NEWS RELEASE
Attention News Editors,
National Desk, Political Reporters:

Time to walk away from land claim and treaty talks - Marilyn Buffalo says

OTTAWA, July 8, 2000 --- A top candidate for National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations is calling on Native leaders to join together in solidarity in the fight to protect Aboriginal Rights in Canada.

On the eve of the Annual General Assembly in Ottawa, Marilyn Buffalo, a member of the Samson Cree Nation said one of the key challenges facing Native leaders is the fight to stop the Minister of Indian Affairs from using bullying tactics in his efforts to push them around.

Buffalo was responding to Robert Nault's flat rejection of any change to Canada's comprehensive claims policy which First Nations say is disrespectful of the wishes of the Supreme Court of Canada's Delgamuukw decision that affirmed Aboriginal Title.

One of the critical issues that have stalled negotiations across the country is Canada's demand for extinguishment of that title. "The situation is getting worse, but here we have the Indian Affairs minister telling us the policy is good enough, and current negotiation processes are adequate. How fair is it for him to try to bully us by dictating the rules of negotiations while claiming we are equal partners? He is negotiating in bad faith", said Buffalo.

First Nations, including Mi'kmaq, Algonquin, the British Columbia First Nations Summit, the Interior Alliance of First Nations in BC, and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs all believe the Government of Canada is not heeding the Supreme Court's direction. They have demanded meaningful change to the claims policy, but the government won't budge an inch. In fact, Nault has rejected a proposed review of the policy.

"If the Government of Canada refuses to respect the Supreme Court and ignores its legal decisions, then what choice do we have?", asked Buffalo. "I believe it is time to walk away from all land claim and treaty talks across Canada, until the policy is changed," she said in a warning aimed squarely at Prime Minister Chretien and his Indian Affairs minister.

Buffalo lauded First Nation Chiefs for embracing their traditions to gather their courage in order to build a stronger, unified voice to meet the challenge to create change.

For further information: Marilyn Buffalo (613) 223-6133
E-Mail: infocom@pro.net
Web Site: Marilyn