Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 200 (December 7, 2011)

Whispering in the Wind

Ultimately the prime role of Canada’s governmental system is the protection of its citizens, it’s that simple. So when the system fails, as it has in the aboriginal community of Attawapiskat in northern Ontario, it’s up to our political masters to fix things so it doesn’t ever happen again, and yes, it’s that simple.

Attawapiskat, a First Nations Community –
Up until a week, ten days ago I never even heard of Attawapiskat, never mind knowing that it is a community of about 2,000 people living in absolute squalor and despair. Now, the news is full of graphic descriptions detailing unacceptable, unhealthy living conditions in the Attawapiskat community – commentators and First Nations leaders are now indicating that there are dozens if not hundreds of other aboriginal communities in Canada operating under similar, unacceptable conditions. To do things with political correctness, Prime Minister Harper quickly met with the Canada’s Assembly of First Nations Chief Atleo, and without mentioning Attawapiskat directly, agreed to have a national conference of First Nations leaders in Ottawa, January, 2012. In the meantime the Red Cross is supplying blankets, clothing and other essential items to the northern Ontario community so that the community can make it through the winter. To address the immediate housing crisis in the community, a healing center and an arena are being used to house the most desperate families.

Attawapiskat, in Context –
The Attawapiskat Cree reserve is located on the coastal region of James Bay and governed by a locally elected band council. Since 2006 the federal government has pumped in over $90 million to improve the community’s situation and conditions – to use Prime Minister Harper’s words its $50,000 for every man woman and child in Attawapiskat. As well, last year the Ontario government gave $4.7 million and the community received $3.4 million in casino revenue. Relevant to the financial operations of the Attawapiskat community is the De Beers’ diamond mining operation, about 90 kilometers from the community – De Beers started operations in 2008 and signed four aboriginal agreement, including a $16 million benefits package with the Attawapiskat band council. All in all the community has done well in terms of dollars yet the results are not evident. The question I would ask whom ever is in charge: what happened to all the money? Prime Minister Harper has taken some necessary but un-welcomed action and placed Attawapiskat under third-party management which means that Attawapiskat finances have been taken out of the control of the local band council and given to an accounting firm. What is equally astonishing is that the critical audits undertaken seem to have been lost in political bureaucracy. To add to the bizarre circumstance is a romantic connection between the band’s co-manager (the band’s financial manager) and the band’s chief – from what I have read, both deny any conflict of interest.


Attawapiskat, Requires Leadership –
I don’t think there is any doubt, quick, no immediate action is necessary for the Attawapiskat community – and any other community that is facing similar circumstances. I’m sure Prime Minister Harper and his government is up to the task … but the more fundamental issues regarding First Nations communities will likely linger: the use of federal funds; addressing follow-up to critical federal audits; changes, if not the abolishment of the Indian Act; having government more accountable and more transparent in its dealings with aboriginal groups; and yes, settling the issue of First Nations groups in the Canadian Constitution once and for all. In my view the Attawapiskat situation, if not handled correctly, could become Prime Minister Harper’s Achilles Heel.