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There's something romantic, something that appeals to us about the outsider. We support the man who stands up against big government, big business, big religion, for what's right.

Hollywood has made a basket full of underdog movies. We all hope against hope for the underdog, especially when he's one of ours.

That does not mean, however, that any underdog, that any armed resistance to the law, is legitimate. Some underdogs are just criminals.

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There's something romantic, something that appeals to us about the outsider. We support the man who stands up against big government, big business, big religion, for what's right.

Hollywood has made a basket full of underdog movies. We all hope against hope for the underdog, especially when he's one of ours.

That does not mean, however, that any underdog, that any armed resistance to the law, is legitimate. Some underdogs are just criminals.

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It comes as no real surprise that Aboriginal people have not been invited to participate in the First Ministers Conference June 20 and 21. Nor is it a surprise that Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Ovide Mercredi wants a seat at the table there.

It is clear to us, at least, that First Nations people are not represented in the political power structure at any level. There must be a place created for them in the process, and it must be a significant one in terms both of appearance and authority.

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It comes as no real surprise that Aboriginal people have not been invited to participate in the First Ministers Conference June 20 and 21. Nor is it a surprise that Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Ovide Mercredi wants a seat at the table there.

It is clear to us, at least, that First Nations people are not represented in the political power structure at any level. There must be a place created for them in the process, and it must be a significant one in terms both of appearance and authority.

Page 6

It comes as no real surprise that Aboriginal people have not been invited to participate in the First Ministers Conference June 20 and 21. Nor is it a surprise that Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Ovide Mercredi wants a seat at the table there.

It is clear to us, at least, that First Nations people are not represented in the political power structure at any level. There must be a place created for them in the process, and it must be a significant one in terms both of appearance and authority.

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Has Ovide Mercredi lost his mind?

Does he truly believe that by jumping on the sovereignty band wagon, he will breathe life into the Assembly of First Nations, an organization that continues to lose support and influence every day?

Does he really expect advice for this sovereignty endeavor from Quebec Premier Lucien Bouchard, who time and time again has proven he is no friend to Indian nations?

Or is this just one more attempt by a beleaguered leader to leave his mark on Canadian history? If it is, it is a sorry attempt indeed.

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Has Ovide Mercredi lost his mind?

Does he truly believe that by jumping on the sovereignty band wagon, he will breathe life into the Assembly of First Nations, an organization that continues to lose support and influence every day?

Does he really expect advice for this sovereignty endeavor from Quebec Premier Lucien Bouchard, who time and time again has proven he is no friend to Indian nations?

Or is this just one more attempt by a beleaguered leader to leave his mark on Canadian history? If it is, it is a sorry attempt indeed.

Page 6

Has Ovide Mercredi lost his mind?

Does he truly believe that by jumping on the sovereignty band wagon, he will breathe life into the Assembly of First Nations, an organization that continues to lose support and influence every day?

Does he really expect advice for this sovereignty endeavor from Quebec Premier Lucien Bouchard, who time and time again has proven he is no friend to Indian nations?

Or is this just one more attempt by a beleaguered leader to leave his mark on Canadian history? If it is, it is a sorry attempt indeed.

Page 6

Robbery, assault, prostitution, drug trafficking, murder - it has all the makings of a Quinten Tarrantino movie and is fodder for television's cop shows. But this isn't entertainment. It's the reality of life on the streets for our children.

If you think this is a big-city problem, think again. It is the lifestyle choice of kids on reserves and those who live in Canada's quiet rural communities. It is a scourge that is making fear a burden that young people carry. It is a cancer that will invade your home and do damage to every family member.

Page 6

Robbery, assault, prostitution, drug trafficking, murder - it has all the makings of a Quinten Tarrantino movie and is fodder for television's cop shows. But this isn't entertainment. It's the reality of life on the streets for our children.

If you think this is a big-city problem, think again. It is the lifestyle choice of kids on reserves and those who live in Canada's quiet rural communities. It is a scourge that is making fear a burden that young people carry. It is a cancer that will invade your home and do damage to every family member.