Lubicon Olympic boycott: Mayor's decision blasted by Natives

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The city of Calgary has no jurisdiction in the Lubicon Indian's land dispute and is washing its hands of the entire issue, it was decided at the Sept. 15 council meeting.

City council heard a recommendation from another city committee, the Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee (AUAC), to hear a representation from Lubicon Chief Bernard Ominayak, his representative or University of Calgary anthropologist, Joan Ryan.

"I'm not going to give people whose motives I suspect a forum to wave their placards," Klein is quoted as saying in a Sept. 23 Calgary Herald article.

In that article Klein is reported to have attacked Ryan as a political opportunist and the band's lawyers as hired guns.

Klein has also described Calgary as an "easy target".

"I'm saying the city of Calgary is being held ransom," he is quoted as saying.

"No one is holding the city at ransom," said Rosemary Brown, a Native studies instructor at Mount Royal College and member of the Committee against Racism in Calgary. "That is a ridiculous comment."

"I'm really surprised by their decision," said Andy Bear Robe, chairman of AUAC. "I think the mayor is forgetting that if it wasn't for the Treaty 7 and southern Alberta chiefs, who went over to Europe with the mayor to get the Olympics, Calgary wouldn't have them," said Bear Robe.

"They (the city" used the cowboy theme, and the Indian theme and culture to its fullest extent to get the '88 Olympics," he added.

Brown also said it was never believed that the Lubicon fell into the city's jurisdiction.

"It was always understood that this was not an issue to be decided by the city," said Brown. "But the city can resolve this dispute. It would really be a credit to the city if they came out with a public statement saying they understand the Lubicon's stand."

Ryan did not wish to comment on the personal attacks made against her by the major. But Brown was quick to dismiss Klein's comments against Ryan's character.

"Joan was involved with the Lubicon's long before she ran for an aldermanic position," said Brown. "She has nothing to gain politically or financially, she has worked her capacity as an anthropologist."

"The fact that Klein stoops to personal attacks, is, I think, an indication that he feels very uncomfortable with the issue," said Brown.

"I think it show she doesn't have any really good reasons or arguments," she added.

"I think it is in the best interests of the city and OCO '88 to help resolve this issue," said Bear Robe. As mayor he (Klein) has access to political and business people. A quick solution is possible."

Chief Bernard Ominayak who was not aware of the AUAC's proposal to city council, said he was not really surprised by council's decision. He did point out he has yet to receive a letter from the mayor urging the opposing sides to resolve the issue.

Klein is said to have written all parties involved encouraging a quick resolution to the problem.

At press time Klein was unavailable for comment.