Rift divides AFN

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The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations has put the country on notice that Canada's First Nations;' chiefs are coming and coming united. But once all the rhetoric is pushed aside, the reality is that the AFN is deeply divided.

Although many chiefs believe unity can be accomplished, they insist it will take more than a few speeches to make it happen. Wally McKay began the healing process the night of his election defeat to Ovide Mercredi.

"Let not this process divide us," he called out to his supporters. Yet within hours it was evident there was a wide swath separating the ranks.

It's obvious all members of the assembly are not on the same wave length, said Dene Nation Grand Chief Bill Erasmus. The Dene First Nations want to work at the national level, but the chiefs are not together. He blames Mercredi's style of leadership for the division. And he is not alone.

Though Dene chief Gabe Hardisty is prepared to give Mercredi a second chance, he suggests the position of national chief may have gone to his head.

"He was a politician too much. He's up there too far. He forgets about his people. If he wants to be a good leader, he should be back with his people and take direction from the community - the grassroots level," Hardisty said.

There is a lot of work to be done in mending bridges, said Chief Alan Ross of Norway House. The national chief is in a difficult position having to address the needs of 633 Native leaders.

"There is a strong message there that change is needed. I think that message must have got through to all of us, including the national chief.

Mercredi made bold statement about change during the campaign and admitted to making mistakes over the past three years, Ross said.

"I was very pleased to hear he's going to learn from his mistakes."

McKay believes he will have a role in bringing their people together. He said First Nations have much at stake in the coming years and will have to count on working agreements and understanding to prepare for what the future has in store regarding issues like Quebec separation.

"We have to stand strong together," he said.

"I think we have come of an age where there has to be regional protocols in place and those regional protocols must be respected," said McKay.