United Church throws support behind Lubicons

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Edmonton

The Lubicon Lake Indian band in northwestern Alberta is drawing support form one of Canada's largest religious sectors in opposing the newly-created Woodland Cree band

recognized recently by the federal government.

The United Church of Canada plans to join a coalition of support groups during National Lubicon Day, slated for Oct. 15.

The day commemorates the week long Lubicon band blockade one year ago which attracted international attention to the beleaguered band's 50-year-old land claim dispute

with the federal government.

The aim of the United Church is to help create an awareness for Native concerns around the country but a spokesman says the recent recognition of the Woodland Cree in

northern Alberta y the federal government has become the most contentious issue.

Bill Cantelon, a member of the Alberta and Northwest United Church Conference, says his organization condemns the government's move as "an appalling attempt to discredit

the Lubicon people."

Lubicon officials fear recognition of the Woodland Cree could jeopardize their chances to negotiate an adequate settlement for its 440 members.

The Woodland Cree, a band of disgruntled Natives from the Cadotte Lake area near Little Buffalo, are made up of between 25-35 per cent Lubicon members. Officially, it will

be the 593rd Indian band in Canada.

Lubicon chief Bernard Ominayak has accused the federal government of using the new band to detract from any offer suitable for his people.

Cantelon says the Lubicon support coalition will call for rallies and demonstrations across the country one year after band members blockaded reserve roads leading to the

small northern Alberta community of Little Buffalo, located 470 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.

"We see it as a way to raise the issue again and draw attention to the claim," said Cantelon.

"And if the federal government goes ahead with its newest approach (recognizing the Woodland Cree), it makes our stance even stronger," he said.

The United Church of Canada, Canada's largest Protestant religious denomination, has declared it will forge a new direction in supporting Native groups.

"Historically, our relationship with Native people has been dubious," admitted Cantelon, who said church officials hope to redeem itself with the Protestant faithful by providing

support for Native people.

"In our zealousness to preach the gospel, we forgot that Indians have their own beliefs and lifeways. We want to correct our mistakes," he said.

In 1986, the general council of the United Church of Canada, made a formal apology to Native leaders promising to cooperate with them on future issues.

"And now we are working with them on a variety of issues around the country," said Cantelon.

"The Lubicon issue is the one we're focusing on," he stressed.

The coalition, made up of church, student, women's and labor groups, will also be waging a letter writing campaign during National Lubicon Day.

Letters will be sent to Parliament Hill in Ottawa, demanding Prime Minister Brian Mulroney personally take an active role in the Lubicon's land claim negotiations.

Talks between federal negotiators and band officials have been put on the backburners after a land deal negotiated between Ominayak and Alberta Premier Don Getty hit an

impasse.

Ominayak and Getty have resumed talks but have been unable to convince federal officials to return to the bargaining table.