Serpent River chief upset at natural resources minister

NEWS RELEASE

SERPENT RIVER FIRST NATION

************************* Lake Huron Treaty Commissioner disappointed with Minister Cansfield walking out leadership meeting

SERPENT RIVER FIRST NATION (August 28, 2008) - Lake Huron Treaty Commissioner and Serpent River Chief Isadore Day Wiindawtegowinini felt it was contradictory that Minister Donna Cansfield [shown] said that she wouldn't walk away from yesterday's Ministry of Natural Resources/Anishinabek Nation Leadership Forum and yet that is exactly what she did.

"I was left wondering about the integrity of her comments," says Chief Day. "I think what I witnessed was a sense of frustration, however, walking out of the meeting clearly tells us that the Ministry of Natural Resources is not prepared to deal with the issues we've been outlining."

Chief Day is concerned that the same will happen when it comes time to discuss treaty implementation.

“If Ontario wants to successfully deal with treaties, they will need a more effective approach and be prepared to sit at the table. Ontario needs to fully commit to getting more work done and less political posturing," says Chief Day. "Our treaties represent nations with a high level of expectation to elevate treaty implementation; we can't continue to be in a learning mode when we need action. Our Anishinabek citizens expect us to know what we're dealing with, so too should we expect this of governments and their representatives."

"Although we regret her feelings that she was disrespected and offended, it’s arguable that she showed a measure of disrespect to our women and youth because they had no opportunity to bring their issues forward once she left."

Although harsh, Chief Day felt she heard the blunt truth from one of the regional chiefs and she got up and walked out of the meeting.

"The issues that were presented during the meeting were indeed frank, but they were very well-thought out in terms of our issues and concerns," said Chief Day. "There is just a lot of frustration when it comes to the government not being able to deal with our issues." "This minister has used the 'learning curve' analogy long enough that I think the ball has curved back in her direction. It's time to step up to the plate, rather than to walk out of the park," says Chief Day.

*************************