There was articulate if chaotic anger on Parliament Hill on Friday where thousands marched as Harper met with Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo and other chiefs to discuss a litany of grievances that ranges across Crown obligations, treaty relationships, aboriginal rights and economic development. There were demonstrations in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and other cities. And the Idle No More movement threatened to block highways, rail lines and development unless Ottawa pays far more heed to the nation’s 1.7 million indigenous people.
This is a crisis in the making that — if unaddressed — will spell trouble for the Conservative government’s ambitious drive to develop $600 billion in natural resource projects in the coming decade, on or around lands to which native communities have title or rights. Through their bullheaded attitudes, the Tories have provoked a reaction — including next Wednesday’s national day of protest — that will not easily be defused.
Belatedly acknowledging the surge of discontent, Harper tried to tamp down the anger during his “working meeting” with Atleo and other chiefs. And on the Crown side, Governor-General David Johnston wisely held a ceremonial show of respect at Rideau Hall.
After the meeting, Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan confirmed that Harper has agreed to the ongoing “high-level dialogue” on treaties, claims and other issues that First Nations leaders have been demanding. That is a critical step forward.
But it will take more than a promise of more talk to impress those who identify with Attawapiskat hunger striker Chief Theresa Spence, an emblem of native frustration. That includes Ontario and Manitoba chiefs. After shaming Harper into agreeing to meet First Nations leaders, Spence unwisely rebuffed his offer of a meeting. Even so, her complaint that the Tories have “dishonoured treaties” and misled her people rings sadly true to many native people. Certainly the grassroots Idle No More movement is unlikely to be content with face-saving palaver, promises and processes. It wants action.
Nor should the Harper Conservatives take much comfort from the deep political fissures within the First Nations leadership that have been on display this past week, leading to frustratingly shifting demands and unpredictable tactics. No one benefits from anarchy.
At root, the First Nations’ demands are ambitious but not inherently unreasonable.
They want the Harper government to acknowledge its “duty to consult” before reneging on commitments such as the $5-billion Kelowna Accord or passing laws affecting their inherent rights and treaty rights. These protests were catalyzed by recent budget measures that expose native waterways and lands to industrial development and commercial traffic, and other top-down legislation that affects property rights on reserves and scrutiny of band funds.
They also seek a new “fiscal relationship” with Ottawa that will see more federal cash flowing for native jobs and infrastructure. And they aspire to rewrite arrangements between Ottawa and the provinces to give natives a share of the billions in resource royalties that flow to the provinces.
Divided though they may be in their approach, the First Nations are united in a sense that they have put up too long with marginalization, underfunded schools, poor health, substandard housing and unsafe drinking water. In Ottawa this week they voiced their impatience. To his credit, Harper listened. But he will be judged on his actions.
Original Article
Source: the star
Author: Editorial
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