Stimson-Lubicon boycott not big issues among European press

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Concern over whether Mount Allan will have snow or whether Wayne Gretzky would play on Canada's hockey team at the Olympics took precedence over the Lubicon plight in the eyes of European reporter, said Adrian Stimson.

Stimson the Blackfoot Band Administrator returned November 15 from a promotional tour of Europe with Calgary Mayor Ralph Klein. Stimson went along, not as a Blackfoot or Treaty 7 representative, but as an individual.

"The European reporters were sports reporters, they weren't concerned about Lubicons," said Stimson. "They wanted to know about the different venues, about snow, accommodations, tickets and if we (Canada) are going to use NHL players in the hockey games."

Stimson did however say he feels he helped to highlight problems facing Indians in Canada although he did face opposition from the Lubicon supporters who were evident at most of the press conferences held across Europe.

While some supporters were well informed about the Lubicon situation, many were not, said Stimson.

In Hamburg, Germany "one person was distributing leaflets talking about myself and Chief Harley McMaster," said Stimson. "The Blackfoot chief is Leo Youngman, not Harley McMaster," he said.

But Stimson said that they were also met by some well informed supporters. He said in London they were questioned on the Lubicon issue by two supporters, one a reporter.

"I told them that our sympathies were with the Lubicons. But as far as holding the City of Calgary ransom with the threat of a boycott ? I don't agree," said Stimson.

In Vienna, Austria, the Calgary group met with its larges opposition. While in a press conference, a group of about 30 Lubicon supporters picketed outside. Inside, Stimson was questioned by a man who had been to Little Buffalo and had met with Bernard Ominayak, the Lubicon chief.

"I told him I didn't believe in boycotts," said Stimson. "The United States and Canada boycotted the 1980 games in Russia because of their invasion of Afghanastan. The Russians are still there (in Afghanastan). The only losers were the atheletes who missed their big chance," he explained.

In Zurich, Switzerland, the Calgary group were questioned by an employee of a museum boycotting the Glenbow Museum's 'Spirit Sings' exhibit.

Stimson said he told the supporter that it was his prerogative if he wished to boycott the exhibit or the Olympics. But Stimson also questioned his sincerity.

"I told him if he was serious why didn't his museum return the Native artefacts to the Indians. I told him he wasn't helping, he was taking away, he's helping to commit cultural genocide."

But Stimson said that on the whole he was disappointed that there were not more questions on the Lubicon issue. Stimson maintains that despite negative response from some band members over his European trip, his purpose was to help the Lubicons by educating the Europeans.

"I think I helped to bring out the issues," said Stimson. "I was able to highlight some of the issues natives are facing here."

Stimson trip, estimated a $3,500, was part of a $40,000 City of Calgary promotional tour.