Natives entering era of difficulty

Page 7

Samson Chef Victor Buffalo says Indian people across the country have entered an era of difficult times since the police assault on a Mohawk blockade July 11 in Quebec.

Indian people now face painful steps ahead but that may be for the better, he said in an address to a group of students and business and government officials at an Indian Management Assistance Program conference in Edmonton last week.

"It seems the only time politicians hear us is when Native people show their frustration," Buffalo said.

Although he foresees a painful time ahead for Native people, "I also see positive results coming out of all this," he said.

He said at one time it was fashionable to be Native.

"We had a good time, we went to powwows and rodeos, but when I was in Montreal this summer the mood had changed.

"Even so, I believe it's for the better although there will be painful steps taken now to identify our needs."

Buffalo said since a "racial element" has come to the front government has to take steps to address Indian concerns.

"When negotiations took place, government always picked the Native bands they wanted to deal with first, their favorites," he said.

Now they must "deal directly with all Native issues," he said.

Chief Bernard Meneen of the Tallcree band in northern Alberta said he sympathized with Buffalo's concerns, saying the federal government for years has neglected Indian people.

"I do not condone violence but when have the feeds ever really considered us?

"We have always had to deal with junior ministers. We were never a priority because they never took us seriously," Meneen said, while adding "there always has to be a crisis before they (the federal government) hear us."

Stressing his concern for the plight of Mohawks at Oka and Kahnawake Que., Meneen said land claims is only one of the problems Indian people face across the country.

"Its only one issue that needs immediate attention."

"I believe the only way to alleviate these problems is for the federal government to recognize we are one nation. It is now time Indian people set their own agendas," Meneen said.

Buffalo emphasized that in order for things to change for Indian people Native business people must come forward and help train Native youth in business so hey can become the leaders of tomorrow.

"Last fall in Edmonton I was excited to see positive businessmen at an economic conference address the many issues we face and take an interest in the development of our Native youth.

"We do have a part to play in the economy of this country. There are a lot of resources in this country but they are also ours," Buffalo said.