What do we do now?

Page 11

Because of the uncertainty resulting from the collapsed constitutional talks, the Aboriginal leaders were uncertain as to what strategies would follow in their journey to achieve some form of self-government.

With visible signs of wear, shock, disbelief and disappointment and still reeling from the reality, the Aboriginal leaders endeavoured to muster enough energy and courage to answer questions during a press conference held at the conclusion of the FMC.

Recognizing that their inherent right to self-government will not be entrenched in the Constitution, the Native leaders were still clinging to a dim hope that a constitutional accord could still be achieved sometime in the future.

The Aboriginal leaders pledged that on-going negotiation plans are immediate and vowed to keep pursuing those negotiations in hopes of establishing some form of self-government.

Georges Erasmus, grand national Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, affirmed that taking the issue court "is not the favourable route to take", but it is open and "we must take serious consideration" before launching court actions.

Erasmus reiterated the fact that Indian Nations have fared better in courts when they were defending actions brought against them, however, when they initiated actions, the results were usually unfavourable.

"To pursue this route is the last resort," stated Erasmus.

He is confident that the Indian Nations would continue to process, in their respective regions, to develop forms of self-government.

The Assembly of First Nations will continue negotiations with the federal government because "it is not powerless, it still can take the bilateral process to deal with any changes of the Indian treaties," said Erasmus.

Alluding to the public support and political will, he said that the Indian struggle has gained support and there is "no doubt of the political will growing, and this political will is solidifying," said Erasmus.

He recognized that the organizational development skills of Indian Nations is in its infancy, however "our communities will continue to grow" and he implied that the developmental growth will reinforce and strengthen the fabrics of the Indian nations in the next decade.

"I have no doubts we will succeed," said Erasmus.

Zebedee Nungak, co-chairman of the Inui Committee on National Issues, emphasized that other avenues are open besides the courts.

He suggested that the tabled Inuit amendment draft could still gain recognition and the possibility will exists from this recognition that there could be enough consensus to accommodate another constitutional conference.

"There is an urgent duty to keep the spirit alive and we are committed to vigorous attempt to get another conference. There is a determination of steel to protect our interests.

"They have chipped away our rights and it will take a real battle to correct the wrongs," stated Zebedee.

Jim Sinclair, spokesman for the Metis National Council, said, "I still hold them responsible" for the failure and "I also take some of that responsibility," he said.

Sinclair questioned the hidden agendas and the political will of some of the premiers and vowed that the Metis will pursue the on-going process to have their rights defined and protected.

"I am stepping down," warned Sinclair, "but there are young Metis members with determination and commitment who will take the cause.

"These Metis members will guarantee that the Metis cause is not dead," said Sinclair.

Louis "Smokey" Bruyere, president of the Native Council of Canada, endorsed the position taken by the Assembly of First Nations and pledged that his organization will regroup and develop other strategies to accomplish their task of achieving "equitable access" for their members.