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The National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Matthew Coon Come, expressed serious concern with the provocative comments attributed to an "unnamed senior departmental official of Indian Affairs" in yesterday’s National Post (Ottawa loses faith in Coon Come: Federal officials allege native leader is “unable to deliver”).

“These comments are misleading and reflect a lack of understanding of the role, mandate and composition of the Assembly of First Nations. The Assembly of First Nations is a forum through which all First Nations leaders express their opinions and comments before deciding on a course of action. We know the Minister was disappointed that his Governance process was not supported by the Chiefs. Yet, it shows that when it comes to accountability, political or otherwise, First Nations have developed a highly accountable process. The leadership came to a decision in a manner that is very much the product of this democratic process. There is no “closure” in our process. There is open and honest debate that precedes an open and free vote. Such a process seems to be beyond the comprehension of this unnamed official,” stated National Chief Matthew Coon Come.

The Assembly of First Nations is the most representative and accountable aboriginal organizations in Canada. The National Chief is elected by the 633 First Nation Chiefs each of whom is in turn elected by their own communities. The AFN Executive Committee is also elected by the Chiefs in each of AFN’s ten regions. These Chiefs provide the mandate and direction for the National Chief and Executive to engage government on fundamental policy issues that affect First Nation communities. In the absence of a clear consensus, the Assembly of First Nations is guided by a majority vote. In the case of both the federal governance initiative and the recent call for the Minister’s resignation, the Assembly’s leadership must respect the decisions of the majority. Minister Nault obtained a Cabinet mandate to proceed on governance. We respect the parliamentary process and would hope that he too would respect First Nations mandates and processes.

“It is a fact that the DIAND consultation meetings on the governance initiative have been poorly attended by First Nations peoples from the communities, the same people who will be most affected by the changes to the Indian Act. While many agree that the Act needs to be changed, this should not be done through unilateral government action. This dispute can only be resolved when the government of Canada respects and deals with duly mandated leadership of First Nations. The people have shown that they are not interested in the governments proposed approach to change,” added National Chief Coon Come.

“It should be noted that the Confederacy of Nations meeting directed the Assembly of First Nations to begin developing work plans aimed at addressing the governance issue in a manner that takes into account the need to improve socio-economic conditions, the treaty relationship and the land/revenue base required to support governance,” concluded National Chief Coon Come.

For additional information, contact Dan Brant, phone: 613-241-6789 (ext. 353) or Monika Ille, phone: 613-241-6789 (ext.402).