National chief visits Edmonton

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Most people only had one or two days notice that Matthew Coon Come, the Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, was to be in Edmonton Sept. 28.

Speaking to a capacity crowd of approximately 300 at the University of Alberta's Myer Horowitz Theatre, Coon Come's focus was the recent lobster fishing situation at Burnt Church, N.B. and various issues surrounding treaty and Aboriginal rights of First Nations people.

His delivery was hard and unforgiving, but about real issues and real people and how a seemingly uncaring government is unjustly and inadequately treating First Nations.

He cautioned Canada about trampling on Indian rights and the potential for violence at some of Canada's "hot spots." He spoke of mounting hostility and impatience and warned that it may be difficult to keep the people in check if treaties are not honored and if authorities push their weight around as was the case at Oka, Ipperwash and Gustafsen Lake.

The national chief challenged the federal government, saying, "You cannot oppress or dispossess us. We have been patient and restrained."

While his words rang with a sense of urgency and had some in the audience feeling uncomfortable, Coon Come added that he's not saying these things because he favors violence but because the rights and requests of First Nations people are being ignored.

Coon Come was on a half-day layover while en-route to Yellowknife. He offered to speak as a guest of the university's Native Student Services and Club.