Natives warn of more strife

Caledonia could be just the start: Leaders

By ANTONELLA ARTUSO, QUEEN'S PARK BUREAU CHIEF
Wed, July 26, 2006
Toronto Sun

CORNER BROOK, Nfld. -- Caledonia-style conflict could spread across the nation unless federal and provincial governments move forward with promised improvements for First Nations communities, says a prominent Six Nations member.

Beverly Jacobs, president of the Native Women's Association of Canada and a Six Nations negotiator at Caledonia, said yesterday that aboriginal youth are impatient with the pace of change.

Unless governments are seen to be making progress on important issues such as the Kelowna Accord to end native poverty, Jacobs fears that Caledonia will be just the beginning.

"I believe so, I really do, only because when we were in the midst of the raid at Caledonia in April there were a lot of First Nations communities, a lot of people from across the world, who were willing to support our issue," she said.

'IN A POSITIVE WAY'

"And so we've basically had to get people to hold off from doing anything drastic so that we can move forward in a positive way."

Jacobs was one of five aboriginal leaders who met with premiers at the annual Council of Federation meeting yesterday.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams confirmed that the premiers remain committed to the Kelowna Accord and believe that the federal government will come around despite some recent foot-dragging.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said of the agreement: "I think it's in a state of suspended animation at this time."

The Council of the Federation meeting moves today to St. John's, where the premiers are scheduled to tackle the thorny issue of the fiscal imbalance.