Out with the old . . .

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Major departures from the political scene in Indian Country this month, important people all and, interestingly enough, none of them Aboriginal.

First to go was Jane Stewart. We were present in Vancouver to witness what was, perhaps, the departed Indian Affairs minister's last speech while holding that portfolio. She delivered it, no doubt knowing that she would be moving up the political ladder within a matter of days, with the same earnest, 'I know I work for the government but you have to believe I really care,' that marked all of her appearances while sitting in the political hotseat that is Indian Affairs.

We're a cynical bunch here at times but, as much as we knew that Justice lawyers were looking for loopholes that would negate or diminish the government's fiduciary obligation all the time Stewart was telling us how much the government believed in honoring that obligation, we sort of came to believe she did care. Her legacy, aside from making sure that we'll never be able to watch the movie Goodwill Hunting again without giggling (It's not your fault. It's not your fault), is that some effort was made to address the pain of generations of residential school victims.

We don't think it was enough. We don't think it was done with the purest of intentions. But it was more than any other minister had ever done.

Chief Justice Antonio Lamer, in a emotional announcement, said he's lost that fire in his belly, that being the senior (and the most respected) jurist in the land was becoming a job. He's stepping down and the race is on to replace him.

That won't be an easy task.

It takes more than a few years to scrape away the residue of centuries of racism and injustice, but Chief Justice Lamer put in more than his fair share of time at that important task and brought honor to his country and to his profession - perhaps more than either deserve.

His reward for such decisions as Delgamuukw was to be criticized and second-guessed by such highly-placed people as the leader of the federal Official Opposition. But we believe, as history renders its judgment on Lamer, Native people will see that he was a friend because he believed in justice for all, not just the rich and powerful.

Glen Clark has been linked to some shady dealings that appear to be influence peddling. The RCMP investigation that produced those allegations is not yet complete and no charges have been laid, but the political damage has been done and Clark decided to walk the plank. He will be remembered for the Nisga'a treaty, where he bravely protected the rights of a vulnerable minority from an intolerant, short-sighted majority. That may be what ultimately did him in. Provincial Liberal leader Gordon Campbell can't wait to undo that rare act of decency. He's already promised to hold a referendum on the treaty if his party is elected.