This message cuts both ways

Page 6

It comes as no real surprise that Aboriginal people have not been invited to participate in the First Ministers Conference June 20 and 21. Nor is it a surprise that Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Ovide Mercredi wants a seat at the table there.

It is clear to us, at least, that First Nations people are not represented in the political power structure at any level. There must be a place created for them in the process, and it must be a significant one in terms both of appearance and authority.

Both provincial and federal governments endlessly download or upload responsibilities onto other levels of government, with First Nations as a pawn in the game.

There are, however, other Aboriginal people, and where they fit in is even less clear. Metis, non-status and Inuit peoples are shuffled from pillar to post by non-Aboriginal governments trying to find ways not to give them service. At the same time, no Aboriginal voice is heard in the corridors of power. Mercredi's message is clear and correct: That must change.

On the other hand . . .

The Assembly of First Nations does not represent Metis, non-status or Inuit people. Indeed, the assembly's detractors will say that it doesn't represent a majority of Canada's First Nations, either. Mercredi's message jumps from the need for Aboriginal people to be heard, straight to an assumption that he'll be the one to do the talking, without consideration of who he represents or what his organization really is.

Is the AFN a government? And, if so, what, who and how does it govern?

Or is it a lobby group? And, if so, why should it have any more say than any other lobby group representing a million or so people?

Mercredi shifts from side to side of that line, as it suits him. He and the AFN need to decide what exactly they want to be, and then to become it.

Out of this whole thing, it is clear to us that there needs to be significant, real representation of Aboriginal people in the political decision-making process, not as "observers" but as real participants. That's something that the federal and provincial governments must address, and soon.