AFN's direction disputed

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A televised debate of national chief hopefuls was characterized by a lack of animation from most of the candidates.

The range of issues discussed June 15 at Fort Gary Place, Manitoba was diverse. The five candidates for Assembly of First Nations' top job gathered for a nationally broadcast debate on topics as varied as self-determination and the threat of Quebec's secession. But the format, styled after a traditional non-Aboriginal election campaign, forced the participants into a rigid stance which was as uninspiring as the last federal election.

And in the end, it was the one issue which most demonstrated why there were four challengers for the position of Nation Chief.

"We've gone too far in integrating ourselves in a European style of politics," said candidate Wally McKay of Sachigo Lake, criticizing the current leadership. He said the AFN must go back to the community level and the chief must hear the voice of the people.

Mohawk candidate Mike Mitchell agreed with moving back to the grassroots level.

"It's crucial we advocate a change of direction and bring it back to the people," said the Mohawk chief from Akwasasne. He said the AFN should be but a conduit of information for Aboriginal people.

AFN hopeful Delia Opekokew said there was little need in re-organizing the AFN,. but advocated a return to the roots of the brotherhood, now the AFN. The purpose for the organization's existence was to encourage self-enterprise, she said.

The grassroots must ratify any proposal made by the AFN, echoed Konrad Sioui, of the Hurton-Wyandot First Nation in Quebec.

"The grassroot must be the judges of any AFN initiative," he said.

Incumbent Ovide Mercredi said there was room for renewal and restructuring in the organization, but the direction of the AFN must not waver. The organization should be opened up to greater participation of the people, women and urban Indians, but the unity issue was one First Nations could not turn their back on, he said. The door had to be kept open on the constitutional debate because Canada would have to offer Quebec constitutional changes to keep it in Canada, Mercredi said. The constitutional question would be revisited soon, he predicted.

On the threat of Quebec secession, Sioui was the most impassioned.

"I know this is a crucial time in Quebec. If Quebec secedes it is the end of Canada," he said. For the first time in AFN history it will be important for the leader to be able to speak French, Sioui said.

Mercredi was the voice of calm when discussing the issue. He said the people had to remember not everyone in Quebec wants to separate from Canada, but in the event of separation the federal government had a major responsibility to protect First Nations in that province.

The Parti Quebecois' position on First Nations people will be decided after the province separates, said Mitchell, whose First Nation is divided by the borders of Quebec and Ontario.

"If we have learned anything from our dealing with other European people, we should be suspicious," he said.

The assurances of the Canadian government are not good enough, Mitchell said referring to Indian Affairs Minister Ron Irwin's promise the Aboriginal peoples of Quebec could choose to stay with Canada, territories intact, if Quebec separates.

McKay said the AFN should look to First Nations in Quebec to charter a course on how they can work together.

"All First Nations will stand behind them."

Perhaps the only issue where all candidates showed solidarity was on that of the inherent right - it is irrefutable - but how to achieve it was another matter. All agreed however that Indian Affairs and the Indian Act had to go.

"One of our goals as Indian people is to run our own lives. If the Indian Act continues to exist that goal is frustrated," said Mercredi.