third world living conditions? No, I personally don't think so...Not to mention the fact that the Olympics are sponsored by mega corporations; that rape and pillage resources and human rights all in the name of profit and making a buck. Should we really be supporting this nonsense or is it worthy of a protest and a boycott? Should we really be welcoming the torch through our communities so that Chief and Council get to benefit from the photo opp? I think we should be using the international attention to draw awareness to our issues. Our relationship with Canada has not improved since Harpers apology. The Canadian government is still assimilating us and it's right underneath our noses! It's interesting to note the tactics have changed, but the goals remains the same. On that note, I also learned that when we are being issued our "new and improved" status cards, there is a paragraph that states that by signing the document you are acknowledging that you are a Canadian citizen, which opens up a whole new can of worms....Think about that one...more to come......Please feel free to comment and report your own findings......

Link to the Letter to the Editor May 2009

http://www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1589240

Your comments welcome here.