Letters: April 8

Re: Algonquin Land Claim, Jerry Ackerman

Maberly Fair Photos Needed, Rosetta McInnes

A Thank You to Staff of NAEC, Jennifer Van Riel Peterson

Re: Algonquin Land Claim 

Thank you for raising the subject of the Algonquin Land Claim (Frontenac News, What will the Algonquin Land Claim accomplish?, Mar. 18/10). I have my own list of what needs to happen going forward.

Perhaps others aren't aware that 143 nations signed on to the UNDRIP (UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People). Three that didn't are reconsidering. Only Canada is still opposed.

Self-determination IS our right, Mr. Prime Minister. Have you confused the meaning of "indigenous" --existing naturally, inherently belonging
with "indigent"-- needy, poor, destitute?

Self-determination for all Canadians is not about to happen unless and until the policy of continually encouraging colonization is reversed.
Globalization really means 'Gobble-my-Nation'.

How to implement self-determination for indigenous Algonquins? Let's start with REPARATIONS. That means trying to repair the harm done.

Step #1. Agree to act to relinquish any and all "ownership" rights and claims over the land, air, water and resources on "crown property" - north of #7 Highway to the Ottawa River and West beyond Algonquin Park including Bon Echo and Puzzle Lake parks.
Note: no change in the tax base! Since this step in no way compensates for the injustices, crimes and cultural demolition wrought over the past centuries, the next step must involve real funding via an initial endowment from the Federal Government and multiple-year commitments from the province.

Amalgamations of the properties into reasonably contiguous areas paralleling watersheds and waterways will take some expertise and won't happen quickly. Sustained management and conservation practices have been largely lost, but they are not entirely forgotten.

Caring for the land (mother), the air (father) and all living creation (relations) is the essence of spiritual responsibility among indigenous people around the world. We can all re-learn to do this.

Without such a sustained vision for the oncoming generations, we will all be worse off -- indigent, you might say.

Until then, this government's policy will remain --"DIVIDE and CON"

Jerry Ackerman

Maberly Fair Photos Needed

I am with the Maberly Agricultural Society (Maberly Fair) and am looking for assistance from your readers. A year ago I started a pictorial history of the fair.

I have been able to find or obtain a picture of every Maberly Fair President except for the following: George Buchanan elected in 1909, Chris Briggs elected in 1913, John Laidley who held office from 1923 to 1929 and William Moore who held office from 1930 to 1933. I am looking for anyone who may have a picture of these men or information on them.

I am also looking for pictures of former secretaries of Maberly Fair. They would be William E. Moore 1889, George Buchanan 1912 – 1917 (he may be the same George who was president in 1909; maybe not), George Duffy 1918 – 1919 and Elwood Gray 1930 – 1933.

Maberly Fair is 128 years old and going strong and it would be great if I could get a picture of these eight men to complete the history. If anyone has such information, I would love a call at 613-268-2548 or send me a note at Rosetta McInnes, 662 Pratt Road, Maberly, Ontario. K0H 2B0 or email me at rosettamcinnes57@hotmail.com. I will make sure any pictures sent to me will get back to their rightful owners.

Rosetta McInnes

A thank you to staff of NAEC

I wish to write something about North Addington Education Centre in Cloyne. I recently had an issue with other students in the school regarding my son, and I am pleased to write that this was handled very quickly and efficiently by the principal, Mrs. Salmond, and my son's teacher, Mr.Reynolds.

I don't think that the staff gets enough recognition for their efforts and the very difficult job that they have. They sure do catch enough grief from students and parents (such as myself) and for this they should be considered remarkable. The staff at this school are very kind and very caring. They show their desire to teach and their compassion for the very delicate stage of their students and they deserve some positive feedback that they are doing a great job and that it does not go unnoticed. I appreciate the staff at this school and all that they do for their students. My son is smiling again and enjoying going to school, and I have Mrs.Salmond and Mr.Reynolds to thank for that.

Thank you NAEC! Keep up the good work.

Jennifer Van Riel Peterson