CSIS Surveillance of Indigenous Activists Revealed in Declassified Docs

URGENT UPDATE: Newly declassified documents reveal that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has prioritized investigations into Indigenous activists for over a decade, starting in 1988. This shocking revelation illustrates the extent of government surveillance on individuals advocating for Indigenous rights amid heightened tensions during significant events like the Oka Crisis.

JUST IN: Katsi’tsakwas Ellen Gabriel, a prominent Indigenous rights activist, discovered the breadth of CSIS’s reach when a Japanese official presented her with a comprehensive dossier on her activities. This document was reportedly compiled by CSIS and used to deny her a visa to Japan in 1992. Gabriel stated, “He said, ‘You’re going to go to Japan and you’re going to shame our ally Canada.’”

The recently released records span from 1988 to 1999 and include approximately 1,000 pages of internal CSIS documents. These papers indicate that Indigenous rights activists were classified under the banner of “Native extremism,” a term that has raised serious concerns about systemic racism and the overreach of state surveillance.

KEY FINDINGS: The reports, obtained through multiple access requests, highlight that CSIS monitored Indigenous activists as part of a broad strategy to address what they termed “domestic terrorism.” Jeffrey Monaghan, an associate professor at Carleton University, stated, “Consistently, in all of these reports, ‘Native extremism’ is identified as a leading priority.”

The implications are profound, as these investigations often targeted peaceful protests and civil disobedience. Vibert Jack from the B.C. Civil Liberties Association commented, “The biggest issue that stands out is just the overreach of CSIS,” further emphasizing the racially charged language used in their reports.

The surveillance intensified following the Oka Crisis, where tensions between Indigenous activists and government authorities escalated dramatically. Gabriel, who was at the forefront of the resistance during this armed standoff in 1990, expressed her dismay at the surveillance tactics employed by CSIS. She noted that she felt confirmed in her suspicions of being monitored, stating, “My mail was opened. I received these notices that I was being surveilled.”

In a broader context, these revelations reflect a troubling pattern of government response to Indigenous activism over the years. CSIS’s focus on “Native extremism” was further validated by the agency’s own watchdog, which noted that many activities listed in their reports were peaceful protests or acts of civil disobedience.

WHAT’S NEXT: As the fallout from these revelations continues, Indigenous rights activists are calling for greater transparency and accountability from CSIS. The spy agency maintains that its investigations comply with Canadian law, but many, including Gabriel and other activists, argue that these actions have been designed to intimidate and suppress legitimate concerns over land and resource rights.

The ongoing debate around surveillance and civil liberties, especially for marginalized communities, remains critical as Canada grapples with its past treatment of Indigenous peoples. As more documents are expected to come to light, the public will be watching closely to see how the government addresses these serious allegations.

This situation is developing, and further updates will follow as more information becomes available. For now, the implications of CSIS’s actions are clear: the fight for Indigenous rights in Canada is still marked by a legacy of scrutiny and resistance against systemic injustice.

Stay tuned for real-time updates and discussions on this pressing issue.