UN refuses to take sides in Lubicon land-claim dispute

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A United Nations human rights' committee has come down squarely in the middle of the Lubicon Lake Band's long-standing land claim dispute with the federal government.

The committee did find Canada in violation of Article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. But it attached blame to the Lubicons and the federal government for not settling the land claim.

Lubicon spokesperson Terri Kelly said the latest submission from the international community falls into a long line of others from organizations and foreign governments around the globe who've vowed to support the beleaguered Cree band.

Canada signed the covenant in 1976. It says countries will not deny their minorities the right to practice their culture and religion.

Kelly said there are stacks of letters in her Edmonton office from government officials from other countries which take a harder line in their demands on Canada to end the Lubicon dispute.

"We have three file drawers full of letters," she said. "These people write on a regular basis."

Kelly said much of the correspondence is copies of letters sent to Prime Minister Brian Mulroney from foreign government officials angry at the delay in negotiations.

The latest is from Australian Member of Parliament Richard Jones who lashed out at the Canadian government for not treating the Lubicons fairly.

"We in Australia have been soundly criticized internationally for our treatment of our aboriginal people and many of us have felt the Canadian people treated their indigenous people in a far more civilized manner. This now appears to be in question," he said in his letter.

Kelly said she has received similar letters from other nations including England, France, Norway, the U.S.S.R. and East and West Germany.

Edmonton New Democrat MP Ross Harvey said the Canadian government should feel "dishonored" the UN committee had to be involved in the first place.

"But the actions of the current and preceeding governments left the Lubicon people no choice but to seek redress before this international tribunal," he said.

The Lubicon Band and the federal government are at an impasse in the land and compensation battle. The last round of negotiations ended when the Lubicons refused $45 million for economic development in what band leaders termed a "take-it-or-leave-it offer."

The band is demanding an additional $2 million in compensation for treaty benefits it claims it deserves.

The federal government denies owing the band compensation.