Defense pact alarms spy network

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Canada's spy agency could reopen a nationwide investigation of Native groups suspected of subversion if a recently signed mutual defense pact gains momentum, an agency

spokesman said.

Gerry Cummings told Windspeaker the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is monitoring the development of the Treaty Alliance of North American Aboriginal Nations.

He said CSIS could step up surveillance of Indian bands involved in the Treaty if the alliance appears to threaten Canadian security.

"I can't comment on when, or where or what investigation the service is going to be involved in," he said.

"But if the service suspects there will be politically motivated violence in an area, there's a possibility an investigation could begin."

Nine chiefs recently signed the alliance, which calls for them to rally to the aid of bands protesting government policy.

Four Native leaders from Alberta, including Lubicon Lake Chief Bernard Ominayak, have signed the pact.

Cummings said his department is not formally conducting an investigation, but is monitoring developments through newspaper articles.

"You don't react every time you read something in the paper," he said.

"But if there's something that is sustained over a lengthy period of time that could fit under our mandate, perhaps at some point an investigation could begin."

CSIS agents conducted an investigation of Indian bands they believed may use violence last March.

Cummings said the probe was in response to remarks made by Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Georges Erasmus who said violence by Natives is likely if their grievances

aren't taken seriously.

CSIS is responsible for investigating groups believed to be engaging is espionage or threatening violence against Canada.

CSIS took control of the spy agency from the RCMP in 1984 after agents were accused of using electronic surveillance devices to obtain information.

Lawrence Courtoreille, regional vice chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), said a potential investigation comes as no surprise to Canada's top Native politicians.

He said Native leaders believe investigations have been on going since 1984 when Canadian intelligence was controlled by the RCMP.

"Native leaders are use to being followed and being spied on. It is nothing new, and it probably will continue," he said.

Northern Ontario Treaty 3 Grand Chief Robin Green said Native leaders are committed to strengthening Native rights by combining their efforts.

"It is our right (to have an alliance). In fact, we have more of a right than anybody to pull together," he said.

"We are Canada's Aboriginal people. The government of Canada has no right to keep us apart."