Thu Jun 28 2007
By Paul Samyn and Alexandra Paul
Winnipeg Free Press
The head of the Assembly of First Nations is calling on the country's aboriginal people to exercise restraint, despite whatever frustrations they may have with the way federal and provincial governments are responding to their concerns.
"I am aware of public statements in recent days about intentions to disrupt traffic during the National day of Action in support of First Nations on June 29th,'' Fontaine said in a statement.
"While these comments have been widely reported, they are isolated comments and do not reflect the position of the Assembly of First Nations, or the many First Nations across the country, who have organized peaceful and positive events that are inclusive of all Canadians.''
In Manitoba, aboriginal leaders will use rallies, not blockades, to try to attract public attention and sympathy.
Plans for blockades of provincial highways 10 and 6 have been dropped, while the death of Roseau River chief Terry Nelson's mother Marjorie seems to have taken some of the steam out of protests he planned at his southern reserve.
"We'll have a fairly large demonstration,'' Nelson said of the events planned following his mother's funeral Friday morning. "My mom was always a very strong person. We have a very large family and there are a lot of people coming in for the funeral. Mom always made sure we kept working.''In Winnipeg, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is planning a march from the Legislature to The Forks, followed by a public concert showcasing aboriginal talent. The Southern Chiefs Organization will begin its 9 a.m. march at the corner of Salter Street and Dufferin Avenue, the site of the Matthew Dumas shooting by police.
In Thompson, northern chiefs will hold a rally to raise concerns about outstanding land claims.
Fontaine stressed that the events planned for Friday are about drawing attention to the plight of aboriginal people in hopes of getting the rest of Canadian society to help press for solutions.
"We understand the frustration that exists among too many of our people. Our objective in organizing the National Day of Action is to provide a positive channel for that energy,'' he said.
"We invite all Canadians to stand with us in support of a better life for First Nations and a stronger country for all Canadians.''
Fontaine said that in the leadup to Friday's events, the AFN has met with various police forces as well as CN and CP Rail "because of our mutual interest in ensuring public safety and security" during events that could include the blockade of rail lines and roads.
"Our people do have a right to protest, as do all Canadians. The Assembly of First Nations has never resorted to illegal activities, or anything beyond the rule of law, to advance the causes of FN people."
paul.samyn@freepress.mb.ca