A Brief History of Illegal Settlement & Occupation

British Columbia is unique in Canada in that virtually no treaties were made in the occupation & settlement of the province, contrary to the 1763 Royal Proclamation. This law required the British to make treaties & gain the legal surrender of Native land prior to any settlement or trade.

The Violent History of Colonization in 'British Columbia'

In history, the colonization of what would become British Columbia is presented as largely peaceful, even friendly. Like Columbus' 'peaceful' invasion of the Americas in 1492, this history is a colonial myth. Like all colonial myths, it seeks to conceal genocide and legitimize colonialism.

“Mexico presents special concerns. It is vital to Mexican & US security that existing & incipient insurgent movements be examined, understood & resolved. This is an undertaking as complex & challenging as any in Latin America, which forms a backdrop to what may be happening in Mexico.”

Dr. Graham H. Turbiville, “Mexico’s Other Insurgents,” Military Review, June-July 1997

First Encounter of the Zapatista Communities with the Peoples of the World, January 2007

The 13th Anniversary of the 1994 Zapatista New Year’s Day Rebellion

Federal MP Compares Natives to Palestinians

Vancouver MP and junior minister for Indian Affairs Stephen Owen caused controversy in early February, 2002, when he compared young natives in Canada to Palestinian militants:

“Canada’s native communities represent a “tinderbox” full of restless native youths ready to explode in violence if progress isn’t made in treaty talks…

“Owen likened young natives in Canada to Palestinian militants in Israel in his startling warning.

"Despite Ties to Hamas, Militants Aren't Following Political Leaders"
by Craig S. Smith, NY Times International, Friday July 21, 2006

JABALIYA REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza, July 20 -- Five men in black hoods emerged from a dimly lighted street of stark concrete houses and garbage-strewn lots. With Israeli drones buzzing overhead, they kept the meeting short.

"We ask America to stop supporting the Israeli aggressors," said the leader, who carried a new Czech-made Kalashnikov rifle while another shouldered a new Gaza-made rocket-propelled grenade launcher.

Patriarchy means male rule. It is a foundation upon which Western civilization & culture are based, and has shaped & formed the world we now live in. Until the late 19th century, patriarchy was maintained by official laws & policies, and was seen as entirely natural. Women could not vote, take public office, become doctors or be involved in many other professions. Men dominated virtually all spheres of daily life. Despite legal changes & reforms, patriarchy remains a basis of Western society. But it wasn’t always like this.

A LEGACY OF COLONIALISM & APARTHEID

"Sexual abuse of First Nation's children is at crisis proportions. This form of violence is a legacy of colonialism." (Jackie Lynn, Colonialism & the Sexual Exploitation of Canada's First Nations Women)

"Discrimination & violence against Indigenous women is Canada's untold human rights issue." (Alex Neve, Amnesty International Canada)

Purpose: to be more effective

Against the Assembly of First Nations

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) was first established in 1980 in Ottawa. It claims to be the national representative of Indigenous peoples across Canada, one that fights for our title & rights. In reality, it is a state-funded organization comprised of Indian Act band council chiefs, who act as neo-colonial agents in the interests of government & corporations.