One day after the federal government wrapped up a summit with First Nations' chiefs to rebuild their relationship, Spence and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo urged Canada to move beyond what they described as a paternalistic and colonial attitude toward First Nations in such matters as housing, education and major economic development projects. They argued that the government mentality is directly related to outdated provisions in the Indian Act that previously led to policies such as residential schools for assimilating aboriginals.
Spence told a lunchtime business crowd that a decision to impose third-party management on her reserve has cut off funding for nearly a month, but that she was always prepared to accept audits and respond to recommendations about potential problems in her council's bookkeeping.
"We have nothing to hide," she told the Economic Club of Canada. "We believe this decision is not legitimate and the third-party management is meant to take control, silence and punish my community and serve as a warning to other First Nations."
Her comments come as Atleo served notice that First Nations expect to be treated as equal partners on major economic development projects on their territory. He said they have real rights that require "free, prior and informed consent" for any development, including pipelines and mining.
Spence warned things could get worse if the government doesn't address the concerns she is raising.
"One day it's going to be chaos in these remote locations leading to loss of lives," she said. "I see traces of it happening now. It will escalate, resulting in a total embarrassment of our country. The cost of living is high in my community and the programs we fight about, the government needs to reflect this reality."
She said some of the high costs for her community include gasoline at nearly $2.20 per litre.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan said the federal government has made "major commitments" to retrofit a healing lodge to provide safe, warm and secure shelter for families that had temporary lodgings, and that it would provide 22 modular homes for the community once winter roads are ready.
"I think we can work together quite well," Duncan said after announcing a framework agreement with the Whitecap Dakota First Nation in Saskatchewan to negotiate self-government. "Our officials are now welcome in the community and I think we're progressing as we should be."
Original Article
Source: Ottawa Citizen
Author: Mike De Souza
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