Jan 19, 2010 - National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo.
On Sunday, Canada marked the 20th anniversary of what has come to be known as "the Oka crisis."
The historic resistance began as a peaceful vigil by the Mohawk citizens of Kanehsatake who were protesting against a plan by the municipality of Oka to enlarge a golf course on their ancestral territory. On July 11, 1990, the peaceful vigil took a drastic turn when the Quebec provincial police attacked the protesters, leading to a 78-day standoff between Mohawks, the Quebec police and, ultimately, the Canadian military.
The incident is seared into the memory of almost every Canadian and first nations citizen who witnessed the events. Simply mentioning "Oka" conjures up images of tanks and barricades; of a Mohawk warrior and Canadian soldier facing off eye to eye; of Mohawk figures burned in effigy by the angry residents of a nearby community; of the tragic loss of life and lingering injury. Bonds were slashed between families, between communities and between first nations and Canadians.
First nations are ever-mindful of the potential that these events could be repeated. Canada's history is marred by the exploitation of first nations peoples and lands, and history has taught us to always be vigilant. At the same time, first nation peoples and governments have set out innovative plans for progress to affirm our rights, to build effective education and governance systems and to advance economic development and environmental responsibility in a way that benefits all Canadians.
Twenty years later, it seems remarkable that so many of the same issues remain. Progress has been painfully slow and scattered. Despite endless studies, the challenge remains to quicken the rate and pace of change and to accelerate progress, as the courts have mandated, on reconciliation and implementation of our constitutional and human rights.
First nations are willing partners for change and progress. In 2007, the AFN and Canada established an impartial tribunal to adjudicate specific claims - the kind of claim involved in the Oka crisis. This collaborative approach resulted in a new agreement on resolving claims. Now we must move to achieve fair settlement in the thousands of lawful obligations that will, in turn, unleash new economic benefits for all.
Where claims are resolved through negotiation, the length of time needed to settle such claims often takes more than a decade. Delays lead to frustration and typify the kinds of barriers first nations face in seeking to resolve outstanding land issues. Similarly, the comprehensive claims process, which deals with areas of land where Canada failed to negotiate a treaty with a first nation, can take more than two decades to conclude.
Canada's recent commitment to take steps to endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples provides a new path forward for all of us. By endorsing the UNDRIP, Canada can send a clear signal to all Canadians that it intends to work with first nations to advance our fundamental rights, to honour our treaties and to guarantee education and opportunity for every first nation child.
The UNDRIP points to a relationship based on partnership and respect. Embracing these values would not represent a new relationship. It would mean a return to our original relationship as expressed in the treaties.
No one wants to see another Oka - least of all first nations. When we reflect on Oka, the issue should not be one of blame but of the need to work together to resolve the many outstanding issues. Twenty years is a long time, especially when we consider that many of the same issues confront first nations today.
As national chief, I call for change and commitment. This will truly enable us to turn the page - together - on a new chapter of our history.
Shawn Atleo is national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.