APTN National News
Ten months after Prime Minister Stephen Harper promised the dawn of a new day with relations between First Nations and the federal government nothing has been done to back it up says the Assembly of First Nations.
In a letter to Harper, AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo laments on the lack of the perceived progress made at a summit in January. The goal of the meeting was to boost the prosperity and independence of First Nation peoples.
With the AFN, Harper and members of his cabinet at the table, Atleo said at the time there appeared to be the potential for “real change” but it was agreed then the talks required a sincere follow-through to keep the wheels of progress turning.
That hasn’t happened said Atleo.
“At this point in time given the rate and pace of the follow up on key items, our January 2013 report will be disappointing,” wrote Atleo in the Oct. 24 letter to Harper. “Regrettably, there has been a loss of momentum and sense of frustration is being felt by the First Nation leadership.”
Atleo said Harper promised to address several long-standing issues, including education, the implementation of treaties and economic development.
“Actions are needed to build confidence,” he wrote. “Stripping aside blame and denial, the conditions speak for themselves. Families struggling under a myriad of health and social challenges, inadequate housing, youth deeply and disproportionally impacted by addictions and crime, growing statistics of our peoples missing, disposed and murdered.”
He said First Nations are overwhelmed by unprecedented pressures on their lands and resources and “utterly lacking the capacity to effectively protect and advance their interests.”
Atleo also wrote Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan the same day, in a more detailed letter.
He said in despite of the summit “your ministry has continued to proceed with its previous legislative and policy agenda, as if the commitments at the gathering to fully involve, to build genuine partnership, had not taken place.”
Atleo said Duncan and Harper have failed to address each area of concern agreed upon at the summit.
Logic would seem to suggest that given Atleo’s admission, the only honorable thing for him to do is resign as Chief and let someone with a slightly different approach such as Pam give it a try. I expect Harper will most definitely pay attention to a female Chief and not for the usual AFN sexist reason. This time around it will be Harper watching his own ass.
Hi
I believe the first nations have enough money if the bands would cut their paychecks
by 90% then this would b self government 4 them
I ran out of patience with Atleo after the “FN Crown Gathering”…did he not know who he was dealing with? Did he really think playing nice would get him anywhere? Does he really think a strongly worded letter will change things……sheeeesh
a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical ~ Thomas Jefferson