STM Daily News

RESOUNDING SUPREME COURT WIN FOR FIRST NATIONS

Published

5 months ago

July 29, 2024

OTTAWA, ON /CNW/ – The Supreme Court of Canada has chastised the Ontario and federal governments for an “egregious” breach of a 175-year old treaty, and ordered them to move quickly to compensate a group of First Nations located north of Lake Superior and Lake Huron.

Using unusually harsh language in its unanimous decision, the Court gave the governments six months to pay just compensation for its refusal to increase the annuities under the Robinson Treaties of 1850, in keeping with the “honour of the Crown.”

Representatives of the Robinson Superior Treaty group hailed the decision as a major landmark along the road to reconciliation that demands governments make good on their promises.

Harley Schachter, counsel for Red Rock First Nation and Whitesand First Nation, expressed delight at the Supreme Court’s recognition that the governments neglected their First Nations treaty partners – even as they permitted the rampant exploitation of natural resources from land within the treaty territory; wealth that they had promised to share, but did not.

“The Court took these breaches very seriously,” he told reporters. Mr. Schachter said the Court made it clear that judges have an important role to play in future treaty disputes to ensure that governments uphold the honour of the Crown so that true reconciliation is achieved.

“The Supreme Court has ruled today that governments are not above the law,” he said. “It is a sacred relationship between First Nations and the Crown. It is a partnership, not a dictatorship.”

The Supreme Court found that the government’s attitude made “a mockery” of the treaty promise and left the Anishinaabe with “an empty shell of a treaty promise.”

Chief Lawrence Wanakamik, Chief of Whitesand First Nation, said that he was overcome with emotion when he heard of the Court decision.

“We have struggled a lot over the last 175 years,” he said. Once his communities have been properly compensated. Chief Wanakamik said, upgrading health services is likely to be their highest priority.

The Court found there was a flagrant disregard of promises made in the 1850 Robinson Superior and Robinson Huron treaties, and that the Indigenous signatories received next to nothing.

“The Crown has severely undermined both the spirit and substance of the Robinson treaties,” the Court said, adding that governments must now act quickly to fulfill their dishonoured promises.

Prior to the Supreme Court hearing the appeal last fall, the trial judge in the sprawling case – Justice Patricia Hennessy of Ontario Superior Court- had embarked on the final phase of the litigation, which involved an assessment of how much the plaintiffs are owed in compensation.

Her decision on the compensation issue is currently under reserve and will remain so for another six months to give the parties time to try and come to a mutually acceptable agreement in relation to past compensation to be paid.

Justice Hennessy heard intensely human testimony from Indigenous chiefs and elders about the abject poverty their people have lived in at the same time as logging and mining companies were exploiting their natural resources. They told of growing up in tarpaper shacks where large families had no plumbing or insulation, and slept on floors. Food was scarce or unobtainable. Winters were virtually unbearable.

Yet, just kilometres away, large companies such as Kimberley-Clarke were reaping handsome profits from sawmills or mining operations located on their land.

Under the treaties, the annuity was to be augmented over time in keeping with the rising economic value of the land. However, a recalculation took place only once – in 1874. It has remained at $4 per person since 1875.

The Ontario government’s legal position was that the province suffered a net loss in developing this resource-rich region over the past 150 years. It claimed that the costs of colonization – building railroads, roads, insect control, land surveys, and so on – should be subtracted from its net value. It alleged a net loss of $7-12 billion.

Economists testified that as much as tens of billions of dollars are owed to the Indigenous communities. Included in their calculations were the opportunity cost of wasteful decision-making; the giving away of free hydroelectricity and undervalued stumpage rates and mining rights to industry; the deprivation of the ability of the Anishinaabe to create proper educational and health facilities; and the fact they Ontario procured the treaty acting in a monopolistic manner.

In stark contrast to Ontario’s position, the federal government conceded that the treaty beneficiaries are owed a considerable sum.

Unless the governments meet their obligations honourably for payment of past breaches of the treat by Jan. 26, 2025, the Lake Superior plaintiffs will return to the Court to seek compensation for these historic wrongs.

SOURCE Stockwoods LLP

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/resounding-supreme-court-win-for-first-nations-871096210.html

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

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Diana Gregory Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from AmeriCorps on Behalf of President Biden

Published

2 days ago

December 19, 2024

Rod Washington, Diana Gregory

Honoring Diana Gregory

In a moment that truly embodies the essence of service and community care, Diana Gregory, the visionary founder of Diana Gregory Outreach Services, has been honored with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award from AmeriCorps. This award, presented on behalf of President Joe Biden, took place during a heartfelt ceremony at the VA Health Care System in Phoenix, Arizona, organized by the dedicated leadership of The Order of St. George.

Diana’s selection for this distinguished accolade highlights her extraordinary commitment to fostering positive change and improving the lives of those in her community. Over the past decade, she has passionately addressed critical issues like food insecurity and health awareness, focusing on supporting seniors and veterans. Through her organization, Diana Gregory Outreach Services, she has distributed fresh, nutritious produce to thousands, ensuring that those in need have access to healthy food options.

But Diana’s contributions extend far beyond food distribution; she has also implemented vital health education programs that empower individuals and families, helping them to embrace wellness and make informed choices about their health. This holistic approach has created a transformative impact on underserved communities, reinforcing the importance of access to both nutrition and education.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is an honorable recognition reserved for individuals who have dedicated over 4,000 hours of volunteer service. This milestone is a testament to Diana’s proactive engagement and relentless advocacy for those she serves. Her award serves not only as recognition of her achievements but also as an inspiration for others to follow in her footsteps and contribute to their communities.

The Order of St. George, a respected non-profit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance to refugees, veterans, and the Boy Scouts of America, proudly presented the award. Their involvement signifies the collaborative spirit of various organizations working together to uplift and empower individuals in need, underscoring how interconnected our communities truly are.

As we celebrate Diana Gregory’s well-deserved honor, we recognize the countless lives she has touched and the paths she has paved for a brighter, healthier future. Her remarkable efforts highlight the immense power of community service and the difference every individual can make when they dedicate their time and passion to helping others.

To learn more about Diana Gregory Outreach Services and how you can get involved in her inspiring mission, please visit dianagregory.com. Together, let’s continue the legacy of compassion and service that Diana has so beautifully embodied.

Congratulations, Diana Gregory, on this remarkable achievement! Your dedication is a shining example of what it means to be a true leader and advocate for community well-being. Your work inspires us all to be better, do better, and serve better.

To learn more about Diana Gregory, visit https://dianagregory.com/

Authors

Rod Washington

Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art. View all posts
Diana Gregory

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unknown

Mysterious Lights Over Oregon: Pilots Report Unusual Aerial Phenomena

Published

2 days ago

December 19, 2024

Rod Washington

This past weekend, the skies of Oregon became the backdrop for an extraordinary event that has both puzzled and dazzled observers. At least four commercial pilots reported encountering unexplained bright lights displaying incredible speeds and erratic movements, renewing interest and debate about aerial phenomena.

The Encounter Details

The first report came from a pilot operating an air ambulance who described a startling experience. A bright, red light zoomed towards his Life Flight plane, only to reverse direction and head back towards the Pacific Ocean at bewildering speeds. The event left the pilot and his crew astounded by the light’s velocity and abrupt maneuvers.

Meanwhile, the pilot of a United Airlines flight over Eugene also reported seeing multiple mysterious objects. These unidentified lights moved vertically and horizontally in patterns that defied easy explanation, with no evidence of military activity in the area at the time.

Adding to the intrigue, the Life Flight pilot noted that one of the lights engaged in a corkscrew pattern, an observation that was corroborated by the aircraft’s collision avoidance system. Air traffic control, maintaining a cautious approach, authorized the pilot to maneuver as necessary to maintain safety.

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Spotted strange lights in Oregon’s skies? You’re not alone! UFO sightings are on the rise. #OregonUFOSightings #MysteriousLights 🛸✨ ♬ original sound – STMDailyNews

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Visual Evidence and Continued Sightings

Throughout these encounters, several pilots managed to capture brief video clips. These clips, although hard to discern due to the dark conditions, show glimpses of the unusual red, circular lights. Another report from two Horizon Airlines pilots further confirmed that whatever was out there wasn’t isolated to a single incident or observer.

Experts Weigh In: Possible Explanations

In the wake of these mystifying sightings, experts have been quick to offer explanations. Douglas Buettner, a scientist who has researched similar incidents, suggests that these lights could likely be flares from Starlink satellites. Starlink, a constellation designed by SpaceX to provide global broadband coverage, has been known to produce vivid optical flares when its panels reflect sunlight.

Buettner’s research, which includes previous pilot reports and observations, supports the idea that this natural reflection of sunlight could explain the phenomena observed. However, he also admits the current data is insufficient to conclusively rule out other possibilities.

Government and Public Response

Following these reports, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the sighting of unidentified lights by a pilot, although they have not commented further. In a recent Senate hearing, the Pentagon’s director overseeing unidentified anomalous phenomena indicated a spike in such reports since the launch of satellite constellations like Starlink, underscoring the growing interest and concern regarding these observations.

The Broader Implications

While the most likely explanation for these mysterious lights points to satellite flares, the repeated occurrences of such phenomena continue to stir the public’s imagination and scientific curiosity. As we advance in our technological capabilities, the skies above us grow increasingly populated with human-made objects that can sometimes return to us as bewildering spectacles.

In either case, these events serve as a reminder of the vast and unexplored frontiers above us and the ever-present human quest for understanding the mysteries of our universe. Whether they turn out to be mundane or truly otherworldly, the skies over Oregon this weekend have given us all something to ponder and marvel at.

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STM Daily News

New Jersey Drone Sightings: Unraveling the Mystery

Published

3 days ago

December 18, 2024

Rod Washington

In recent weeks, New Jersey has increasingly found itself under the watchful eye of mysterious drones. These sightings have captivated residents and officials alike, leading to widespread speculation and calls for action. Below is a comprehensive update on the current situation regarding drone sightings in the Garden State, including insights from government officials and community reactions.

The Surge of Sightings

Reports of large drones—up to six feet in diameter—flying over various regions of New Jersey have surged since mid-November. Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia highlighted the unusual characteristics of these drones, often flying with their lights off and evading detection by traditional methods. Though the origin and purpose of these drones remain unclear, many are convinced that they are not the product of hobbyists.

Notably, many sightings have been concentrated near sensitive locations such as the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research facility, and Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. Concerns have only intensified since these drones seem to be operating outside the realm of normal commercial or recreational use.

Government Investigations and Assurances

Federal and state law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), have become actively involved in investigating these sightings. Despite receiving over 5,000 tips, officials state that there is currently no evidence suggesting that these drones pose a threat to national security or public safety. Instead, authorities believe that many of the reported sightings can be attributed to legal drones and other aerial phenomena, including misidentified manned aircraft and even celestial bodies like stars.

Governor Phil Murphy has reinforced this perspective, emphasizing that while drone sightings have raised valid concerns, there’s no immediate threat to public safety. The governor has called for federal assistance in the investigation and urged Congress to empower states with more authority to manage drone activities.

Congressional Response and Public Sentiment

The situation has sparked a debate among lawmakers, with some calling for stricter regulations or even a temporary ban on drone flights in New Jersey. Notably, two congressional representatives have gone so far as to request that the military intervene, highlighting the urgency felt by some constituents. U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew even suggested that a foreign entity could be behind the sightings, a theory that has been categorically denied by federal officials.

Public sentiment varies significantly, with many residents expressing concerns about the unknown nature of these drones. James Edwards from Succasunna has pointed out the anxiety gripping the community, noting, “There’s so much that’s unknown,” and calling for a measured response to the sightings.

The View from Washington

At the national level, President Joe Biden has responded to the growing unease, asserting that there is nothing nefarious behind the drone sightings. He emphasized the lawful presence of over one million registered drones operating across the country and assured the public that the situation is being closely monitored.

John Kirby, the White House National Security Advisor, reiterated that the majority of drone sightings do not indicate a coordinated threat and stem from common commercial, hobbyist, or law enforcement operations.

What Lies Ahead?

As investigations continue, officials stress the importance of discerning legitimate threats from unwarranted fears. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing dialogues both in Trenton and Washington to address public concerns and craft appropriate regulatory responses.

While the mystery of the New Jersey drones deepens, it’s vital for residents to remain calm and informed. As the investigation unravels the truths behind these sightings, a collective effort from the community, lawmakers, and federal agencies can help ensure safety and transparency in the skies above New Jersey.

Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to evolve, and be sure to report any new sightings or information to the appropriate authorities. Together, we can navigate the complexities of drone activity in our airspace while embracing this new technological frontier.