Georges Erasmus has devoted the last six years of his life to the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. But he understands why some Natives are skeptical about yet another commission that promises the world but delivers nothing.
“They have good reason to be skeptical. Aboriginal people’s hopes have been risen for a long time,” said Erasmus, co-chair of the Royal Commission.
“Some of these issues have been around for hundreds of years, since early contact, since the creation of Canada.”
But Erasmus said he believes the Canadian government is giving serious consideration to the Royal Commission’s long-awaited five-volume report.
“It’s going to take a while. These things take time. But the closer people look, the better it looks,” he told The Nation.
“I think they (the government) are open to debate. It’s early, very early. I don’t think it does anybody any justice to cut off the debate,” said Erasmus, a former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
After the Royal Commission released its report, Indian Affairs Ron Irwin called it unrealistic. He brushed off its call for billions in new spending on First Nations needs and the 440 recommendations for changes.
But Erasmus remains optimistic. He said that those who were skeptical when the report was first released are now coming around as they’ve actually started reading through the massive report.
“It was a great learning experience,” he said of the six years of hearings. “The report is fundamental to the country.”
Viola Robinson, one of the five Royal Commission members, agreed.
“I think it’s one of the major things that has happened to aboriginal people in this country,” said Robinson, a former president of the Native Council of Canada.
“I just can’t see why the government wouldn’t look at the report seriously. It’s so important. It means a whole new era for aboriginal people, going away from the status quo and doing it right this time.”
Robinson said she was “disappointed” by Irwin’s initial reaction, but pleased that the report has been so favourably received by First Nations people.
“I thought that was very, very important. If it was going to go anywhere, it would have to have support from aboriginal people themselves.”
She said there are numerous quick changes that can be made easily if the government is serious about improving relations with First Nations. “Certainly there’s a lot of room to begin.”
On the other hand, Robinson said Irwin would be wise to shelve amendments to the Indian Act which are now before the House of Commons. She said First Nations have stated clearly they are against the amendments and that they haven’t been properly consulted.
Instead, said Robinson, the government would be better off using the Royal Commission report if it’s looking for ways to improve life for Native people, she said.
For details of the Royal Commission report, please turn to page xx of this issue.
