(The following articles are from the May 1-15, 2008, issue of People's Voice, Canada's leading communist newspaper. Articles can be reprinted free if the source is credited. Subscription rates in Canada: $25/year, or $12 low income rate; for U.S. readers - $25 US per year; other overseas readers - $25 US or $35 CDN per year. Send to: People's Voice, c/o PV Business Manager, 133 Herkimer St., Unit 502, Hamilton, ON, L8P 2H3.)

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine has called upon all Canadians to support and join First Nations on May 29 in challenging the government of Canada to implement lasting solutions based on equality and respect. Fontaine was joined by labour, religious and student organizations at the April 17 announcement.

     "I am challenging the Government of Canada to join us in acting now to remove the constraints on progress, the impediments to a better quality of life for First Nations in Canada and the obstacles to respectful relationships," Fontaine urged. "It is critical that together we remove the unfair treatment of First Nation citizens in this country. We must remove the hurdles that stand in the way of real and lasting solutions for the challenges facing First Nations and thus all Canadians. Our future on these lands is our mutual responsibility."

     "Last year we hosted a successful day of action that succeeded in raising awareness about issues facing First Nations citizens in Canada. Thousands of Canadians from all walks of life joined us in those peaceful events. Unfortunately the Government of Canada has not responded to the poverty and harsh conditions that continue to grow and which claim the lives of our young people," the National Chief noted. "This year, we are offering straight-forward solutions that need immediate action. In the next few weeks leading up to May 29th, I will be issuing a set of concrete proposals that would truly help provide a real and lasting improvement in the lives of First Nations citizens, in their relationship with the Canadian government, and in the economic outlook of Canada more broadly. I challenge the Government of Canada to respond with equal clarity."

     In Ottawa, the Day of Action will begin at Victoria Island with participants marching to Parliament Hill for a peaceful rally. Details of other May 29 events will be available at the AFN website, http://www.afn.ca.