Current Council Update Councillor Ava Hill and Leader of the Federal New Democrats Jack Layton Six Nations joins thousands to protest HST 03/10/10 (Ottawa) – Two thousand people from territories across Ontario demanded Canada honour its treaties by pulling back Harmonized Sales Tax. They came with signs, flags and loud voices of opposition. They rallied to the call to rise in strength and unity of one mind and to fight HST to the end. In an opening address at the March 10 rally, Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse shouted, “Stand up for your rights.” The event was organized by the Chiefs of Ontario. New Democrat Party leader Jack Layton welcomed all to Parliament Hill which he recognized was situated in Algonquin territory. He also said party stands in solidarity with First Nations and sees HST as a gift for multi-billion dollar corporations. When rally participants moved to the Finance Minister’s building, Chief Toulouse called on the Crown to talk about eliminating the tax. “We always had a right to tax exemptions. We are nations. We entered into our treaties as nations,” he added. Chief Joseph Gilbert of Bkejwanong Territory said the federal revenue minister cannot take away the right of self-government from the people. Batchewana Chief Dean Sayers said his people’s agreement to share land was how they pay tax. “This (HST) will not be paid by the owners of these lands,” he added. Chief Brian Laforme of Mississaugas of the New Credit said a line was drawn in the sand. As the rally came to an end, SN Councillor Ava Hill said, “We are behind everyone 100 per cent. We’re going to fight this fight to the end as well.” She thanked the SN community members for attending and asked everyone to bring two more people to the next rally so four buses can be filled. “Keep strong. We can’t give up on this one,” she added. Later, Coun. Hill reflected on the event. “It was so inspiring to see so many community members from so many different First Nations gathered together in unity. Many of them travelled many miles to be there, brought their flags and made their signs,” she said. In continuing, she added, “To me that was a reflection of the support we have from our community members to do all we can to ensure that we maintain point of sale exemption with the pending HST.” Coun. Hill also said, “The community members who attended expressed their satisfaction with the Rally and want to know when the next event is. We got the momentum going so we have to keep it going and get more community members involved. The more people we have out at these Rallies, the stronger the message to the government.”    Go Back To Main Page Contact Us Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council 1695 Chiefswood Rd. Ph: (519) 445-2201 fax: (519) 445-4208 Business Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Google Search SixNations.ca Employment Policy   Employment Policy

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