The grand chief of Canada’s one million natives on Thursday pressed Prime Minister Stephen Harper to meet with community leaders to fix “broken” treaties, as protestors threatened economic upheaval.
“First Nations across this country have been voicing concern and frustration with a broken system that does not address long-standing disparities between First Nations and the rest of Canada, and address priorities in ways that will provide for long-term solutions and sustainability,” Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo said in a statement.
“There is no excuse for inaction,” he added.
Atleo echoed growing resentment among natives over changes last month to environmental and other laws they say impact their fishing and hunting rights, and allow bands to lease reserve lands, which some fear will lead to the end of aboriginal communities.
This anger has so far been expressed through dozens of protests and railway blockades, but one chief on a hunger strike entering its third week is now calling for “country-wide economic disturbances” if Harper does not heed aboriginal concerns.
Atleo extended an “urgent invitation” to the prime minister to meet with him and other chiefs on January 24.
Comment from Harper’s office was not immediately available but his spokesman Andrew MacDougall earlier told Canadian media: “We urge an end to illegal blockades and expect the rule of law to be upheld.”
Natives up pressure on Canada's PM over treaty rights
