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In a demonstration of utter ignorance the Ontario Premier stated in a news conference that he is working to ‘take care’ of First Nations but then on the other hand, claims that First Nations are ‘coming hat in hand’ to the government. These statements just before he is to meet with leaders of the Anishinabek Nation, on the heels of the controversial Bill 5 and Bill C-5, and days away from Solidarity Day, has enraged First Nation Peoples.
Grand Chief Joel Abram says “I wouldn’t be surprised if he knows what he is saying is wrong and he is doing this in an attempt to create drama, division and embolden the ignorant who believe in the negative stereotypes he is perpetuating. It’s shocking that someone can be this willfully ignorant about the issues and treaty rights to think that we come to the government for handouts. It’s frustrating when we have to be the ones to teach and educate government officials about their own history and agreements. You would expect that an Ontario Premier would be more in touch with actual history. If you want to talk about freeloading ask yourselves: who has benefited the most from the lands and resources since colonialism started? Who has enjoyed prosperity while others have been denied, subverted and oppressed? Who has not been fulfilling their end of the treaties? Yet once again First Nations are being cast as ‘being in the way’ of progress. If progress means resource extraction with no regard for the preservation of our mother earth then we have no choice but to speak up for the sake of all of our future generations.”
Deputy Grand Chief Stacia Loft states “I am livid that we continue to deal with viewpoints and ignorance on such a level as this. It is shocking that someone like the Premier of Ontario can be that ignorant to the issues at play. Premier Ford’s words not only display a clear lack of understanding, it also demonstrates his implicit bias towards First Nations by relying on racial stereotypes we have worked hard to dispel. Furthermore, to spew this disgusting rhetoric immediately prior to meeting with First Nations Leadership, shows truly how uncouth and unsophisticated the Premier is. I urgently call upon Premier Ford to issue an immediate apology and to commit to the necessary training as to why his words and viewpoints are not only racist, but foundationally incorrect.”
The Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians demand that Premier Ford immediately abandon Bill 5 as his attitude and mindset show that he is not suitable to decide what is best for anyone.
AIAI is mandated as a Political Territorial Organizations (PTO) to defend and enhance the Indigenous and Treaty rights of our seven member First Nations. Our member nations include: Batchewana First Nation, Caldwell First Nation, Delaware Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, Oneida Nation of the Thames, Mississaugas of The Credit First Nation, and the Wahta Mohawks.