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"Artist
for Bob" Concert |
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Robert served 106 days of a 6-month sentence handed down by Justice Cunningham back in February 2008. On May 27th, a Toronto court of appeal reduced his sentence to time served and eliminated the $25,000 fine handed out by Cunningham, stating that their ruling did not mean they endorsed the first sentence. In fact, the three judges who were presiding over the appeal appeared bewildered at the original sentencing and repeatedly asked the lawyer for Frontenac Ventures Corp. where, in Canadian law, was the precedent for such a harsh sentence for a first time offence of this type. Robert walked free that day and was met at the courthouse by hundreds of supporters. Close to 1000 people came to Saturday's concert to show their continued support for Robert. Artists Terry Tufts, Jenny Whiteley, Joey Wright, Christine Bougie, Kathryn Briggs, Maya Thau-Eleff, Susan Aglukark, David Francey, Bruce Cockburn, surprise guest Sarah Harmer, Unity and the Ardoch Algonquin Manomin Keezis Singers and Allies all gave heart felt performances. Steven Heighton, and Michael Ondaatje read poignant prose from their own works, allowing the audience time to reflex on the darker parts of Canadian history. Towards the end of the evening, Robert spoke about his time in prison and remarked that he was still getting used to being free. He went on to say, with his customary dry humour, that was he still trying to "Velcro" his pants up after using the washroom. Robert spoke about, "the week of apologies" remarking on the Federal government's apology to the First Nations for the residential school program that removed thousands native children from their families and put them into a school system that were often abusive and highly destructive to the native culture. Robert once again used his wit to "apologize" to Canadians for all of the terrible things that the First Nations must have done to deserve this cultural genocide (editor's choice of word.) His remarks were met with a strained laughter that recognized the irony of his words. The crowd roared their approval when he finished by saying, "but for protecting our homeland from destruction, that I will not apologize for." Special thanks go out to Paul Gervan, Robin Comolli, Ellen Hamilton, Chris Coleman, David Finley, Nan Hudson, Candy McGlynn-Bilow, Kim McGlynn, Al Rankin and Kyra Walker Pearson for organizing an amazing and uplifting show. Over $20,000 was raised by the benefit concert and all funds will be sent to a trust account established by Robert's colleagues at Queen's University and administered by the Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG). They will be used, at Robert's discretion, to defer costs related to his three-month incarceration, legal fees for his lawyer Chris Reid, and the continuing struggle against the threat of an open pit uranium mine in North Frontenac County. Additional
donations should be directed to: -Lynn Daniluk
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