AFN Chief denounces federal ploy

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Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Georges Erasmus has denounced the creation f a new northern Alberta Indian band as a federal ploy to destroy the Lubicon people.

Erasmus charged the government is offering the Woodland Cree special concessions while ignoring the pleas of other Indians who want to be organized as a band.

The Woodland Cree, scheduled to e officially recognized Aug. 28, will be the 593rd Indian band in Canada.

In a telephone interview from his Ottawa office, Erasmus compared the Woodland Cree to the U.S. Backed Contra rebels who are fighting the communist regime in Nicaragua.

The Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Pierre Cadieux is funnelling money to dissident band members who want to overthrow the leadership of the Lubicon band, Erasmus said.

"It would be wonderful if they really cared about creating a new band, or they really wanted new bands. But the government is in a desperate situation and is attempting to reduce

the ability of the Lubicon band to take a strong position," he said.

Erasmus noted that Cadieux will recognized the Woodland Cree as a distinct band just before negations are set to begin between Lubicon Chief Bernard Ominayak and Alberta

Premier Don Getty Aug.. 9.

"It happened just out of the blue. They (federal government) are pouring a lot of money and time into this thing," he said.

Federal officials have met with disgruntled band members ten times over the last few months to iron out details of the separation.

Federal negotiator Ken Colby said the government has held meetings with disgruntled band members, and has flown them to Ottawa to meet with Indian Affairs officials.

Woodland Cree leaders Melvin Laboucan and Archie Cardinal could not be reached for comment.

Colby contends that the creation of the new band is not a ploy to undermine Ominayak's efforts.

Colby said the matter has been handled properly by his department.

"They came to us, we didn't go to them. We just told them they should organize if they're not happy with the way negotiations are going, he said.

The Lubicon Lake band has been at odds with the federal government over land and financial compensation for the last 50 years.

Ominayak has been battling with federal negotiators for the past eight years to receive an adequate settlement for his 470-member band.

Negotiations were called off after Ominayak refused a final federal package last January which he called a "take it or leave it offer."

Ominayak and Getty reopened talks in July.

Colby said that disheartened band members approached him with their concerns last January.

He said a 300-name petition was brought to him demanding the federal government recognize the new band.

Ominayak claims that only 25 per cent of the Woodland Cree are former Lubicon and members.

He said that most of the petitioners are Metis or other northern Alberta Indians who were incited by federal officials to become a part of the scheme to divide his band.