Attawapiskat Press Conference in Ottawa

Speaking Truth to Power,13-year old Attawapiskat students call on Minister Chuck Strahl to honour agreeement to build a school. May 28, 2008 Chris Kataquapit, Shannen Koostachin, Solomon Rae.

UPDATE: Read the transcript here http://attawapiskat-school.com/Whats_New.html

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Attawapiskat
• students
• school
• Charlie
• Angus
• Chuck
• Strahl
• First
• Nation
• Aboriginal

[BrendaBozlo]

This press conference was held on Parliament Hill by the grade 8 class from Attawapiskat. These young leaders then went to meet Minister Chuck Strahl. He told them that building them a grade school wasn't a priority for him and he had no money for their school. 13-year-old Shannen looked him in the eye and told him she didn't believe him. She then told him that the young people wouldn't quit. This fight will go on until Attawapiskat children receive the same rights as other Canadian children.

[Demoniqueful]

THREE TIMES HE PROMISED. THAT IS SAD AND HE SHOULD NOT BE IN THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT. THAT IS SAD AND RIDICULOUS. CORRUPT SYSTEM. RIP WE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR JUSTICE THAT WE ALL HAVE A ENTITLEMENT TO. WE WILL NO LONGER BE EXPLOITED, IGNORED, AND LOOKED DOWN ON. WE ARE PROUD BEAUTIFUL STRONG PEOPLE!

[AidanSpeaks]

rest in peace

[meepdogcat]

God I miss her, it's so good to hear her voice. And fighting for something she truly loved, and believed in

[bombshellpeacock]

Rest in Peace Shannen<3

[garnyg]

Education is a right and we need to make to hold the Conservatives accountable for not caring about anything except big corporations. Children are more important than CEO's that make in one week or less what the average person makes in a year.

[irwincree]

As an off reserve band member who lives in Toronto, works with homeless Native youth and assists them to attain and secure affordable housing, as a post-undergrad student completing a second university degree (BA- 2002-2006, BSW 2007-present) I am inspired by the leadership skills exemplified by the youth who are dealing with the systemic effects of structural oppression.

[SISTERSEUCLID]

hello, my name is calhoun i know all a about your schools crisis! it is terrible and unfair you are very patient and very willing, by willing i mean you are able to wait in a hazard and pray for a new school. the attawapiskat school members and part of community came yesterday (november 27 08) to gather in toronto to protest! i didn't find out the results in the Globe and mail nether toronto star. i am in grade 5,my class has studied about your school and have sent letters. i hope chuck listens

[redbutterfly627]

good speech...meeqwetch.

[WindTalker143200876]

They can manage to build schools for the residential horror! now they wont give one simple school to the new generation? what's the deal? Let's rule out the apology and give atleast a school to the people huh?... Come on it's better than buying weapons for a war ... we did not create.. If Chuck Strahl was wearing a lie detector, definitely He'll FAIL!! Who's word would people rather take? a lying government or people who live in reality instead of people who haven't been through reality yet?

[MaryJ234]

It is so inspiring to see these young people taking on the role as leaders for tomorrow. Each of them have taken on a heavy responsibility far beyond their young years, to represent the needs of their community. They are also speaking for all the isolated First Nation children who are being ignored and underfunded by this government. Its so inspiring.

thank you for posting this video.