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First Nations Senator opposes 'Idle No More' movement
VANCOUVER/CKNW (AM980)
Shane Woodford | Email news tips to shane.woodford@corusent.com
1/2/2013

A First Nations Senator is coming out against the 'Idle No More' movement.
 
Senator Patrick Brazeau says the movement is short on offering much needed solutions to problems plaguing aboriginal peoples.
 
Matter of fact Brazeau says the 'Idle No More' movement is spreading "mis-information" about federal bill C-45.

"It is going to allow grass roots First Nations people, living on reserve, more power to decide and vote upon how they are going to allocate their lands in terms of economic development ventures, which wasn't the case before. Before it used to be the Minister who decided. When you have this kind of mis-information it doesn't help First Nations people at all."

Brazeau says the 'Idle No More' movement is not addressing serious, age old, problems facing First Nations peoples.

"Even though I disagree with this movement I do believe people should obviously stand up and stay together in terms of real viable issues. At the same time the question we must ask ourselves is well even though there is a movement where are the solutions? Where are the solutions from the Chiefs?"

Brazeau was asked if the bill would solve stark economic disparities on some reserves across Canada.

"It is a solution as far as how lands get allocated. Lets make no mistake about it there are many issues that are plaguing First Nations people all across this country there are many First Nations people, grass roots people, who also demand meetings with their Chiefs but they can't because of discretionary decisions that are made against them."

Brazeau had asked to meet with Chief Theresa Spence, who is on a hunger strike, but was turned down.

Brazeau also says some people have been crossing the line on social media to blast his stance on the 'Idle No More' movement.

"I have recieved a lot of death threats from First Nations people themselves because of the stance that I have taken on this. At the end of the day we all have work to do. We all have families, I have six children myself, but it is unfortunate that some people use social media to get their point across."

Brazeau says it is time for something to be done about anonymous accounts on social media that bully or threaten others.

"It is very difficult because there are many people who use anonymous names to go on Social Media to spur what they believe should be said but at the same time are not accountable for it. I think that we should, as a country anyway, means and ways to try and fix that problem."

Brazeau says companies behind social media platforms could play a role in policing the behaviour of its users.


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  • 13
  1. Ron_26 posted on 01/03/2013 10:56 AM
    Absolutely right on.
    So much energy spent on threats and confusing the issues without offering realistic solutions.
  2. AnneH_4 posted on 01/03/2013 11:09 AM
    Brazeau is a very common sense kind of guy and thanks for explaining to everyone what the Chiefs cannot or will not do. The main stream media is not reporting all of the facts. I heard an interview with the woman who organized the Alberta blockade - she really explained NOTHING - just that they wanted a meeting. If she was so passionate about this I believe that she would make her points - which she did not.

    I do not think most of them know what they are protesting.

    Sun Media is reporting the facts - check it our
  3. AnneH_4 posted on 01/03/2013 11:10 AM
    sorry I meant check it out not our
  4. BradH_2 posted on 01/03/2013 11:30 AM
    Good Work Patrick, keep repeating your message. RE: anonymous accounts, I agree, i believe a scheme to reduce anonymous social media postings, all the major media, social media networks should move gradually towards implementing a policy of displaying your real name. When I read the "posting world" I am ashamed of society.
    If you can not put your full name to what you say, then don't say it. too bad.
    Brad Haugan
  5. MikeyM_2 posted on 01/03/2013 03:37 PM
    We spend 12,000,000,000 thats witha B on these people and they are all screaming poverty......................someone in the system is getting very rich if the guys at the bottom are starving... Mayb the auditor general shud have a crack at the Indian Northern affairs system and see who is stealing what?????
  6. Jartann posted on 01/03/2013 05:33 PM
    The problem is, has been and always will be, that the FN;s will not clearly explain exactly it is that they want. This is further complicated by the reality that there are not all that many 100% pure "FN" people. Making deals with people based on race/ethnicity is a slippery slope that will not end well. When your race is the most important thing, it becomes the only thing-and that has always resulted in violence. It will also mean race testing for everyone so there is clarity on who qualifies for FN benefits, and who does not.

    Wallowing around and whining about life as it once was is a waste of time. Plenty of people have come to Canada from countries all over the world and become successul people. FN people are being encouraged to be resentful and bitter, and are being told a fairy tale about pre-European life-it was not the idyllic paradise we have been led to believe.

    The leaders need to ger a lot more specific. And please, Theresa Spence is not on a"hunger strike"-she is on a "solid food strike".
    1. HUGH F posted on 01/04/2013 05:37 AM
      @Jartann Good deal Jartsy - I'm on my way to take over your house and land. On the bright side, you can live in the garden shed!
  7. speakup posted on 01/04/2013 12:27 PM
    Somebody please just feed this poor woman already!!!!!
  8. commonsense posted on 01/04/2013 02:23 PM
    So Stephen Harper agrees to meet with her. Then what? If nothing changes, what will she then do? Starve herself until Harper changes it around? Kill herself over this and then be considered a martyr?
  9. BrenaR posted on 01/05/2013 01:01 PM
    @Jartann Seriously, you are a true example of a typical "canadian" and need to go and get educated before you post such racist, stereotypical comments.

    I'll tell you what I want: I want my community to be able to live on our reserve. I want us to be self-reliant, like my ancestors were. And I want access to all the teachings, language, and ceremonies my great-grandfathers had. But, you wouldn't understand any of this, nor would you even bother to care to.

    If you really want to begin to understand FN, then read "Unsettling the Settler Within," she does a good job of explaining things (from a non-indigenous point of view).

    As for Brazeau, you are part of the problem and help to cast such a negative light on FN people. But it's okay, Harper will give you your Scooby Snack.

    Remember, history was never made by some one being obedient!
    1. speakup posted on 01/05/2013 01:54 PM
      @BrenaR your post really threw me off with your use of FN!!?!?!?!

      WTFNF is up with that?
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