Groups stronger and more determined after FMC

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The First Ministers' talks were not a failure and the fact that no constitutional amendment as formulated has only made Aboriginal groups stronger and more determined to entrench their rights and uphold treaty promises, says AFN Grand Chief Georges Erasmus.

"The talks would have been a failure if we had accepted the prime minister's proposal," he said. "However, as it turns out we must use another route."

The recent Meech Lake accord negotiated between the federal government and the provinces allowing Quebec to enter into the constitution has drawn widespread criticism from many Native leaders who fear the new veto powers given to the provinces would preclude an amendment to the constitution allowing Aboriginal self-government.

However, Erasmus sees the accord in a more positive light and feels the fact that the federal and provincial government will conduct first ministers talks twice a year will allow Aboriginal groups to address the conference.

"We will have to lobby and try to get onto the agenda. Nothing is closed and anything is still possible. WE are not at all downhearted," he added.

Erasmus feels the second route for the implementation on self-government, as well as the reinforcement of treaties, is through the judicial system.

"We already have several cases in court. The courts are going to be very important in deciding our rights and the obligation of the government. We intend to apply pressure to both the government and the judicial system."

Erasmus points out that the courts may rules against Aboriginal peoples and their traditional rights. However, he adds that it is a risk Native people must take in order not to remain in limbo forever.

Meanwhile, Erasmus says that many of the pressing day-to-day issues of education, child care, welfare, and social services have been neglected by the AFN in order to concentrate on more pressing national issues such as the First Ministers Conference.

"We have been guilty of ignoring some of these issues. But now we will be organizing study systems and holding conferences on these important issues."

A delegation from the AFN will be attending the education symposium to be held at the Alexander reserve later this month.