Former First Nation Leaders Look to Iran for Human Rights Help

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By ICTMN Staff
As the West seeks to continue to isolate Iran to contain its burgeoning nuclear program, a renegade former chief and other First Nation leaders are actively trying to engage the leadership of the Middle Eastern nation.
The outreach is led by Former Roseau River First Nation chief Terry Nelson, Canupawakpa Dakota Nation Chief Frank Brown, Dakota Plains Wahpeton First Nation Chief Orville Smoke and former Sioux Valley First Nation chief Ken Whitecloud. All want to visit Iran, which the U.S. State Department says sponsors terrorism, to enlist its help in combatting Canada’s human rights record in regard to aboriginal peoples.

Nelson, who was removed from his spot as leader of the Roseau River First Nation in southern Manitoba last September, met with Iranian officials at their embassy in Ottawa on March 12 to discuss housing investment. Nelson also went to 17 embassies to disseminate information about aboriginal issues.
A spokesman for Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird called the overtures inappropriate and misplaced. “The Iranian regime is now attempting to exploit tragedy and feign concern as yet another PR stunt to distract from its own abhorrent record,” said spokesman Joseph Lavoie in a statement to Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) National News. “We hope the aboriginal leaders in question won’t allow themselves to be used as pawns in this sad game the Iranians are playing.”...Read here...

Two prisoners executed today- 20 executions in the past eight days in Iran

  •  17 April 2012.  Iran Human Rights