Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence has signed off on her will and is prepared for death, APTN National News has been told.
Spence’s will includes a description of who will care for her daughters and she has also signed off on directions requesting non-intervention if her health takes a turn for the worse. The documents are in the hands of her lawyer, aides told APTN National News.
Spence began her hunger strike Dec. 11 to force a meeting between Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Gov. Gen. David Johnston and First Nations leaders.
Harper is scheduled to meet with a delegation of First Nations leaders, youth and elders on Friday.
Johnston’s office, however, has said he would not be attending.
Spence has said she would not be attending the meeting if Johnston did not go and would continue her hunger strike.
Spence’s spokesman Danny Metatawabin told chiefs Wednesday they should cancel or walk-out of the meeting if Johnston did not attend.
"Photo © Marc-André Pauzé/Waseya Images"
Johnston represents the Crown, which entered into treaties with First Nations. The Johnston’s presence is viewed as essential by some because he represents the original treaty relationship.
Spence has sent a letter to Queen Elizabeth II requesting she direct Johnston to attend.
While some chiefs are seriously considering canceling or walking out of the meeting, Six Nations Chief Bill Montour said Spence should end her hunger strike on Friday.
“For her own health, Jan. 11 should be the end of the hunger strike,” said Montour. “She has the attention of the world and let the world judge Harper.”
This is not the first time a First Nations leader has asked Spence to end her hunger strike. Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Derek Nepinak also asked Spence to end her hunger strike in a Christmas Eve letter.
“I believe that you have accomplished the efforts for which you have set out to do and I plead with you now to take down your camp, return to your people and embrace your loved ones,” wrote Nepinak in the letter.
Montour said First Nations leaders should attend the meeting with the prime minister, even if Johnston does not attend.
“You never walk out of a meeting, if you walk out you are defeated,” said Montour.
Spence has consumed no solid food, taking only on cups of fish broth, herbal teas and water since she began the hunger strike. Spence’s health is rapidly deteriorating, she has been complaining of pains from her stomach contracting over lack of solid food, has lost at least 22 lbs and is increasingly fatigued, her life partner Clayton Kennedy told APTN National News. Kennedy also said her blood-sugar level has been dropping.
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This is not just about a meeting between English and Canadian officials and Native Americans...it is about 500 years of genocide and destruction...I stand by Chief Spence and all she is doing. I commend her for her complete dedication to this valuable and important cause.
We in Alaska stand with her, Harper you need to know this is a global thing! This goes beyond the government.Harper, If this women falls,
You are going to be held accountable! We do not forgive! We do not forget! Expect us!
my prayers are with you in the Great Spirit Now
I support her cause but I do not like the hunger strike she putting herself in jeopardy. what good is she going to be to the people if all her expertise and knowledge goes with her. whose going to carry on her dreams.
prayers are with her, i fully suport her in this cause!!!!!!! bravo for her taking a stand!!!!!!!!!!!!!!~ holly wolfspirit McGee
May the creator bless you and keep you with us. We need you with us. what good is it going to do for the people if you're not here.
Be Strong Theresa... My prayers are with you...
I'm praying and supporting this brave woman.
I stand with her and her cause! If she goes it will be on Harper and the crown!
she isnt on a hunger strike she hasnt lost weight. anyways you cant blackmail a politician like she's doing. good riddance!!
she's a strong brave leader and her stand should not end in death! It makes me sick that it's come down to this. Canada is supposed to be a place for the people and if our own government won't listen to this one woman who's speaking out for the people then we live in a country of lies and that makes me ashamed to be canadian. I end this comment with prayers to the creator that Chief Spence survives this fight
This would be such a loss....heartbreaking.
Stay strong! My prayers are with you!!
My prayers are with Chief Spence and I believe in what she's doing it for
Bless this woman who has more strength than most in standing for her tribe, her people, her convictions and bringing into the open the plight of First Nations people. Some can call names, spit on one who is willing to give up her life but it doesn't do any good to do so because that is who she is standing against and the bitterness against First Nations people whom were here to begin with. Shame on the major politician(s) and those who stand with them.
It is your will that is strong, peace be with you and your loved ones.
I am supporting this strong and courageous Cheif. May the Great Spirt comfort you and be with you always.
The Creator did not give her life to continue to waste in this way. She now has the ears of the nation. She has the hearts of the first people. She now needs to stop being humanly stubborn and come forth strong to continue to lead the fight. Once such a loud voice is silenced what voice will continue? What whisper shall it become. It is now selfish not selfless.
God will reveal the truth. Our prayers are with you.
Shut your mouth before you say something about you don't understand or care for. She is NOT blackmailing of any kind. She standing up for what she believes. People like you saying "good riddance!!" Make me sick. We are standing up for what we agreed to. We agreed to having treaty rights and they are now getting taken away. You definitely don't understand, and probably won't ever so shut that mouth up before you regret it. I'd like to see you go on a hunger strike for so long, for something you stand for and will die being heard as much as she has.
I support Chief Spence. She is a strong woman and leader. Harper should get ready for the upriseing he's about see. Our warriors don't stand idle no more! My prayers are with Chief Spence. It would be on Harpers head if something happens to her.Oh,by the way our warriors aren't the ones he has to worry about. Its the destruction of our planet and he has no one to blame but himself.
I guess you are staying in the tipi with her then ? Blackmail? Your ignorance will not take you far in this life....
She fights for the rights for Indigenous people all over the world. This just not encompasses her people. She stands for more than this. The creator has a purpose for this and the Chief's and Sachem's and native Americans around the world should be watching and helping in the Creator's work. Great Chief's our ancestors seen this coming. Great changes usually come from people that are humble. Like Christ, Buddha and Ghandi etc. and chief Spence she is not using politics, warfare or threats. She is making a stand like Ghandi. Open your eyes people this world needs to change. Let the Creator Protect her, I ask my Great Ancestors who where, Great Sachems and My Grandmother's Royal Squaws and Queens to watch over you. To have a Great Sign show you the way chief Spence AHO I honor you and my Ancestors and The Great Spirit AHo
I stand with Chief Spence in her efforts to have a meaningful meeting with the countries of Canada and United States. Is it too much to ask one's equal to meet with her? Other leaders have met with their equals in surroundings that were comfortable with them. Oh wait. That's the catch. They consider Native Americans a 'defeated' people and NOT as equals. Yet, they allowed Khadafi to set up his tent on White House grounds and we all know what he was accused of, and subsequently killed for. And the US government has paid restitution to survivors of Nagasaki and Tokyp, and to Japanese Americans that were forcibly detained after the attack on Pearl Harbor. And was it not our Code Talkers in both World Wars that were largely responsible for turning the tides toward victory? So many instances so little credit. My prayers are with Chief Spence for a successful conclusion to her hunger strike.
peace and love
today in my home i fasted on behalf of Teresa Spence me and many other woman and for the generations to come, i pray to this that we will keep seeing this brave woman in the days ahead and more, i have great respect for her and her strength and the love she has for her ppl, wish everyone can see the world from her eyes! i give thanks for this and much more your one of a kind chief spence!!!! hiy hiy
u have a lot of nerve talking like that u must b another stupid white man who has nothing else better to than criticize people or native americans for that fact who stand up for what they believe in maybe u good riddance!!!/
hang in there ! chief spencer i send love, prayers, and good health! I hope that this all comes together and fall to good terms!! Blessings to you! stay strong! chief!!! i,m of the iroquois. 6 nations Onandaga my name is Morningstar given to me by the wampanog council. many blessings to all!!! aho
Quit trying to bait us, Anonymous. We're beyond that. We'll pray you free yourself from racism, hatred, and fear. Go read American Holocaust and learn something yourself before you throw empty adjectives at others.
u have a lot of nerve talking like that u must b another dumb white man who has nothing else to do but criticize the native american people for standing up for what they believe in we were here b4 u buddy so maybe u good riddance!!!!
Be, do, love, accept, courage, sending GREAT LOVE and HEALING and PEACE
Chief Spence, your conviction and faith is humbling yet inspiring at the same time and I am PROUD to call myself NATIVE! My thoughts, faith and prayers are being flown to you right now. I believe in what you are doing. <3
Hahou
My Heart Is soft and very heavy, My Heart is with you Cheif. All the haters can hate all they want, but if they want to hate they can stay of these pages and keep their hateful hearts to themselves. And to all you people out there with caring loving Hearts you all rock! The world is filled to much with hate. Let our love shine! Idle No More!
She's a strong one, and one that isn't willing to give up or give in. I give thanks for the strength she has shown to the people, to the young ones. No longer is it best to set by and allow injustice! I pray she continues the path she believes is right, until another is revealed by the creator. We need more like her in this day and age. Proud to be of this land!
I stand by you chief you are what all natives are strong I wish you well on your new journey to come! Thank you for s taking this stand for not only your people but all natives.
This is nothing to do with blackmail! If you have nothing nice to say simply put a sock in your mouth and leave it unless your willing to act like an adult not some child.
My prayers are with Chief Spence to the Creator. She has to do what is in her heart, she has my families support and I will forever remember this and the strength on a woman warrior who is willing to do what she needs to for her people. She is a fire starter.
I pray & meditate & morning, noon, & night that the First Nations leaders of the world be the voices of a miraculous revolution to bring all people back to a way of life that brings us to a peaceful harmony with our Mother Earth so our Creator may smile upon us! Peace - Love & Light be with you!
Love & Prayers- to you and your family- this is my prayer for you - dear heavenly father I pray for Chief Spence that you will encamp your angels around about her- and give her strength- help her to say all that she needs to say-I pray that the works of the enemy come to not- thank you Jesus- for she was born for such a time as this-I pray you will give her dreams & visions- and guide her path - In Jesus name Amen-
Love & Prayers- to you and your family- this is my prayer for you - dear heavenly father I pray for Chief Spence that you will encamp your angels around about her- and give her strength- help her to say all that she needs to say-I pray that the works of the enemy come to not- thank you Jesus- for she was born for such a time as this-I pray you will give her dreams & visions- and guide her path - In Jesus name Amen-
<3
What has come of our civilization when a woman may well die before a couple of suits show up at a table? That Chief Spence should flirt with martyrdom: it may well serve as the catalyst for popular uprising.
The people of the world are becoming aware. Awareness cannot be undone, and awareness always precedes action.
We do not forgive. We do not forget. Expect us.
Im a white. Woman behind you. StAy strong.
Power to the people, ALL people. You have support all over the globe, do not give in..
United we stand, divided we fall!
i wish i was rich enough to travel and go sit with this beautiful lady , but im stuck here on vancouver island .
My prayers are with you as you are making the ultimate sacrafice. I feel that you are a brave and wonderful example for Natives women and we as indigenous women should follow your example as mothers, wives, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, and leaders. You have shown the world what unconditional love truely is... I will always remember you and strive to be more.
My prayers and thought's are with you.Chief Spence is a brave warrior and will stand strong for our people,mother earth.She is an example of how strong our Nations stand as one.
PRAYER ARE WITH YOU FOR WHAT YOU STAND FOR AND WHAT YOU DO FOR YOUR PEOPLE CANADIAN GOVERMENT AN THE UNITED STATES GOVERMENT DONT GIVE A SHIT ABOUT NATIVE PEOPLE
I feel deeply touched, Chief Spence, that you are willing to put your own neck on the line for your people. Thank You so much for your bravery and your conviction. You have humanized the issues now in such a way that globally we are feeling your determination. Never give up..
Shame on the Governor General. He has no honor.
I dont know but things seem to be a bit melodramatic that Chief Spence has signed her will because she has not ate solid food for 30 days. If you ask me take a good look at her she looks pretty healthy to me. Losing 20 lbs has probably improved her blood sugars. Now I am all for equal rights but when a chief makes a 6 figure salary and her own people are living in 3rd world conditions, something just does not seem right. I believe all people should have access to clean fresh water and indoor plumbing,warm safe homes and education and good medical care now not later.
The very point that must be understood is that Chief Theresa Spence's survival must be seen as the survival of ALL people. I am saddened that she has signed off on her will and has prepared for death. But she has NOT and she will NEVER sign off on her G-d given free will, and she is preparing merely to shake the dust of this world off as she prepares for the next. Why is it that we care more for the extinction of flora and fauna (for which we SHOULD care) but not for the extinction of The People?? Through genuine tears of sorrow I continue to speak words to Creator for Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence.
She is right, and I do understandwhat they are going through. I am from Alaska, I am an American Indian and I am White. I am related to First Nations as well as other tribes in the lower 48's. I am Athabascan, and many others.
I agree with how our people are and were being treated. But we should look on all views, everyone has a voice and no voice should be suppressed.
I am native and white and that gives me more of an opportunity to make peace between the two very different nations of reds and whites. I understand that because of my mixed heritage both sides understand me more, and listen, with this is a better chance at peace between the two nations of people.
First Nations hear me out! The white people are only trying to survive, they do things differently as do us. But they are good people in their hearts, with good intentions. If we learn each others cultures we will have a better chance at peace, share our ways and our people.
There is nothing wrong with half-breeds, they excel at everything they do. They help promote peace greatly. Each side listens to them. Many famous people had red and white ancestry, and they do a lot of good work. I believe that this is the future the Great Spirit has intended.
Thank you brothers and sisters.
Ty Jackson
chief spence please listen: the people of the world need you alive !!!
MANY BLESSINGS CHIEF SPENCE!!! WHAT IS HARPER AFRAID OF? THE TRUTH!! MY HEART IS WITH YOU!! IDLE NO MORE!! WE WILL ALL STAND!! COME ALL NOW WE ARE ONE BIG FAMILY!! AHO
Good God! This woman is standing up for us! Us natives, aboriginals.. I admire her for everything she has done for us..
You as a white man, you have no right to cause this.. we stand up for everything that we believe in, you should learn not be racist, what the hell is wrong with you!? Go and tell that to every aboriginal that are in Canada and you'll see how many of would stand up to you..
I, too am ashamed to be a Canadian.. with a government that doesn't even meet up with this woman.. she shouldn't die for this.. I as an aboriginal, stand with her and my daughters also my family..
You are in my prayers. Thank you for taking a stand!
Prayers for chief Spence!err for
I'm praying to the great GOD JESUS to intervene on your behalf.
White man speaks with evil tongue.
The six nations some day will rise again to prominence.
Probably steven harper himself wrote this
i do not wish her any ill will, but i believe she needs to be held accountable for the millions of dollars that has gone missing from the band. She has been living high off the hog as well as her $850 a day boyfriend, while the people in her community suffer, with out electricity and water. Something is very very wrong with that. Why did that money not get to the people? Her community should be outraged. If my mayor of my town could not account for millions of federal dollars he would be up on fraud charges!! The canadian government also needs to be held accountable. There are 2 sides to every story and the truth lies somewhere in the middle but those on opposing sides refuse to see the truth.
Chief Spence I pray to God that he keeps you strong and that he will show Harper his wrong doings.
THIS ARTICAL TALKS ABOUT THE GENOCIDE THAT THE ENGLISH AND OTHERS THAT ARE INVOLVED IN THIS COMPLACATED MESS; BUT WHAT IT DOES NOT SAY IS THAT THIS CHIEF SPENCE IS DOING IS ACTUALLY SELF IMPOSED GENOCIDE JUST TO MAKE PEOPLE DO WHAT IS RIGHT IN THE FIRST PLACE...
THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO MAKE A POINT AND GET THINGS DONE WITH MAKING A SPECTIAL OF YOUR SELF IN THE MEDIA AND DYING IN THE PROCESS.....
WHAT IF THINGS WERE DONE AND SHE WAS NEEDED TO MAKE WHAT IS DONE BETTER.... IF SHE DIES THEN SHE WONT BE THERE WHEN SHE IS NEEDED THE MOST......
I CAN NOT SEE THAT KILLING YOUR SELF TO MAKE PEOPLE DO WHAT YOU WANT THEM TO DO OR TO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN IS WORTH THE CONCEPT OF DEATH BY SUCIDE TO MAKE A POINT...
PEOPLE WILL SEE THAT AS A SAD CASE OF NERROW MINDED THOUGHT OF SOMEONE THAT DID NOT KNOW HOW TO BEAT THE SYSTEM...
... THEN SHE WOULD BE LAYED TO REST WITH THE OTHERS THAT IS UNDER THE LABLE OF GENOCIDE BY ENVADERS AND SHE WILL ONLY BE REMEMBERED BY THOSE THAT NEW HER AN THAT IS ONLY 1 MAYBE 2 GENERATIONS LONG.... THEN SHE WILL BE LOST FOR EVER.....
THIS IS SO VERY SAD THAT I CAN NOT BEGIN TO DESCRIBE IT WITH WORDS......
I WOULD MUCH RATHER RUN AWAY AND FIGHT {BETTER EQUIPTED} ANOTHER DAY THAN WASTE MY PRECIOUS LIFE TO MAKE A POINT......
MAY GOD GRANT HER PEACE IF SHE IS STUPID ENOUGH TO DO THIS WITH OUT GODS BLESSING AND SUCIDE IS NOT IN GODS LAWS SO SHE WILL BE DAMNED FOR EVER.....
i see some ignorant comments about chief spence, shame on u, u dont know what chief spence is going through, none of us do, but she is laying down her life for her people and what she believes in, i give her that respect, to the rude person who said she is blackmailing, well your juststupid thats all it is. now if u watched the report on this press conference that happened minister duncan at the end of his question period on the news stations, he responded to us as thoes people, my point being is that they are going to take and take whatever they want, without a bat of a eye, so mister rude dont say anything unless u know what u are talking about. my family prays for chief spence all this comes from her heart and knowledge, it makes me sick for anyone to think otherwise, i pray for the other ones that are on a hunger strike to, they are ture brothers and sisters to us all
My prayers have been going out for Cheif Spence,but i myself think she should end her hunger strike We need her here ,not buried.
If Spence cared so much about how much money she or her partner made, she wouldn't be doing what she is doing right now! That is a Leader!!!!!
People may not agree with the stance Chief Spence has taken. However it is her right to do what she believes in. One of our 7 teachings is Respect, as someone else pointed out, we don't know what she is going through. I'm sure the grandfathers & Grandmothers have visited her. Let's not let others who don't understand our ways, make us Fight against each other, thats what they want us to do!!Don't fall off track. Let's stand strong and United for our people & country. We are better than that. As for Chief Spence, I'm concerned for her health but, I Respect her "journey"...remember its her journey and she must find her way. Let's "respect" her journey....Miigwetch.
This woman is a true warrior. Let's show her support with smoke and pray rather than some of the disrspect I see here
There's Children, perhaps Elderly fighting for thier last breath and asking the creator to give them a chance so they might make this a better world to live for. Giving up on the life that our Creator gave us is not being a warrior. A warrior fought till they could not fight no more. It's the hardship of life that gives experience and growth. Harper would be the last person that i would waste my last breath on. He is not my people nor my leader. I am old and not as healthy as i once was but i am still standing and still asking the creator to flow thru me for the people. I am foremost, A Mik'maq from the Eastern Tribe. I have been thru Hell in life, scarred from abuse, Rejection, Humiliation. My own people look down at me because i ran from fear using Alcohol. They have labeled me with many things. The Creator never gave up on me. I have seen miracles happen, many times. I foresaw this man Harper, Building prisons for our people before he announced a broken piece of paper but because of this, His own people turned against him.
You hold too much to offer to our people. We do not want to hold you in our memories. We want you to make a good memory for us. WWBEAR.
What Spense is doing is showing all white people how stupid she is. She keeps demanding and demanding, even when they agree to meet her. I think she is afraid to face her people after all the money her and her partner took for themseves instead of providing for her people. I am sick and tired of all the wasted money that has been going on in the reserves by the chiefs and councellors who are supose to have the residents best interests at heart. All tho I am not a fan of Harper's the natives should be going after their own leaders and demanding an accounting for the wasteful way millions of dollars have been spent. Enough is enough!!!!!!
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU, CHIEF SPENCE...I PRAY FOR PEOPLE WHO WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND WHAT IS IN THE HEART OF US NATIVES...I APPLAUD YOUR DESIRE, YOUR DETERMINATION AND MOST OF ALL YOUR DEDICATION FOR YOUR PPL. I HAVE READ SOME STUPID COMMENTS ON HERE...IF YOU CANNOT SUPPORT...I SAY KEEP YOUR COMMENTS TO YOURSELF..WE, NATIVES HAVE BEEN HERE FOR 1000'S OF YEARS...AND WE INTEND ON BEING HERE MORE...SAD THAT HARPER IS A TYPICAL WHITE MAN...HE DON'T CARE ABOUT ANYONE ELSE...BUT HIMSELF...THAT IS SO SAD...I'D BE ASHAME TO HAVE HIM AS FAMILY...CHIEF SPENCE YOU ARE TRULY A WOMEN WARRIOR...I WILL PRAY FOR YOU!!
God Bless Chief Spence, and all that she is doing. It is a SHAME that Johnston is refusing to attend a meeting...knowing that a life is on the line... Chief Spence wrote a letter requesting that the Queen make sure that Johnston is in attendance. It is a SHAME that such drastic measures have to be taken. The sad reality is that the Chief will like die trying to make the way better for the people, and the so-called Queen, Harper and Johnston don't give a crap, as long they don't have to meet with her they can continue to pretend that there is an entire Nation ...NO! the WORLD is against the three of them. That clearly shows us how corrupt our world really is.
This is the most spiritual witness to the Native world I have ever witnessed. Hail to Cheif Theresa Spence for standing up for what not only is a witnes to Native Indians but for human beings all over the world. Many blessing sent to you....She stands for truth...justice and peace.....Hail to you Cheif Theresa Spence..Idle No More is happening all over the world and we will stand up forever.
I like the guy who said he wouldn't waste his last breath on Harper. Maybe Spence is afraid of losing face if she quits the hunger strike, I don't know. She shouldn't worry about that. She needs to worry about how her people in her community will get along without her. All hell will break lose if she dies. That will solve nothing & only bring bad opinion of a needed cause. There are good in bad in all races & some natives have been greedy & done the wrong thing in many cases just as the whites & yellows & blacks have. And many natives have been honest & trustworthy & hardworking, just as the yellows, blacks & whites have. So quit the insults, join the Idle No More for the sake of us all & get that poor woman to go home & have a good meal. We will be needing her!
We love you Chief Theresa Spence and admire your bravery. Thank you for using your immense strength to make our world a better one. Thank Creator for endowing you with this strength, bravery and beauty.
she is a fraud! drinking fish and moose broth is not a hunger strike. she has spent and cannot account for 100 million dollars that was to be spent on the people of her reserve.People she was elected to take care of and avocate for. provide houses, standard of living and services for the elders. she is a liar!
Shame on her for using us this way!
Spence's hunger strike comes across as nothing but a Public Relations move to cover up her miss-management and lack of action on her own reserve. $100,000,000 woefully not accounted for??? Her own people homeless, starving and addicted to drugs and alcohol.
If Spence was truly noble, she was answer the questions, and take real action to help her people, and not simply draw attention away from the serious problems that she has allowed to grow and fester on her reserve.
The Great Spirit be with you always.xx