Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Kahnawake Mohawk Territory - Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) stated today "Paul Martin is a refreshing presence on the Liberal stage. Rather than adopting the heavy-handed colonial approach of Minister Robert Nault and Prime Minister Jean Chretien, Martin respects the fundamental relationship between the Government of Canada and First Nations."

Paul Martin spoke today as a guest speaker at the 23rd Annual General Assembly of the Assembly of First Nations in Kahnawake Mohawk Territory. Martin acknowledged the many sacrifices of Aboriginal Veterans and recognized that one of the dire needs now facing First Nation communities is access to post-secondary education.

"Martin is correct in identifying that there is a dire need for First Nation communities to build capacity to not only contribute to the local and regional economy but to the national economy as well. First Nations must be effectively involved in the economy and rather than deal with recycled negotiating positions that have either been rejected by the Courts or have proven to be non-starters at the negotiating table, we are encouraged that a prominent federal politician like Paul Martin is poised to make real change" said Chief Phillip.

Though Chief Phillip noted "If the Federal government proceeds with the First Nations Governance Act (Bill C-60) we can expect serious conflict in First Nation-Canada political relations resulting in more litigation and ultimately only result in deeper economic uncertainty in both British Columbia and Canada."