First Nations call governments on paternalistic approach

First Nations leaders denounced both federal and provincial governments for their paternalistic attitudes and called on their membership to stand behind their Chiefs as they waged a battle for their constitutional rights.

“There’s a lot of work being done, it’s just that we’re not being listened to. That’s why we need your support. We need the support of the people to come out and stand up for the rights of the First Nations. We can’t do it ourselves and the government knows that,” said Beaver First Nation Chief Trevor Mercredi.

Mercredi was the first Chief to address a crowd of about 100 on the steps of the Alberta Legislature in the frigid cold and wind on Nov. 28.

Mercredi, of Treaty 8, put the call out to Chiefs in Treaty 6 and 7 to join him and the Idle No More movement in solidarity in the peaceful protest.

Mercredi, who has been serving as Chief for about a year, said he wasn’t aware of how much work Chiefs across the province were doing until he won the election.

“We have to stand up and protect our lands. We need support from our people,” he said.

Driftpile First Nations Chief Rose Laboucan agreed.

“I urge the people to support their leadership and I ask the Chiefs to make sure that they communicate with the people so they know what’s going on,” she said.

Laboucan also called on membership to be prepared when they are arguing for their rights.

“Know your rights, know where they’re coming from and back it up. It’s important that we do that and we’re not just yelling and screaming,” she said.

The crowd cheered loudly when leaders announced that the actions of the governments were not acceptable and that First Nations would continue to fight for their rights.

“I am so frustrated as a leader because of the arrogance, the racist, the bigotry, the paternalism.  And that whole treatment of First Nations people across this country has to stop. It has to stop,” said Laboucan.

She derided the provincial government for Bill 22, a new consultation policy developed by the province and outlining if and how consultation for development on First Nations reserve lands is to be carried out. She said that First Nations were not consulted in the development of the bill, which also collects a tax from industry to be used by First Nations for consultation work.

“They’re going to tax industry. They have to pay a tax on our behalf. I never asked anybody to negotiate on my behalf,” said Laboucan. “Once again that’s paternalism, that’s somebody speaking for us. That’s got to stop.”

She also said that Driftpile First Nation had its own consultation policy and she had made it clear to Aboriginal Relations Minister Robin Campbell that Driftpile’s policy would be followed for development on her First Nation.

Laboucan took exception to the need for First Nations to apply for permits to go out on the land and to check their traplines.
“How ridiculous is that?” she asked, pointing out that the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement and the Constitution protected First Nations rights to hunt, fish and trap.

Mikisew Cree Nation Chief Steve Courtoreille slammed the province for its handling of the Obed Coal Mine slurry spill.

“People are getting tired. They’re fed up with the nonsense that’s been going on, everything from the treaties to what’s happening with industry,” he said.

Courtoreille voiced frustration and concern over how the plume from the spill was being dealt with and how the government was contradicting the findings of its own chief medical officer.

Courtoreille also called the federal government out on omnibus bills C-38 and C-45, which impact First Nations. Mikisew Cree and Frog Lake First Nations are pushing for judicial reviews and their concerns will be heard in January.

“We’re not going to quit until we’re happy with changes to our satisfaction,” he said. “They go ahead and make these legislations without consulting with First Nations.”

With a large Idle No More banner behind him, Courtoreille said, “It’s very important as we move forward that we be louder.”