Blackfoot accompanies mayor

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Olympics should not be spoiled ? Stimpson

The Lubicon Lake band should not interfere with the Calgary 1988 Olympics because it has nothing to do with their land claim, says Blackfoot band administrator Adrian Stimpson.

The city of Calgary is the host city for the Olympics," said Stimpson prior to leaving for his week long tour of Europe Friday Nov. 6. "The Lubicons should go after the two governments ? the provincial and federal governments, that is who they are fighting with," he said.

Stimpson joined Calgary mayor Ralph Klein in Europe where the two are promoting the city's Olympics. They plan to dismiss European concerns regarding the boycott.

While in Europe, Klein is said to have told reporters that the Lubicons are not a Calgary issue because their land claim is new Peace River, nowhere near Calgary."

Stimpson says he will also defend the '88 Olympics, but only as a personal representative, not as a Blackfoot band member or Treaty 7 representative. However, he does plan to highlight problems facing Natives in Canada.

"Not everything is okay in Canada with Indians," said Stimpson. "Look at the constitution and the Meech Lake accord. Where is the Aboriginal input there?"

While Stimpson does not support the Lubicon boycott he does support their land claim. "I'd be crazy not to," he said. "The Blackfoot could really benefit if the Lubicon succeeded. We have a land claim for 26 square miles of land in Banff National Park. The Blackfoot have an additional 23 claims they are fighting for he added.

As for the Glenbow Museum's The Spirit Sings exhibition, Stimpson remains neutral. "I think that it's up to the museum," he says.

Stimpson claims that while he may not have complete support of the band for his promotion trip, council did leave the decision on whether to accept or reject up to him.

"I talked to most of the chiefs in Treaty 7 and they said it was up to me whether I went or not," he said.

Treaty 7 chiefs contacted by Windspeaker were either unavailable or refused to comment. Only Sarcee Chief Clifford Big Plume said neither he nor his council was contacted by Stimpson.

"We are in limbo with OCO (Olympiques Calgary Olympics) and the Lubicon boycott. We feel we are not involved; he (Stimpson) is not representing Sarcee, he is representing himself," said the chief.

Sykes Powderface, a Stoney band member and coordinator for Native programming for the Games, said he does not support Stimpson's trip.

"He has no authority to speak on our Native programs," he said. "Besides he is not aware of the significance of the programs."

Despite many negative attitudes towards Stimpson's trip, he feels he will be helping the Lubicon band.

"It's a great chance to help get things out in the open," said Stimpson. "It (the trip) will help educate Europeans on problems facing Native people."

Stimpson's travel expenses of $3,500 are being covered by the city. The whole trip is expected to cost the taxpayers about $40,000. Stimpson and Klein are expected to return Nov. 13.