National Chief Phil Fontaine on the AFN & govt of Canada

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine addresses the House Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development on the Specific Claims Tribunal Act (Bill C-30), April 16, 2008.

In response to a question from Bloc MP Jean-Yves Roy, Fontaine discusses the role of the Assembly of First Nations and its relationship with the current government.

"The Assembly of First Nations is a legitimate political organization... We are as legitimate as you are... We're not less than you..."

"The fair and just resolution of our issues is important to Canada. And because we represent distinct peoples with unique rights, that have interests in the land that are different from any other Canadian, you can't expect us to come here and do your bidding for you... Our positions and our statements have just as much validity as your statements, your words and your positions."

About the Conservative government's position on First Nations issues: "I have some very serious concerns about some of the issues where the interests of First Nations people have been completely disregarded. For example, the suggestion that we're against the human rights of women - that's a complete fabrication. We are for the human rights of all our people... I appear here before you deeply committed to the human rights of all of our people."

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