OTTAWA ALGONQUIN
      FIRST NATION TM

Mr. Potts,

I have a few questions regarding the Thomas line that I expect you to answer in detail. Lately I have been getting calls regarding this issue and I have been asked to notify you and seek answers to questions  you seem to want to ignore. I know you deplore anyone questioning your judgement or tactics, however this is important.

#1 - in 2004 Joan Holmes was paid $ 30,000 dollars by the real Bonnechere Algonquin community to verify the Thomas line.

A few years later an audit of Joan Holmes genealogist work was conducted (or was it) and you personally announced that no faults were found and that Joan Holmes work had a clean bill of health. How can that be? You can understand missing one or two files when conducting an audit! But how do you Mr. Potts explain overlooking the files of 650 people? It doesn’t add up. Why should anyone trust or put any faith in Joan Holmes work after this mess? You then formed a committee to oversee the problem. What made the committee members more knowledgeable than Joan Holmes or the government audit? Are they experts in this field? 

#2 -is it not Joan Holmes who verified and authenticated the Antoines of Mattawa? As you, all government representatives and the Algonquins at the land claim negotiations are aware the Antoines of Mattawa were created by Davie Joanisse using his wife’s (Antoine) maiden name. The Antoines are beneficiaries of the Robinson/ Huron treaty and are said to be Ojibway? It was my belief that you could only benefit from treaty?  According to Davie Joanisse Joan Holmes was paid in access of $100,000 + for her work.

#3-   is it not Joan Holmes who notified 27 members of the Clouthier family in 2008 that they were to be parachuted from Greater Golden Lake to become the new Ottawa? How much was she paid for that? She then handed over my community list as directed to the new Ottawa community. The same was done with the Bonnechere and Ardoch membership lists.

This was done under yours and Brian Crane’s direction in order to insure funding would not be interrupted.

#4 - the ANRS have been given parcels of land (I have pictures). Who authorized this and why are parcels being handed out before a treaty is signed? How much money have you and the ANRS received for signing off crown land?

My final question deals with the ANR meeting you hold every year in Toronto as a guise for your annual birthday bash. Are taxpayers on the hook for your get together? As a taxpayer am I paying for your birthday party and are you charging the taxpayer for the use of your office? I know you will answer that people from outside the territory ask for this meeting. Have you been to North Bay, Sudbury, Sault St Marie, Temagami Algonquins or anywhere east of Ottawa? There are several thousand Algonquin people living outside of your so called territory and like me they are proven Algonquins.

I understand you claim that there are but 130 people opposed to your land claim. For your information there are 5 communities who refuse to be part the Algonquin land claim because of you. The manner in which you have assumed complete control over the entire Algonquin land claim operation. The creation of false communities, fixed elections, the discrediting of anyone who challenges you. This is an Algonquin land claim not a Potts land claim. Quite frankly Mr. Potts your integrity as well as the fairness for all Algonquins has been put into question. The question on most people’s minds is: why is a Toronto lawyer being paid $450.00 per hour plus expenses and completely controlling the funding through his office acting as principal negotiator for the Algonquin land claim? Should the  principal negotiator not be an Algonquin?

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Please read the article. The parallels to the Algonquin land claim are uncanny. DIVIDE,CONQUER, AND IGNORE.

Why we try to protect our land

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Breaking News – Thomas Line Decision

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Comments on the Thomas Line Decision

Above is the decision regarding the Thomas line.

There are no surprises, the appeal was denied.

You will note that the communities responsible for having the Thomas line

removed chose members of their communities  to make the decision.  

Ottawa is listed as one of the communities and Bob Majaury as the spokesperson for Ottawa.

Bob Majaury DOES NOT SPEAK on behalf of the Ottawa Algonquin First Nation, nor is he a member of our community.

Bob Majaury is a Bob Potts’ hack and has been a member of Sharbot Lake, Ardoch, OAFN, OMAA, League of North American Indians, just to name a few.

The trend with Bob Majaury has always been the same: become a friend, gain your trust, then stab you in the back.

He is currently a member of the Ottawa Algonquin community created by Joan Holmes when the OTTAWA ALGONQUIN FIRST NATION left the negotiations table in 2007.

Bob Majaury dances to the Bob Potts tune.

He is not to be trusted and his decision regarding the Thomas line should be seen as nothing more than following orders.

Paul Lamothe

Chief, Ottawa Algonquin First Nation

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To the ANR's representing the People:

I have only one question, if we are Non Status and never were registered, but consider oneself as Algonkin, how and who are these people in Golden Lake representing us here in Ottawa and how can the Cdn and Ontario Gov'ts give that amount of power to have any individual decide if I am or not of Algonquin descent???

I'll tell you what, Creator knows who I am and these people don't have a clue what they are doing as to me personally, Genocide is happening once more and the role of 'Indian Agent' has been re-newed and will again weed us all out just like in the past.

This is once more very sad! Our own people going against their own with the authority of the Colonial Gov't!!!!   

Instead of taking to the proper people, decisions are being made without taking the proper time. There are many like myself that their families for whatever reasons were never registered. 

Paul is right, who will represent us Non-Status with the legitt bloodlines???

The more others will kringe back as this will really make and break spirits as if we have not been broken enough! When will this type of nonsense stop and who are these people deciding to sell land when it's not even their's to take... Grandfather William Commanda already said it and I quote his words: 'How can One sell his Mother!'

If these words don't sound deep enough, who are these people selling land that is set aside for future generations?

These are my words, those who know me, know who I am and to those who don't it's sad you take decisions and don't know your own people! We cannot All attend the meetings going on at various locations, however one way that this can be represented properly is to have groups in regions be known to the people and to be recognised by their Chiefs in their areas. Misrepresentation is not acceptable. Real Chiefs fight for their people!

I said it before and will say it again; In the days of past, our People's would listen to the Medicine Peoples and their Leaders however our own downfall is to get swallowed up in a system of greed which is so sad to admit even corruption exists in our own!

As a Traditional Medicine person in our region, I ask the ANR's representing the peoples to have compasion and to understand the processes that are in place for those that are not represented may be mis-represented as for one, this individual didn't even know until a far away relation told me of these Algonquin Land Claim proceedings and how they were being done, which is when it drew my interest to see what this was all about. And guess what, I am on the Internet. How much more for those that still don't have means that will be missed out... this is not a fair process and beg those who do represent the peoples to consider this properly!

In closing, it saddens me to see so much bickering and unfairness still being played out on our People's either they be status, non status etc, I was told by my own Elder's that if we should have a drop of Anishnabek blood that we still counted. Guess this blows that saying out of the water! 

meegwetch,

Ron 'Bigbear' Goddard,

4 Wind's Intertribal Medicine Council member representing Eastern/Ottawa region

http://web.295.ca/~bigbear/bigbear/

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These are the faces of those responsible for the GENOCIDE of the Algonquin nation. The man  in the red shirt on with the big smile on his face is Bob Potts the mastermind behind it all

Genocide

The Legacy of the Algonquin Land Claim

The Collins dictionary refers to genocide as “murder of a nationality or ethnic group”.

The United Nations has an expanded version on what “genocide” really means when it comes to the Algonquin land as well as all aboriginal. I have included the expanded version taken from the 7 Algonquin Hunters’ website.

 The Algonquin land claim began as a process designed to include all Algonquins. Bob Potts of the Toronto based law firm of Blaney McMurtry was hired by chief and council of Pikwaganagan Reserve (even though they have no legal right to negotiate since they already are wards of the Government) to serve as principal negotiator.

Mr. Potts quickly learned that the key to gaining full control of the negotiations team was money. Taxpayers are funding this process and are left unaware of how tax dollars are being misused when it comes to this land claim. There is no reporting process and minutes of meetings are kept to a minimum. Mr. Potts realized early, in the period leading up the start of the negotiations that he would be able to gain complete control of the Algonquin land claim negotiations. All he need do was use taxpayer dollars to convince his group and promise them untold wealth. In other words “sell out your brothers and sisters, I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”  

They bowed to his wishes and he now controls the funding (trust fund runs through his office), the dispersion of funds, the election process, community leaders, he decides who is eligible to be an Algonquin, the hiring of consultants and he has appointed himself as senior legal counsel. The Algonquin negotiators are nothing more than well paid props. Their only purpose is to justify Mr. Potts’ complete control  of the Algonquin land claim.

The Ottawa Algonquin First Nation had a seat at the negotiations table. When it became evident that the Algonquin land claim had become a one man show and this man would stoop to any level to deny the true Algonquin communities from being part of the negotiations process, we withdrew our support and walked away from the negotiations. Another Ottawa community was quickly born by parachuting 27 members from that mystical community of Greater Golden Lake. The same as what was done with the Ardoch community prior to that.  Mr. Potts then proceeded to slander the leader of the Algonquin First Nation. The actions of a desperate man who’s biggest fear was losing taxpayer funding (he pays himself $450.00 per hr, plus expenses.) Of course, the governments, in particular Ontario who have no legal right to negotiate any form of land claim, didn’t ask any questions even though their representatives have been aware of the fraud that’s being systematically committed.            

 Many Algonquins have received letters and phone calls from Mr. Potts as well as ANRs (a copy is attached) advising them that their ancestral line does not qualify them to be Algonquin. Mr. Potts has begun his own version of genocide by excluding non status Algonquins as beneficiaries of the Algonquin land claim. Mr. Potts has the blessing of those who claim to represent you and your community.

A copy of an email is attached and is self explanatory on how one of several members plans to take legal action against Mr. Potts and his team of ANRS.  Long overdue! The time has come to stand together take action and hold those responsible for the genocide being committed against the Algonquin people. This is an Algonquin land claim not a Potts land claim.

Other Forms of Genocide – Take Your Pick

Letter from Daniel Bernard to Patrick Glassford

-Potts' Genocide-

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Who's on Trial (click here)

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News from your Ottawa Algonquin First Nation Community

On behalf of council for the Ottawa Algonquin First Nation I want to take this opportunity to wish members and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the creator bring you peace and joy!

As many of you are aware I have been working behind the scenes with the leaders of the other legitimate communities in an effort to expose the corruption and fraud within the Algonquin land claim. We have made tremendous inroads, despite the attempts to discredit and profile anyone who dares question the legality of this land claim by the ANRs and their leader Mr. Potts. Regardless of all efforts by the ANRs and their boss Mr. Potts, to try and rid themselves of those who oppose and question the legality of the land claim, the opposition will finally be heard. I am happy to report that we are finally going to have our day in court. Without going into detail and revealing our battle plan I ask you to keep these dates in mind and attend if possible: January 27 (Brockville Superior Court), March 17 (Toronto - Osgood Hall). Mark these dates in your calendar.

I have noted that the Ottawa Algonquin First Nation website is frequently visited by government officials as well as other interested parties. It is for this reason that the website has not been updated recently. However, with the tide changing and the dirty laundry about to be exposed updates will become more frequent.

I encourage you to submit any documents that will assist in the upcoming court cases.

Keep in mind that your inherent rights are “non negotiable.”

Negotiations Rife with Contradictions

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Stop Flawed Algonquin Land Claim

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CFRA’s talk show “Sunny Side Nick” aired from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Sunday July19^th. I was joined by Chief Grant Tysick of the Kinounchepirini First Nation, as well as legal expert Michael Swinwood. The recording of the show is below. Although all of the negotiators (Algonquin, Ontario and Canada) were invited, non chose to participate.

Part 1 (audio file)

Part 2 (audio file)

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Algonquin Gathering

• July 11^th and 12^th were scheduled to be days of gathering for all Algonquins at the Pikwakanagan  Pow Wow.

• Algonquins for miles around were expected to flock to this memorable event.

• As has become common place when the ANRs, lead by Bob Potts and Alan Pratt, attempt to gather as many Algonquins as possible to appease and convince the governments, flopped.

• The gathering reportedly attracted somewhere between thirty and possibly one hundred, Algonquins.

• This, out of a population of more than 7000 members, with the vast majority of members residing in the Pembroke area, a mere half hour away from the pow wow grounds.

• The gathering was nothing more than smoke and mirrors with the goal of convincing the Trillium Foundation that they support all Algonquins.

• This statement was echoed in Lynn Clouthier’s yearly newsletter.

• In Bob Potts’ opening statement it was reported that he claimed to have the support of all Algonquins, apart from a few renegades.

• Where was all the support?

• And are those that didn’t attend RENEGADES? 

• The dictionary describes a renegade as a DESERTER, AN OUTLAW OR A REBEL.

• Is this the kind of representation Algonquins want?

• Are we outlaws, rebels and deserters because we refuse to support this fraudulent land claim?

• Take action call, email or write to your MP and MPP.

• We want an independent investigation into this scam. 

WARNING!

Outside Algonquin Communities – you are going to be approached and asked to join the negotiation table. On Friday, February 6, 2009, I received a telephone call asking me what it would take to get me back to the table, along with the other communities. I noted that I would not be a part of a fraudulent process. The negotiation table is being investigated as we speak. They are looking for ways to cover their tracks by including outside communities. If you become part of this fraudulent process, you will be as guilty as they are. Please pass this along to your communities.

A MUST READ – “Race, Identity and the Law”

Welcome!

!NEW! Frequently Asked Questions !NEW!

We have just learned that another first nation group has come forward with complaints about the current Algonquin land Claim negotiations process. This is not new. Its the same thing other communities have complained about since this process began. This makes seven Algonquin communities in the Province of Ontario who are opposed to the land claim. Still the governments ignore us.

The lack of accountability, lack of transparency, the fraudulent elections, the fixed by election, the lack of information, the exclusion of other legitimate communities, the discrimination (7 people representing 1 community), the secret meetings, the abuse of the membership list, the verbal abuse by the principal negotiator towards any Algonquin who questions his work ethics, the complete control the principal negotiator has over the process – all issues of concerns by the Algonquin people.

These complaints have been lodged to both the federal negotiator for Ontario, Brian Crane, and to Robin Atkins, the federal negotiator. Both have turned a blind eye and chosen to ignore the problems that exist within this process. They choose to sit on their hands and do nothing and side with the principal negotiator Bob Potts who is responsible for this mess.

Bob Potts along with Alan Pratt, Nigel Marshman, Joan Holmes and David Burke must be investigated for their part in the fixed Ottawa by election where we witnessed 27 people being told that they had changed communities in order to secure the ANR position for the person chosen by Bob Potts. Gerry Belisle won the election even though no one from the Ottawa community voted for him. The people who voted for him were parachuted in from the community of Greater Golden Lake. When complaints were lodged Bob Potts, with the blessing of both Robin Aitken and Brian Crane, chose to discredit anyone who questioned him.

The 2005 elections for Algonquin Negotiations Representatives were overseen by Bob Potts and Alan Pratt. The wording on the election notice was changed by four members of the Algonquin Nation Tribal Council to read “nation representative with an affirmation to their leadership as chief”. This is not what the election was intended for. It was to be non political. The four members of the Tribal Council won the election despite the irregularities. Once again complaints were lodged and proof was provided. As expected, the complaints were ignored and Mr. Potts chose to discredit those who complained. Brian Crane was sent material and apprised of the election irregularities and did nothing.

The term “radical” is used to describe anyone who questions or disagrees with the Algonquin Land Claim negotiations.

What is it going to take to bring those responsible for the division, the distrust and the fighting they caused between families and friends to justice? What is transpiring and being ignored is what we witness in third world countries. The Algonquin land claim is being used as a guise to convince the Algonquin people that one day we will have our nation back. The pain and divide caused by this fraudulent process will never heal and bring the people together until this process is investigated and controlled by the Algonquin people.

I call on the government to place a moratorium on the Algonquin Land claim until such time that an investigation can be held and that those responsible are held accountable.

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Welcome to the only official Ottawa Algonquin First Nation website. This is the true website of the Ottawa Algonquin First Nation people and is intended to give you the facts surrounding the very controversial Algonquin Land Claim negotiations.

In April 2007, the Ottawa Algonquin First Nation, representative of the Ottawa area Algonquins, withdrew from the negotiations due to several unresolved issues. Unresolved issues include the exclusion of several communities, the lack of consultation, the total lack of transparency, the abuse of inherent rights and the misrepresentation of the negotiator. Rather than address these issues, the Principal Negotiator, Bob Potts, as well as the negotiators for Ontario and Canada, chose to ignore the facts and proceed with an election to put in place a new ANR for the Ottawa community. It is interesting to note that the individual who was elected was not even on the Ottawa electors list at the time the election was called and yet this individual was elected as ANR for the Ottawa Algonquins.

THE OTTAWA ALGONQUIN FIRST NATION HAS NOT RETURNED TO THE NEGOTIATION TABLE AND DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE ANR ELECTED BY MR. BOB POTTS.

Over the past several months I have received numerous e-mails and phone calls from members of the Ottawa Algonquin community, as well as many of the other Algonquin communities involved in the land claim. All have expressed their concern with the proceedings, their support for the Ottawa Algonquin First Nation and their disappointment in what is transpiring in this negotiation process.

One e-mail, received from Albert Vezeau, very clearly expresses our concerns: “I have read the claim and agree that by imposing restrictions on lineage the govt. is committing genocide on our families. By denying my child her birth rite they are eliminating the algonquin heritage. Will we be a part of this law suit? What is happening at the table? I have declined to send my voting papers back until the issues are cleared up. I would prefer to have someone I know represent me at the table and not an unknown person.”

The Ottawa Algonquin First Nation has entered into a class action lawsuit with several other communities including the Algonquin communities: Ardoch, BAC, Whitney, Kinoucherini. A host of other native bands and native people across Ontario are also a part of this lawsuit, the details of which can be found under the heading of “Breaking News – Statement of Defense and Counter Claim”. We urge you to rally around this lawsuit because it affects all native people. This website will offer continual updates on the progress of the lawsuit.

In regards to the uranium mine protest, we learned this weekend that THE INJUNCTION IS IN EFFECT. The Ardoch Algonquin First Nations and Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nations have two working days to remove themselves (and anything they brought with them) from the protest site on Hwy #509. A lock is then to be placed on the gate and only residents with a deed to land within the staked claims will be allowed access to their property. The First Nations have restated that they have no intention of leaving. The Ardoch Algonquin First Nations and Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nations need our support more than ever. Let’s do what we can to support them!

The uranium mine protest, the Metis court case regarding hunting charges, as well as the bogus election for a new ANR in Ottawa, could all have been avoided. Mr. Potts refused to intervene, in spite of being asked to do so by the ANRs. Instead, he drafted a resolution - - - after the fact. This is no longer an Algonquin land claim!!

The Algonquin people need to stick together, stand up for ourselves and not let a handful of individuals sell us out! This website will continue to provide information to keep you updated on the issues. Please do what you can to help your fellow Algonquins fight for what’s right!

NEW! Email from the office of the Prime Minister NEW!

Ottawa Algonquin First Nation Vision

What Your ANR Doesn't Want You To Know

Call for Action-Algonquins are being sold out by their own ANRs!!!

This is the original map of the Algonquin nation, contrary to what is
being promoted by the negotiation team. The map clearly indicates the
names of the Algonquin traditional communities as opposed to those created by the government.
This includes all Algonquin traditional communities.

Ceci est la carte originale de la nation des Algonquin, contrairement à ce qui est favorisé par l'équipe de négociation. La carte indique clairement les noms des communautés traditionnelles des Algonquin par opposition à ceux créés par le gouvernement.

Ceci inclut toutes les communautés traditionnelles des Algonquin.

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I received this e-mail on November 16^th and have made no changes – it is posted in its entirety as received.  

It calls it like it is and is worth a read.

~BRIAN CRANE HAS BALLS~

Snowed Again!

In 2005, the ANTC constitution had already passed this motion. Now, two years later they are trying to cover their tracks by bringing it back and misleading their people again. So much for the end of ANTC. These are the same individuals who changed the wording in the last election to accommodate their misleading ways. They will be deciding the results of the motion.

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~Ottawa Algonquin First Nation Clothing available here~

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Do you think the Algonquins will get a fair deal at the negotiating table?

Should we negotiate or litigate?

Send your feedback by e-mail.

FEEDBACK

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"Never be fooled by a man who leads you to believe he is humble and
ignorant - often times it is nothing more than a manipulative strategy"
Author Unknown