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'National Chief Supports Efforts of National Coalition Against Racism Concerning U.S. World Conference Against Racism'

The National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Matthew Coon Come, called on the Canadian Government today to work with all interested parties to eliminate all forms of racism in Canada, particularly as it pertains to First Nations and other visible minorities. He made the statement via a conference call link with the organizations holding the news conference in Toronto.

"We cannot allow some people to be left at the back of the human rights bus or that some are deliberately left behind as it moves away", stated National Chief Matthew Coon Come. "We must ensure that the rights of individual groups or people - be they indigenous peoples, or people of Asian or African or American descent, or Jews, or Muslims - are not sacrificed on an altar of progress for some while there are setbacks for others."

"I was criticized by the Minister of Indian Affairs when I mentioned in Durban the systemic racism facing First Nations citizens in Canada. Unlike the Minister, Canadians and their Royal Commissions recognize the racism facing us. In a federal survey released two weeks ago, more than 6 out of 10 Canadians stated that eliminating racism against First Nations would improve their social and economic conditions. Canadians are aware of, and sensitive, to our human rights situation, and this was my message in South Africa", stated National Chief Matthew Coon Come.

The National Chief reiterated his statement that Canada is in many respects an international leader in the area of human rights. "Yet," he said, "it is colluding with other States to prevent progress in the areas of remedy and redress against racism."

"First Nations are in solidarity with the concerns of other groups in this country who are and have been affected by racism and colonialism. We know what it is to be marginalized and dispossessed. But I would be failing in my duty to Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world if I didn't strongly oppose the discriminatory wording of the Declaration concerning indigenous peoples." The draft Declaration for the September 2001 Durban Conference Against Racism qualifies the rights of Indigenous Peoples as uncertain rights, subject to negotiation with states. This is an official attempt to accord First Nations second-class international human rights status.

For additional information, contact Jean LaRose, by phone: 613-241-6789 (ext.251), by e-mail: jlarose@afn.ca or by cell phone: 613-795-9664.