No talking head

Page 6

You should have been there. In fact, Canada's entire Native population should have been in Calgary last Friday night to see Chief Bernard Ominiyak address the audience at a benefit concert in support of his band's land claim.

The concert started out strong as local artist Peggy Ward sang a ballad about protecting the land and that it's not for us to exploit, but to use with respect and care for. Behind her, on a huge screen, flashed pictures of the Lubicons at home in their environment. Children played in the schoolground and Elders prepared animal hides. In the once-untouched wilderness around the community, pump jacks and huge oil storage tanks marred the scenery. Following this first moving song, Ward's material lost its "save the land" focus. The crowd settled back to hear Ward sing about dancing and playing video games.

But, after a short intermission, Bernard Ominiyak was asked to speak. More than 2,000 people rose to their feet, shouting and clapping, as they recognized the man who is making a stand for his people. Ominiyak, in his quiet and understated way, told them the land claim fight is not just one for the Lubicons, it's important to all of Canada's Native people.

Though extremely nervous, Ominiyak's sincerity shone through. Later, he would say he hadn't been forwarned about making the speech. Even if he had been, he still wouldn't have read from a prepared speech. He doesn't want to be another "talking head" reading straight from a sheet of paper. His words were spontaneous and straight from the heart.

About 30 of his people accompanied him at the concert. No doubt they've seen their leader's face splashed across television screens, magazines and newspapers. But, it was at this concert that they really saw how respected Ominiyak is. First nations leaders such as Georges Erasmus and Smokey Bruyere are high-profile politicians ? but could they bring a crowd of thousands (mostly non-Native) to their feet?

Ominiyak's sister said she never dreamed she'd see her brother standing up in front of so many people. She couldn't describe how proud she was to see him there speaking for Native rights.

If all of our people could have seen Ominiyak on stage last Friday night, I'm sure they'd say the same thing.