Alliance could prod federal policy
OTTAWA — After being at odds for years, the Assembly of First Nations and Iroquois Caucus signed an agreement protocol Tuesday that opens the door for a potential merger between both groups.
The Iroquois Caucus, which represents 100,000 people, is among the most influential political alliances in the aboriginal community and has a well-established history of activism. Experts say the alliance marks the beginning of a more combative relationship between the assembly and the federal government.
“This was likely done out of necessity,” said Michael Behiels, a University of Ottawa professor who specializes in aboriginal affairs. “The AFN hasn’t really managed to effect much change by playing ball with the Harper government. If they’re reaching out to the (Iroquois), they may be sending the message that it’s time to take more of a hands-on approach to dealing with Ottawa.”
Behiels’ statement reflects some of the rumblings within the halls of the assembly. AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo — considered to be politically moderate by most observers — has shown signs of frustration with the Harper government since being re-elected to his position in July.
Atleo claims the Tories rarely consult with aboriginal groups when drafting legislation that affects life on First Nations reserves. There’s also a growing concern among AFN members that aboriginal education is severely underfunded and that proposed amendments to the Indian Act threaten historic land rights.
Frustrations with the feds boiled over during an AFN conference in Gatineau, Que., on Tuesday, when dozens of delegates spontaneously crossed the Ottawa River to march on Parliament Hill. During the demonstration, a few protesters tried entering the House of Commons but were quickly turned aside by security.
Should the Iroquois join the AFN, they’ll take a tradition of defiance with them.
“There’s a deep-rooted resolve, a strength that the Iroquois bring to the table,” said Serge Simon, Grand Chief of the Kanesatake Mohawks. “The Iroquois Confederacy has been together for over 1,000 years and we’ve never been afraid to stand up for ourselves.”
The Kanesatake Mohawks are responsible for one of the most significant aboriginal uprisings in Canadian history. During the 1990 Oka Crisis, armed groups of Mohawk warriors clashed with the Canadian Forces in Kanesatake, Que., near Montreal.
The Oka standoff led the federal government to create the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People.
Details of the agreement between both aboriginal groups weren’t available Tuesday. However members of the Iroquois Caucus said the deal more or less lays the ground rules to a permanent partnership with the AFN.
“Historically, our problem with the AFN was that we felt as though they were too accountable to the federal government,” said Joe Delaronde, of the Kahnawake Mohawk Council. “We also felt like our voices and our individual concerns would be lost in the AFN. You have to remember that First Nations people aren’t one homogeneous group.”
While the preliminary agreement was only finalized last Friday, it has been in the works since 2007, according to Iroquois Caucus member Blaine Loft.