Please help the Poundmaker First Nation

My friend Darcey has been giving a shout out the last few days to help the peoples of the Poundmaker First Nation in Battleford. This is a cause that all concerned citizens should be aware of. Here is a little background information on what is and has been transpiring;

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From 1885-2005
The once oppressed have become the oppressers

The sad state of oppression continues on the Poundmaker Cree Nation. The Indian Act’s ‘Election of Chief and Council Process’ has slowly eroded Cree Band Custom Governance by replacing the original Cree ‘Leadership Selection Process’. Poundmaker Cree Nation’s been imposed with this NEW Election Process a few decades and it has failed to provide a leadership who will act in the best interests of the Band.

In an unprecedented, symbolic and commemorative act Poundmaker Band Members who have had enough of the state of Band Dictatorship have agreed to undertake a series of actions with the objective of shedding some light on our political situation. Our people will walk from an ‘Encampment Site’ (Jacob’s), a place that has much historical significance. On May 2nd, 1885, the last major battle fought in Western Canada between Indian and White people was on Poundmaker land. From Jacob’s Encampment, members will continue the walk and proceed to the Chief Poundmaker Historical Centre which today serves as the Poundmaker Band Office. The Members will stage a sit-in and will remain inside the Band Office until the Election Appeals are dealt with.

You can find additional information here , here , and here .

You know how much I like to have fun on this site, but now isn't the time for shit and giggles, now is the time to help our brothers and sisters. Here's how you can help.

Ianism has been in contact with Diane Tootoosis:

Ms Tootoosis indicated that what they needed from the outside were groceries and cell phone cards. Not once did she ask for money. I told her I couldn’t help with the grocery situation but I could help with the phone cards.

They need the cell phone cards so they can keep in touch with each other, and for emergency purposes.

Cell phone cards may be sent to:

Poundmaker Working Group
Attn: Dianne Tootoosis
P.O. Box 490
Cut Knife, SK
S0M ON0

Listen, I can appreciate the fact that we're not all flush with money, but a $5 phone card will go a long way to help fight a wrong. Please see what you can do, whether it is in the form of a phone card, some groceries, an email or a letter of support, these folks need your help.

Thank you,

The Mayor.