First Nations stand together to oppose HST

SHAWANAGA FN, ON, May 21 /CNW/ - "Treaties are evidence that our Citizens did not agree to taxation," says Lake Huron Regional Grand Chief Isadore Day of Serpent River First Nation.

Citizens from Whata First Nation joined Anishinabek First Nations in the territory of Chief Dan Pawis supported by his Shawanaga Citizens to say "No to HST."

A peaceful demonstration took place on Highway 69 just north of the First Nation Shawanaga First Nation today to acknowledge a unified position and stance on the Canada-Ontario imposition of the Harmonized Sales Tax scheduled to come into full effect on July 1st 2010.

Chief Pawis was on hand to introduce Lake Huron Regional Chief Day and highlighted the importance of unity and working together to stand against this government policy.

In a recent move yesterday from Federal Finance Minister James Flaherty to meet with First Nations to talk about the issue, leaders are guarded on their protests, but say they will step back from more intense demonstrations such as supporting roadblocks or traffic slowdowns. The G20 summit and international attention on the poor Nation-to-Nation relationship is another potential venue in the sights of First Nation leadership that HST is not an option.

"We must be very clear with both Ontario and Canada - HST is not an option and that preserving the "point of sale" for all of our Citizens has no other alternative - our treaty annuity of four dollars a year is proof; one Nation cannot tax another," concluded Day.

In an effort to express solidarity and gratitude to Shawanaga, the Lake Huron Regional Grand Chief supported by the UOI Highway 69 corridor Chiefs presented Chief Pawis and his Citizens with an Anishinabek flag.

The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 40 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 55,000 people. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

For further information: Marci Becking, Communications Officer, Union of Ontario Indians, [email protected], [phone] ext. 2290