Former premier inspired to do even more

Former Northwest Territories Premier Stephen Kakfwi was “moved by the energy” of Idle No More; quietly worked behind the scenes asking former prime ministers Joe Clark and Paul Martin, and former Nunavut premier Paul Okalik to visit Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence during her hunger strike; and asked by his children to do something more.

Kakfwi responded.

“I’m 63 and I spent my whole life doing this and I feel like I can do more,” he said. “I can’t change the past, but I can start fresh today.”

Kakfwi is the guiding force behind Canadians for a New Partnership, a group of well-established and well-known men and women, who want to forge a strong relationship between non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal peoples. He says putting together the group took a year-and-a-half of phone calls.

“What will make this work is the personal commitment from each (member) to try and overcome the diverse views we have to work together. To lead by example, to show Canada and Canadians it is really possible and still a Canadian thing to do, it fits in with Indigenous governance to seek consensus, respect differences and try to do a good few things together,” said Kakfwi.

The group includes Martin and Clark; former Governor General Michaelle Jean; and former heads of Aboriginal organizations, Mary Simon of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and Phil Fontaine and Ovide Mercredi of the Assembly of First Nations.

“It’s hard not to be excited because of the level of people who are involved in it. It’s quite a broad selection of Canadian and Aboriginal elite,” said Trent University Professor David Newhouse, who lectures on Indigenous politics and Aboriginal governance.

Newhouse points out that many of the non-Aboriginal people involved have already demonstrated their commitment to furthering Aboriginal causes, with Clark and Jean honourary witnesses for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission established through the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement. Martin’s foundation, the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative, works in the schools to improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal students. In her position, former auditor general of Canada Sheila Fraser continually criticized the conditions on First Nations reserves.

“It’s a very powerful group. It’s hard to ignore people like this,” said Newhouse, who was surprised not to see Wab Kinew, University of Winnipeg director of Indigenous Inclusion, as one of the younger voices in the partnership, which includes Métis writer and teacher Chelsea Vowel, K’asho Got’ine First Nation and University of Victoria law student Daniel T’seleie, and Gwich’in Nation member Nina Larsson, who serves as executive assistant to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories.

Kinew said it was a “question of timing” and he is talking to Kakfwi.

“It is in line with my vision and my message for people,” said Kinew, who has also expressed interest in becoming the new AFN National Chief. However, Kinew has not decided yet whether he will run to replace Shawn Atleo.

Kinew, who has also been a supporter of the grassroots Idle No More movement, does not see Canadians for a New Partnership, which has been described as an “educated and elite group of people,” running counterproductive to INM.

“This is an evolution,” he said. “It’s one part of what’s come out of those previous movements and processes. This is how former politicians, public servants and some younger people … are going to work together.”

Newhouse sees Canadians for a New Partnership as another avenue to move Aboriginal concerns forward.

“I think the issues are so complex and so longstanding, it needs a very broad-based set of approaches,” he said. “A group like this tries to mobilize the Canadian elite.”

Kakfwi plans to grow the youth involvement in Canadians for a New Partnership “so they can lead and give direction to this group” and increase the spiritual leadership, which includes Elder Dave Courchene, as well.

“It’s my view that without ceremony, without seeking guidance from our Elders and spiritual leaders, this is just going to be another mechanical exercise,” he said.

Kakfwi speaks from personal experience, recognizing the value spiritual leadership and guidance from Elders played in his journey in healing from the sexual abuse he suffered after seven and a half years in residential school.

Kakfwi has been homeless, an addict, violently angry and was a militant presence against the N.W.T. government in the late 1970s. Finally he, and a number of others, listened to the wisdom of the chiefs and were elected to government.

“I’ve lived it and I’m trying to provide that kind of hope and leadership to this group,” said Kakfwi.