MINDEMOYA—Negotiating parties in the 1990 Manitoulin Island land claim agreement are close to resolving the issues identified that prevented it from its final implementation in 2009. “Our government is committed to full implementation of the 1990 Manitoulin land claim settlement agreement,” said Flavia Mussio, senior media relations and issues coordinator with the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs this week. S ...

First Nation members from across Canada gathered in Ottawa to support their leaders in a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Protestors blocked the entrance to the building containing the prime minister’s office, but most of the chiefs were already inside for the meeting. A contingent from Manitoulin were on the Hill in Ottawa making their presence known as the Idle No More movement gained steam. ph ...

LITTLE CURRENT––While many commuters across Canada found their travel plans delayed by Idle No More protests, the demonstration at the venerable Little Current swing bridge actually sped up the process of getting off and onto Manitoulin Island on Saturday morning, thanks to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Officers on both sides of the bridge were directing traffic through as soon as the last car had cr ...

To the Expositor: On a pre-Christmas weekend, when it would cause the most inconvenience, Natives played the big bully and blocked a major highway. It caused irritation and frustration. And now you are worried about hostility or resentment? Surely you didn’t expect all sweetness and light with that stunt? Your sign along Highway 6 says you want our respect coast to coast. Bullies don’t get respect!!! Suppor ...

To the Expositor: I do see a benefit of our Native peoples living on reserves, as they’re great places for coalescing and promoting Native customs and heritage, but they’re poor places for integrating First Nations into the economic engine that drives Canada. In short, reserves are artificial creations in which people live apart from where the money is. All of our communities, other than the reserves, are t ...

Native and non-Native Idle No More protesters take part in a round dance following a protest demonstration at the Little Current swing bridge on Manitoulin Island. The peaceful demonstration went off without a hitch, with traffic actually flowing faster than normal thanks to OPP officers directing traffic. Reaction to the protest by drivers was mixed, with some honking horns in support and others staring st ...

An on-the-spot report from a participant in the Sudbury demonstration People from all over Turtle Island and across the world have come together in a movement called Idle No More. It began with four ladies, Nina Wilson, Sylvia McAdam, Jessica Gordon and Sheelah McLean, who felt it was urgent to act on current and upcoming legislation that not only affects First Nations people but the rest of Canada’s citize ...

The Hwy 6/17 junction has now re-opened to traffic follow the First Nations 'Idlenomore' protest. ESPANOLA-Traffic on Highway 6 and 17 is now moving. The Idle No More demonstration by members of the local First Nations Communities has concluded. Motorists are reminded to practice safe driving habits and exercise patience. ...

To the Expositor: A open letter to Sheguiandah Chief Orville Augounie. Mr. Chief, sir. Miigwetch for your letter, (‘Chief responds to criticism by ‘outside’ band member; August 29, page 4) a little condescending, but nothing that I did not expect. Thank you for centering me out and giving me your attention, I appreciate that as well. With that, I will respond to your, um, “professional” thoughts where I am ...

Based on 1850 agreement,treaty money still $4/year TORONTO––It’s been 162 years since the chiefs and principle men of the Anishinaabe First Nations agreed to share their territory and resources under what has since become known as the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850. Since that time, the descendants of those leaders have never received an acceptable accounting of the revenue and its disbursements. What those ...