Public relations firm hired for Six Nations
BY KAREN BEST
November 22, 2006
Haldimand Review
A public relations firm, Policy Concepts, is working on a communication strategy for a Six Nations education and understanding program.
The consultant’s fees will be paid through the Ontario and Canadian main negotiating table which includes Six Nations members. Policy Concepts is not a First Nations firm but has experience in aboriginal issues including the proposed First Nations Governance act.
Speaking at a recent Ohsweken public meeting, Six Nations resident April Powless of the public awareness and education side table said racism and negative publicity has arisen through incidents and issues around the reclamation of Douglas Creek Estates in Caledonia. The side table is one of four established by the main negotiating table, which includes representatives from Ontario, Canada and Six Nations. The main table is the decision making body on issues related to the land dispute.
Powless said education about Six Nations history and rights is needed both in the Haldimand Tract and outside of it . The tract was granted by Britain to Six Nations which lost New York ancestral lands during the American War of Independence. Six Nations were allies to Britain.
The media and politicians have been misinformed, said Powless.
As the awareness side table began to embark on its projects, the main table asked the group to exercise caution, said Powless. “This is a tense, volatile situation,” she said.
Along with promoting awareness of Six Nations in the non-aboriginal community, it is also needed among their own people, said Powless. Their children are hearing negative things about Six Nations people and seeing bad pictures, she said. They don’t understand monthly payments and accusations about criminals, she said.
Six Nations representatives offered their first public education and awareness presentation at Notre Dame Elementary School in Caledonia. Before school started in September, they spoke to teachers and administrators. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada are working with the Grand Erie District School Board on presenting this information in other schools, said Powless.
Ron Thomas, who chaired the public meeting, said people, who don’t know, are becoming interested in knowing about their clans. He said it was important to educate the people about who they are so they can be a proud people. “It has to start with language,” he said.
In December or January, professors at McMaster University in Hamilton will host a symposium focussed on historic background.