Phil Fontaine denounces statement by prime minister

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ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS

*************************** Assembly of First Nations chiefs express concern and strong opposition regarding prime minister's comments on "race-based" fisheries OTTAWA, July 13 - The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Phil Fontaine, and First Nations leaders from across the country today stated their strong opposition to Prime Minister Stephen Harper's comments in a letter to the editor on July 7 characterizing First Nations fisheries as "race-based" fisheries. "These are not race-based fisheries. These are rights-based fisheries," said AFN British Columbia Regional Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo. "Our right to our own fisheries stems from our prior and inherent rights as citizens of Nations - the First Nations of Canada. These comments are a very serious concern to First Nations here and across Canada." In a letter to the Calgary Herald last Friday, Prime Minister Harper stated "let me (also) be clear - in the coming months, we will strike a judicial inquiry into the collapse of the Fraser River salmon fishery and oppose racially divided fisheries programs."

His statements have been met with widespread opposition from chiefs at the AFN's Annual General Assembly in Vancouver, British Columbia. AFN Regional Chief for Nova Scotia/Newfoundland Rick Simon, stated: "First Nations in the Atlantic have won recognition of their right to make a livelihood from the fishery in the Marshall decisions and I can guarantee that First Nations will stand up for their rights. The Marshall programs that have been implemented in Atlantic Canada have resolved the vast majority of the tensions around the fishery. Opposing or ending First Nations fisheries programs such as Marshall will send us backwards." Grand Chief Doug Kelly of the Sto:lo Tribal Council also expressed his dismay that the prime minister has done exactly what his government had cautioned First Nations not to do. "The minister of Indian affairs is urging First Nations not to speak through the media," stated Grand Chief Kelly. "Why is he announcing a major policy change in a letter to the editor?" Newly re-elected AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine stated: "It is one thing to try and deny a right exists. But if we take the prime minister at his word he is actively trying to take away a right that is recognized in Canada's Constitution and by the Supreme Court of Canada. This should be of concern to all Canadians, not just First Nations." The national chief said that he and the AFN are seeking an immediate meeting with the prime minister, the minister of fisheries and oceans and the minister of indian affairs to clarify the prime minister's comments and theposition of the Conservative Party, and to ensure that they understand and will uphold First Nations rights and Canadian law. "We are also seeking a commitment from the government of Canada that any actions that affect First Nations will only occur following full and informed discussions and agreement with First Nations, as required under Canadian law," stated the National Chief.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

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