Canadian Aboriginals Speak out in Iran

Canadian Aboriginal chiefs were in Iran this week to explain to the Iranian government that Canada has the worst human rights abuses on record.

You need to see this video:

http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/world/archives/2012/10/20121015-132723.html

Then hear the other side:
http://www.calgaryherald.com/opinion/columnists/Lakritz+Jaunt+Iran+does+First+Nations+favours/7399705/story.html

The Gap - continuing the colonization of our Aboriginals

Well this is the new logo on a GAP shirt.
You probably aren't aware of the historical connotations it suggests.  Read the link below and feel free to comment.
What are your thoughts on the tweet he pulled from Twitter?

http://ca.shine.yahoo.com/blogs/shine-on/gap-manifest-destiny-t-shirt-offends-customers-190532143.html

Cuba ends exit permits

Cubans will no longer need to apply for an exit permit if they wish to leave their country.  Imagine needing to apply for permission to leave a country - contradicting the universal right to enter and leave any country, according to the U.S.

Since the death of Castro, Cuba has made moves away from its old approach and towards a more free market economy.  What will the new Cuba look like? What are the dangers in managing a transition to a "new" Cuba?
Why has the U.S. had so much historic controversy with Cuba while Canada has maintained an open relationship with Cuba?  How have these two countries different approaches with Cuba affected the lives of Cubans?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-19972026

Bullying

On request:
The Amanda Todd story has drawn a significant amount of attention to bullying.  Definitely a global issue since we learn these behaviours while growing up that carry into our adulthood.  It also brings up a newer issue - the permanence of all things online.  This is the first generation to grow up in the digital age; where nothing is ever deleted and everything is stored literally forever.  The individuals and organizations which keep and store our information, that data, will be the future powers in control of our planet.

http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/10/12/amanda-todd-suicide-2012/

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Bullying+Canada+breaking+point+says/7392590/story.html

Polar Bear Extinction

According to this article the polar bear will be an extinct species in the wild within the next 25 years.

Do you agree with this "yahoo" news claim? What are the causes of this extinction?  Can they be reversed? How? or why not?
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/geekquinox/expert-melting-arctic-sea-ice-poaching-drive-polar-201843501.html

Scottish Independence

Scotland will be holding a referendum in 2014 to determine whether they will seek independence from England.  This is very historically significant ending an approximate 1,000 year English rule - moreso it sets a precedent that could be followed in other regions of the world.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-19948990

Week 6

Here is this week's open discussion forum for news events in Week 6.