AFN Candidates Explore Water, Economic Issues
Friday, July 03, 2009 at 13:31
The federal government’s strategy to improve drinking water on-reserve is being criticized by a B.C. Aboriginal leader.
Chief Shawn Atleo says he thinks Ottawa is acting too unilaterally when it comes to fixing the problems that exist on many First Nations.
Atleo, who is a candidate in this month’s Assembly of First Nations national chief election, says First Nations should be leading the effort, instead of being pushed to the sidelines.
“I think the first step is really about First Nations coming together. One idea that’s been proposed at the national level is a First Nations water commission…. That’s something to be considered,” Chief Atleo says.
For the last few years, the Department of Indian Affairs has told the public that changes are coming.
Atleo agrees there is a huge need for new infrastructure, but he insists that treaty recognition must be included in whatever moves are made.
Meanwhile, another candidate in the race to succeed Phil Fontaine as national chief says he’s tired of hearing people say education will cure all of his people’s problems.
Bill Wilson of the Cape Mudge Indian Band says training and schooling are important, but so is economic development.
He says people forget it’s difficult to learn when you live in poverty.
“Some of the candidates have said that education is a priority, and I absolutely agree with them, but I know if you’re freezing to death in some tar paper shack, it’s rather difficult to study and be a good student,” Wilson says.
Wilson’s competition includes Atleo, Saskatchewan’s Perry Bellegarde, John Beaucage and Terrance Nelson.
The election will take place in Calgary on July 22.