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"Oh Canada ... our home ON native land ..."

Mother Earth Day, 2008

- This event was designed to bring aboriginal awareness to the children, as per the Province of Ontarios' new educational initiatives. Truth- Children attending French Schools in United Counties of Prescott and Russell denied access to education and to culture. The events' program was done in four languages- French, English, Algonquin(Cree) and Iroquois. Video of this event posted on CFNEs' web site. I also wish to make the statement that just the day prior to the event, both boards catholic and public (french) had agreed to participate. However the french public school board had requested that the french children be kept away at a distance of 100 feet from the english and aboriginal children. To camoflage The non-attendence incident Casslemans' Council and mayor did a surprise Franco Flag raising day. What do you call that? The late Gen. Mgr. of Cultural Foundation Native Expressions, Yvan St Jean called it "racism".



This is a story that needs to be told...The foreclosure was forced by the following reasons and all compliments of our government. and some of their associates ...environmental cover ups, possible tampering of OMB files, negligence, violations, obstructions, stop work orders, failure to disclose, threats, allegations, slander, discrimination, intra-racism....the list goes on.......



The question that should be raised is what about the residential school survivors and their families? There were 4 residential schools in this part of eastern ontario and many survivors and their families still exist and reside in the region today. The aboriginal people of UCPR have rights, deserve a community centre of their own, so that healing can begin. I in no way can speak for the travesties that have occured to them, only an aboriginal can do this, but I definately support the values of aboriginal culture and their right to their own spirituality. Nothing is more powerful than the call of a child. I wonder would these politicians deny their children or grand -children anything? Then why should a child like Sophie and many more in our region be denied access to their culture. These kids want to know their culture . At the earth day event ,a couple of local kids asked me if the centre would have language classes? They are Cree Nation, off reserve and have a passion for their culture There are other kids asking the same questions. The English Catholic board is aware of it and had initiated talks with CFNEs Gen Mgr Yvan ST Jean about providing these services to the children of this area. The need for a centre like Cultural Foundation and Native Expressions is evident and I can't find it in myself to turn and just walk away. Especially when certain aboriginal social programs are being blocked. I have retained a lawyer for cultural foundations Native Expressions and myself to



1) make one last try at redeeming the property back for the Cultural Centre Native Expressions and honor the donation of the land given by Yvan St Jean himself for the aboriginal people of Prescott and Russell. The entire project is ready to go . The aboriginal village site and pow wow sites have already been cleared . Water drainage done. Enviro Assm't done. Feasilbility and Financial Strategy done. Site Plan Agreement done , Business Plan done etc.



2) organize the board and leadership of CFNE in its continuance and obtaining government funding for all its projects and visions. 3)And finally addressing the serious discrimination and Human Rights issues that exist in UCPR and all four levels of government(local, regional, provincial and federal);and



Margaret Wertwyn

acting General Manager

Cultural Foundation Native Expressions, Bourget, ON



PS This is but only a few of the truths....time they get told.....

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