"Natives Must Take 'Final Stand' Against Government, Chief Says"

EDMONTON - Indian chiefs across Canada criticized the federal government Tuesday for its treatment of natives and said they have the momentum and strength to mount a renewed fight against Ottawa.

"There can be no peace in our hearts without justice from the government of Canada," said Chief Jerome Morin of the Enoch Cree Nation, just west of Edmonton.

Morin, who organized the four-day summit of more than 250 chiefs, said the federal government ignored natives during the recent constitutional talks and has never taken native concerns seriously.

"Throughout our history there's been so many policies to put our people down," said Morin, who wore a traditional buckskin suit decorated with tiny beads.

"But we are here and we are more determined than ever."

Speaking at a traditional-style session in which the chiefs were invited to air their views, Morin said natives must take a "final stand" against the federal government.

"The obvious intent of the federal government is to eradicate our rights through legislation and policy," he said.

Other speakers blamed federal policies for a variety of complaints, including widespread poverty among natives, a disproportionate number of natives in prison, substandard education and poor health care.

Many chiefs said they have drawn strength from Elijah Harper, the native Manitoba MLA who blocked passage of the Meech Lake accord in that province.

"Elijah Harper's stand shows that native people can do something," said Earl Hill, who has been chief of the Tyendinaga band in south-central Ontario for 16 years.

Mike Mitchell, chief of the Akwesasne Mohawks in south-eastern Ontario, said Canadian natives should air their complaints internationally.

"We can't just sit here and talk about what we don't have," Mitchell said. "We've got to do more."