"Since Confederation in 1867, First Nations have been subject to repeated attempts by the Government of Canada to forcibly assimilate us and erase our identities," the Assembly of First Nations says in a statement explaining why it has called for a " National Day of Action " on Friday.
"Still, we survive today as distinct peoples."
"[However,] it is time for action," the statement adds.
AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine is calling for a National Day of Action on Friday and wants Canadians at large to join aboriginals in Ottawa for a peaceful walk to raise awareness of native poverty.
But debate rages among the many factions of Canada's aboriginal population about whether this is strong enough action.
Hardlines such as Ontario Mohawk Shawn Brant have threatened to cripple the Canadian National Railway main line between Toronto and Montreal as well as Highway 401.
Two months ago, roughly 100 reserve residents parked a school bus on the same line to protest against the presence of a gravel quarry on what they claim is Mohawk land.
The blockade was dismantled only when CN obtained an injunction. Mr. Brant faces several charges and a CN lawsuit in connection with that disruption.
"The next time we come out, it's going to be harder, it's going to be longer and it's going to have an impact on this economy that Canada can't imagine at this point," Mr. Brand said earlier this week. "We have had enough."
Earlier, a Manitoba band threatened to blockade a critical transportation link to highlight its claims. The Harper government settled that dispute by giving the band some additional land.
Mr. Fontaine has issued clear warnings to more militant aboriginal protesters.
He says anyone who breaks the law in protesting against native poverty should expect to run afoul of police. But he also urged police not to clamp down on those protesting peacefully as part of the long-scheduled day of action.
"Freedom of expression and freedom of association are constitutional rights, and people have a right to demonstrate, to protest," Mr. Fontaine said. "And if they so wish to engage in civil disobedience, they can, as long as they're prepared to accept the consequences."
So what's the argument in favour of the National Day of Action? What does the AFN hope to achieve?
We are pleased that National Chief Fontaine was online earlier today to address those issues and to answer questions from the readers of globeandmail.com.
Your questions and Mr. Fontaine's answers appear at the bottom of this page.
Mr. Fontaine is Anishinabe from Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba.
From the beginning as a First Nations Youth activist with the Canadian Indian Youth Council, he has been an advocate for First Nations rights.
In 1973, Mr. Fontaine was elected Chief of his community for two consecutive terms. Upon completion of his mandate as Chief of Sagkeeng, Mr. Fontaine and his family moved to the Yukon territory where he served as the Regional Director General with the federal government.
In 1980, Mr. Fontaine returned to Manitoba to complete his degree in political science at the University of Manitoba. Upon his graduation, he worked for the Southeast Resource Development Council as a Special Advisor to the Tribal Council, which was followed by his election to the position of Manitoba's Vice Chief for the Assembly of First Nations.
While Chief of Sagkeeng, his belief in the autonomy and treaty rights of First Nations resulted in the establishment of Canada's first locally controlled education system, Child & Family Services, and the first on-reserve Alcohol Treatment Centre.
In 1991, Mr. Fontaine was elected Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and served for three consecutive terms. Working together with Manitoba's First Nations communities, Mr. Fontaine was instrumental in the defeat of the Meech Lake Accord.
