Gov't snubs child welfare meeting

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The organizer of an international Aboriginal child conference feels the Canadian government has snubbed his conference and embarrassed Canadian Aboriginal people.

In a press conference after a speech to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce Monday Oct. 5, Indian Affairs Minister Bill McKnight was asked to speak to the organizers of the 3rd annual International Aboriginal Child Conference by Saskatchewan Native, Yvonne Wuttunee.

Wuttunee, who describes herself as an interested mother, said she felt it was "in the minister's own interest to come over and talk to the organizers."

"And then explain why they only received half the funding promised to them," she added.

McKnight replied that he was on a tight schedule and although the conference lay only a few steps away, could not spare any time for the organizers.

"I was asked to attend, but I informed them (the organizers) that I would not be able to attend ... if they want to take advantage of my visit to Calgary, I'm afraid they can't," he told Wuttunee.

After answering further questions, McKnight left the hotel without stopping at the conference booth.

In an interview after the confrontation organizer Allen Benson said he was promised $100,000 to help organize the three day event by the Department of Indian Affairs social development department.

"They promised us this money verbally in February when we began to organize and then we only learned ten days ago that we are only to receive $65,000 ... it's embarrassing," said Benson.

Aboriginal delegates from such places as Australia and Nigeria will be attending the conference which is dedicated to the care and preservation of Native children.

A United Nations delegate who is also an American Indian watched the confrontation and said he was "shocked" by the minister's attitude.

"It's a sad day for the Aboriginal people of this country," said Robert Tingle.

However, Benson says despite the severe lack of funds the conference will go ahead as scheduled. A series of workshops and seminars on various aspects of child welfare will be conducted during the event.

Department of Indian Affairs Social Development director, Ron Dawson was unavailable for comment at press time.

Windspeaker will have full coverage of the conference in our next edition.