Ottawa

Friday’s meeting in doubt

Manitoba’s chiefs have issued a release to say they will not be taking part to say in tomorrow’s meeting.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak and Southern Chiefs Organization, along with Chiefs from across Canada have just received word from the Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister Office that Prime Minister Harper will not allow Governor General David Johnston to be in the meeting with the First Nations leadership of Canada.

The First Nations leadership has invited the Prime Minister of Canada and the Governor General to meet with the entire delegation of First Nations leadership from across the country at the Delta Hotel on January 11, 2013.  This invitation still stands but unfortunately the Prime Minister has declined this invitation. 

The First Nations leadership has maintained their position for the last week that both the Prime Minister and the Governor General were to be in the same room at the same time to discuss how to reset the First Nation – Crown relationship.  Unfortunately, the Prime Minister has been very dictatorial and unrelenting in his position to control and set the agenda for this meeting.  This clearly demonstrates that the Government of Canada does not have any iota of concern or respect for the rights of the Indigenous people of this country. 

Chiefs, many of them emotional, are currently addressing a meeting of the Assembly of First Nations at a hotel ballroom in downtown Ottawa, debating whether chiefs should attend tomorrow’s meeting with the Prime Minister.

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