Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine has little control over the course of coming events, say chiefs and grassroots leaders as tensions between First Nations and the federal government continue to mount in the run up to a national day of action next month.
Fontaine delivered a passionate speech yesterday to the Canadian Club of Ottawa, imploring the blue-chip audience to pressure government into dealing with native issues to avoid a summer of blockades and confrontation.
"Many of our communities have reached the breaking point," said Fontaine. "Many people ask why First Nations peoples are so angry. At this point you must realize we have a right to be."
DAY OF ACTION
The AFN is spearheading a day of action to highlight Native grievances on June 29. The Conservative government's decision to scrap the $5-billion Kelowna Accord and to shut poverty-riven Aboriginal communities out of the budget has fuelled much of the current strife.
Fontaine, who was voted AFN head by chiefs because of his reputation for diplomacy, may now be suffering from his moderate sheen. Some hardline grassroots leaders believe he has pulled his support for direct and spectacular actions like rail blockades.
"He may have had some control, but by stepping back he is relinquishing that control," said Shawn Brant, the organizer of last month's 30-hour Mohawk rail blockade of the main line between Montreal and Toronto. "We are as organized as we have ever been, as well as Canada has ever seen before."
Chiefs from across the country are gathering for an AFN meeting next week in Gatineau, Que.
Roseau River First Nations Chief Terrance Nelson, who has threatened a rail blockade, said it will be up to the chiefs to decide what happens.
"The chiefs will give direction to the national chief and take a united position," said Nelson. "The chiefs are under the gun that if they can't deliver something to the people, the people are not going to wait forever. Things can get out of control quick."
As quick as the click of a mouse -- as was evident this week with the surfacing of an Internet how-to video on how to sabotage rail lines.
Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice reiterated his position that Fontaine would be responsible for what transpires. "I continue to say that blockades are not acceptable ... and I am fearful that someone will get hurt."
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty encouraged the Stephen Harper government to consider an accelerated negotiation process to settle the more than 800 outstanding Native land claims.
"We've all been put on notice now that we're going to have a national day of protest," said McGuinty, who called the YouTube video "just not helpful." "I hope the federal government's paying attention."
