Crombie honorary Indian chief

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TORONTO - The last week of his term as minister of Indian Affairs was a busy one for David Crombie, climaxed by becoming an honourary Indian chief at special ceremonies

at the Native Business Summit here June 23 to 27.

Presented with a feathered headdress and named Chief Soaring Eagle, Crombie then danced to the traditional drumming and singing. He was joined in the dancing by Native Business Foundation Chairman Roy Louis and Native Business Summit Chairman Tony Belcourt.

Crombie was present at the summit through much of the week, in formal sessions, at private meetings and for social events.

At closing ceremonies, Crombie called the summit a "national triumph" and an event "unique in history."

He admitted that "some things could have been done better" but offered the following quote from a story by Alexander Bruce in the Toronto Globe and Mail to put the event in perspective:

"Their vision is bold, their sentiment optimistic, and their dilemma as ancient and inescapable as their heritage. But Native Canadians expect both to preserve their cultural identity and enter the mainstream business world by depending on themselves, rather than government handouts."

Summarizing the success of the summit, Crombie noted it had more than 1,300 registered delegates, 137 exhibitors, 1,200 visitors and 200 Native artists featured in the art gallery.

Calling every participant in the summit an "ambassador Native business," Crombie said the event has had numerous immediate benefits, and will have many long-term effects. "It is important for all of us that the momentum started here will keep going," he said.

Challenging the participants, Crombie said "What we are is God's gift to us; what we do is our gift to him."