Page 4

Like many other Native people, I've been deeply scarred by the colonial experience, but nevertheless I try to remain optimistic about the future. While recent self-government talks between Native leaders and the federal government have been encouraging, my experience with Canadian institutions has left me more than just a little bit skeptical of political processes and government motivation and reliability.

Page 4

Like many other Native people, I've been deeply scarred by the colonial experience, but nevertheless I try to remain optimistic about the future. While recent self-government talks between Native leaders and the federal government have been encouraging, my experience with Canadian institutions has left me more than just a little bit skeptical of political processes and government motivation and reliability.

Page 4

Like many other Native people, I've been deeply scarred by the colonial experience, but nevertheless I try to remain optimistic about the future. While recent self-government talks between Native leaders and the federal government have been encouraging, my experience with Canadian institutions has left me more than just a little bit skeptical of political processes and government motivation and reliability.

Page 4

There's a nagging suspicion in Indian country that the men who are leading the crusade to Native self-government don't know what they're doing. And that does not simply apply to federal and provincial officials.

Many Native leaders are in the dark when it comes to defining, outlining and establishing self-government. Ovide Mercredi, the Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, has trouble defining it. Each of the 600-plus chiefs across Canada have their own definition and what is, and none of them are exactly alike.

Page 4

There's a nagging suspicion in Indian country that the men who are leading the crusade to Native self-government don't know what they're doing. And that does not simply apply to federal and provincial officials.

Many Native leaders are in the dark when it comes to defining, outlining and establishing self-government. Ovide Mercredi, the Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, has trouble defining it. Each of the 600-plus chiefs across Canada have their own definition and what is, and none of them are exactly alike.

Page 4

There's a nagging suspicion in Indian country that the men who are leading the crusade to Native self-government don't know what they're doing. And that does not simply apply to federal and provincial officials.

Many Native leaders are in the dark when it comes to defining, outlining and establishing self-government. Ovide Mercredi, the Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, has trouble defining it. Each of the 600-plus chiefs across Canada have their own definition and what is, and none of them are exactly alike.

Page 4

There's a nagging suspicion in Indian country that the men who are leading the crusade to Native self-government don't know what they're doing. And that does not simply apply to federal and provincial officials.

Many Native leaders are in the dark when it comes to defining, outlining and establishing self-government. Ovide Mercredi, the Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, has trouble defining it. Each of the 600-plus chiefs across Canada have their own definition and what is, and none of them are exactly alike.

Page 3

Canada's most recognized Native leader confronted federal, provincial and territorial officials over First Nations health in face-to-ace meetings earlier this month.

The Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations blamed the federal government for creating and maintaining poor health standards in Native communities.

Ottawa's "closed-eye policies and outright refusals" to respect Aboriginal rights to self-government has led to wide-spread suffering and despair in Native communities, said Ovide Mercredi.

Page 3

Canada's most recognized Native leader confronted federal, provincial and territorial officials over First Nations health in face-to-ace meetings earlier this month.

The Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations blamed the federal government for creating and maintaining poor health standards in Native communities.

Ottawa's "closed-eye policies and outright refusals" to respect Aboriginal rights to self-government has led to wide-spread suffering and despair in Native communities, said Ovide Mercredi.

Page 3

Canada's most recognized Native leader confronted federal, provincial and territorial officials over First Nations health in face-to-ace meetings earlier this month.

The Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations blamed the federal government for creating and maintaining poor health standards in Native communities.

Ottawa's "closed-eye policies and outright refusals" to respect Aboriginal rights to self-government has led to wide-spread suffering and despair in Native communities, said Ovide Mercredi.