A former national chief says the federal government must be brought to the table over the issue of natural resources.
Ovide Mercredi spoke yesterday at a natural resources summit hosted by the Prince Albert Grand Council.
The Manitoba chief says wealth has been denied to First Nations ever since Canada became a nation state.
Mercredi adds the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement of 1930 robbed First Nations of their fair share, but he doubts the government will change that — unless it’s forced:
“The government never meets us halfway. The government only meets with us when they need to meet with us. So, we have to create a climate where they have to meet with us — they will have no choice.”
Many leaders at the conference say they favour a unified strategy developed among bands in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba.