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1999 Windspeaker January Headlines
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Cree chief slams Gathering Strength
Healing fund accepts applications
AFN poll provides ammunition for ministerLacrosse will keep Gardens hopping after Leafs leave
Powwow opens visitors eyes to Aboriginal culture
Canada, now's your chance . . .- EditorialFor all seasons - A story - Guest Column
The above is only a partial list of all the stories featured in the January, 1999 issue of Windspeaker.
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Cree chief slams Gathering StrengthBy Paul Barnsley
Windspeaker Staff Writer
OTTAWAThe one thing Canada needs to do to remedy the problems that plague First Nations communities is the only thing Canada is unwilling to do.
That's the short version of a speech delivered by Matthew Coon Come, the grand chief of the Grand Council of the Crees, during the first Assembly of First Nations-sponsored media conference on Aboriginal issues, hosted at Ottawa's Carleton University on Dec. 10.
Coon Come was invited by the AFN to tell a room full of reporters, government officials and communications staff about the problems faced by his people as the threat of Quebec separation hangs over them. He used the occasion to express his views about the nature of the relationship that all First Nations have with federal and provincial governments. A good part of the half-hour-long speech was inspired by the report of the United Nations Committee on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights, which was released in Geneva, Switzerland the week before.
"For one thing, the UN committee took note of the extremely limited land and resource bases of Aboriginal peoples in this country as a result of our ongoing dispossession. My own people, the James Bay Crees, were dispossessed in the early 1970s by flooding for a mega-project," he said.
"Then, under duress, the brutal federal policy of extinguishment of Aboriginal land rights and title was applied to us, upon the insistence of the Quebec government. The UN committee called for the restoration to Aboriginal peoples of lands and resources that are adequate to ensure sustainable economies and societies. It also called for an end to the unjustifiable federal policy of extinguishment of Aboriginal title."
Any steps by any government that are not in the direction of recognizing true self government and self-determination in the international sense for Indigenous peoples are false steps which move away from compliance with commonly accepted international standards, Coon Come said.
He then suggested that just about every action taken by the Department of Indian Affairs in recent years could be described as such a false step.
"We don't wish to go on being a burden in any way," he said. "But without adequate access to lands, resources, and without the jurisdictions required to benefit meaningfully and sustainably from them, we are being given no choice. No number of apologies, policies, token programs or symbolic healing funds are going to remedy this fundamental socio-economic fact."
That last statement was a complete dismissal of the current federal government's action plan for dealing with Aboriginal issues, Gathering Strength.
Asked by Windspeaker if he felt the federal government's actions represented a deliberate strategy to exclude Indigenous peoples, as opposed to a well-intentioned but flawed approach to dealing with a difficult situation, Coon Come chose not to answer "yes" or "no." But his answer revealed that Ottawa's idea of self government isn't anywhere close to acceptable as long as there is no real Indigenous control of land and resources.
"I challenge any First Nation that says it has self government," he said. "If you're administering a federal program, you're just an extension of the federal government - you're administering your own poverty. The government must act on the RCAP recommendations on the redistribution of natural resources. We need real partnerships, real joint ventures. I don't see a signal that there is any change in the treatment of Indigenous peoples in Canada. I see the status quo and our communities are social time bombs."
Because the national chief has worked so closely with the federal government on Gathering Strength and the Agenda for Action with First Nations, Coon Come's remarks could also have been seen as an attack on AFN Grand Chief Phil Fontaine. In a phone interview two weeks after the speech, the AFN's communications director, Maurice Switzer, said the two leaders aren't really that far apart. He said the national chief made a conscious effort to work alongside the federal government during the first year of his term, but the honeymoon is over.
"Any elected person spends the first year building his own team, gauging the landscape," he said. "The national chief decided early on to be more conciliatory than . . . well, than before, in order to prove he was open to good, honest dialogue. But recently, the national chief has let his constituents know that he is prepared to do what it takes. We know we can't let the gap widen any further."
Switzer said the AFN sees Gathering Strength as a "good first step" but the chiefs will be watching for evidence of real progress over the next few months. During the three-day Confederacy of Nations chiefs gathering in Ottawa, which wrapped up the day Coon Come made his remarks, the chiefs resolved to insist that by April 1 Minister Stewart take the joint federal-AFN plan for the establishment of an independent specific claims commission and tribunal to Cabinet as it is written. Stewart had asked the chiefs to back off on some of the demands because the Cabinet was worried about the potential cost.
The battle during the next few months, it appears, will be between chiefs who have lost patience with the federal government's approach to self government and those who still feel they can work out an acceptable deal with Ottawa.
Coon Come believes Native leaders have to be tough in their negotiations with Ottawa. He believes the failure of the federal government to actively work towards real self-determination for Indigenous peoples is a sign that old paternalistic, even racist, attitudes still exist in the minds of Canada's decision-makers.
"From our perspective as Aboriginal peoples, there is a common theme that unavoidably surfaces in all of these issues - the ruling of the Supreme Court of Canada on Quebec secession; the federal-provincial social union talks; the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples; the latest report of the UN Committee on Social Economic and Cultural Rights; and the tragically poor conditions faced almost universally in hundreds of Aboriginal communities across this country. The common theme is dispossession, exclusion, marginalization and discrimination," he said. "The acute situation in Canada has now been authoritatively characterized in a meaningful and accurate way: there is, to quote the UN committee, a 'gross disparity between Aboriginal people and the majority of Canadians with respect to enjoyment of covenant rights.' Aboriginal people did not need a UN committee of judges and experts to know that our human rights were being violated. But we did need such a committee to point this out to federal and provincial governments in Canada."
UN committee criticizes CanadaBy Paul Barnsley
Windspeaker Staff Writer
GENEVA, SwitzerlandAn international panel of judges and human rights experts has told Canada it needs to get serious about protecting the human rights of Indigenous people who live within its borders.
The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights concluded its autumn session on Dec. 4 by issuing conclusions and recommendations after listening to reports from five nations, including Canada.
The committee released its findings after listening to three weeks of reports from the nations which are all parties to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. This international treaty has 137 signatory nations. The 18-member committee has the power and responsibility to oversee the implementation of the terms of the treaty.
Every five years, states that have ratified the treaty must report to the committee and answer questions. During this session, Canada was criticized by the committee for not following the committee's recommendations from 1993. That was the last time Canada appeared before the committee, "when it adopted policies at federal, provincial and territorial levels which exacerbated poverty and homelessness among vulnerable groups at a time of strong economic growth and increasing affluence."
The committee voiced its approval of several Supreme Court of Canada rulings dealing with equality provisions of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and also praised Canada for appointing a Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.
But it slammed Canada for not taking steps to make the terms of the international treaty binding within its boundaries, citing the lack of legal recourse under Canadian law for those who might claim that the covenant has been violated. The committee also chided Canada for failing to make legislative or constitutional changes that would allow the federal government to pressure provinces that violated the terms of the covenant, noting that under the present arrangement provinces could not be forced to comply.
The committee noted there is still a "gross disparity" between the economic, social and cultural situation of Aboriginal people and most Canadians" and urged Canada to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission.
The committee report frowned on Canada's policy of extinguishment of Aboriginal rights, and raised questions about the federal policy of devolving programs to provincial governments, asking what the federal government could or would do if provincial governments violated the terms of the convenant. The committee also wanted to know what was being done about the self-determination ambitions of Canada's Aboriginal peoples and asked what the rights the Aboriginal people of Quebec would have if Quebec separated.
In reporting to the committee, federal officials assured the members that Canada has reversed the trend towards social spending cuts and pointed to Indian Affairs Minister Jane Stewart's Agenda for Action with First Nations as proof that Canada was addressing the problems of its Indigenous peoples.
The Grand Council of the Crees was the only Native group that attended the committee meetings. Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come summed up his impressions of Canada's answers to the committee during a speech at Carleton University in Ottawa on Dec. 10.
Calling the committee report "one of the most significant developments in recent years concerning the human rights of Aboriginal peoples in Canada," Coon Come launched into his own stinging indictment of Canada's reaction to the report.
"The reaction of the government was swift and predictable," he said. "Ministers Herb Grey and Lloyd Axworthy stated that the UN committee had relied on 'outdated' data, thus implying that things are now fine."
The grand chief argued that things are not fine. He argued that an analysis of spending on First Nations programs showed that per capita spending for Native people has dropped by three per cent since 1983 while per capita spending for non-Aboriginal Canadians has risen over the same period by 24 per cent.
"We are growing tired of the propaganda that is being used to continue to oppress and dispossess us," he said. "By short-changing Aboriginal peoples in the way the federal governments do as compared to per capita spending on non-Aboriginal Canadians, the federal government is actually enriching the federal treasury at our expense."
AFN poll provides ammunition for minister
By Paul Barnsley
Windspeaker Staff Writer
OTTAWAAs government decision-makers weigh their spending options for the next federal budget, the Assembly of First Nations has given them some new information to consider.
The first-ever national public poll commissioned by an Aboriginal organization was conducted by Ottawa's Environics Research Group for the AFN between Nov. 27 and Dec. 5. The preliminary results of the poll were announced on Dec. 10, just five days after the last of the 1,500 phone interviews was conducted.
Environics vice-president Chris Baker said the poll's preliminary results were compiled quickly for public release because the AFN needed the information out immediately.
"We compiled the initial results on an urgent basis," Baker said. "The AFN was feeling some time pressure in their dealings with the federal government."
This was in the final days leading up to the Christmas break for the House of Commons. It was to have been a crucial time of priority-setting for the federal government, but all work stopped when a Liberal MP collapsed in the House and died. The process of making key fiscal decisions has been delayed because of the tragedy.
The events on the hill have allowed political pressure to build as a variety of organizations attempt to position themselves at the head of Finance Minister Paul Martin's priority list. First Nations leaders have long felt they have to get the Canadian public onside before they can have any real leverage as they try to convince politicians to change their approach to First Nation issues.
Cabinet ministers are preparing to meet privately at a retreat where each minister will lobby Minister Martin for a share of the first significant pot of new money to be spent by the federal government after years of cost-cutting and deficit fighting. The AFN knows it needs to provide additional ammunition for the Indian Affairs minister.
That need was intensified after a document leaked by the Reform Party Indian Affairs critic, Mike Scott, revealed that Minister Jane Stewart was going to ask Cabinet for an additional $800 million. Ottawa insiders say it's going to take a lot to convince the Finance minister that it's a politically wise move to earmark that amount for First Nations' needs.
National Chief Phil Fontaine said the poll results should provide a reason for Cabinet to take Stewart's request seriously.
"The results run counter to the views held by many in government that Canadians do not support the resolution of our issues," Fontaine said on Dec. 10. "I'm particularly encouraged by two of the responses. Two-thirds of Canadians believe, as we do, that Canada has a responsibility and a legal obligation to resolve with us the situations that challenge us. Also, a strong majority believe the government has to invest now in the financial independence of First Nations. We trust that the results of this survey will convince the decision-makers who, at present, are trying to decide where this government is going with its fiscal dividend."
AFN communications director Maurice Switzer told Windspeaker the poll results indicate the Canadian public has been misread by both the political elite and the mainstream press. Speaking two weeks after the results were released, Switzer complained the press didn't take a close enough look at the poll results.
"Two-thirds of Canadians believe the federal government should help First Nations become more self-sufficient," Switzer said. "That's an incredible number. Any prime minister would be delighted to be elected with two-thirds of the support. But the reporting of the poll results . . . well, the media neglected some really important messages that Canadians were sending to the government."
Pollster Chris Baker was struck by another number that he sees as very significant.
"Two-thirds of the people said they knew too little about the issues and the challenges that First Nations people face," he said. "That certainly indicates there's an appetite to know more. That number contains a criticism of some of the media coverage that has been prevalent of late."
Baker said it may take time, but the Chretien government will take a hard look at the poll.
"It's no secret this government is enjoying a high standing in the polls and a big reason for that is they are astute observers of public opinion," he said.
The Assembly of First Nations national survey of 1,500 adult Canadians deals with issues and concerns related to First Nations and their people. The interviews were conducted between Nov. 27 and Dec. 5 and are accurate to within +/-2.6 per cent, 19 times out of 20. These are just some of the questions asked.
Most of the problems of First Nations people are brought on by themselves.
Strongly disagree 17%
Disagree 27%
Neutral 17%
Agree 23%
Strongly agree 16%
Don't know/refused 1%First Nations people are managing their own affairs well.
Strongly disagree 12%
Disagree 31%
Neutral 20%
Agree 25%
Strongly agree 7%
Don't know/refused 5%First Nations people should have their status respected to protect their language and culture.
Strongly disagree 5%
Disagree 10%
Neutral 8%
Agree 32%
Strongly agree 44%
Don't know/refused 1%The federal government should support efforts of First Nations communities to become more self-sufficient.
Strongly disagree 4%
Disagree 8%
Neutral 8%
Agree 39%
Strongly agree 39%
Don't know/Refused 2%The following is a list of activities the federal government could undertake in cooperation with First Nations communities. How do you feel about each of these actitities?
Working with First Nations communities to improve education.
Strongly disagree 4%
Disagree 5%
Neutral 6%
Agree 33%
Strongly agree 51%
Don't know/refused 1%Improving the economic development capacity of First Nations people.
Strongly disagree 5%
Disagree 9%
Neutral 13%
Agree 40%
Strongly agree 31%
Don't know/refused 2%Providing necessary assistance to preserve First Nations languages
Strongly disagree 8%
Disagree 15%
Neutral 14%
Agree 34%
Strongly agree 28%
Don't know/refused 1%Investing in improved housing on reserves
Strongly disagree 12%
Disagree 17%
Neutral 14%
Agree 30%
Strongly agree 25%
Don't know/refused 2%
Some people say, (1.) the federal government should have more control over the money it transfers to First Nations communities. Other people say, (2.) First Nations communities should have more control over the money the federal government transfers to them. Which is closer to your opinion?
1. 50%
2. 44%
3. Don't know/Refused 6%Some people say,(1) investing in First Nations communities to become more financially independent will eventually save Canadian taxpayers money. Other people say, (2) investing in First Naions communities to become more financially independent will eventually cost the Canadian taxpayer more money. Which is closer to your opinion?
1. 64%
2. 29%
3. Don't know/Refused 7%Some people say, (1) most problems faced by First Nations communities can be solved fairly quickly with little or no additional mony. Other people say, (2) most problems faced by First Nations communities require a significant investment of time and money to resolve, Which is closer to your opinion?
1. 36%
2. 58%
3. Don't know/Refused 6%Would you say that you have become more supportive or less supportive towards First Nations concerns over the past couple of years, or has your opinion remained about the same?
More supportive 21 %
Same level support 53 %
Less support 25 %
Lacrosse will keep Gardens hopping after Leafs leaveBy Sam Laskaris
Windspeaker Contributor
TORONTOWhile growing up in Six Nations, Ont., Kim Squire yearned for the opportunity to attend a National Hockey League game in one of Canada's most famous buildings - Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens, but his wish was never fulfilled. And it's doubtful it ever will now that the NHL's Maple Leafs have just a few matches remaining before they move into their new home, the Air Canada Centre, in mid-February. Though the Maple Leafs are departing the Gardens following a 68-year stay, Squire will be among those who will soon have the pleasure of calling the famed rink his home away from home. Squire is a member of the Toronto Rock, the National Lacrosse League franchise which will play out of the Gardens in 1999. Though new to Toronto, the Rock is actually a second-year organization. Last season the squad played its home contests out of Hamilton's Copps Coliseum and was known as the Ontario Raiders.
The Raiders posted a respectable six and six mark in 1998 and tied for fourth spot in the seven-team NLL. But the club lost out on a tie-breaking formula and didn't qualify for the playoff schedule. Squire, who at 18 is the youngest member of the Rock, also toiled for the Raiders last season. The only other Native player on the Toronto roster is Squire's 25-year-old brother Rodd. He too was a member of the Raiders.
Kim Squire said he's excited about everything surrounding the Gardens' atmosphere.
"I'm looking forward to the whole part," he said. "Everybody in the country knows about Maple Leaf Gardens. It's going to be fun getting ready for the game and playing the game. And I'm sure the post-game parties will be fun, too."
The Rock will play its first regular season game on Jan. 9, on the road against the Baltimore Thunder. Toronto's home opener is scheduled for Jan. 22 versus the Buffalo Bandits. The seven-team NLL also includes the New York Saints, Philadelphia Wings, Rochester Knighthawks and Syracuse Smash. All squads will play 12 regular season matches. And for the first time a league all-star tilt will be staged, Feb. 20 in Rochester. Though the league is well received in other centres, the Raiders had difficulties drawing fans to Hamilton last year. The club averaged less than 5,000 fans per game at the 17,000-plus seat Copps Coliseum. Kim Squire believes one of the main reasons more fans didn't come out was the cost of tickets. Spectators had to fork out more than $20 for the least-expensive seats.
But this season in Toronto, the most expensive seat is $20 per game. And a person 18 years old and under can purchase a ticket for $10.
"I'm hoping everyone will support it this year," Kim Squire said.
The Toronto franchise was previously owned by a Kansas City group. It was bought and moved from Hamilton to Toronto during the off-season by a group of investors headed by Bill Watters, who in his position of assistant to the president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, is Ken Dryden's right-hand man.
The Rock ownership group also includes some other NHL personalities who prefer to remain anonymous. But those who have publicly confirmed their co-ownership include Hall of Famer Bobby Orr and current Maple Leafs' forward Tie Domi.
The Rock will feature the same coaching-management team it had last season. Johnny Mouradian will serve as the club' general manager, Les Bartley is the head coach and Ed Comeau is the assistant coach.
"We plan to come out of the gate hard and fast," Bartley said. "We have a big, strong and aggressive team and plan to do some damage around the league."
Powwow opens visitors eyes to Aboriginal cultureBy Sabrina Whyatt
Windspeaker Contributor
TORONTOIn its fifth consecutive year, the largest First Nations event in Canada once again proved to be an overwhelming success. With an attendance of 20,000 people, the Canadian Aboriginal Festival, held at the SkyDome on Nov. 20 to 22 created an opportunity for First Nations people to share their culture with visitors from across Canada, the United States and abroad.
Neither words nor pictures could begin to describe the spiritual atmosphere of the event.
"It's more of a feeling," explained one participant.
From the entrance to the SkyDome, a panoramic view of the field showed people united in celebrating their cultures and eager to share them with the rest of the world. The colorful regalia and the distinct sounds of the different drum groups and singers had many non-Aboriginal people watching in awe.
Theatre, contemporary music, fine art, authentic Native foods, fashion shows, an arts and crafts market, education seminars, special presentations with Elders, spiritual teachers and healers made up the three-day event.
The first day of the festival was deemed an educational day as several First Nation Elders, some of the most well-respected members of the Aboriginal community, addressed students in a teaching circle. They spoke on the traditions of healing, spirituality and other cultural subjects.
The students were provided with a unique interactive learning experience as they got to witness the Native culture and learn of the unique merging of the traditional and modern ways. There was hands-on experience with a new CD-ROM launched at the festival entitled The Great Peace. It was produced by Working World Training Centre in Brantford, Ont. in collaboration with Six Nations artist Raymond Skye. The CD-ROM explores the history, culture, values and spirituality of the Iroquois people.
"I came here with my friend and his mom, who are Aboriginal, and I'm learning a lot on the computer. We learn this in school too. It's fun, too. My friend is dressed up [in regalia]," said 13-year-old Shawn Deering.
Throughout the afternoon, traditional dancing, singing, art exhibits and Lacrosse demonstrations were held, while the evening brought the gala First Nations concert with artists Susan Aglukark, Joanne Shenandoah, Mishi Donavon and the Eagle Feather Band.
"I never dreamt I'd be invited to perform here. I've never seen so many brothers and sisters in one place at one time," said J. Hubert Francis of Eagle Feather.
The two-time Juno nominated group drove from New Brunswick, braving a snowstorm along the way, to perform what they call Aboriginal rock.
"It was worth it," said Francis.
And the audience seemed to feel that way, too.
"They're awesome."
"You can really dance to this stuff."
"These guys are amazing."
"I never knew there was such a thing as Aboriginal rock," were just some of the comments from the crowd.
Although the music has a rock beat, the lyrics relay important messages and show appreciation and respect for the Native heritage.
"We write about everything from taking care of Mother Earth to respecting Elders. We hope the First Nations people will listen to our music and learn a little bit about themselves. We hope they take caution in how they treat people and interact with people."
The Department of Indian Affairs contributed an exhibit to the powwow that contained information on Petroglyphs Provincial Park, the site of hundreds of rock carvings of shapes and figures that are believed to be the work of Aboriginal people who lived as much as 1,100 years ago.
Promoting healthy living was also an important part of the festival. The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Canada had a booth at the event promoting their "Knowledge is the Best Medicine" program. The initiative was designed to raise awareness among consumers about the importance of the appropriate use of medications and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
One very important health issue pertaining to Aboriginal people in Canada is diabetes. The National Aboriginal Diabetes Association set up an information booth at the SkyDome to raise awareness of the disease.
"Diabetes is running rapid in Aboriginal communities. Education is important, but also very important is that we are all responsible for our own well being. We have to do something about it," said Linda Brazeau, interim executive director with the association.
The third day, as the end of the festival drew near, many participants said farewell to old friends and new acquaintances. A closing ceremony took place, prizes were awarded and a tipi was raffled off.
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