January 1st, 2001

Ho Yon! Happy New Year!
But what lies ahead?
No crystal ball needed here!
News and Comment
by Tehaliwaskenhas - Bob Kennedy, Oneida
Publisher, Turtle Island Native Network
www.turtleisland.org

No need to dial 1-900-psychic to find out what the new year will bring to Aboriginal Canada. The stage is set, the actors cast, and the lines well rehearsed.

Set aside for a moment the familiar statistics - poverty, dwindling resources, HIV/AIDS, booze, drugs, suicide, shitty water, two dozen people living in one house on a reserve, etc., etc.

Set aside for a moment that as individuals we will grow. There will be more. More will become educated. More will get jobs. More will create successful businesses. Agreements will be signed, promises made, some kept. Faith, hope, inspiration, role models, etc., etc.

Denial suggests I'm an optimist. Demons of doom suggest otherwise. Despite my personal disgust at being labelled a contrarian or a naysayer, it seems the part needs playing, and so I will.

Direct Action are the buzz words. Count on more of it across the country.

The ink, not only dry but now aging on the Supreme Court's Marshall decision - most First Nations in Atlantic Canada have cut fisheries deals with DFO. But barring some last minute millenium miracle, it won't be long before the lobster wars resurface on the East Coast. Indian Brook First Nation stands firm in its resolve, as does Burnt Church. Their recent self-defense training says a lot about their expectations.

It has been said that you need at least six months to get the feel of a new job. Matthew Coon Come, national chief is a quick study and I predict few days will pass before he again serves notice on Canada and the provinces. The Assembly of First Nations is no sleeping dog.

For some time, Urban Aboriginals have been waking up too. First Nations had their first brush with Corbiere in 2000. A few elections were held under the new voting regulations but the 'Urban Vote' didn't even register on the Richter scale. Not yet!

Wait 'til they get a load of the Metis. Fortified after a strong welcome by the United Nations, the National Council promises more 'in your face' politics this year. The Ontario Metis are muscle flexing over hunting rights, as are their brothers and sisters in British Columbia where a new leader says take heed because the Provincial Council is getting its _ _ _ t together.

The Metis renewal of land claims and self government issues are vying with the jig and Michif for serious chat time.

What lies ahead Canada? More court cases - residual residential school abuse, taxation, Aboriginal rights, accountability, breached fiduciary, fair compensation for veterans ... to name a few. All burning issues, and fanning the flames are the so-called equality seekers - the 'no special rights' people - the assimilationists. Constitutional denial!

These days right-wing writers like Tom Flannagan of Alberta and Gordon Gibson of British Columbia are more obvious than leftover turkey, and apparently more appetizing to many Canadians.

Let's not forget who Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition is in Ottawa … Stockwell Day. Humbled? Or beligerent and vindictive? And then there's British Columbia ... to be continued.

Tehaliwaskenhas - Bob Kennedy, Oneida
Publisher,
Turtle Island Native Network
Aboriginal News & Information
http://www.turtleisland.org
E-mail: infocom@pro.net