Declaration of Kinship & Cooperation

One Man's Opinion
by Tehaliwaskénhas-Bob Kennedy
July 25, 1999

Historic Assembly
National Congress of American Indians
Assembly of First Nations

Big Deal or Big Smoke and Mirrors?

The mind swims in a sea of wonder, in awe of the events and accomplishments of the past week. Set aside for a moment the monumental differences of opinion that exist. Focus on what took place. Somewhere in the neighborhood of five thousand representatives of Indian Tribes and First Nations got together under one roof for the common good of the people and their communities.

The Assembly of First Nations and the National Congress of American Indians held separate assemblies to deal with their own issues that flow from the day-to-day business of American and Canadian Indian organizations.

Yes there was politics! That's a given. Also, a few reported snits, people with noses-out-of-joint, some heated discussions and momentary grandstanding. It goes without saying, strong and sensitive egos always show up at these events.

But the big news was the coming together of the two organizations at the start and finish of this gathering to express their common purpose. It wasn't simple, nor easy at all.

I'm told there was a significant difference of opinion between the AFN's Phil Fontaine and the NCAI's Ron Allen over the details of whether the groups would appoint ambassadors, as Fontaine wanted.

In the end, they agreed to a Declaration of Kinship and Cooperation, a historic document that binds the two together and commits them to work in partnership to build strength and capacity for the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island's North America.

They'll still have to work out the details that flow from all the motherhood statements in the declaration. That's good too, because in working out those details they'll have to further build their relationship to manage the process together and stay focused on their common principles and purpose.

Everywhere you looked there was such great contrast of the traditional and contemporary cultures of North American Indians...from the powerful peacock-like presence of the Aztec performers, to the 'dollars and sense' displays from the corporate world of the Wahta Mohawks and the Iroquois Cranberry Growers.

I'm still shaking my head in amazement, and I'm sure so are others at the size of the gathering and all of its many charcteristics. But most of all, I have such deep respect for those who love our people so much they took this upon themselves to organize. They are to be honoured for their efforts and their respect for the great leader and visionary Tecumseh for whom the gathering was dedicated.

I thank the Master Creator and the ancestors who guided these people and their efforts to bring us all together for the right reasons. Yes, it's true it will be a hard act to follow. But it will be followed because there is no stopping us now.

I quote the declaration of Kinship and Cooperation, " We are resolved at this the first ever joint assembly of our national organizations that we shall convene on many occasions and that the spirit of understanding and fellowship among our peoples that we have experienced shall grow ever stronger as we take our full and rightful place in the community of all nations".

All My Relations

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Historic Declaration Signed!

by Tehaliwaskenhas-Bob Kennedy

July 23, 1999 Vancouver, British Columbia

Like a crescendo in a fine piece of classical music, it was there at the historic gathering of American Indians and First Nations in the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre.

The well orchestrated ceremonies marking the climax of the week's assembly of nations and tribes, were steeped in traditional cultural activities. The drums, the prayers, witnessing, smudging, gift-giving all were too much for some of the people. There were tears in their eyes, and it was aptly expressed by Coast Salish cultural guide,the assembly chairman Willie Seymour, "I'm feeling goosebumps---it's very emotional what's happening here today", he shared.

Elder Fred Kelly was there to bring context to it all by delivering the messages from the honour song, historical references, the smoke of the smudge and the sacred pipe. In seeking their attention and cooperation Kelly reminded them, "The spirits are watching us, carefully watching what we do so this sacred thing is done the right way".

The sacred thing they had all come to witness was the creation of a protocol agreement between the Assembly of First Nations and the National Congress of American Indians. It is formally known as the Declaration of Kinship and Cooperation among the Indigenous Peoples and Nations of North America.

There were offically-invited witnesses brought to the stage, from about two dozen nations and tribes from both the U.S. and Canada, but essentially the entire gathering had the same responsibility...to bear witness to what was being spoken, written and agreed to.

The tradition, is that should ever the declaration be challenged or fall into disuse, then technically these people would be called on to speak about what they witnessed. This was the way of the ancestors, and the tradition of oral nations.

The two key players in this live drama were Ron Allen, President of the National Congress of American Indians and Phil Fontaine, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. Individually, and then word for word together, they read from the declaration.

When finished, Allen's left hand grasped Fontaine's right hand and simultaneously they thrust them into the sky. Their jubilation was instantly contagious and spread wildly throughout the big hall. For a moment it seemed emotions had peaked, only to grow even stronger as the two men walked to the signing table. Perhaps they floated there, carried by the collective euphoria.

Then came the media frenzy. With flash after flash, cameras devouring each and every moment, chasing away the fear of losing even a micro-second of history.

Inked signatures signalled the start of a new era for Indians, First Nations and Indigenous Peoples. As both Fontaine and Allen said at the final news conference and often in the days leading up to this momentous event, this is only the beginning---the important work to bring true meaning to this declaration, is still to be done.[As reported by Turtle Island Native Network www.turtleisland.org ]

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Different Perspectives---Different Strategies
Common Understanding---We Need Change
by Tehaliwaskenhas-Bob Kennedy

July 21, 1999 Vancouver, British Columbia

Outside Vancouver's Trade and Convention Centre summer's warm evening breeze off Burrard Inlet gently nudges the leaves. Nearby, Indian chiefs, elders and youth share the outdoors with the tourists in this very popular part of the city's seductive waterfront.

Meanwhile, two of Canada's top aboriginal leaders talk of the troubles in Indian country. But while they have come to this historic gathering for the same apparent reason---to find ways to help their people and communities, they speak a different language. Not one of those disappearing aboriginal languages, but the language of strategic politics.

The following is based on exclusive interviews by Turtle Island Native Network with Stewart Phillip, Chief of the Penticton First Nation and head of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, and Phil Fontaine, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

Chief Phillip isn't someone non-aboriginal governments embrace as a friend. He speaks bluntly, in their minds militantly and aggresively. He is their worst nightmare! Just ask him about Indian Affairs Minister Jane Stewart. He called her speech "condescending and paternalistic".He rejects the government's aboriginal policy Gathering Strength.

Fresh from supporting the Cheam Nation fishermen's protest on the Fraser River and confronting gun-toting department of fisheries officers, he is intense and a man on an obvious mission and with an unpopular message. "Many of our leaders are in a high level of denial about the true state of affairs in Indian country today". He believes too many of the aboriginal leadership support the government to the detriment of the people.

Phillip reminds us reality is only a few blocks away from all this wealth and rhetoric. His reference is to Vancouver's downtown eastside with its extreme poverty, most of which is experienced by aboriginal people.

Penticton First Nation Councillor Joan Phillip pulls no punches either, as she describes the situation in Indian country today. She explains people are starting to choose tough leaders to serve them, and more and more the elders are insisting that First Nation politicians take a more aggressive approach.

These two people, husband and wife are political bookends, and that fits nicely with Chief Phillips belief that, "nation-building has to be a family event for Indian people". He personalizes what he believes and reflects on his concerns for his three grandchildren ages 9 months to two and a half years.

Chief Phillip doesn't hold out much hope this gathering will produce the right results to create the change being demanded by aboriginal people. "Indian people are at the crossroads, and they will not stand idly by and wait for the leadership to awaken. They will mobilize and take the necessary actions".

He is almost certain the people and communities now will take matters into their own hands. He predicts it is only a matter of time before Canada sees another major confrontation with Indian people...somewhere.Asked if she agrees, Joan Phillip describes the situation in one word, "volatile".

When I started listening to Phil Fontaine it felt like he was talking about a totally different world than the one described by Chief Stewart Phillip. In his view of the world, the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN)believes there's been significant progress.

His optimism is based on the fact this gathering is taking place, plus other milestones such as the government of Canada's statement of reconciliation and the $300 million healing fund to assist people abused in Indian Residential Schools. He is quick to remind me that money is not compensation and he is hopeful this matter can be resolved through an alternative dispute resolution process the AFN is helping to develop.

How does he feel about the state of affairs for First Nations and how significant is this gathering? Fontaine beams with pride and optimism, "I feel good, I am energized and more commited." He feels a tremendous energy coming from this assembly and cites the huge turnout. Estimates suggest in the neighbourhood of five thousand Canadian and American Indians are here.

Unlike Chief Phillip's prediction, Fontaine scoffs at the suggestion that because of all the disputes First Nations are facing, another 'Oka' type crisis is imminent. The standoff by Mohawks against the military in 1990 is a reference point cited by observors of the growing unrest within Native communities.

Phil Fontaine doesn't buy the comparison at all, "We're at a different place and I'm confident in our collective ability to make change in our communities. " Is this an illustration of the denial that has Phillip worried? Not at all, says Fontaine. "I have absolute confidence in our leaders to represent the interests of the people fairly. We are not going to be cheated. I don't accept the status quo."

Fontaine and Phillip agree on one thing---change is needed, but that's where agreement ends. The AFN leader believes in an essential strategy of negotiating change and says it has produced results. But when pressed on the issue of how much change is needed and how soon, he responds, " I am not dependent on one single approach. I believe in a multi-faceted strategic approach."

Although he would not endorse specific acts, his comments seemed to leave the door open for the approach taken by Philip and others who are leading the move toward asserting their aboriginal rights in a visible way. As he headed for a celebration--a feast with the Squamish Nation, Fontaine was confident his is the right way, and he dismissed the naysayers and critics of this assembly of people, "I am full of hope and optimism." [As reported by Turtle Island Native Network www.turtleisland.org ]

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A National Crime---Residential Schools Abuse
Government and Churches Accused of Deliberate Delays
by Tehaliwaskenhas-Bob Kennedy

July 22, 1999 Vancouver, British Columbia

By now you would have read the mainstream media reports that suggest mainstream churches are crying the financial blues over their involvement in litigation related to abuse against Natives in residential schools. They express concern the churches are going to be bankrupted if they have to pay the anticipated compensation to the Indian victims of the abuse.

A key lawyer representing survivors of abuse in the historic Port Alberni, British Columbia case says, "Do not believe the media reports." Peter Grant says he can see clearly what's really going on---it's a deliberate strategy, "...by the most powerful institutions in Canada, the federal government and the churches."

In a presentation to the gathering of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) in Vancouver, Grant accused government lawyers of using deliberate delay tactics in their attempts to demoralize the individuals. It's a strategy says Grant that uses procedural wrangling to drag out the court cases. "The latest trick is they want clients to disclose details of whether mothers, fathers, sisters, or brothers were ever abused", steams Grant.

The Vancouver lawyer, who also works on cases in Saskatchewan, called on First Nation leaders to support the individuals in their fight against the government and churches. Delia Opekokew agrees! "The court process is time consuming, costly, and the Government of Canada and the churches are taking a hard line adversarial approach which is destructive to the survivors and their communities."

Opekokew, who once ran for the top job with the AFN, is one of the lawyers for the Keeseekoose First Nation of Saskatchewan in its action against Canada and three churches. The chief and councillors are suing on behalf of themselves and on behalf of all past and present members. The case involves all the damages caused by the residential schools explains Opekokew, herself a victim of the trauma during and after attending two residential schools, " ...damage to the way of life, loss of language, loss of identity as a community leading to dysfunction of the community, alienation from traditional beliefs, customs and laws, and loss of respect of traditional leaders."

Opekokew, a member of the Canoe Lake Cree Nation further explains the unique nature of this litigation, "The case does not allege physical and sexual abuse, thus individuals can pursue their own individual or family actions."

What really angers Opekokew is a recent strategy by Canada to include the First Nation as a party to the legal action by a residential school survivor. "The survivor will be suing their own First Nation", said Opekokew who called on aboriginal leaders to condemn Canada's action.

One of the nastier multi-generational results of the residential schools is the loss of aboriginal languages. Indian children were forbidden to speak their language, and if they did, were condemned to verbal and physical abuse. Delegates to the AFN Assembly called for the issue of loss of languages to be kept separate from the $350 million healing fund. The AFN is working on an alternative dispute resolution process to help resolve some of these issues outside of the usual court system.

This story was written in honour of Darryl Watts. The young man took his own life after testifying during his lengthy court case. He could endure his personal pain no more. Watts was one of the victims of what Peter Grant refers to as,"A national crime that went on for eighty years." [As reported by Turtle Island Native Network www.turtleisland.org ]

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Deliberate Delays to Demoralize Survivors

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Exclusive!Aboriginal People--at Volatile Crossroads

Culture, politics and fun---Historic Indian Gathering