Uncertainty at '93 AFN Conference

OPINION

Page 11

There was an air of uncertainty at the annual Assembly of First Nations gathering, co-hosted the Tsuu Tina Nation i Calgary July 26-29th. The theme, Healing Our People, Healing Our Nation, reflected the state of many bands across Canada. But only a few miles away, a group of break-away chiefs from Treaty 6 were meeting at Nakoda Lodge, dissatisfied with the AFN's representation.

Also in question at the assembly was Kim Campbell's stance on Native government.

"Her idea of inclusiveness is everybody becoming Canadian - in other words, the Indian people assimilate," said Grand Chief Ovide Mercredi. "I would like a Canadian government to be honest to the Indian people for the first time in history."

Treaties must be acknowledged with respect to self-government and the inherent rights of the Indian people must be protected the laws of Canada, he said. Mercredi also took exception to the recent statement Indian Affairs Minister Pauline Browes that Natives' inherent rights died with the Charlottetown Accord.

"Browes' comment is conclusive to the attitude of the Campbell government to ignore the issue of inherent rights for the Native people," he said. "All government ministers speak for the government and I have dealt with this issue publicly before, asking for clarification, but none has come."

Mercredi's strategy also includes the assertion of rights Indian people.

"Every time we assert our position, we are challenged the full force of the law. That kind of hostility towards our people will result in some retaliation eventually."