Dear Mr. Dumont,
Let me share some 'settler' logic with you: When you attack the messenger you discredit yourself and you make it clear to everyone reading it that your argument is weak, because if you had a strong argument you wouldn’t have to attack the messenger. In addition, though, your rant opens you up to a defamation lawsuit. So, I suggest you appologize.
I know Jason Arbour (pictured) and I have never experienced anything similar to what you are claming. In fact, your rant reeks of descrimination, something I never thought I’d see amoung First Nations people. Genocide via smallpox was committed against Mr. Arbour's ancestors and now you’re using this injustice to attempt to discredit him? That’s really low. Its also very sad that you haven’t figured out yet that First Nations people need to work together. Divide and conquer is the 'settler' way don’t you know?
As for Jason Arbour not belonging to any “group”, that’s not true, he belongs to his nation, whether it’s officially recognized by our 'settler' government or other First Nations doesn’t matter. He knows his history as does his family. Passed down by word-of-mouth for generations. Do you deny oral history?
I realize his claim causes the Algonquin nation a problem, but perhaps the Algonquins should reconsider making such a large claim of unceded territory when there is documented evidence to the contrary. The Canadian census of 1871 clearly states the "Indians" living in Hull (now Gatineau) were Iroquois (https://unpublishedottawa.com/letter/174294/kanatso-first-nation-recognition-requisition-gatineau) --a fact that cannot be denied. As for your claim that there was no reserve, why does the map associated with this post clearly show that there was a reserve in Hull? https://unpublishedottawa.com/letter/120752/kanatso-mohawk-indian-reserv... ? The map can be found in Canada's National Archives.
Because Jason is both Algonquin and Mohawk, as I am of both Greek and Irish decent, he is a product of modern Canada. And, therefore the perfect person to help bring the Algonquins and Mohawks together. Unlike you, and contrary to what you state in your rant, he is not denying Algonquins were living in the region, yet you deny Mohawk existence, which is both self-serving and short sighted given the Census and other historical evidence.
For this reason, the Algonquin land claim will never succeed "as is" in my opinion. The government knows the truth, no amount of grandstanding and posturing will make a difference. The Algonquin argument needs to be modified to include the existence of other First Nations or it will fail. There is only one history and it doesn’t mesh with the current Algonquin narrative.
Take it from a political communications professional, the Algonquin story needs to be adjusted, updated and expanded to better represent the facts as we know them, if they wish their land claims to be realized. Claiming a large swath of Canada as unceded Algonquin territory is akin to claiming the Middle East belongs to just the Jews or just the Arabs, rather than aknowledging that both have co-existed for milenia.
James O’Grady, Founder
UnpublishedOttawa.com
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