Blockades End - New Phase Begins

"Why did we do this? It's not about the money. And it's not about getting re-elected. No, the bottom-line is we did this for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the future generations!"

- Chief Ian Bushie

After almost 2 months, mutual understanding to move ahead has been achieved between the Chief & Council of Hollow Water First Nation and the Province of Manitoba, thereby ending the blockades...

...for now.

"Critics on both sides of the fence will likely be pointing fingers that either Hollow Water has backed down or that the Province has given in", said Chief Bushie. "But the fact is, there has been considerable discussions held between the two parties and there has been good faith demonstrated from both sides which facilitated progress and made it necessary that the blockades be removed." Had the blockades not come down, positive steps and movement down the path of conciliation could not be taken.

Way to go, Chief & Council, for standing up for the people of Hollow Water!

We celebrated the ending of the blockades at a feast two nights ago at the Hollow Water band hall where Chief Ian Bushie explained to us what some of the main points of this entire experience was all about.

In a nutshell, it's all been about the future of the community - for the grandchildren and the great-grandchildren and so on down into the generations. How's that?

Well, if so called "development" continued in the Hollow Water First Nation territory there would be nothing left for the children of tomorrow to inherit. No lands, no resources, no way to provide for themselves whether it be through traditional means i.e., hunting, fishing, trapping, or through contemporary means i.e., logging, mining, eco-tourism, etc.

When the people of the plains saw the buffalo being killed off they did take action to prevent it. Sadly, this was to no avail as the greed of swarming settlers moving in grew and grew and in one year alone over 6 million buffalo were exterminated. And society as a whole now laments the loss of those beautiful creatures that once roamed the land in plenty. It is that very same kind of greed that is gripping our territory as land is coveted (cottages), resources are being stripped (clear cutting, mining)... all whilst Aboriginal people continue to get next to nothing. So how could we stand idly by and watch it all happen? We are no different than the people of the plains from over a hundred years ago. We only hope we are not too late and that our efforts will succeed instead...

Chief Bushie used one example of a local pulp cutter. The big pulp and paper company of Tembec reaps millions each year from our land and provides many jobs to sustain the people of Pine Falls and Powerview. Small operators locally in Hollow Water do not get quotas to cut pulp, but small tracts of land where they can cut and then get paid so much for a cord of wood. Chief Bushie pointed out that the local contractors should be rich from cutting pulp if they had quotas that allowed them to prosper and be well off. Instead, Tembec reaps the lion's share of the profits and they are the ones that get all the benefits while the Province stands with them in their court to support everything they do. So, this is just one example of what is happening in the pulp industry.

The same is happening in the fishing industry, the mining industry, and cottage development. Everything is being taken away. The beneficiaries of the land are those from outside the community and not the rightful and original caretakers of the land - the First Nations people. What part of greed, injustice, intolerance, indifference, and ignorance do you not understand - you that oppose the steps taken by the Hollow Water First Nation?

I applaud the leadership of Hollow Water First Nation - Chief Ian Bushie and the entire Council - Jeff Bushie, Derek Bushie, Lynn Moneyas, and Ferland Barker. They have taken considerable abuse during this trial not only from strangers and non-Aboriginal folk from outside the community but from the local people - their very own community members! This was very difficult to take, indeed. But I thank them again for being vigilant and courageous. They've been wise to consider the generations of tomorrow in their decision-making. That's what real leadership is all about. The people of the community truly do watch how you lead....and I for one watched at the feast the other night how the leaders acted. The Elders were served first, then the people, and the Chief & Council stood off to the side to wait until everyone had eaten. I don't even think they took any food! They wanted the people to be taken care of first. Wow! That says a lot more than words can really say!

I'm proud to be from the Hollow Water First Nation!

Now then, do you think the Government of Manitoba will perk their ears up the next time Hollow Water's name comes across their desk? You bet! Will Minister's take notice when our Chief or our people have anything to say? A much better chance they will now. Will other First Nations be given notice when they tell the Province they will not allow development in their area without due process? I think they will. The Province's dirty ears have been cleaned. But alas, we know that clean ears eventually become dirty again...in time.

But so too did the Hollow Water and surrounding communities learn some lessons through this entire experience. We are not so naive or proud to admit that we have not also learned and grown as a people. As Chief Ian put it: "I'll never be the same person I was before this happened..." Those open to change and to learn will have grown through this trial and suffering. That is the way Creator allows it. Creator knows this land and this life is not our sole destiny and ultimate goal. We know that our ultimate goal is a land nobody can take away from us - in that spiritual abode with Creator forever. But we do have things to take care of in this world and on this land and we do need to be good stewards of what we have. As Chief Dan George once put it, "nothing belongs to me of what there is, but of what I have, I must share..." And we as First Nations people are a very kind and sharing people. We are open people. Like open books. But as we all know, being an open book has its risks. Walking around being an open kind of person or people makes one vulnerable and an easy target for those who would take advantage of you. And that's where the pain and suffering comes into the picture for those who've been abused throughout this experience. But, thanks be to Creator, for every negative there is a positive. For evil, there is good. For ignorance, their is understanding. For greed, there is sharing. For pain, there is relief. For anger, there is kindness. For hatred, love. For bitterness, the sweet taste of victory.

And for Hollow Water's despair, there is great hope. And for our weakness, there is now strength. For the storm and the raging winds, there is now calm and peace and tranquility. For our timidity, there is now pride - not self-centred pride, but the kind of pride that says, "I am proud to belong to the Creator. I am proud to belong to the land. I am proud to belong to the people. I am proud to just belong...

...the kind of pride that now says, "I am surely NOT a stranger in my own land."

Yes, it's a sad thing to hear when others condemns the people of Hollow Water for standing up for what they believe. We have been called, "greedy" and many other unspeakable names for doing this. How ironic when the poorest of the poor in the land are called "greedy"! But that's the sure sign for me that we are doing right. If we were doing the opposite and what the world loves we would not be bothered. But I'd rather be despised and stand for what is approximately right then be applauded by the world and be exactly wrong!

Yeah, we can really be proud - in a good way. In ways that do not abuse and threaten even when we are threatened. To stand in honesty when the whirlwinds of lies and gossip whisk around us. To hold our heads up with integrity when the man next door calls you a dog. To be at peace when the rage and dark murmurings of human nature rear its ugly head from places you never expected. To be able to hold a child and smile at them even when you know someone is ready to stab you in the back.

Yes, these are troubled times. But woe to those who bring the trouble. Be careful you are not among them. For the poor and the downtrodden have a special place in Creator's heart.

Hollow Water has only taken a step. There are many more steps to take. Many more challenges ahead. Nobody is so out of touch with reality in our community to think this is all over. The Province will try again to develop the east side of Lake Winnipeg in ways that do not include the First Nations. They will use their laws and their loopholes to do so. But the spiritual laws laid down by Creator will prevail. And we trust in that. That is our strength and that is where our real hope lies. Not in the laws that governments make or the so-called great things that people do, but in the Power of the Creator working through humble hearts. That is where our hope is in our country. That is where our hope is for our land...

So until the next chapter opens itself up to us, Peace and Good Will to all who will accept it!

Meegwetch!

Darrell Phillips
(Little Black Bear)

Struthers & Robinson Welcomed by Hollow Water Leadership

Not what one might expect, the exchange of words between Chief Ian Bushie (including other leaders of the Hollow Water First Nation) and the two Provincial Ministers, Struthers and Robinson, was conciliatory and respectful.

With all the speculation and anticipation by the media that talks between the Province and Hollow Water were heading for a showdown, there will no doubt be some stunned (translation: "jarred") folks out there.

In a move that can be described as a "class act", the leaders of Hollow Water invited the Ministers to partake in pipe and sweatlodge ceremonies at Hollow Waters' Community Holistic Circle Healing Centre. Although, it cannot be revealed what exactly was spoken of in the confidence of those sacred sharing circles, it has been observed the Ministers truly enjoyed themselves and walked away feeling they were genuinely welcomed and better informed of Hollow Water's perspectives.

It was stressed to the Ministers how important the land is to our people and how closely connected we are to Mother Earth. Every animal and plant and creature has its purpose and we must all live in harmony. To fail in that is to fail to live up to our responsibilities as caretakers and stewards of the earth. I'm sure the Ministers felt a great sense of peace as they participated in the ceremonies. It is a great testament to their own commitment and their openness to truly listen to the people of Hollow Water. I commend them for this.

So, the ceremonies were intended to bring clarity to the situation and to open up the channel of communication to the Province - "in a good way". In the Anishinabe way! When I say the "leaders" of Hollow Water, I mean there are others involved in this process that are coming to the forefront and using their gifts and talents to better advance this precarious situation in a non-violent and non-threatening way. Our traditional people and our women are playing a vital role in assisting this process to remain on a good track. Our youth are looking after the sites and displaying incredible restraint in not reacting to provocateurs.

Much like our brothers and sisters from across the ocean from the eastern cultures: whenever a negotiation process is to take place, they spend their time first talking about basic terminology and what is meant when certain words are spoken. When we say, "traditional land", we want to clarify what that means. It's not just the tiny box that the federal government forced us to live on, it's the wider area of land that our forefathers have lived and survived on since time immemorial. We know this because we still have an oral tradition that has passed information on to us for many generations. So, when we talk about our traditional hunting territory, it spans an area much larger than the acreage set aside by the treaties. We depend on that land and that area not only for our survival but for our entire way of life. When a way of life is threatened, naturally, any people will move to defend that. Try doing some development on some farmer's field and watch what happens. Let's be clear about this: there's been a lot of give and patience on the part of the Hollow Water people (and those in the surrounding area) over the years to allow for developers to encroach on our traditional territory. And that has been a steady process. The stopping of this had to occur now and if this intervention did not happen there would be a decimation of land and resources unprecedented in the history of the eastern side of Lake Winnipeg. That is precisely what has been effectively halted it is what must be examined closely before anything moves ahead any further from this point.

Some people may be confused and wondering: "why did the Hollow Water people go through all the trouble to blockade the road and now they welcome the Ministers?!" Well, remember that Chief Ian has maintained all along that this was a peaceful movement and that there would be no acts of aggression. That is a promise made and kept in spite of the aggressive, disrespectful, and shameful behaviour of a few cottagers and a madman developer. I want to highlight this person's behaviour because it speaks to an important issue at hand. The people of Hollow Water involved in standing up for their rights have not succumbed to unspeakable behaviour during this blockade; in fact, they have risen above all the abuses and negativity flying around from many sources, including some that don't understand the bigger picture locally. So, they have been above reproach and have clearly demonstrated their integrity. This takes a great amount of courage, respect, caring, and fortitude to stand with grace "for the people and their children's future".

Now then, contrast that with the behaviour of one man whose antics and negative sentiments have been given wide public attention through the media. I'm speaking of Ivan Saber and not in anger about the man but in great sadness. Here is a person who has committed numerous acts of aggression: he drove his skidder through the blockade and endangered the lives of those at the site - this was well reported and is public knowledge not hearsay. But what is not public knowledge is: a) he accused Hollow Water people of stealing his skidder and this was untrue; b) he's deliberately gone down to the sites and provoked the young men there on a number of occasions; c) and most recently, he pepper sprayed and physically attacked one of the young men!

In short, he's a violent man and a saboteur of anything good. And I note this only to underscore the significant differences in responses and not to take revenge on a pitiful man. Enough said about the dark side of this plot.

Back then, to our original story:

Now that the lines of good communication have been opened up with the Ministers, there can now be fruitful dialogue and the building of trust. That may take awhile to forge but forged it shall be with good leaders at the helm. The movement forward may be cautious but it will be respectful. And that, my friends, is a very good start...

Ministers Struthers & Robinson to Meet Hollow Water Chief & Council

Well, it's finally happening. Today, the two Ministers - Struthers and Robinson - will sit with Chief Ian Bushie and the Council at a pipe ceremony and initial discussions on how to move ahead from here.

It's been a meeting we've been waiting for; Chief Bushie has been successful in getting the Province to come to the table.

But what will become of this meeting? My guess is this is only the first of several meetings that will need to happen.

Some of the issues on the table from HWFN's perspective may be:

• Current Development in the area and it's impacts
• What are the Province's plans for this area and further up the Lake?
  
• Resource Sharing - for current and future initiatives

My expectation is the Province's goals will be:

• Access for cottagers into the development sites
• Complete removal of the barricades before any further steps are taken

It's going to be interesting to find out the outcome of today's meeting. I'll keep you posted. Right now, I have to get ready and head out there myself!

LBB

Great Spirits Always Encounter Violent Opposition

It was the esteemed Albert Einstein that uttered those words years ago. I think they apply to our Chief Ian Bushie.

With the recent community march to raise awareness of the issues being advanced by Hollow Water First Nation (October 3^rd) and the two page ad taken out in the Winnipeg Sun to explain his position (October 5^th), Chief Ian Bushie has demonstrated a quality of his leadership which will become more known throughout the country as time wears on: it’s simply called brilliance.

Why?

Is it because he walks the “high road” - the path of integrity? Is it because he stands with the people of the land who have said, “no more raping Mother Earth!” Or is it because he’s articulate and unafraid to speak his mind for the benefit of generations to come? Oh yeah, it could be all these things and much more…but I believe Chief Ian would be the first to object to being placed on any pedestal.

No, I say “brilliant” because in order for the government to come away from any of this and to be viewed in any positive light, they will have to demonstrate integrity and good faith as well. That's a far stretch for the government. Let's take a look at it for a second: so far, who’s side has the government been on anyway? Is it the poor and disadvantaged? Sorry. It’s rich fat cats that can afford a second home away from home in “the country”. Folks that can afford to build $2 million “cottages” in the woods and spend time “at the lake”. It’s Land Developers the government of Manitoba supports, clearly, that have no clue whether they just bull-dozed over an ancient burial ground of First Nation people that died from a small pox epidemic over a hundred years ago. Our Elders speak of the area of Clement’s Point as one that contains the remains of our dead ancestors that died of disease brought into our territory. Where is that burial ground exactly? Only archaeological digs would be able to determine that, but quite frankly, I don’t see our people asking Archaeologists to come out and start hunting for the bones of our ancestors anytime soon. For us, what is important is that our Elders speak for us and they know much more than we do. We listen to our Elders when they speak and they have told us so…that our people are buried somewhere in the Clement’s point area. Is anybody else out there listening?

As a matter of fact, people ARE starting to listen. Our non-First Nation brothers and sisters out there are starting to perk up a bit more and beginning to ask questions. Indeed, Chief Ian Bushie spoke last night at a gathering in Winnipeg and he explained the community’s position to them and answered their questions to clarify any misconceptions. Truly, there is a real groundswell of support that is emerging in the general public. The grassroots movement is getting bigger and moving across the land and whatever the outcome is from all of this will have implications that are far-reaching and “precedent setting”, as Chief Bushie explained last night. What he also clarified was that he and our people of Hollow Water are not militant types out looking for a fight. We are peace-loving and caring people but firm in our stand for our land and for all of Mother Earth. He said, “we are all Elders in training…we are youth too…and we are protectors of Mother Earth”.

The message of Hollow Water is one for the entire planet: Stop the selfishness and the greed that is sucking the life blood from Mother Earth. Can it get any simpler than that?

This message is much more encompassing and far beyond simply stopping a bunch of cottage lots from being developed. And Chief Bushie has been saying that from the beginning. Yes, cottage development is being stopped but that’s only the “tip of the iceberg”. Like an onion being peeled away you are only seeing the first layer. Everything that belongs to the Earth: the water, the land, the air we breathe, the animals and the birds of the air, the plant life and the little ones. Everything is on the table here. We look at the whole picture and not just one aspect of the picture. Chief Bushie is speaking about having something here for future generations and he cares enough to stand for that. If the government has their way…and the cottagers and the developers get their way…in the end, there will be nothing left for the people of Hollow Water and the surrounding communities. Over and over throughout history this same morbid theme has played out against First Nation people. There is an opportunity here to right some wrongs and to take a new path that actually has some honour and real integrity.

“So what about the cottagers that spent their hard-earned money to have a cottage lot”, you may wonder? What about fairness to them? Well, let me share with you my Chief’s response to that question: “Everybody knows what happens when you acquire stolen goods…you have to give it back.”

In closing, many more eyes are on Hollow Water. High profile First Nation and non-First Nation individuals are watching the developments with great interest. But more significantly, people are going beyond simply watching, they are starting to ask the question that I’m sure the good Minister and his government will dread; people are asking: “how can we help? How can we support you, Hollow Water?”

Well, I’m glad you asked because here are a few suggestions:

• Call the Minister of Conservation, Stan Struther’s office to voice your opinion – that you wish for his department to settle the matters raised by Hollow Water First Nation in a just and fair manner. His number is: 945-3750 and you can email him by going to Government of Manitoba's website: http://web2.gov.mb.ca/contact/index.php

• Call Premier Gary Doer’s office and let him know you have an eye on this and want it dealt with justly and for the benefit of the Hollow Water people and the surrounding communities. His number is: 945-3714 and you can also send him a letter at: http://web2.gov.mb.ca/contact/index.php

• Call Oscar Latlin, Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, at 945-3719 and you can use the same site to contact him via email - http://web2.gov.mb.ca/contact/index.php

• Phone in to a talk show or write a letter to an Editor. Here is the Editor-in-Chief for the Winnipeg Sun: Stephen Ripley. His email address is: stephen.ripley@sunmedia.ca

• The Winnipeg Free Press has a letter to the Editor link on their website: www.winnipegfreepress.com/info/letters/index.html.

Take some action now...don't wait!

Peace and Justice!

Meegwetch!

Darrell Phillips

The Ante is up "ANOTHER NOTCH!"

Well, I'm just back after the weekend from the new Rice River road blockade site (just east of the Hollow Water turnoff from Hwy 304). It's another step taken by Chief Bushie and the Council...just to highlight to the province that they are very serious about this whole matter. Nobody's bluffing on the First Nation side of the fence.

But other than the added new blockade site, which actually went up last week, it's "steady as she goes" on the front lines. One of the guys had smoked his traditional pipe in the tipi on Friday night. Not long after that an eagle flew by screeching loudly. It's not that significant you might think but this was at 9:45 p.m. in the dark of night! That's not a very common experience even among us First Nation people...we took it as a positive and peaceful sign.

The hunters that have come up to that area (north on the Rice River winter road towards the First Nation communities of Bloodvein and Beren's River) were not pleased to be asked to leave. We expected all the hunters to be gone but drove up towards Rice River to scout the area in case anyone was still around. Lo and behold, we pass three non-Aboriginal hunters on one ATV with full hunting gear and totting their rifles. "Hmmm...", we thought, "these guys aren't going to a masquerade party at 11:00 p.m. at night are they?" And the government is worried that First Nations people are out there breaking the rules! But that, my friends, is another story altogether. But it does highlight something that is very much connected to the cottage development issue: that while the focus thus far has been on the cottage developments, there is much more to this entire matter than meets the eye. We are not only talking about the land but the natural resources that are of the land. After all, we are people of the land. And as Chief Seattle once said, "the land does not belong to us, we belong to the land..."

In fact, Chief Seattle apparently said more that is applicable to our current situation. The following words do not have complete historical accuracy as the Chief did not write or even speak English. But he is credited nevertheless with uttering these words:

"The President in Washington sends word that he wishes to buy our land. But how can you buy or sell the sky? the land? The idea is strange to us. If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them?

Every part of the earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every meadow, every humming insect. All are holy in the memory and experience of my people.

We know the sap which courses through the trees as we know the blood that courses through our veins. We are part of the earth and it is part of us. The perfumed flowers are our sisters. The bear, the deer, the great eagle, these are our brothers. The rocky crests, the dew in the meadow, the body heat of the pony, and man all belong to the same family.

The shining water that moves in the streams and rivers is not just water, but the blood of our ancestors. If we sell you our land, you must remember that it is sacred. Each glossy reflection in the clear waters of the lakes tells of events and memories in the life of my people. The water's murmur is the voice of my father's father.

The rivers are our brothers. They quench our thirst. They carry our canoes and feed our children. So you must give the rivers the kindness that you would give any brother.

If we sell you our land, remember that the air is precious to us, that the air shares its spirit with all the life that it supports. The wind that gave our grandfather his first breath also received his last sigh. The wind also gives our children the spirit of life. So if we sell our land, you must keep it apart and sacred, as a place where man can go to taste the wind that is sweetened by the meadow flowers.

Will you teach your children what we have taught our children? That the earth is our mother? What befalls the earth befalls all the sons of the earth.

This we know: the earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself..."

Meegwetch (thank you), Chief Seattle, for your words which have withstood the test of time and apply to us here today!

Minister Struthers Refuses to Meet Chief Ian Bushie

It's clear that Minister Struthers refuses to meet with Chief Ian Bushie. The Chief went right to the Minister's office and verbally invited him to attend a Saturday meeting (Sept. 22nd) but Struthers didn't show up. Struthers has indicated he will not meet with Chief Bushie until the blockades are removed. Chief Bushie has indicated the blockades will remain until the province comes to the negotiating table.

The process appears to be at a standstill. A waiting period. Who'll make the next move?

Meanwhile, angry cottagers continue to vent to the Minister's office and through the media. It seems only their voices are being given loud consideration through the media while the local voice is downplayed and/or ignored. Even reports of discontent from those in the surrounding area is being given the spotlight over the good things happening in the community.

So what good IS happening? Well, for starters, those that are attending the blockade sites are building a strong bond through their collective efforts and interaction. There is a heartfelt peace that you will experience when you visit the sacred fires where the tipis are erected at each blockade site. But only those open to this spirit of peace will actually feel it; a few angry cottagers have showed up and I'm sure they didn't "feel the love".

Secondly, a groundswell of support is emerging. Other First Nation people have already showed up at the blockade sites and have sung songs on the sacred drum and voiced their strong support. More are ready to join the cause (refer to Greg McIvor's letter at the tail end of this post).

Thirdly, the Elders are a strong presence at the sites. Their support and their knowledge and wisdom is being shared. They lend an element to this issue that is soothing - for us to know they are there and in full support of what is taking place is not only comforting but strengthening to our spirits. The stand that is being taken to halt any more encroachment or development on our traditional lands is fully supported by our Elders.

Fourth, people that previously had misunderstandings or misgivings about the strong stand taken by Chief Bushie are beginning to see the light. Walls or barriers that were initially there are starting to erode and fade away to be replaced with a nod of support, greater understanding, and unified strength. This can be expected to grow. True enough there are still some people at the local level that do not understand or support Hollow Water's position. But they are not willing to go up to visit the sites to gain a greater appreciation of what is taking place. Some of the "hard-nosed ones" haven't been willing to approach the Chief to sit down and talk. And Chief Bushie should not have to chase anyone down to convince them of Hollow Water's position.

Fifth, you would not get over how much the women of Hollow Water have contributed to this effort. They are constantly bringing home cooked food and making sure there's coffee, tea, and bannock. They also sit around the fire contributing their thoughts and ideas on what should be done to support the First Nation's cause. They are a pillar of strength along with the Elders and I salute them!

And finally, I watched over three nights staying out at the tipis how the young men and women from the community of Hollow Water and Seymourville came to the sites to lend their support. Seeing these young men and women stay up all night long watching the fires and sacrificing their time and energy is an incredible inspiration. They sit there pondering matters quietly whilst the stars and moon shine brightly. Their future is at stake and I'm proud to see their courage, their commitment, and there proud stand against injustice. It truly moved me and I will never forget the expressions of concern on their faces. I honour them all.

So what is going to happen next? Only time will tell that story. It'll unfold in the coming days as the fall season where's on and the temperatures drop. Chief Ian Bushie is resolute in his position - he will not be swayed by empty promises from the government. And he is well supported in this quest for justice and a better future for the people of our community. As for Struthers, we'll find out if he's interested in listening to the people's rightful claim to their traditional lands. We'll find out if he's honestly willing to sit down and hear the concerns of the local people. And we'll find out if Doer's NDP government - the very ones that purport to side with the underprivileged and the marginalized, namely First Nation people, is willing to move in favour of First Nation people. How many MLA's have been sent to the Legislature with the support of Aboriginal people over the years? The eyes of the Aboriginal community are on you and your government, Mr. Premier. Your resolve for taking Aboriginal rights issues seriously will surely be tested. My caution is that you choose your steps wisely. The next election will bear the results of your choices on these fundamental matters of land and resources for First Nation people.

As for disgruntled cottagers that the media and the government like to sympathize with? You'll need to wait longer. Perhaps much longer. Perhaps you'll think twice about venturing onto First Nation territory without any consideration for them in the future. Then again, maybe this entire process isn't teaching you anything. One has to be ready and willing to listen and be considerate of others. If you were not taught that throughout your lives, you may never get it. But be certain of this: non-Aboriginal society has taken enough from First Nation people. Gone are the days when successive governments, and now fat-wallet cottagers, come in to take-take-take. Gone are the days when First Nation people sit idly by and watch others benefit from their land while poverty holds its throttle-neck grip on our own people.

As a concluding remark and to further bring light to the growing support out there in Aboriginal territory, I wish to include the comments made by Mr. Greg McIvor is his letter to the Editor of the Winnipeg Sun:

Dear Editor,

I have been following the actions of the Hollow First Nation over the last few days from print and TV news items and while I normally do not support blockades and demonstrations to resolve these types of conflict. I want to congratulate Chief Ian Bushie for taking the position that he has and that has been identified in recent articles including today’s article “Can’t just sit idly by” Blockades may grow: Chief By SHANNON VANRAES, SUN MEDIA.

Dealing with the NDP government and their party cronies that make up the so called commissions, boards and committees that have a history of deception and are notorious for stealing first nation lands and natural resources without any willingness to share the wealth from the revenue generated from these unlawful activities.

It is about time that our first nation leadership stand up to these activities and say enough is enough. We can no longer have the provincial government come into our communities and pretend that they are concerned about our first nation communities. The provincial government is unwilling to contribute any resources to address the community, social and economic crisis that exists in the majority of our first nation communities.

I trust that the “3 amigos” (Grand Chiefs of AMC, MKIO and SCO) and the “Lame Duck” Manitoba Treaty Commissioner will rally behind and support their people for a change. We can no longer accept the piece meal handouts as the recent Roseau River Dakota Nation has done. It is time to develop a long-term natural resource revenue sharing arrangement in the province that will benefit all first nation communities and applied uniformly across all natural resource activity. The current first nation leadership should no longer accept and cooperate with the exploitation and theft of our natural resources by the province and its crown corporations.

I believe that our young people would support such an initiative, especially our urban community members that can see the benefit of long-term arrangements for the children, community and a future. Compared to what currently exists such as, overcrowded housing conditions, high unemployment, social turmoil and above all “No Hope” in the welfare state that is our community.

Bravo! Chief Ian Bushie – Finally, we have a leader that is willing to LEAD!

Regards,

Greg McIvor

Minister of Conservation, Stan Struthers to Meet Chief Ian Bushie

The Minister whose department has been responsible for allowing cottage development on traditional Hollow Water territory was asked by Chief Bushie to meet with him and his Council. Stan Struthers, Minister of Conservation, has agreed to head up to Hollow Water Territory on Saturday September 22nd to sit with Chief & Council. He initially asked for the barricades to be taken down, but Chief Bushie is adamant that the Province must show significant good faith and concrete steps towards sincere negotiations with Chief Bushie. The blockades will NOT be removed until such time as there is real progress made in the negotiations.

Meanwhile, Thursday evening at 5:00 p.m. September 20th, a large group of community members from Hollow Water gathered at Provincial Highway 304 where a potential blockade site has been set up. The resounding response from the community was in strong support of Chief Bushie to continue his quest on behalf of the community for a just arrangement with the Province that will see benefits flowing to the community instead of to the Province and cottagers alone.

The Minister's response at the proposed meeting will reveal the intentions of the Provincal government and will determine the directions that will be taken by the Hollow Water First Nation.

Chief Ian Bushie of Hollow Water First Nation, Manitoba - An Open Letter

Greetings!

It was disturbing to find out the Province of Manitoba had constructed a road 2.7 kilometres long up the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg on the Hollow Water First Nation’s Traditional area.

The road was constructed out of view of the community and the main access road. It wasn’t until weeks prior to the lot selection that access was granted to see the developed area. Residents of Hollow Water First Nation were shocked, to say the least. An area that had once been home to many species of animals, plant life and various sacred medicines had now been levelled with gravel and sand. Because we choose to leave our Traditional lands dormant - was taken by the Province as consent for development.

Our People are protectors of this land; Creator teaches Respect, Courage, Humility, Wisdom, Kindness, Truth, and Love for all that is bestowed on Mother Earth, protecting sacred medicines, animals, various species of plant life is but one way to spread the teachings. When we speak for future generations it is not to speak for money, but to speak for health, food and resources needed to survive as humans. Who is to say that a new disease may come about that will call for a certain simple little plant to provide the cure? What if it were YOUR child who needed this cure and the plant that once existed was now gone and replaced by someone’s second home, a home that is not even necessary?

A Proverb of our People reads:

“Only when the last tree is cut; only when the last river is polluted; only when the last fish is caught; only then will they realize that you cannot eat money…”

Meegwetch!

Chief Ian Bushie

Hollow Water First Nation Barricades Highways to Protest Cottage Development on Traditional First Nation Territory

The people of Manitoba, and an ever expanding number of folks around the world, are hearing of the current blockades happening on the traditional territory of the Hollow Water First Nation, 2 hours north of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

It is the desire of Chief Ian Bushie of the Hollow Water First Nation that information be disseminated to the general public that properly and accurately portrays the current situation of events and issues.

As a member of the Hollow Water First Nation, Little Black Bear is the community's servant in providing information that will bring light to the issues from a First Nation perspective and that respects all parties involved to the best of our ability.

Background:

The Province of Manitoba, of its own volition, constructed a roadway along the shores of Lake Winnipeg that enabled cottage development on the traditional territory of the Hollow Water First Nation (see the map).

Over the past several years, the four surrounding communities of Hollow Water First Nation, Aghaming, Seymourville, and Manigotagan have been seeing an increasing number of people move onto their lands by cottagers eager to establish their second home. For most of these cottagers, this is a luxury they can certainly afford and some of the "cottages" are reportedly in the $2 million+ range in terms of their cost. Essentially, the Province has accommodated the cottagers by building an access road and surveying the area to make it ready for settlement. They have paved the way for cottagers to move into the area with no thought for the local people. All benefits derived from taxes and selling of the lots, which ranged from $7000 - $47,000 each, was to be forwarded to the Province. No services, no benefits to the local communities of Hollow Water, Seymourville, Aghaming, or Manigotagan.

Indeed, throughout this entire process, so-called consultation with the local four communities has consisted of sending out faxes and letters to "tell" the people that development would be forthcoming, not to involve them.

In fact, the entire story requires a quick look back in history to the 1870's. When the federal government wanted to settle the west; they sent out Commissioners to sign treaties to pave the way for settlers to move in. They accomplished this in devious ways that eventually allowed for the occupation of the west, primarily by french and english people. There was a constant influx of Europeans that pushed the First Nation people further and further away into the northern lands of Manitoba.

First Nations understood the treaties to be sacred and living documents that were witnessed by the Creator. The land could not be given away any more than the air could be given away. First Nations were not presumptuous to believe ownership of the land could be asserted in what is understood today as a common law or legal right. The right to the land was not bestowed upon First Nation people by man, but by the Creator. That right included occupying and utilizing the resources of the land by the people for their survival and for thriving.

Small parcels of land, called Reserves, were eventually designated through the treaty making process and doled out to the "Indians" back in the 1870's; and the First Nations have survived ever since through incredible and insurmountable odds: small pox and TB epidemics, abuses of every kind, poverty, injustices, pestilence, and so many other adversities. The survival of the First Nation Peoples of Canada is a testament and an inspiration for their determined strength and resilience to remain as one with this beautiful land we call Mother Earth.

Fastforward to our current situation: the Provincial government didn't bother sending in Commissioners to talk about settling the Hollow Water First Nation's traditional territory, because they believed their laws gave them every right to do so. This dredges up in one's mind the ingrained belief of "terra nullius" that Columbus and his crew believed as well as successive colonists to Turtle Island (North America); it said, "this land is not inhabited". Didn't matter that there were "creatures" they thought resembled human beings staring at them along the shore, the land was empty and "no man's land" as far as they were concerned. And so, the Province of Manitoba, in like manner, viewed the traditional Hollow Water, Seymourville, and Manigotagan area as empty and free for development. Wrong move.

After watching these developments over the past several years, Chief Ian Bushie took a strong leadership stand and actions that say: "enough!" Enough of our resources of trees, wood, fish, various species of plant and animal life, being taken! Enough of our resources being negatively affected and destroyed altogether by greed and lust for coveted places like beach front properties! Enough assaulting the dignity of the people and of Mother Earth, which the First Nation people hold in sacred regard! Enough usurping our rights to economic benefits! Enough watching the cottage lots get developed with its roads and infrastructure while the local people are forced to drive on rutted, muddy roads that are literally killing our young children! Enough being ignored by successive governments and a bureaucracy that has no heart or soul but surely possesses an unrelenting determination to run roughshod over Aboriginal people and to deny their rightful place in society!

Enough!!

And so, here we stand today. Cottage development is halted. The road access to the cottage development area is blocked by the people of Hollow Water and some people from the surrounding communities. Nothing further will happen - not one more tree to be cut down and not one more moose or fish to be taken without the consent of the local people. No movement forward until the Province pays its due respect to the authority and autonomy of the Hollow Water First Nation people on its own traditional lands and territory.

Although, there have been some miscommunications and misunderstandings in the beginning, the other communities of Seymourville, Manigotagan, and Aghaming are starting to realize Chief Ian Bushie is right. Some people in these communities are beginning to acknowledge that if something is not done now, when will it ever be done?


(Note: The signs are going up that read: "Private Property" - on land that First Nations have left untouched and undeveloped, to be enjoyed in its natural state. Where freedom to walk once existed, "stay out" is now displayed)