The Assembly of First Nations identified June 29, 2007 as the National Day of Action. This Day of Action came about as a result of the continual lack of progress by governments on settlements of land claims, fiscal imbalances, ignorance of the Treaties and many other grievances that remain outstanding even today.
The Mushkegowuk leadership, knowing full well the many grievances even in our own backyard, immediately recognized the potential that the National Day of Action could create in terms of public awareness and education.
Under the leadership of the Grand Chief, Deputy Grand Chief and Chiefs of Mushkegowuk, the leadership held a peaceful rally in downtown Timmins. Supporters numbering over 100 marched through the downtown core of Timmins with placards proclaiming injustices in housing, education, social issues, the environment and the need for adequate consultation in reference to resource development.
Chief Jonathon Solomon of the Kashechewan First Nation pointed out that “the government needs to respect the meaning and intent of our Treaties” while past Chief of the Attawapiskat First Nation, Mike Carpenter stated that “there are many shortfalls in our communities. We need to create economies for our Nations. But we cannot do that if resource developers do not talk with us.”
Grand Chief Stan Louttit was happy with the turnout but was cautious when asked if this Day of Action really would have an impact on government. “Time will tell” stated the Grand Chief. “If there is no change in the coming months and years, then you can be rest assured that our people will become more vigilant.”
If you have any questions, please call Grand Chief Louttit at 705-658-4222, cell 705-363-7670 or by email
at stanlouttit@mushkegowuk.ca
Mushkegowuk Council
P.O. Box 370, 12 Centre Road, Moose Factory, ON, P0L 1W0
Phone: 705-658-4222 • Fax: 705-658-4250 |
