Assembly of First Nations calls for National Day of Action by all Canadians on Thursday May 29
While announcing the May 29 National Day of Action, National Chief Phil Fontaine spoke about how the Harper government is undermining the importance of the residential school agreement (see the Winnipeg Free Press story that follows the AFN press release).
AFN press release
April 17, 2008
AFN National Chief Invites All Canadians to Join First Nations in a National Day of Action, May 29, 2008
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine today called upon all Canadians to support and join First Nations in challenging the Government of Canada to implement lasting solutions based on equality and respect.
“I am challenging the Government of Canada to join us in acting now to remove the constraints on progress, the impediments to a better quality of life for First Nations in Canada and the obstacles to respectful relationships,” National Chief Phil Fontaine urged. “It is critical that together we remove the unfair treatment of First Nation citizens in this country. We must remove the hurdles that stand in the way of real and lasting solutions for the challenges facing First Nations and thus all Canadians. Our future on these lands is our mutual responsibility.”
“Last year we hosted a successful day of action that succeeded in raising awareness about issues facing First Nations citizens in Canada. Thousands of Canadians from all walks of life joined us in those peaceful events. Unfortunately the Government of Canada has not responded to the poverty and harsh conditions that continue to grow and which claim the lives of our young people,” the National Chief noted. “This year, we are offering straight-forward solutions that need immediate action. In the next few weeks leading up to May 29th, I will be issuing a set of concrete proposals that would truly help provide a real and lasting improvement in the lives of First Nations citizens, in their relationship with the Canadian government, and in the economic outlook of Canada more broadly. I challenge the Government of Canada to respond with equal clarity.”
The National Day of Action will take place on May 29th, 2008 and will begin at Victoria Island with participants marching to Parliament Hill for a peaceful rally.
The National Chief was joined by national labour, religious and student organizations at today’s announcement.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
Contacts:
Joan McEwen, AFN Communications Director
613-241-6789 ext. 242 or cell 613-324-3329 or jmcewen@afn.ca
Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor - Office of the National Chief
613-241-6789 ext 243 or cell 613-298-6382 or npine@afn.ca
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Fontaine threatens to reject residential-school apology
OTTAWA - April 17, 2008 - Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Phil Fontaine warned Thursday he might not accept the apology for residential schools from the federal government.
Fontaine made the statement at a news conference unveiling May 29 as the second annual National Day of Action for First Nations.
Fontaine said he has heard rumours the apology will be delivered May 21 or May 23, which is a break week for Parliament. That means the apology would not be issued in the House of Commons, and that, said Fontaine, is not acceptable.
"The Prime Minister must rise in the house to present the apology to the country," Fontaine said.
He said hasn't consulted with the government yet about the wording of the apology, which is also troubling to the Manitoba-born leader.
"The worst thing that could happen is if the apology came and we rejected the apology," he said.
Fontaine said he will accept nothing short of a significant public event, and an apology in the house delivered similar to the one made to Japanese Canadians who were put into camps during the Second World War.
The National Day of Action will take place across the country May 29 to draw the attention of Canadians to the "grinding poverty" on First Nations.
Fontaine said he is advocating only for peaceful demonstrations and protests, despite some calls from within First Nations to become more aggressive in the approach.
© Winnipeg Free Press 2008