'A Right to be Angry'
Chief Warns of 'Breaking Point'

By Jorge Barrera
From Canoe.ca

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine has little control over the course of coming events, say chiefs and grassroots leaders as tensions between First Nations and the federal government continue to mount in the run up to a national day of action next month.

Fontaine delivered a passionate speech yesterday to the Canadian Club of Ottawa, imploring the blue-chip audience to pressure government into dealing with native issues to avoid a summer of blockades and confrontation.

"Many of our communities have reached the breaking point," said Fontaine. "Many people ask why First Nations peoples are so angry. At this point you must realize we have a right to be."

Day of Action
The AFN is spearheading a day of action to highlight Native grievances on June 29. The Conservative government's decision to scrap the $5-billion Kelowna Accord and to shut poverty-riven Aboriginal communities out of the budget has fuelled much of the current strife.

Fontaine, who was voted AFN head by chiefs because of his reputation for diplomacy, may now be suffering from his moderate sheen. Some hardline grassroots leaders believe he has pulled his support for direct and spectacular actions like rail blockades.

"He may have had some control, but by stepping back he is relinquishing that control," said Shawn Brant, the organizer of last month's 30-hour Mohawk rail blockade of the main line between Montreal and Toronto. "We are as organized as we have ever been, as well as Canada has ever seen before."

Chiefs from across the country are gathering for an AFN meeting next week in Gatineau, Que.

Roseau River First Nations Chief Terrance Nelson, who has threatened a rail blockade, said it will be up to the chiefs to decide what happens.

"The chiefs will give direction to the national chief and take a united position," said Nelson. "The chiefs are under the gun that if they can't deliver something to the people, the people are not going to wait forever. Things can get out of control quick."

As quick as the click of a mouse -- as was evident this week with the surfacing of an Internet how-to video on how to sabotage rail lines.

Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice reiterated his position that Fontaine would be responsible for what transpires. "I continue to say that blockades are not acceptable ... and I am fearful that someone will get hurt."

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty encouraged the Stephen Harper government to consider an accelerated negotiation process to settle the more than 800 outstanding Native land claims.

"We've all been put on notice now that we're going to have a national day of protest," said McGuinty, who called the YouTube video "just not helpful." "I hope the federal government's paying attention."



Bell Hooks' Shortlist
From Media Rights.org
2007

The Shortlist article series is your opportunity to learn about the films that inspire intellectual, artistic and activist leaders--leaders like writer Bell Hooks. We asked bell to share her favorite films and her thoughts on the power of documentary to change the world. So what films make Bell Hooks' Shortlist? Keep reading to find out.

Who is Bell Hooks?
Bell describes herself as a "seeker on the path of love, spiritual advisor, cultural critic, feminist theorist and writer (non-fiction and children's books)." She lives in the Kentucky hills and has spent time in New York City and Florida. She is an obsessive reader, especially of mystery novels. Bell Hooks is a distinguished professor at Berea College.

Bell Hooks on the Power of Film
"In a world where censorship and the silencing of dissent is common practice we cannot rely on the media to give us movies that are "real," informative or transformative. Documentary films remain one of the essential expressions of free speech. Two Spike Lee documentaries, Four Little Girls and When the Levees Broke, inspire me because they poignantly document the impact of post-traumatic stress caused by racist exploitation and oppression in the lives of black folks."

Bell's Film Picks

Stranger With a Camera: This film raises crucial ethical and political issues about the power of the camera and the relationship between artists and subjects. It is also about class, homophobia and the dangers of a closed community.

Four Little Girls: Every American should see this film. It is a true to life portrait of imperialist white-supremacist capitalist patriarchy. One of the most powerful visual accounts of the traumatic impact of racial terrorism in the lives of black folks. An amazing story of a white woman who loves Justice enough to take a stand.

Saving Jackie: Talk about the power of the documentary. This young black female filmmaker turns the camera on her family to explore the impact of drug addiction on children. She examines both her mother's addiction to cocaine and her recovery.

Her: A blend of futuristic filmmaking using several forms including animation and straight-forward documentary. Some might call it sci-fi--it's visionary. Challenging patriarchy, it gives everyone the opportunity to understand injustices--the pain of sexist domination and oppression.

Blue: Derek Jarman's Blue invites audiences to see and feel with him, losing his sight as a consequence of AIDS. He shows us that beauty can emerge from even the most tragic circumstances.

Happy to Be Nappy and Other Tales of Me: A film for children and grown-ups who want to look at the impact of difference in the lives of young folk. It's beautiful, funny, sad and uplifting.

When the Levees Broke: Significantly, this film offers a voice to diverse groups of people who were not given media coverage during the Katrina crisis. It exposes the racial terrorism that is the continued political practice in our water [system] and offers amazing humanizing portraits of black people, especially black men.

Crumb: A powerful portrait of dissident creativity.

Shut Up and Sing: An interesting look at the radical politicization of white women who initially lacked critical consciousness.

Black Is...Black Ain't: Marlon Riggs' provocative look at the formation of black identities and homophobia in black life.



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