First Nations

Rudolph Ryser reports from the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, which, says Ryser, has co-opted and deflated the process of political development. By channeling indigenous peoples' energies into futile bureaucratic procedures, notes Ryser, "states like Canada and the US will continue to offer platitudes" until indigenous peoples force them to treat First Nations with the respect they deserve.

Disrupting Peaceful Assembly

Kathleen Kirwin, attorney and peace activist, discusses the arbitrariness of police lines used to disrupt lawful, peaceful assembly for the purpose of petitioning our government. As a violation of our constitutional rights, protest zones and police lines are clearly used to intimidate and provoke protestors. Unlawful arrest of those exercising their constitutional rights is one way those in power prevent public discussion of high crimes and crimes against humanity.