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Quebec Chiefs Assail Ottawa Over Separatism
By: Kenneth Deer - The Eastern Door

A meeting of Quebec Chiefs from across Canada gathered in Quebec city this week to discuss the issue of Quebec separation. Statements made by several Chiefs put the pressure directly on Ottawa to protect Aboriginal treaty and land rights.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief, Ovide Mercredi told gathered delegates that Mr. Chretien has a responsibility to block any unilateral attempt by Quebec to separate from Canada. Mr. Chretien's policy of defending the status quo and his refusal to engage in constitutional talks will lead to failure, said Ovide.

The Chiefs unanimously adopted a resolution stating that Quebec sovereignty constitutes a threat OT inherent aboriginal, treaty, constitutional and other human rights. They rejected the concept of the territorial integrity of Quebec, reiterating that the province could not separate from Canada without the consent of Native Peoples.

'The First Nations in Canada call on the federal government to fulfill its historic, treaty fiduciary and constitutional obligations to protect and promote the rights of First Nations in Quebec and Labrador; and that we the First Nations in Canada further declare that we will not permit the historic links and relationships between the First Nations inside and outside Quebec to be infringed or severed," the motion said.

The motion is a clear condemnation of the Quebec government's draft bill on sovereignty and its plans for public consultation. Native leaders said they will boycott the government process and initiate their own consultations to stop Quebec form separating without their consent. A delegation will also be sent to the United Nations to argue the case that Quebec sovereignty poses a threat to the survival of Native Peoples.

"How can aboriginal Peoples participate in a process that begins with the denial of their basic human rights?" stated Matthew Coon Come. He described the consultation process as undemocratic and unconstitutional.

Chief Joe Norton accused the federal government of lacking the courage to uphold Native Rights by declaring the draft sovereignty bill illegal. The Globe and Mail quotes him as saying "I believe in separation. I believe in Mohawk separation if there is such a thing as separation. Chief Billy Two-Rivers was concerned about Mr. Chretien's hidden agenda for not getting involved to stop separation. He said Quebec separation. He said Quebec separation amounted to nothing less than a declaration of war against Native People. "I think the whole place (Ottawa) is loaded with closet separatists, Chretien being one of them.

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Sub Shop Target of Arson
By: Lisa Peterson

On the early morning of Friday December 2, 1994, Sub Shop owner Keith Hamelin woke up to a surprising revelation. Someone had attempted, for whatever reason, to burn down his business.

Hamelin awoke at approximately 3:30 a.m. because he had heard someone talking outside of his window, and it turned out to be the Peacekeepers, who were trying to shut out a fire at his restaurant.

Hamelin quickly ran outside and saw that the Peacekeepers were trying to get the fire under control. The Kahnawake Fire Brigade arrived five minutes later, and finished extinguishing the fire. Luckily, the damage was contained to the front door and had not spread anywhere else.

At press time, the Kahnawake Peacekeepers had no information that could lead them to the person or persons who are responsible for this incident. The only evidence that they had was that they found a gas can and footprints which led to the tracks of a car or truck.

Keith Hamelin said "the people who did this are obviously sick." Hamelin was very happy that the Peacekeepers came along when they did because "in another 10 minutes, the fire could have gotten into the walls, possibly destroying the whole restaurant."

Hamelin and all the other Sub Shop workers did not let this incident stop them from operating. Subs were being served later that day. Everything resumed back to normal, and everybody hoped that something like this will never reoccur again.

If anyone has any information, or knows who is responsible for the fire, contact Calvin at 635-4951 (Home) or 638-2665 (Work). A thousand dollar reward is being offered to anyone for information on who is responsible. All names will be kept confidential.

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Christmas Spirit lives in Kahnawake
By: Chad Rice

A Peacekeeper recently took it upon himself to donate to Sonny Joe Cross' Christmas party. He wrote a personal cheque for $100 and passed the hat to other Peacekeepers. His total donation was $218. The Peacekeeper then dropped the donation off at CKRK, for Sonny Joe.

Some time later, the envelope containing the donation was misplaced. The Peacekeeper cautiously put a stop-payment on his cheque and promptly donated another one. As a gesture of good will, CKRK management issued a cheque matching the balance of the donation.

Hats off to all parties involved for their great generosity!

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