Governments leaving First Nations out of funding for economic stimulus projects
Chief Lyle Sayers is angry and disappointed. Here's why
By SooToday.com Staff - June 19, 2009
Press Release from GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION
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Chief Lyle Sayers expresses his disappointment in the stimulus funding allocation as we approach National Aboriginal Day
Chief Lyle Sayers, chief of the Garden River First Nation and tribal chairperson of the North Shore Tribal Council, is expressing his anger and disappointment in the recent announcements of projects under the federal/provincial stimulus package.
Once again, both levels of government have failed miserably to fairly and justly allocate funding to shovel-ready projects that are intended to address the economic needs of First Nations through the stimulus package.
This is viewed as the continued mistreatment by both levels of government and does not honour the apology of the Prime Minister for the Residential School Legacy and the spirit of the Ipperwash Inquiry.
Both of these processes have called for positive transformative change between First Nations and to be inclusive, fair and just.
Chief Lyle Sayers expressed his extreme disappointment and frustration as he stated: "While our federal and provincial representatives glow in the many announcements of shovel-ready projects, First Nations are again left out of any funding opportunities. Millions of dollars of stimulus funding is sprinkled around the region and none has gone to First Nations projects."
One project in particular has been our proposal for an Anishinaabe Centre/National Chiefs Library.
This project would have brought immediate construction jobs and long-term sustainability that could be recognized as a world renowned centre for educational purposes.
Being left out of any funding opportunities is a step backward and fails to address the achievement gap that exists for many First Nations youth.
They may keep us hostage in poverty and endeavor to starve our ideas by not funding our project, [but] they will never kill a great a great vision of Chief Shingwauk or our spirit of determination.
Chief Sayers offers both levels of government an opportunity to make a difference and see the valuable merits of our project and do the right thing by providing the adequate funding [thus] recognizing the National Research and Archive Centre as a significant investment.
To honour and respect the Prime Minister's apology on behalf of Canadians and to fully implement the Ipperwasah Inquiry, Chief Sayers says that both levels of government need to make economic development a high priority.