Go beyond the duty to consult, says candidate

Perry Bellegarde's philosophy is action speaks louder than words. The Saskatchewan-born candidate for the position of national chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) says he not only has a plan for this new leadership position, but he is confident that First Nations across Canada will see results from his efforts.
"Wherever I have been, there have been results, concrete results. I'm all about action," said Bellegarde.
With an extensive resume that includes serving as grand chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) and the regional vice chief of the AFN in 1998, Bellegarde said he consistently strives for positive changes.
He referred to his role in the creation of the multi-million dollar All Nations Healing Hospital in Fort Qu'Appelle, Sask., where he served 12 years as the elected representative of the Touchwood-File Hills-Qu'Appelle Tribal Council beginning in the 1980s.
Bellegarde is also proud of the work he did with the National First Nations Veterans Association. In December 1998 they began their three-year negotiation for a national compensation package for First Nations veterans, whom he refers to as "ultimate warriors" for their mistreatment after returning from serving in the Canadian military.
The current councillor for the Little Black Bear First Nation said pushing the Canadian government to keep First Nations issues on their agenda is not something he shies away from. He specifically has made it a mission to push the Conservative government beyond Prime Minister Stephen Harper's 2008 apology to the former students of Indian residential schools.
"Words are words. Where is the action? Words are empty unless there is action," said Bellegarde, who admits that he won't be satisfied with Harper's apology until he sees major changes.
Bellegarde said he subscribes to a philosophy of open communication with First Nations communities across Canada and wants to give a voice to the serious issues that many reserves are forced to deal with.
The substandard water conditions on many reserves are specific crises that he said need to be addressed immediately.
"A lot of our communities are living in Third World conditions, which is not acceptable for such a rich country as Canada," said Bellegarde.
Self-sufficiency for reserves is a demand that, according to Bellegarde, isn't unreasonable. The graduate of the University of Regina's business administration program said the land and resources of First Nations people must be respected by industries that look to profit from their territory.
"Everybody is focusing on the duty to consult. My position is, let's go beyond duty to consult," said Bellegarde, who stressed that First Nations have the right to prior and informed consent from governments and interested industries when developments are proposed.
He believes that something must be done to stop the pattern of reserves not being treated fairly when it comes to corporations using their land to create a profit.
"We want to look after ourselves, but unless we have our own resource base we're going to always be dependent on government, and that's not acceptable."
Traveling to every region of Canada is a big part of Bellegarde's campaign. He said First Nation communities have told him they want a "relevant and responsive" AFN.
Listening to the concerns of band chiefs across the country is one of his strategies to stay relevant and continually serve the needs of the entire community. Bellegarde describes his leadership style as a "servant of the people."
Bellegarde is confident that his energy and commitment to First Nations people, along with his 20 years experience working in various Aboriginal communities and associations has prepared him for a role that carries big responsibilities.
"I have worked for and worked with First Nations people all my life. You can't beat that," said Bellegarde.