Book review

First Nations do not have the right to say ‘no’.
Despite Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI)’s heroic David against Goliath efforts to protect their land from invasion by mining companies and the province, KI has been left with debt while Platinex got $5 million and Ontario revamped its archaic mining act, leaving free entry access intact and thus giving the province the upper hand in resource economics.
Under Ontairo’s ‘new and improved’ 2009 mining law, First Nations do not have jurisdiction over their lands and are unable to say ‘no’.
They are required to negotiate and manage agreements with resource developers and the province. The law is a ‘policy of incorporation’.
The only option left to First Nations within Treaties is to continue the stand as KI did and does -- the law of Kanawayandan D’aaki, the duty and sacred responsibility to the land.
No Means No, The Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug and the Fight for Indigenous Sovereignty is a thumbnail sketch by David Peerla, the political advisor to KI, of KI’s past justice efforts and the present picture of oppression imposed on First Nations.
He quotes Justice Smith’s judgement of fearing that giving KI’s law his support would create two sets of laws -- one for Aboriginals -- which would lead to chaos and loss of respect and confidence by the public in the courts and judicial system.
As you read, you can clearly see two sets of laws existed before KI put so much money and personal life into it. You will find the lunacy of Justice Smith’s ruling: First People, at last count, are members of the public, but confidence in and respect for this law left years ago and now First Peoples need to evoke their own.
This book needs to be read by Canada’s millions who believe we have justice in Canada and at the cost of this book there are few people unable to afford it.
No Means No, The Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug and the Fight for Indigenous Sovereignty -- David Peerla; Cognitariat Publishing (Sold by Amazon Digital Services, Inc); 2012; ASIN B008XMW8BG; 29 pages, $0.99)