[All] Met Peter Kent in Guelph Today.

[Louisette Lanteigne]

HI folks

Today I went to an Idle No More protest in Guelph where Federal Environment Minister Peter Kent spoke to a group at the Cutton Club on 190 College Ave. East in Guelph.

He arrived an our before our scheduled protest took place but none the less we protested from 11-12:30. 

Just before 12:30 Mr. Kent came outside to greet protesters. I witnessed an Aboriginal women telling Mr. Kent that  it is Aboriginal women who have the duty to protect the waters. Did he consult with Aboriginal women in regards to bill C-45. Peter Kent stated he did speak with a woman's group at such and such a reserve once.

When I saw him I approaching, I waked in front of him and dropped on my knees in prayer as I held a stop Bill C-45 sign up. I did a quick sign of the cross and I stated I am doing this because Canada's constitution recognizes supreme power. I stated, My name is Louisette Lanteigne. I am a Metis Mi'kmaq Acadian.  90% of my aboriginal Mi'Kmaq ancestors were killed and my metis ancestors were deported.  I am a survivor but even to this day First Nation's  people are dying in Grassy Narrows due to the mercury dumped over their source water. The babies born today suffer seizures. I know this because I spoke to the Chief of the White Dog Nation about this."  I told Mr. Kent, "People in the Aamjiwnaang reserve are dying and their babies are changing sex due to the emissions from tar sands refineries next door in Sarnia. Even the turtles and fish are changing sex. They have the lowest birth ratio in the world with only 30% boys."  I told him "People are
 dying of arsenic poisoning in Fort Chip because the meat they eat contains 17-33 times the max levels for arsenic according to Alberta Health's own reports." These reserves rely upon fisheries laws to protect their water but bill C-45 has stripped them of this protection. I stated "When contamination issues happen on reserves, the tribes go to the MNR and are told it's a Federal issue since it's a reserve, but the Feds tell them to go to the Province because it's a pollution issue and in the end nobody helps them.  I illustrated with one finger pointing to another. "The lack of policy is killing people today."

Peter Kent told me they are working on improving water policies right now, to improve sewage output and river water quality and they are speaking with First Nations groups.  I told Mr. Kent " Bill C-45 was unlawful to pass. It disregarded the voice of Canada's First Nations which violated Treaty rights." Peter Kent told me "Atleo knew it was coming. He knew it was coming down the pipe."  He stated how the Federal Government is working with First Nations leaders currently.  The man behind me stated to Mr. Kent "This dialogue should have happened before they turned bill C-45 into law."  I told Mr. Kent, "The government abolished this law but didn't replace it with anything. There is no science to justify abolishing these laws. The laws are designed to protect life." 

People around me asked Mr. Kent many questions about water issues, environmental issues and his response was "We are working on it, we are in dialogue." He repeated this many times. He did not move away from me at all. I remained kneeling directly in front of him, looking directly into his blue eyes.  The crowed started speaking over one another asking all sorts of questions regarding climate change, tar sands, fisheries laws etc. and it was clear the tension was starting to build so Mr. Kent turned around and left. The group started chanting: "People before profits. water before oil" as his car drove away.

On the way home.  I was contemplating all that took place. The entire encounter felt surreal, very dreamlike.  I was wearing my big blue fuzzy coat that day with many layers underneath. When I saw Mr. Kent, the act of kneeling felt like the right approach to take. Had I stood normally my body and the mass of my outfit would have made the man look physically smaller than I. He is by stature a small framed man and I did not want to take power away from his authority even in physical mass so I simply surrendered myself physically and mentally to the process. Kneeling was the full out admission that I know I am utterly powerless in the face of the current situation. That small gesture of surrender blessed me with his attention and his audience within this huge crowd and it allowed him to listen and to speak and be heard. The bond broke when the crowd asked questions yet failed to give respect to listen to the responses or to each other. That is when he
 left.  Had there been an event facilitator on site, the exchange could have continued longer. I am very much thankful for the fact he took the time to speak with us. 

That took place in Gueph on January 25, 2013. 
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