First Nations decry lack of PM face time at summit

Native leaders from across Canada are in Ottawa Monday for what's being called an historic summit with the prime minister Tuesday. Daniele Hamamdjian has more.

Power Play: Aboriginal Summit in Ottawa

The founder of the 'National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation' Roberta Jamieson says for the upcoming summit she believes there will be a change due to the particular focus on important issues.

National Affairs: Crown First Nations gather

Ground Council Chief fo the Anishinabek Nation, Patrick Madahbee says if treaties are implemented properly they will address economic conditions in their communities. Robert Lovelace with Queen's University says these talks represent a watershed, and they're very significant.

CTV News Channel: Darren Googoo, director

The director of education for the Membertou First Nation says he is hoping the talks can reset relations with the government.

CTV News Channel: Don Martin on the summit

The host of CTV's Power Play says the government is saying the meeting will serve as a starting point in building a better relationship with the First Nations of Canada, so no longterm, permanent solutions are expected to be reached.

CTV News Channel: Start of a new relationship

Edward John, Grand Chief of the Tl'azt'en Nation in B.C., says the high level meeting with Harper is the start of a new relationship between the First Nations of Canada and the government of Canada.

Canada AM: Harper not attending meeting

Pamela Palmater of Ryerson's Centre for Indigenous Governance says nothing can be accomplished if Prime Minister Stephen Harper does not attend the meeting.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

A A | Email This Email | Print | Comments (45) Tweet

A group of senior chiefs make their way to a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the Langevin Block in Ottawa on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012. (Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

View Larger Image

CTVNews.ca Staff

Date: Mon. Jan. 23 2012 10:34 PM ET

Aboriginal leaders assembled in Ottawa for what was billed as a historic summit say they haven't been given enough face time with the prime minister, amid an ongoing housing crisis in many First Nations communities.

Leaders from Canada's First Nations communities have been waiting for a meeting with Stephen Harper for years, and many hoped this week's meeting would end with fundamental changes to their strained relationship with the federal government.

But on Monday, when they were finally given their chance to meet with Harper during a hastily arranged visit, the meeting only lasted a few minutes, CTV's Daniele Hamadjian reported.

"Seven minutes after several years. If that's what we're worth to Canada, so be it," said Cameron Alexis, who had travelled to Ottawa from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation in Alberta.

By arranging the short meeting, perhaps Harper's office was trying to muffle criticism about his lack of participation in the summit, said Hamadjian.

In fact, during Tuesday's proceedings, only a short photo-op was on Harper's schedule, along with a 15-minute speech.

Meanwhile, other leaders were more vocal in their disappointment that Harper wouldn't be more active in the summit.

"It's very disappointing. It's like a slap in the face … we made the effort to come," said Adam Fiddler, from Ontario's Sandy Lake community.

Along with Harper's appearance, 11 cabinet ministers and bureaucrats will also take part in the talks Tuesday.

Native leaders held a plenary session Monday morning before breaking off into regional groups to discuss issues of importance in their communities.

Edward John, Grand Chief of the Tl'azt'en Nation in British Columbia, said leaders have "a number of plans" they intend to put forward to Harper and members of his cabinet that "we hope will help set the relationship on a better footing than we have now."

John said much of Canada's wealth is generated by its natural resources, and the poverty of First Nations communities comes from the fact they don't share in that economic prosperity.

"There needs to be some fairness and equity in the distribution of resources so that First Nations are able to develop economies that they can rely on," John told CTV News Channel.

"Right now the relationship between the Crown and First Nations is one of dependency and it's an unfortunate relationship but one which I think can be changed where First Nations are able to build on their lands and their resources in their respective territories to be able to provide opportunities and benefits for their own people."

About 30 native leaders joined National Chief Shawn Atleo to open the day with a pipe ceremony. The sacred fire will continue burning through Monday's and Tuesday's meetings.

Leaders will also be able to break off into smaller groups to meet with cabinet ministers and other government officials to discuss specific issues.

With files from The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

Chris
said

If aboriginals are fed up with how they are being treated there is a very easy solution. Leave the reservation and move to a small town or city. Find work and support yourself and survive like the rest of Canadians do. Just getting lump sums of money does not fix the problem. Enough poor poor me.

Justin
said

I look at this summit has an opportunity for First Nation as a cry for help, if nothing is achieved in this gathering there will be confrontations and violence, Native people are fed up, let us all hope this summit will have a positive outcome.

jane
said

I am a bit confused. Can someone explain to me when did the Natives go to the government and tell them they will not ever pay taxes? Just curious because I can't see any government agreeing to that.

just me
said

Oh come on people... do you honestly expect first nations people to have sustainable economies on reserves where there are no resources... you cry over the amount of taxes you are paying? the amount of taxes you are paying is nothing compared to what you have taken away from First Nations people.. you took away their livelihood, you took away their land...

star
said

as a frist nation, we were FORCED TO become apart of this that is distroying mother earth, which Canada was Our land which was taken by the white people and yes this does upset me cuz the white people have never been threw the residental school and forced not to talk your lanuage or pactice your culture..raped by priest......as natives all we want is our land becuase its being distroyed ..our mother earth is being hurt, way befor then americans came along this country was so beautiful, NO man made distructions we lived in peace and we were and still; the most kinded poeple around.so all the negetivity i see on the comments, theres are reasons why things happemn..we natavies NEVER KNEW how to kill people only things we killed back then was our food which..but who brought the guns and who showed them how to kill with those things the americans the white people....so yoiu poeple should think of the history befor you yoiu start to put us down.

LH
said

I think people need to look up the word "racism", it doesn't mean what most of you think it means. To say things need to change, to say the money train should end, to say that Natives should pay taxes like other Canadians, to say the reserve system is corrupt and needs to change etc is not racism. These are not comments against native peoples, these are comments about what is broken with the system that affects native peoples and the Canadian taxpayers who pay the bills, and how past events have been treated, that is not racism. I have native relatives, although I am not native myself, and its easy to see that the system is broken. Free money to fix the past is not a solution and will never cause the situation to change. It is time to change the system. It is time that the reserve system is changed and abolished, it is time that the government realize that throwing more money at the problem is not the solution, if it was, all problems would be solved by now as more than enough money has been spent, if it were truly just about money. Changes need to be made, and instead of tossing around words like "racism" inaccurately, its time we toss around solutions instead.

Education
said

As a Young native that want's a good education, My own "Rez" DOES NOT have money to sponsor me for the education I need, I had to go through Alberta Works and That's sad, I thought Natives have a right to an education. P.s for the people that think we get free money. The natives receive an annual of 5 dollars of free money a year "treaty money"

amanda
said

i think its very rude to say that they ever got a free ride the natives were robbed of their land and country and kept from any profit they are entitled too i think we owe them alot

Chief Kitsilano
said

Shawn:During the famous Apology your friend Harper slipped the Mace out of the room.We should have raised our Totem then but can still do that anytime, anywhere.Go for the throat and demand that Harper admit Indians OWN Canada. Only that will bring the change we need and deserve.Howa

Peter 1951
said

My question is this; when we first built the housing for the natives did it look like the pictures we see today, and if so then something needs to be done, but if we built the natives brand new houses and they let them get run down or mistreated them, why should we just keep giving them new housing. I think it is time for the Native people to become responsible for their own homes and pay taxes just like the rest of us Canadians do, this free ride needs to come to an end.

Kim in NB
said

Equality means fending for themselves just like I have to. Thats the only solution.

John
said

Remember this was the land of native people. If native people were strong capable, populous and had a well-defense nation two hundreds of years ago and if North America were connected to North East Asia through Bering Strait by land, there wouldn't have been U.S and Canada today. Keep in mind COLONIAL AGE hasn't lasted forever. Local country people did stage revolt against occupiers either through peaceful or violent means when they become strong capable, self-aware and educated.I hope native first nation people won't die off because of current hypocritical Canadian government policies toward indigenous people.

colleen
said

How rude & ignorant some of these comments are. That is why racism and ignorance still exists in Canada.

NVancity
said

Is there a right way to redress historical crimes? I don't really think so, look at the system we've created. How about we compare how Eastern Europe goes about handling these type of things? Less than 100 years ago, thousands of privately held farms were collectivized under Communism. If I (or anyone in a similar situation) went to the Ukrainian government today and presented the written deeds to my great-grandparents farm and demanded it back I'm pretty sure the only thing I'd get would be laughs. Conclusion: no one in Eastern Europe cares about past land claims. And in no one is moaning and crying about it. Past wrongs are in the past, so time to get over it.

Lunt
said

I have a good friend/co-worker who is status.....we make the same salary, you should see what her take home pay is without the taxes....equality my a$$....she is a bit embarrassed by it but she states" well if they are going to give it to me, I will gladly take it." I can't blame her...

Dave in F'ton
said

Just because we live in an era of enlightenment doesn't mean we have to feel bad for what happened over 200 years ago. Throughout human history, entire races have been assimilated or completely wiped out by invading/occupying forces. I'm sure the Mayans would be thrilled at the prospect of still actually existing. Then we could get that calender nonsense sorted out too. Canadians deserve to know how their taxpayer money is being used on these reserves, just like we do any other government function. Open the books or close your wallets!

CYL
said

So many years I have been hearing about the natives wanting their rights and their land. It's upsetting. For heavens sake, hand it over to them, it's theirs. They have the right to do whatever they want with it. This was their land, taken from them, it is like tearing a cradle from under a baby. This is so wrong.

rokman54
said

Yawn! When will this stupidity ever end? Alright already, we are sorry for what our ancestors did. What more do you want - money?

BC Wayne
said

Funny how some people think it is "racism"[whatever that means] to suggest that natives get a job.I thought it was just common sense.

Vanc Guy
said

I like the energy and professionalism that Chief Atleo brings to this whole process. But I was greatly offended last night after watching him on the news - he described the two parties coming together as "First Nations and newcomers". Sorry Chief, I was born here as were any current members of your group. Calling me a newcomer turns me away from any support I may have had for your situation.

Jack R
said

I live near a reserve and know many natives who live both on and off the reserve. Do you know who the biggest critics of the reserve indians are? - The other natives off the reserve who work and don't take the handouts. They have seen the problems first hand and moved off to get themselves and their families away from there. The almost universal opinion I hear from the working indians is that the reserve problems will only be solved when all the reserve indians are cut loose and made to make it on their own like everyone else.

Cambridge Pete
said

"Share the wealth". I'm confused. In the charter of rights, it clearly states that no one should have more rights than another. So, they're asking that because they're a specific ethnicity they should have more rights to wealth than anyone else. No, that's not racist at all. I guess paying zero tax is tough enough as it is.

Mar
said

One thing that has always confused me is how the native communities say they do not benefit from natural resource production. I have to say, that for many many reserves that is a complete lie. I can't speak for all reserves, but I work in the oil and gas industry and know for a fact that the oil and gas companies, and mining companies, pay millions of dollars to the reserves in the areas where they are working, this includes building roads which are in disrepair, building community centres, paying the reserves outright, giving the community jobs, exclusive contracts for band businesses and the list goes on and on. Its time Canadians realize this and realize that while not all Canadians may understand the intricacies of the issues facing aboriginal people, the information being given by the chiefs is not always accurate either. Its also time that those living on the reserves stand up to their leaders and demand accountability from them for their living conditions, this is not all the fault of the government as the leaders on the reserve are the ones in control of the money, and sadly corruption is often rampant.

WILLIAM HARRIS
said

when could we get our land back .so we could start charge rent for living in our lands///

Second Nation
said

Does being First place all others second? Is that equal if someone is First? All those who are Second and developed the technology to produce the natural resources and marekt them should be on equal ground. People should drop the We Are Number One, We Were Here First mentality. This mindset only serves to elevate oneself by putting another down. What if We just worked together? What if Second Nation gave First Nation billions? And then it's all good? Next on How the Lottery Destroyed Me. What if we were all just Canadians? If you want to be treated equal, act equal. Do we build a road to nowhere? Do we build major hospital facilities in nowhere to service several hundred people? Do we create industry in nowhere and become uncompetitive getting those goods to market? Come to town and join Second Nation. Won't it be great when everyone just wants to be a Nation? It would be so simple if just money was the solution.

GHW
said

I am a typical white Anglo-Saxon. I can’t speak for Michaela but this is my country. Our grandparents shed blood in two world wars to keep it free. Our ancestors fought the war of 1812 to keep it Canadian without which all our natives would have suffered the same fate as the American Indian. Our ancestors worked their butts off building up this great country to where it is now, the greatest country on earth. As long as the Natives believe they have some special privileges and rights above mine I will never accept them as equals. Having said that, if they are willing to be truly fair in all this I am happy to consider them my brothers and sisters, living, working and dying side by side as equals watching each others backs. If this is going to work we need to put the past behind us and move forward together. I’m just glad Harper is handling this, don’t screw it up.

Hal Wood
said

The Natives have to start taking responsability for problems on their reserves. The Chiefs and parents are the ones who need to motivate their young to stay in school. It makes no sense that the rest of Canada is to blame for every problem on reserves.I think one problem may be is that Natives do not understand volunteerism. They are waiting for the government to pay them or hire people as coaches , mentors etc.

Nate in AB
said

Alot of people who commented below do not have a clue of first nations in Canada, all those opinions were instilled into them from there parents. I bet they don't even have one first nation friend. If they did I know they would not be talking like this. It's Canadian governments fault for trying to Change the first nation way.. It's exactly the same as George w Bush trying to go to Iraq and force Democracy there. 11 years later soldiers are still dying over there and democracy is not working..

As a status Canadian Tax payer myself it is diffremt I was raised off reserve I'm status but I'm not a "band member" which means I get no handouts, alot of the First nations people you see in your cities fall under the same category as me. Which even makes it harder for them growing up. Society doesn't help them nor will there Reserve

URU
said

Canada has a SERIOUS Human Rights issues on how the First Nations People are treat and rounded up onto reserved lands. They live in disgusting boxes NOT homes. There isn't adequate facilities and the basic essentials for them to live on. What happen to HUMAN RIGHTS that our Gov't preaches to the world? It MUST start within before anything else!

John
said

First nation chiefs should propel a strong say in Canada politics to foster and build prosperity and independence. Canadian government should stop playing politics of giving money to first nation to support health, education, economy without the means given to them to be self-reliant and self-growth. Like the old Chinese proverb, very simple: Don't give a man the fish but give him knowledge of how to fish it.

D in AB
said

These meetings are long over due.

Mark
said

If reserves are getting government, funds then their books must be made public just like any other government body. Why are chiefs on a lot of reserves so hesitant to open their books? What are they hiding? Unlike what the Liberals and NDP say, it's not racist to ask reserves to account for any government funds they have received.

lisa
said

@ Chris: Everyone thinks that every native doesn't pay taxes...well guess what we dont all live on reserves, and alot of us DO pay taxes like everyone else...
I do hope this meeting is the start of a better working relationship.

JB in Ontario
said

I trust they will have a productive meeting. My hope is that housing will be addressed and clean potable water for natives on reserves across Canada will be ensured. It is great to see Prime Minister holding this meeting!

Bob
said

I wonder when the Clovis people will surface and reclaim their ancestral lands that were obviously appropriated by the current Canadian Aboriginal peoples?

Waashki giizhik Naagek Kwe
said

so sad that ignorant people such as yourself have nothing but negativity coming out of your mouths, you know nothing about who we are. Shame on you! imagine if the shoe was on the other foot and you had to endure our trials and tribulations, then you wouldn't be coming from a place of negativity. I will remember all of you in prayers!

!!
said

rude people

Michaela Zahn
said

The "Canadians" are living on the Land of the First Native Nations and that is the truth you have to remember. And Native Nations are not borne to be slaves in a system that does not work!!!

Ken Lao
said

This will not stop until someone in government grows a pair and stands up to the Chiefs. Enough is enough its time that the people living on reserves started paying taxes and contributing to society. Who's relatives were here first is not relevant to whether or not a person should have to pay taxes.

NATIVE TAXPAYER in ONTARIO.
said

Too many commentators on this site have NO IDEA what they are talking about. Comments from these racists should only be allowed when they learn the history of this country, and they look around and notice they are NOT the only people in this country who pay taxes.

NATIVE TAXPAYER in ONTARIO.
said

Glenn C
said

Respect for all and all are equal. That means if one pays income tax, everybody does. If one gets handouts, everyone does. Special concessions can't be made for one and not another, If we are all equal.

Chris
said

Hopefully they will decide to start paying taxes and become regular members of society, till they do that they will not get any respect from me.

daisyducko
said

Hundreds of chiefs?? The money wasted on drugs and other crimes is out of control..Don't natives have to work to make money not just handouts..

Anne
said

The only way this would be a landmark summit would be if the discussion surrounded disbanding all reserves and integrating these Canadians into Canada, like the rest of us. I saw a piece where they want to control education - good luck with that, everything else on those reserves have been dismal failures, let's just put the final nail in the coffin shall we?

Today's Top Stories

Labour Minister Lisa Raitt speaks in the House of Commons in Ottawa on Monday, May 28, 2012. (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Pick your location

Top Stories -

News Sections

News Programs

Features

Browse: