Aboriginals in Canada have reached the breaking point after decades of peaceful talks that have not achieved any improvements to the devastating poverty on native reserves, Assembly of First Nations national chief Phil Fontaine warned a blue chip audience today in Ottawa.
While not explicitly condoning calls for rail blockades and civil disobedience advocated by others, the national chief urged a Canadian Club to understand the anger and frustration among aboriginals who have not seen results from years of federal talks and Royal Commissions.
"Living without hope is perhaps the worst aspect of life for so many of Canada's First Nations," Mr. Fontaine told a luncheon gathering at Ottawa's Chateau Laurier hotel. "That lack of hope plays out in many ways. Desperation breeds abuse, suicide, crime and civil disobedience."
The speech comes as another native leader, Chief Terrence Nelson of Roseau River First Nation south of Winnipeg, is threatening a lengthy rail blockade on CN lines unless Ottawa launches a serious effort to resolve land claims by June 29.
Mr. Fontaine said he does not believe in ultimatums, but suggested he is in a difficult position to tell other natives not take such actions when his preferred route of peaceful negotiation has not produced results.
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