Lubicon Olympic boycott Heated debate at IAA meeting

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A long, heated and at times emotional debate on the participation of Indian nations in the Calgary winter olympic games dominated the final day of the Indian Association of Alberta (IAA) annual assembly.

Several delegates wanted explanations regarding the IAA stand on the Lubicon Lake Cree Band's 47-year old land claim and several demanded the immediate boycott of the olympic games in support of the Lubicon band. Lubicon Lake band Chief Bernard Ominiyak for a boycott of the games and the Glenbow museum "Spirit Sings" exhibition of Native artifacts in support of their outstanding land claim.

In an impassioned plea, Treaty 7 vice-president Narcisse Blood explained that in many ways his hands are tied.

"I have tremendous respect for Chief Bernard Ominiyak. He has tremendous courage and he has everything to lose. It hurts to be a fence sitter for too long, the price is tremendous."

Treaty 7 bands have supported the Lubicon Lake land claim, but have failed to support the boycott. Several Treaty 7 members have undertaken contracts with the Olympic organizing committee, including Chief Leo Youngman of the Blackfoot band, who is organizing an international powwow.

"I haven't made any statement. We don't have to sacrifice unity, because we need it now more than ever," added Blood.

After further discussion a motion was made by Peter Manywounds Sr. in support of the Lubicon Lake Cree band's land claim and the boycott of the Glenbow museum's exhibition of Native artifacts.

Chief John Snow, one of three Stoney Chiefs, then addressed the meeting and called for restraint.

"The Olympics are coming into the Treaty 7 area and this would weaken the association's position on land claims. Even after the olympics we will have to deal with those land claims and there could be a backlash again us."

The Stoney tribe is planning a large powwow to be held at the Good Stoney arena during the Olympics.

A vote was taken, with 17 people voting for the resolution, 5 people against and 48 abstentions.

Chairman Peter Manywounds Jr. dismissed the resolution, saying the wording was obviously not what the people wanted to hear.

In an interview after the meeting IAA President Gregg Smith said he supported the boycott again the Glenbow museum, but felt the assembly made the right decision not to fully boycott the games themselves."

He pointed out that the Association had already passed a motion supporting the Lubicon Lake band's land claim.

"We are concerned about the Glenbow exhibition," explained Smith. "We understand there are many ancient articles that they refuse to return to the people. These articles are very old and very special. We cannot support such an exhibition."

Smith referred to a recent Windspeaker story, which appeared in January, with details of the artifacts expected to be shown during the exhibition. A detailed list, obtained by Windspeaker, included several delicate and sacred artifacts such as the headdress of the holy woman of the sundance, several medicine bundles and several naval amulets. The sacred headdress of Chief Poor Man, of the Poor Man reserve, was also listed along with several robes and peace pipes.

Glenbow officials have consistently stated that the artifacts are not sacred, but Elders contacted by Windspeaker indicate they are.