On the eve of a national day of action, aboriginal leaders and grassroots First Nations remain divided on the use of civil disobedience and economic blockades to bring attention to plights of their people.
Some chiefs, who openly oppose Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo, have been leading the charge to roll out blockades Wednesday in provinces including Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario.
These leaders, including Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence, wanted Atleo and other aboriginal leaders to boycott a Friday meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper because Gov. Gen. David Johnston was absent.
Spence has vowed to continue a liquid diet in Ottawa until joint talks take place. She began her efforts on Dec. 11.
But some grassroots First Nations have suggested the momentum generated by the Idle No More movement, which has led to weeks of peaceful protests, may have been taken up by chiefs who have their own agendas.
“I think most of the wise ones would want to push for a peaceful demonstration,” said one Attawapiskat First Nation band member, suggesting some chiefs are “opportunists.”
In an interview with CTV’s Question Period on Sunday, an Idle No More co-founder also suggested she wasn’t on board with blockades at this time.
“Right now, the vision of Idle No More is that we’re peaceful and we’re working within the means of the legal boundaries,” said co-founder Sylvia McAdams.
Atleo and other chiefs, including former Assembly of First Nations national chief Matthew Coon Come, decided to meet with Harper on Fridaybehind closed doors despite opposition demonstrated outside.
Categories: General
If the government of Canada and/or provincial governments are willing to assist in upgrading the standard of living on reservations, by giving more money, which comes directly and indirectly from Canadian taxpayers, then they should also demand accountability and the right to know where this money goes.
I agree with you Hugh, but, like decades before, canadian taxpayers had no idea how much money was given to AFN to be used on their people needs nor were there any accountability. Naturally with media in silence everybody assumed that the AFN were taken care off by previous governments. since there was no protests anger of any kind exploding anywhere for the mistreatment. Not until now, when this CPC has inplaced an accountability on the AFN do we see this magnitude of protests. anger towards this CPC gov-particularly towards PM STEPHEN Harper.
Strange wouldn’t you think Hugo, that the one concern the AFN have for their people are against having the accountability act to ensure that OUR TAX DOLLARS is being used properly.
No, there is more that meets the eye here and it isn’t for the concern of their people or else the AFN would have thanked the federal gov for ‘GIVING’ money from Taxpayers but, the fault lies on the chief or whoever is responsible for the distribution of monies/funds to the natives.
“These leaders, including Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence, wanted Atleo and other aboriginal leaders to boycott a Friday meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper because Gov. Gen. David Johnston was absent.”
I checked out the article and was left with the following questions:
Why was it necessary to have the P.M. and the G.G. in the same meeting?
What was supposed to be on the agenda?
absolutely they should be accountable.