Mike Harris has got them ducking for cover in Mushkegowuk.
Ontario’s controversial new premier is moving fast to make life harder for First Nations people, says Mushkegowuk Grand Chief RoseAnne Archibald.
“We’re wary of how his views are affecting his leadership,” said Archibald, who described Harris as “slightly racist.” During his election campaign, the Conservative leader slammed previous governments for being “willing to give away Northern Ontario” just because of white “guilt.” “Too many (Natives) spend all their time on courts and lawyers, and they just, stay home and do nothing,” he said.
Already, Natives are getting squeezed by the Harris government’s 21 -per-cent welfare cutback.
Archibald said this cut should not be applied to Natives because for 30 years Ottawa has reimbursed Ontario for 95 per cent of the money spent on Native social assistance.
The cut has come down hard on the Mushkegowuk region, where jobs are scarce and store prices are astronomical.
“We’re really struggling with that.” Also vexing was Harris’ approach to the Ipperwash standoff, in which Ontario Provincial Police shot two Chippewa protesters, one fatally.
Asked if had handled that one properly, Archibald said: “Oh God no, not even close to handling it properly. It was horrible. He kept denying his responsibility as premier!” Another area of concern is the question of hunting and trapping rights. Before becoming premier, Harris said the same conservation laws should be applied to Natives and non-Natives. He also said the previous government was wrong to recognize the inherent right of Native self-government.
For now, Archibald said, the Mushkegowuk Council is trying to educate the Harris government about First Nations realities.
“Failing that,” she added, “the contingency plan is sort of like the Quebec Crees have done—an international campaign in the media.”
