First Nations Leaders Don’t Welcome Name Change
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 15:54
The chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nation says he’s a bit alarmed that the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs no longer exists and is now called Aboriginal Affairs.
Chief Guy Lonechild called it a “throw back” to the White Paper that outlines a diminishing responsibility of the federal government.
He says that’s not acceptable to First Nations leadership across the country.
Although he wasn’t consulted, Lonechild maintains he has a good relationship with the federal government, but says he has a lot of questions that need to be answered.
Lonechild says he wants answers as to whether the name change means there is a policy direction change as well.
He feels the name change takes away the focus from long, outstanding treaty issues and instead places more emphasis on northern development and Metis people.
He says those issues are important as well but is concerned what the implications are for First Nations people.
Meanwhile, Assembly of First Nations national chief Shawn Atleo says he will be seeking clarity about the name change to ensure that it accurately reflects the relationship between First Nations and the Crown.
Atleo notes the term Aboriginal means First Nations, Metis and Inuit.
He says his group will work to ensure the constitutionally-protected rights of First Nations are respected, the responsibilities to First Nations are upheld, and their interests receive specific attention and action.
The national chief says there needs to be real action and change, not a name change.
The leader of Ontario’s Anishinabek Nation says the new Conservative majority government has started its term in office by slighting First Nations citizens.
Patrick Madahbee says his people are not Aboriginal.
He says trying to lump First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples together might save space on the minister’s business card, but it is disrespectful of the truly distinct nature of the communities with whom he needs to establish better relationships.