Four (4) New, Exciting Links!

Today is my day for updating and and tying up loose ends. I know, via my spy, Sitemeter, that not many of you actually outclick on posted links. Nonetheless, they are good sites, worthy of your exploration. Today I have added four new links, each one completely different from the other. They are Sikh Freedom, Khalsa Kids, Sikh Moms, and a brand new forum site, Sikh. in. The links are here, as well as in the right sidebar.


I have gotten overly busy writing several blogs, three public, several private, keeping up with IHRO, GLZ and SAN, as well as answering my e-mails. Don't stop with the e-mails, though! Along with your comments, they make my day! My point is that I need to make a schedule. I am setting aside Fridays, for now, as update days to make sure the blogs are up to date and fresh, especially the Sikhtoons and the Dag quotes, which I (my bad!) have been very neglectful of. Any suggestions for this blog, improvements, changes, just comments, are, of course, always very welcome. I have several e-mail addresses, my somewhat compulsive personality, I suppose, but for present, I suggest you use simayanan@gmail.com. If you use another that you have, that's fine; they all get forwarded as long as they pass the SPAM filter.

Here are the new links:


Sikh Freedom. From their home page:

Purpose of this website is to educate people about the freedom fight of Sikhs and expose the true face of Indian terrorism. We have included current religious, political and economical situation of Sikhs in India so that people can get a little insight of the truth that the situation today is not any different than it was before. Sikhs are still not free and are being oppressed in many ways in India. This web site is dedicated to Sikhs who sacrificed themselves for freedom to keep their dignity, self confidence, pride and turban on their heads. LONG LIVE THE REVOLUTION.


Khalsa Kids. From their home page:










Sikhism is the 5th largest religion in the world. Still, most Americans know very little about who Sikhs are. Because of that, Sikh students are often harassed and bullied in school. In May 2007, Harpal Singh Vacher, a Sikh student from New York, was the victim of a violent hate crime. His attackers removed his turban and cut his long hair. In a study released this summer, the Sikh Coalition found that nearly 75% of Sikh boys who study in Queens are harassed, bullied and teased in school.

The information you’ll find on this website can help you stand up for your rights and explain Sikhism to people who don’t know much about it. Khalsa Kids lets you to find others your age who can give you advice, answer questions, or just inspire you to be proud of who you are. Teachers, students and parents can use these videos, handouts, and presentations to learn and teach about who Sikhs are. (Sponsored by Sikh Coalition)

Sikh Moms. (http://www.sikhmoms.com/) From their home page (they have a lovely logo, but it won't copy, so you are treated to this picture of two happy Sikhlings at present on their home page:
Being a mom is a huge commitment but one of the most natural feelings in the world. Being a SIKH mom is an even bigger commitment, not only to yourself, your child but also to God. We all express our religion in a different way and we have found different ways to make raising our kids a natural feeling for ourselves. This mission of this group is to unite Sikh Moms everywhere so that we can create a network to support each other, to give one another ideas and most importantly, to not only raise good citizens of the world, but also confident children with strong Sikh Values.

Sikhs.in Forum. Their home page, at present, is just a list of what's going on in the forums, but they sent me this, which will give you an idea of what's going on, I'll tell them that they were written up here, so they'll expect your visit::


SSA
Welcoming you to the Forums...
We are looking forward to more contributions from your side and in suggesting sections / forums for the community. Also look forward to your support in encouraging people on your lists to register here and make it a powerful forum. Mai, we would appreciate if you could start some good topics which would be beneficial for young Sikhs. Some information, images, etc... anything.

Looking forward to your support and participation...

Admin

All the best,
.:Sikhs.In:. Uniting Sikhs Worldwide

Seeing Vaheguru

My youngest brother - the one who is not Sikh, but whom I still love so much - has been visiting for the last week. He has been going with me on my daily walks while he is here. I enjoy his company, but in its own way, I miss the solitude and my usual practice of naam-jap on these walks. Usually some tune comes in my head and I sing softly as I walk, or occasionally bit louder, drawing amused glances from our neighbourhood Sikhs and bemused glances from everyone else.

Today, I choose something different, a little different. I set my eyes on seeing Vaheguru in everything around me. Some of it was easy. some more difficult. So here is my walk.

As I start:

I see the huge blossoming rhododendron bush in full bloom and I say: 'Vaheguru.'

I see the white clouds in the clearing sky and I say 'Vaheguru.'

I hear a cawing crow somewhere above me and I say 'Vaheguru.'

I smell somebody's new-mowed lawn and I say 'Vaheguru.'

I pass an elderly Sikh neighbour lady dressed in an orange-flowered salwar kameez, a black jacket and a lovely, flowing chunni,walking home from her shopping. I greet her, 'Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fateh!' Her wizened brown face breaks into a huge smile as she returns my greeting and I say, 'Vaheguru!'

I see and hear the children shooting hoops, including the young boy with the strange white patka that barely covers his jura and suppress the urge to fix it before it falls off as he jumps around and I laugh, 'Vaheguru.'

I see the crazy Hungarian lady - the one who hears cockpit conversations as airplanes fly over her rooftop - working in her yard and I wave as I walk by and I say, 'Vaheguru."

I see the Muslim family down the block all dressed up going somewhere together and I smile and say Vaheguru.

I come to my favourite tree, the mock crab apple. heavy with blossoms and I stop under it and look up for a moment; a breeze comes up and the flowers fall onto me and I say 'Vaheguru.'

I come to the point where it is time for me to turn around to head home and in front of me I see towering over everything, majestic Mt. Rainier, a sight to impress the most jaded among us and I exclaim, Vaheguru!

All that is really, really easy, but there is more to observe that is not so easy.

I look at the decomposing litter in the gutter by the side of the road and I say 'Vaheguru.'

I cough as a diesel truck
drives by spewing exhaust and I say 'Vaheguru.

I see the dead opossum lying by the roadside and make a mental note to call animal control

when I get home and I say 'Vaheguru.

I stumble over a crack in the sidewalk and I say 'Vaheguru.'

I see a garbage can at the roadside, waiting the garbage men to come empty it - in fact I see many - and I say "Vaheguru.'

And as I pass a last rhody bush in our front yard and turn up our driveway to enter our house, congratulating myself on an altogether successful walk, I am challenged. Across the street, I see our neighbour - the one I look straight through, the one whose existence I refuse to acknowledge, the one I've nicknamed 'the Maggot,' the one who tried to rape (that's 'dishonour' to Indians) his 14 year old neighbour girl - and I'm not sure if I pass the test as I kind of choke out 'Vaheguru.'

So that is the summary of my walk. And what an egotistical post this is. I count the word 'I' 53 times. Oh, well, it would be even more egotistical to expect anything like perfection from myself now, I (54) suppose.

--
WHY TRY TO FIT IN?
YOU WERE BORN TO STAND OUT!

A Letter From A Friend

Today, this comment arrived from the post of a few days ago, A Letter To A Friend, to Laibar Singh Ji. I thought most of you would miss it there and, anyway, I wanted to make a few comments of my own and add a picture or two.

nkaur has left a new comment on your post "A Letter To A Friend":

WAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA, WAHEGURU JI KI FATEH

Maf Karna Mai Ji for delaying so long in posting this response.

I had shown Laibar Singh Uncle Ji your letter..his eyes welled with tears and he had the most stunning smile on his face. He couldn't believe his dear sister wrote him a letter. He kept repeating the words CHARDIKALA as I read the letter.

Your ways motivated him, your attitude alarmed him. (I have been told that there is something a bit alarming about my attitude before; mt youngest brothers insists that I'm 'scary.').He loves his sister he says! He wishes you can gain back the languages you lost..and one day dance with bundles of joy on both feet...and even if your never able to he thinks you are soooooooooo lucky to be in the situation you are in now. He recalls having some awful disheartning treatment from a hospital he was in..they didn't think he could make it. (They told my husband to prepare for my funeral and didn't even bother to put me in intensive care. Ah, but my wonderful Kaurs...!)

But WAHEGURU..look at you two! AKALLLL. *JUMP UP AND SHOUT A FEW JAIKARAS!!!*

Your letter opened up and took us into a deeper conversation on many difficulties he has been faced with in his life. He lost 2 sons (age 5 and 11 months) within 1 month apart. He was a difficult and unfortunate time for him and his wife. After this they decided to have a couple more children..but then his wife passed away. He said life honestly hasnt ever been easy. Its always been difficult..but he thanks God so much for always providing and being there as his support in such times. He thinks you are funny and lovely! (What a find he is for me! My sense of humour is often misunderstood and gets me in a lot of trouble.) He said he hasn't ever thought about the blanket thing..but he has a brand new Lion blanket sitting in the corner of the room and promises to remember to use it if the Media comes by and takes some pics..but for now..he just uses a typical flower reddish kes.

I told him about the struggles you and your family faced in 1984..it made him quite sad.

He thanks you, and all the Sangat for all the support..he wants everyone including himself to always remain in CHARDIKALA.

He said he misses his long hair and long dhari...and can't wait till it grows back to the way it use to be. (That makes two of us. Mine is still trying to recover from the electricity sent through it by the defibrilator. Electrical jolts are as damaging as scissors. I love combing my hairs, especially in the morning, but it's still so short, just below my shoulder blades. )

He felt heaviness in his legs a couple days ago (after being in a wheelchair for a few hours)and this brought great joy to him bc he felt sensation below the waist! (Hurray! YIPPEEE!!!! JUMP UP AND DOWN!!! My left side is hurting like you wouldn't believe. The feeling is coming back!)

He has been noticing improvement and it's thanks to Guru Ji and all the encouragement he gets from people like yourself. (Mostly it's the KIRPAA OF VAHEGURU, I think, but we all help, I hope. I hope.)

I must have forgot some things he said..but the main things were,

WAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA, WAHEGURU JI KI FATEH, THANK YOU, CHARDI KALA, MAHARAJS KIRPA AND HUKAM.

He smiled throughout your letter, it made him feel very special- (Oh, good! Brother Laibar Ji, you ARE very special; when was last the British Columbia Sangat been united, as they were on December 10, 2007?) Thank you for that. He hopes you are doing well..and the same love for Suni and Vini. He says he adores and respects his older sister! (Ah, shucks. *Blushes* We love and adore him, too.)

(I had wrote a longer response earlier, but when I went to go publish it..I had to sign up for an account..so by the time I did that..it had deleted the text) (Computers are mysterious entities. I have had quite a few of my masterpieces lost in cyberspace, too.)

WAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA, WAHEGURU JI KI FATEH...
WAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA, WAHEGURU JI KI FATEH!

Your SEVA WILL NEVER GO UNNOTICED (We want only to help in whatever way we can.)
MAY WAHEGURU JI BLESS WITH YOU EVERYTHING AND MORE

WAHEGURUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
WAHEGURUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!

I hope the pictures aren't too over the top. I made them quite a while ago and they just seemed to fit here.

Darcey, be nice, please!)

--WHY TRY TO FIT IN
YOU WERE BORN TO STAND OUT!

Being A Sikh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUJgf_17GaA

I have been wanting to write this post for a long time, but it seems every time I actually sit down to write, something intervenes. A new announcement from Sikh Activist Network arrives, a Sikh brother has been attacked in his taxi, the Canadian government is again trying to kidnap Laibar Singh or the government of Haryana has decided to arrest and torture an innocent Amritdhari sister - or some such emergency that needs my immediate attention.

I am temporarily putting aside the slightly gloating, but also tragic post I want to write about the firing of KP Gill and a really interesting article about how 9/11 made us rethink so much. The SAN announcement has been posted, and, as far as I know, none of the others need my attention this minute, so I am setting aside the time to write a post just for my own pleasure. I hope our loyal readers enjoy it, too.

For twenty years, I avoided everything and everyone that reminded me of anything Sikh. Anything at all. My own family, even. I ceased being a Khalsa and tried to get Guru Ji to give me back my head. (He refused, but I've already written about that.) Eventually, though, I wandered back, not all of my problems worked out, my wounds still unhealed, but my sanity slowly restored. And I learned the truth of the line from the song Stones,

by Neil Diamond.

Being lost is worth the coming home.

I enjoy being a Sikh.

A friend suggested that I sounded a little fanatic the other day when I grandly, with a sweep of my arms, well, my right arm, my left arm just isn't quite up to sweeping, and OK, he didn't see the sweeping gesture anyway because it was in an e-mail, 'I love everything about being a Sikh!'

I do. But Fanatic? The dictionary says a fanatic is

A person marked or motivated by an extreme, unreasoning enthusiasm, as for a cause.

Enthusiastic, sure, but I don't think extreme. And I'm 100% certain not unreasoning.

I love the beliefs, of course, the prayers, the songs, the Panj Kakkars, all the usual things. But it goes beyond that. Being a Sikh is a complete package, a 24/7 experience.

The sounds of the tabla and the harmonium. The voices of the Sangat singing kirtan. The voice of the Sangat Jaikara-ing. The sweet sound of the words of Guru Ji in the air.

The dull roar of the langar hall, the wonderful smells that waft their ways in and through.

The Nishan Sahib, flying joyfully and proudly above the trees against the sky of blue or grey or filled with the colours of sunrise or sunset. The clean, beautiful appearance of the gurdwara building itself. (Note: Driving by the Sabha Singh Gurdwara Sahib in Renton the other day, I noticed that the sign in front really needs to be painted.)

Even more, the many people, dare I say colourful characters, I have met?

Let me skip over my own family; I have written a great deal about them, much of it in my personal blog, sometimes - 2. Feel free to go there and check out the labels Family, Dad, Mani, etc.





I think also about the lovely Babas that I am so fond of. The gentleman I found with his turban neatly tied and his hair hanging to his waist. The other gentleman who was, in a confused state, imperiling his life by making - indecent - proposals to women. The gentlemen I see daily walking, just as my own Dad did, backs straight, eyes strong and clear, gait sure, turbaned heads held high and proud. These send a thrill of pride through my whole body.

And no Baba he, the Nihang in Amritsar that rescued a seven-year old girl, who, ashamed of her shorn hair, ran away from home, and then carried her back to her family on his broad shoulders!

The women I have known, with or without dastaars. (More are tying dastaars these days, a trend I heartily applaud.) My dear Kaurs, the nurses who saved my life two years ago and have continued to be my close friends. Several I know who wish to remain in ghostly shadows, those who, like myself survived the carnage in Delhi during November, 1984. The ones I have never met, but who are, nonetheless, my sisters who survived and raised their children, somehow salvaging some chardi kala to keep going on, day after harrowing day, seemingly forgotten by the Saadh Sangat, ignored by the wealthy SGPC. These women are among our greatest, bravest heroes and deserve our highest praise - and our material help.

The people I have met online. The only one I will identify by name is Kamal, who is listed as an author of this blog. She hasn't written anything here - although she certainly is welcome to - but she is helping me preserve this blog, just in case. She is a young Amritdhari woman, as sweet and just plain wonderful as anyone could be, a constant source of light and encouragement to me. All my Sikh friends on facebook - my nonSikh friends there, too, but right now I'm writing about the Sikhs - an interesting and varied group. There is my gentle, determined young man friend from Punjab who wonders if Vaheguru couldn't be more gentle in teaching us here in Maya. The young woman who is friends with Laibar Singh and lets me know how he is doing. My secretive friend who doesn't want to be quoted. My even more secretive son who won't tell me his name. My two lovely bird ladies, we exchange e-mails and comments, not just about birds, but that's how our communications started. Even, perhaps, the strange young Amritdhari man on orkut who seeks, I think, to preserve the purity of the Khalsa, by inquiring into - forgive me - my sex life! (And me old enough - almost - to be his grandmother.)

I love the Vaisakhi celebrations, just concluded. I love our contentious arguments by people that just refuse to give in. I love the giggles of the Aunties to the young bride. I love being a part of all this. Oh, I could go on and on. Sikhs are a colourful, varied lot. It is a sobering thought to me that I fit into such an interesting, varied group.


More than those things, though, being a Sikh has given me something greater. I am part of something grand. Something much bigger than my rather ridiculous little self. Something strong and wonderful. And precious. Let me explain it like this:

Along with many other of our brothers and sisters, I was called upon to face the worst thing I could imagine, the violence and horrors first of Bluestar and then of whatever you want to call the carnage in Delhi. It might be argued that being a Sikh put me in those situations. What cannot be argued is that being a Sikh gave me the strength and courage to survive and want to go on building a life, wanting to do something to improve the world in which I live. Believing that I could make a difference. Knowing that whatever may happen, I don't have to give up or give in. To know that Guru Ji loves me and will give me whatever strength I need. All this just for the price of one worthless head!





I hope you enjoy the Nihung Ardaas and some more pictures by Charles Meacham. Please check out his website at Charles Meacham Photography.



BTW, in the time I have written this, two hours, my inbox has grown from 16 to 54, mostly from GLZ and IHRO, Sikh groups both.

May Day of Action This Saturday!

Vaheguru Jee Ka Khalsa! Vaheguru Jee Kee Fateh!

This is a reminder for the May Day Of Action, Community Rally for Immigrant Rights, This SATURDAY, MAY 3^rd.

For those attending or interested in attending there is a FREE BUS leaving form Dixie Gurdwara (Dixie and Derry) at 10:30am. Prior to departure we will be meeting in the Langar Hall.

The Rally will be starting off at Christie Pitts Park (750 Bloor Street West) and end with a community fair, musical performances, food, and much more.

We would like to remind everyone that if there is enough interest shown from those attending Kaurs United Camp, the FREE BUS will also do pick-ups from Jot Parkash Gurdwara.

After the rally is done, we will be joining the Maahan Youth Keertan Darbar @ Jot Parkash Gurughar.

For More Information Please View The Attached Flyer.

Or watch one of two videos, from last years demonstration!

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rwQ-FMR9ic&feature=related
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3rnfmSDjgA&feature=related

Hope to see you all out!

Sikh Activist Network
SikhActivist.Net

Panth Kee Jee!!

Millions across North America have taken to the streets in the last two years, demanding STATUS FOR ALL. In Toronto, workers, students, trade unionists, activists, and community members have led passionate demonstrations calling for justice and dignity for immigrants and refugees.

We continue to fight against the Conservative government's ongoing attacks on migrant communities. The last year has seen unprecedented targeting of refugees in Sanctuary. Asylum seekers have been arrested from schools, workplaces and even hospital beds. Families have been torn apart. Over 12,000 friends, family, and community members have been deported.

In the face of intimidation and fear, our communities have refused to be silenced. Together, we have forced immigration enforcement out of Toronto District schools. Inspired frontline community workers have taken up the struggle for Access Without Fear. We have fought and won a full Don't Ask Don't Tell policy at many community agencies.

But the fight is not over. There are over 500,000 undocumented people living and working across Canada, over 80,000 in Toronto alone. They are forced to live in daily fear of jailing and deportation. At the same time, new categories of "temporary foreign workers" without full status and without rights are being created by federal and provincial governments. These workers are exploited as cheap labour, based on fear of deportation

On May 3rd, we will take to the streets. We will demand an end to detentions and deportations. We will demand access without fear to essential services. We will demand an end to security certificates and secret trials. We will demand a full and inclusive regularization program. We will demand justice, dignity and respect!

trials. We will demand a full and inclusive regularization program. We will demand justice, dignity and respect!
--
WHY TRY TO FIT IN?
YOU WERE BORN TO STAND OUT!

RALLY TOMORROW 29 APRIL FOR MOHAWKS OF TYENDINAGA!!

OPP back off!
Free all First Nations Political Prisoners Now!
Hands off Stolen Land: Return the Culbertson Tract to the Mohawks of Tyendinaga!

THE RALLY:

TOMORROW: Tuesday, April 29th12 noon
Ministry of the Attorney General720 Bay Street(Bay, just north of Gerrard, eastside)

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

For those who may not know, those are the words of the English version of O Canada, the national anthem of Canada.

(It may be interesting to note that there are three official versions of O Canada, in French, English and Inuktitut; and the meaning of the French version is quite different from the English and really not too acceptable to me as a Sikh. Ah, nothing is simple, eh?)

Today, I am looking at one particular line,

God keep our land glorious and free!

A simple line with a clear meaning. But look closely.

God - To me as a Sikh, this is called by the name of Vaheguru, by Muslims Allah, by Christians Jehovah or Yahweh or Jesus Christ, by Jews a name too sacred to be spoken, by Hindus, millions of names, and on and on. I think we can all agree, however, that this refers to our creator, who loves us and whose children we are.

Keep - To keep our land glorious and free implies that our land is already glorious and free. Is it?

Our - And who, pray tell are 'we'? Does this refer only to the settlers, the colonists, those of us from elsewhere? The English, the French, the Punjabis, the Chinese and on and on? Or does it also include those we call by the proud name of First Nations?

Land - The stuff under our feet. The surface of our mother planet from which we have sprung and on which we live. That which is held sacred by many. In the context of this song, I suppose it simply refers to the politoco-geographic mass we call 'Canada.'
Glorious - I had to look this up in the dictionary just to be sure. I first got this:

1. Having or deserving glory; famous.
2. Conferring or advancing glory: a glorious achievement.
3. Characterized by great beauty and splendor; magnificent: a glorious sunset.
4. Delightful; wonderful: had a glorious visit with old friends.

So then to go to glory:

1. Great honor, praise, or distinction accorded by common consent; renown.
2. Something conferring honor or renown.
3. A highly praiseworthy asset: Your wit is your crowning glory.
4. Adoration, praise, and thanksgiving offered in worship.
5. Majestic beauty and splendor; resplendence: The sun set in a blaze of glory.
6. The splendor and bliss of heaven; perfect happiness.
7. A height of achievement, enjoyment, or prosperity: ancient Rome in its greatest glory.
8. A halo, nimbus, or aureole. Also called gloriole .

So I think we can say that in this case, we want the first definition of glorious, leading to the first definition of glory, which, at the very least, must imply a positive sort of morality and honour.

Moving on

And - That is 'in addition to.

Free - Here I stop. What does free mean? Are we talking about political freedom, things guaranteed by the Charter of Rights My dear Canadian sisters and brothers especially, if you have never read it, follow that link; it is not as concise and elegant as the American Bill of Rights, but it is much more specific and clear.

What I am getting to here is that to many of our fellow citizens, Canada has become neither glorious nor free. I am talking about the the Mohawk community in Tyendinaga. Please read the information below and follow the suggestions below in green.

I received this message to the members of The Sikh Activist Network.

--------------------
Subject: URGENT: Call of Support for Tyendinaga Mohawk Nations

Sadh Sangat Ji,

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

I am writing to you today with a heavy heart and a humble request. Over
the course of the weekend, while we have been enjoying our Vaisakhi
celebrations, the Mohawk community in Tyendinaga have been facing armed
invasions by the OPP, in their struggle for sovereignty.

Confronted by threats from construction firm, Nibourg Developments to
begin clearing land for construction along the Culbertson Tract, a
disputed tract of native land, protestors set up a blockade on Monday to
send a message to any would-be developers that there will be "not
another shovel in the ground". The land that is being contested was
signed to Mohawk nations in 1793. The original deed was for 92,000
acres; however, the actual size of Mohawk territory today is 18,000
acres (http://www.ocap/. ca/files/ fsb-rgb-final. pdf
<http://www.ocap/. ca/files/ fsb-rgb-final. pdf> ).

Despite engaging in negotiations with OPP, tension has increased and
police have made 12 arrests, including the arrest of Mohawk leader,
Shawn Brant. The OPP has swarmed Mohawk protestors, with guns pointing
at them from every direction in an attempt to remove them from their
land through intimidation. The Mohawk community is NOT leaving their
land. However, this morning, they are facing armed invasions by the OPP
who are attempting now to physically remove them from their land. As a
result, the Mohawk nation has issued an Emergency call-out to all Allies
to respond in solidarity with their struggle.

This is why I am writing to you today, Sadh Sangat Ji. As a community
who is all too familiar with the colonial struggles that our families
and ancesotrs have faced, I am pleading with you to see the links
between these battles and our own so we can stand in solidarity with
Indigenous communities whose land we reside on. Land is a fundamental
aspect for Aboriginal spirituality. Through the continual loss of their
land, Aboriginal nations will not be able to perform sacred ceremonies
and traditions and will not be able to pass on their spiritual knowledge
to coming generations. As Sikhs, our Gurus have demonstrated the
responsibility we have to protect and defend the freedom of worship for
all peoples, as we would our own.

What you can do:

1. CALL THE PREMIER! CALL THE PREMIER! CALL THE PREMIER! CALL THE
PREMIER!

Please call the premier's office immediately and urge them to:

-Honour Mohawk land, call off the OPP: Do not risk people's lives
for a gravel pit the government has already acknowledged is on Mohawk
land!

-Release all First Nations political prisoners!

Premier Dalton McGuinty: 416-325-1941 (phone)
416-325-3745 (fax)
dalton.mcguinty@ premier.gov. on.ca
<mailto:dalton.mcguinty@ premier.gov. on.ca>

2. Call your political allies - please reach out to your MPs and other
political representatives in parliament

3. Attend the Rally:

TOMORROW: Tuesday, April 29th
12 noon

Ministry of the Attorney General
720 Bay Street
(Bay, just north of Gerrard, eastside)

OPP back off!
Free all First Nations Political Prisoners Now!
Hands off Stolen Land: Return the Culbertson Tract to the Mohawks of
Tyendinaga!

I sincerely thank you for taking the time to read this message.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ****

**URGENT** Tyendinaga 9:30 am Monday morning, April 28th

We have just been informed by the Tyendinaga Mohawk community
spokespeople that SWAT teams are amassing now on the Deseronto
and Slash Roads, bordering the Tyendinaga quarry reclamation site.

Community spokesperson Jason Maracle has just been told by the OPP to
pull people out of the quarry because they are going in.

Tyendinaga Support Committee
support.tmt@ gmail.com <mailto:support.tmt@ gmail.com>

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
Yesterday's Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
FROM TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY:

Ontario Jails Five More First Nations People Involved in Land Struggles

(Sunday, April 27, 2008 -Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory) Five men from
Tyendinaga are in jail today bringing the total number of First Nations
people in Ontario jails for defending their land to 12.

Ontario, it appears, has opted for the incarceration of First Nations
people over the resolution of outstanding land issues as their status
quo.

As for the Ontario Provincial Police, it appears the adoption of Justice
Linden's Ipperwash Inquiry recommendations is experiencing some delay.
While in custody at the Napanee Detachment several different officers
repeatedly informed Shawn Brant that they were going to "slit his
throat"
and that he was a "dead man."

This followed a similarly disturbing incident that occurred on Monday,
April 22nd during the road closures in Deseronto when an officer on the
scene clearly and audibly commented to her colleagues "we should just
shoot them (Mohawks) all."

Meanwhile, road closures continue in Tyendinaga and Six Nations until,
as
one man said, "We finish the job."

Spokesperson: Jay Maracle: 613-243-4993

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"Of any religion, caste or race, All I see is God's shining face, His
smiling face, His Gracious face"

- Guru Arjan Dev ji

The flags are those of the Mohawk Nation and of Canada.

Flags: If such things interest you - they do me - you might like to see many tribal flags at Growing Crazy Horse Memorial Flag Collection

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WHY TRY TO FIT IN?
YOU WERE BORN TO STAND OUT!