Chiefs refuse to ratify accord

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Ovide Mercredi's September prediction that the nation's chiefs would embrace the Charlottetown accord drained away into a tepid call for clarification of the deal's Native provision.

The more than 450 chiefs who attended a three-day meeting on the Squamish reserve in North Vancouver were so divided they couldn't even agree to a ratification vote on the deal.

But while the chiefs could only muster a weak consensus statement calling for more information, Mercredi insisted the accord still has a chance in the Native community.

"This is not a total rejection," he said after it became clear that the national meeting would not hold a widely anticipated ratification code. "Of course I'm disappointed. I'd be a liar if I said I wasn't."

But other influencial leaders said the failure to reach a unified position plays into the hands of the "No" campaign, which has been playing up exaggerated accounts of Native powers in the unity package.

"Look, the Natives can't even make a decision," said B.C. chief Bill Wilson, summarizing the No forces likely reaction.

"It has to be perceived as a blow. I'm damn disgusted," said Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations present Roland Crowe, one the accord's strongest supporters.

Mercredi blamed the conference's failure on Ottawa and the province for not listening when he said methods for financial self-government should be written into the constitution.

Support for the unity package, which sets out framework for the development of self-government, is divided across the country.

It's getting its biggest boost in Saskatchewan and the Maritimes as well as from off-reserve organizations and the Metis Nation.

But chiefs in Alberta have denounced the package as an infringement of treaty rights. Quebec leaders fear requirements to confirm with provincial law will ruin their chances of building truly self-governing communities.

Ontario chiefs have voted in favor of a six-month moratorium on constitutional decision-making to give them some time to review the accord.

"The new great Canadian fallacy is that one can expect a homogeneous response from aboriginal people," said assembly lawyer Jack London. "(Communities) have a pluralistic response dependent on historical factors, current affluence and future ambitions that in many ways mirrors the communities that surround them."

Some observers said the failure to achieve consensus in Squamish will be a blow

to Mercredi's leadership. But Mercredi dismissed the suggestions saying" "I have a great future as national chief."