Attachment #29: Transcript of CBC TV News Broadcast (8:30 P.M.) Friday, June 5, 1992 Kathy Daly, CBC: History was made today for northern Alberta's Lubicon Indians. For the first time ever, Canada's Native Affairs Minister visited the Lubicon settlement. He wanted to see in person what have been called some of the most atrocious living conditions in Canada. For years the Lubicons have waged a bitter fight with Ottawa to win a land claim settlement. But as Rick Boguski tells us tonight, despite today's visit, the Lubicons aren't optimistic anything's going to change. Rick Boguski, CBC, Lubicon Territory: The Lubicons have been trying to reach a land claim settlement with the federal government for more than 50 years, yet this was the first time any Federal Minister had ever visited their settlement. Dick Fowler, Alberta Minister Responsible for Native Affairs: Do you know where the Band Office is? Boguski: The Lubicons weren't sure why Tom Siddon had come. When his office called yesterday, all anyone would say was that the Minister wanted to get negotiations back on track. But Lubicon Chief Bernard Ominayak insisted on serving him lunch first. (Boguski To Siddon) What did you think driving in? What were your impressions of what you saw? Tom Siddon, Federal Minister of Indian Affairs: Well, I've seen a lot of Alberta country and what are you asking me to comment upon? Boguski: I'm just asking what you think of the settlement? Siddon: I think it's like some communities I've visited. I'm not here to speculate on that I'm here to meet the Chief. Boguski: I'm not asking you to speculate I'm asking you your impressions of the community. Siddon: Look, would you mind if we have our lunch? Okay? Boguski: You can't tell me what your impressions are? Siddon: Well, we'll meet the Chief and then we'll talk later. Okay? Boguski: Some watched as the two sides sat down to their noon meal. Outside others wondered about an agreement but few, it seemed, were holding out much hope. Bryan Laboucan, Lubicon Community Member: Can't hope for anything. Boguski: Why not? Laboucan: This land claim's been going on for over 50 years now. It seems like it should have been over a long time ago. Boguski: After lunch Siddon and his provincial counterpart were taken on a 10 minute driving tour to see first-hand on how the Lubicon live, a close-up view of a community where there's no running water, no paved roads and more than 90% unemployed. It's been referred to as Canada's third world. Lillian Whitehead, Lubicon Community Member: We also hope things could be better but it's not easy. I would like to get the claim settled as soon as possible. Boguski: Talks between the two sides have been on and off for years. This latest round of negotiations began last February. The federal government has offered these people a package worth up to $45 million. But the Lubicons say that's nowhere near what they need. They're looking for up to $170 million to create a new reserve and get their people back on their feet again. In a closed door meeting, talks went on for nearly two hours, and at the end there seemed to be little movement. Siddon: Well, if you were to look at the elements of the proposal you'd find that the cost to build and construct a fully modern community adequate to the number of people here and all of the necessary infrastructure, as with other communities we've been constructing across Canada, would be between $30 and $45 million. Chief Bernard Ominayak, Lubicon Lake Indian Nation: I would say there's quite a difference. As long as the other side is trying to keep us under the umbrella of the "take-it-or-leave-it" offer tabled back in 1989, then no process is going to work. Boguski: Despite that, the Lubicons have asked the Minister to get back to them on a counter-offer the Band has drafted. A package that's still worth about $170 million. Tom Siddon says he'll try and arrange another meeting within the next 4 weeks. Rick Boguski, CBC News, Little Buffalo. * * * * * Attachment #30: Transcript of CBC Radio News Broadcast (5:30 P.M.) Friday, June 5, 1992 CBC: Tom Siddon, the Minister of Indian Affairs, met for about 2 hours today with members of the Lubicon Cree including Chief Bernard Ominayak. The meeting took place in a machine shed in Little Buffalo a hundred kilometres east of Peace River. The Minister asked for the meeting to help resolve the long-standing Lubicon land claim. As Byron Christopher reports from Little Buffalo, it's difficult to tell how much progress was made. Byron Christopher, CBC, Little Buffalo: The meeting was not open to reporters. When it was over, Tom Siddon spoke first. He said it was important for him to meet with members of the Lubicon community, but he refused to be pinned down on how much progress, if any, had been made today. Siddon said they're close on some issues but not so close on others. Tom Siddon, Federal Minister of Indian Affairs: I'm not going to get into elements of the matters which we've been discussing with Chief Ominayak and with the Province of Alberta until we have an agreement, so there's no question of talking about bottom lines or the details of that today. Christopher: I asked Siddon if he was any closer today than last week, but he replied, "That's a hypothetical question." He said, "There's still time to make a deal, but not a lot of time." But he says he's optimistic that something can be worked out. Here is what Chief Bernard Ominayak thought about today's meeting. Chief Bernard Ominayak, Lubicon Lake Indian Nation: In the overall we really didn't accomplish very much today. Hopefully once he gets back and looks at the draft proposals from our side of the table we can get into some serious discussions. Christopher: Ominayak says the federal government is finally going to get back the Band on the proposal it put in about half a year ago. He says that should be happening soon. And he says once that is done, he'll have a better idea where talks are going. Byron Christopher, CBC News, Little Buffalo. * * * * * Attachment #31: June 06, 1992, Edmonton Journal OTTAWA, LUBICONS STILL DEADLOCKED Jack Danylchuk Journal Staff Writer Little Buffalo Indian Affairs Minister Tom Siddon came half-way across Canada to meet with the Lubicon Cree Friday, but had nothing new to offer in their 50-year-old land claim dispute. "He's trying to confine us to the take-it-or-leave-it offer that led to this," Lubicon chief Bernard Ominayak said after a 90-minute meeting. Siddon asked for the meeting when negotiations between the Lubicon chief and Edmonton-based Indian Affairs officials broke off over the latest federal offer. His request coincided with the opening of an inquiry into the Lubicon situation by a commission created by the Alberta New Democrats. The Lubicon want $170 million in government money, but Siddon said the cost to build a fully modern community would be $30 to $45 million. "That would be supplemented with an economic development fund, a training fund, compensation for the fact that the reserve should have been created 50 years ago," he said. "It is vastly less than the $170 million." Siddon, whose visit to the community 100 km east of Peace River was the first by an Indian Affairs minister, said he felt it was important to go. Accompanied by Dick Fowler, Alberta's minister for native affairs, Siddon met with Ominayak and about 30 community members in a metal hut. Ominayak hopes Siddon will respond at their next meeting in four to six weeks to the Lubicon draft proposal the minister received last November when he first met with the Lubicon leader. * * * * * Attachment #32: Transcript of CP News Story Saturday, June 6, 1992 Little Buffalo, Alta. (CP) Tom Siddon came halfway across Canada to meet with the Lubicon Cree on Friday, but the Indian Affairs minister had nothing new to offer in the 50-year-old land claim dispute. "He's trying to confine us to the take-it-or-leave-it offer that led to this," Lubicon Chief Bernard Ominayak said after the 90-minute meeting. Siddon asked to meet when negotiations between the Lubicon Chief and Indian Affairs officials in Edmonton broke off over the latest federal offer. The Lubicon want $170 million in government money, but Siddon said the cost to build a fully modern community would be $30 million to $45 million. "That would be supplemented with an economic development fund, a training fund, compensation for the fact that the reserve should have been created 50 years ago. It is vastly less than the $170 million," the minister said. Siddon, whose visit to the community 580 kilometres northwest of Edmonton was the first by an Indian Affairs Minister, said he felt it was important to go. Accompanied by Dick Fowler, Alberta's minister for native affairs, Siddon met with Ominayak and about 30 community members in a metal hut that serves as a store and equipment shed. A torrential rain that swept the settlement filled deep ruts in the parking lot with water; the car carrying Siddon and Fowler had to be pushed out of the mud. Ominayak hopes Siddon will respond at their next meeting in four to six weeks to the Lubicon draft proposal the minister received last November when he first met with the Lubicon leader. The money the Lubicon want includes $100 million in compensation from Ottawa and Alberta for resources extracted from about 10,000 square kilometres the band claims as traditional territory. "That will probably have to be resolved in a court of law," Siddon said. The Lubicon have been fighting for a reserve since Ottawa decided more than 50 years ago they should no longer be recognized as Indians. * * * * * Attachment #33: Transcript of CBC Radio News Broadcast (7:30 A.M.) Saturday, June 6, 1992 CBC News: The federal Minister of Indian Affairs made a special trip to northern Alberta yesterday to help solve the Lubicon land claim. The Lubicon Cree have been fighting for a reserve for more than 50 years. The Minister, Tom Siddon, travelled to Little Buffalo to meet with the Lubicon Chief and Band Elders. Byron Christopher was there and filed this report. Byron Christopher, CBC, Lubicon Territory: Tom Siddon was welcomed into the machine shop at Little Buffalo by three Native drummers. Siddon said he travelled to Little Buffalo so he could meet face-to- face with the Lubicon Cree. He and Chief Bernard Ominayak had what's known as a frank discussion on where the Lubicon land claim is going. I can't tell you what was talked about because reporters were not allowed into the meeting. When the meeting was done, Ominayak said not much had been accomplished. He said further talks would hinge on what the feds thought about the Band's counter-offer, an offer given to Ottawa half a year ago. Chief Bernard Ominayak: Our negotiators have suggested that they get back together in the next few days to try and agree to a process and a timetable that would enable them to do some serious negotiating. Christopher: Tom Siddon said he was optimistic but he said he warned the Lubicon Cree that his government wouldn't be talking forever. Tom Siddon, Federal Minister of Indian Affairs: I stressed to the Chief and Council here my belief that we have time but we don't have a lot of time over the next few months to settle this. Christopher: The government has offered the Lubicons a package worth up to $45 million. The Lubicons say they need nearly 4 times that to build their community and their economy. There's no word on when talks will continue. Byron Christopher, CBC News, Little Buffalo. * * * * * Attachment #34: Transcript of CKUA Radio News Broadcast (8:00 A.M.) Saturday, June 6, 1992 Erin Carpenter, CKUA News: The Chief of the Lubicon Indians in Alberta says the federal government is still giving them the same old "take-it-or-leave-it" offer to settle their 50 year old land claim. Federal Indian Affairs Minister Tom Siddon went to the Lubicon reserve in Little Buffalo northwest of Edmonton yesterday to meet with Ominayak. Siddon says it would cost between $30 and $40 million to build a fully modern community on the reserve. But the Lubicons are asking for $170 million. Lubicon Chief Bernard Ominayak says he was hoping more would come out of the meeting but he adds it's encouraging the two sides are talking almost 2 1/2 years. Chief Bernard Ominayak, Lubicon Lake Indian Nation: We would certainly like to have seen a more productive meeting than we had, but at the same time I guess we've got to try and make every effort possible to try and get a fair and just settlement for our people. Carpenter: Ominayak says he'll meet with his Band Council to decide their next move. * * * * * Attachment #35: June 10, 1992, Peace River Record-Gazette SIDDON, FOWLER VISIT LUBICONS AT LITTLE BUFFALO By Diana Rinne Record-Gazette Staff Little Buffalo While Lubicon Chief Bernard Ominayak was glad to welcome Federal Indian Affairs Minister Tom Siddon to Little Buffalo last Friday, he had hoped for "something more productive" to come from the meeting. "We're not really any farther ahead than we were, but as long as we're talking it's good" he said following a meeting with Siddon. Siddon and Alberta Native Affairs Minister Dick Fowler arrived in Little Buffalo close to 12:30 p.m. and were served lunch before taking a tour of the community, approximately 100 km east of Peace River. It was the first time Siddon and Fowler had visited Little Buffalo and Ominayak felt it was "high time." "The invitation's been there for quite some time now," he said. "It's good that they're here but what's more important is what comes out of the meeting. We're here to listen to what the minister has to say." Prior to the meeting, Ominayak said he hoped the minister would provide some response to the Lubicon's draft proposal to settle the 50-year-old land claim. That proposal is calling for $167 to $200 million settlement in addition to a reserve covering more than 250 square kilometres. During the last round of talks in 1989, the federal government offered the Lubicons a $45 million cash settlement with a land base of 246 sq. km. "I think it's time to get down to some serious discussions rather than them trying to restrain us with a take it or leave it offer," he said before going into a meeting with Siddon, Fowler, the Band Council and the Elder's Council. Siddon was cautiously optimistic about moving towards a settlement with the Lubicons following the meeting. "Hopefully by coming here and listening to the people I feel optimistic that a solution will be found," he said. "It's a very important part of my job to get out to see the people, find out what their needs are and hear from them," added Siddon. In terms of a timetable for the land claim to be settled, Siddon wouldn't speculate. "We are not that far apart," he said, "I think we are moving towards a form of understanding. It's my belief that we have time but we don't have a lot of time." Ominayak said that time tables had been talked about and he expected another meeting for some serious discussions would be held within the next six to eight weeks. Later on this week, Little Buffalo will play host to a delegation from the Aboriginal Rights Coalition. Seven people, including five church leaders will make a solidarity visit to the Lubicon community, Thursday, June 11. The trip is focused at gaining a first hand assessment of changes and progress in land settlement negotiations in Little Buffalo since the coalition's last visit in 1984. * * * * * Attachment #36: June 11, 1992, excerpt from House of Commons Debates Mr. Ross Harvey (Edmonton East): Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. In consequence of questions asked in the Austrian parliament on May 5, the Austrian ambassador to Canada sought an audience with the minister during the week of May 18. He expressed the Austrian government's concerns about the situation of the Lubicon Indian people and their treatment at the hands of successive Canadian governments. The minister being unavailable, the ambassador met with the deputy minister for the better part of an afternoon. Can the parliamentary secretary advise whether or not the ambassador discussed what further steps, in addition to his meeting with the deputy minister, the Austrian government was considering taking regarding the Lubicon situation? Mr. Ross Reid (Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development): Mr. Speaker, first I thank my colleague for notice of this question. I can confirm that the deputy minister did meet with the Austrian ambassador at his request. They spent a long time discussing not only the current status of the Lubicon negotiation but particularly reference to the accusation in the motion from the Parliament that talked about clear-cutting. The deputy minister made it very clear to the ambassador that while Daishowa holds the rights, they are not and have not been logging within that sensitive area. Mr. Ross Harvey (Edmonton East): Mr. Speaker, I must thank the parliamentary secretary for an answer, although of course it was only glancingly related to the question. Among other matters raised it is my understanding that the ambassador spoke of possible Austrian overtures to the CSCE and other European countries and, as well, consideration of Austrian imports of Canadian lumber. In any event, let me ask the parliamentary secretary whether or not the government now is sufficiently concerned with the impact of the Lubicon situation on Canada's international reputation to undertake at the very least to provide the Lubicon people with a detailed, point by point response to the band's draft settlement proposal which it has had now since the last 1980s and to which it has never yet responded. Mr. Ross Reid (Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development): Mr. Speaker, it is difficult to win in this House. You get accused of not answering the question; you get accused if you answer too much. So I will try to keep to the question. The minister met on June 5 with Chief Ominayak and they discussed a number of things. The most important thing is the mutual commitment by the Lubicon and by the government to seek a successful, fair and appropriate negotiation and resolution to this dispute. Both sides have committed, first, to pursuing that result and, second, they have both committed not to negotiate in public. Certainly for me to take a step in that direction would not serve the interests at all of a share. * * * * * Attachment #37: June 12, 1992, Statement by Church Leaders EIGHT YEARS LATER A STATEMENT BY CHURCH LEADERS ON THEIR RETURN VISIT TO THE LUBICON Alarmed at the seriousness of Lubicon grievances in 1984, representatives from various Christian denominations undertook a mission to Little Buffalo to discuss those concerns directly with the Lubicon people. At that time we reported that the well documented allegations presented to us were substantially correct. These included human rights violations, loss of a traditional economy, a social structure being severely tried, and unity amongst the people being threatened from without. Furthermore, we saw how oil and gas development without Lubicon consent, has placed the traditional lifestyle of the Lubicon Cree in serious jeopardy. On June 11, 1992, eight years later, a delegation of church leaders and representatives made a follow-up visit to the Lubicon. We are deeply saddened and distressed to see that there has been no settlement between Canada and the Lubicon Nation on their legitimate land rights during this period. While we acknowledge that there are complexities with any such agreement, we are perplexed by the fact that the Federal Government has not resolved this situation. Specifically that the Federal Government has not responded to the Lubicon proposal to date is disturbing. We found that in addition to the extensive oil and gas development we witnessed in 1984, we now report the encroachment of forestry development, including logging practices and pulpmill pollution with push any remaining possibilities of traditional activity to extinction. We are pleased to confirm that logging was stopped over this past winter. We call upon the forest industry to respect Lubicon jurisdiction on their traditional territory during this period of negotiations. In 1984, trust and confidence in the social structure of the band was being severely tried. In 1992 we are keenly aware of the unrelenting stress on the families and young people of this community. Alcoholism and related tragedies, increasing school drop out, and family breakdown have taken an enormous toll on the lives of the Lubicon people. The importance of education as key in building a future for Lubicon children was stressed to us. The need for a realistic economic base from which to move into the future is essential. We stand in awe of the Lubicon for their persistence in a difficult struggle. We stress that legal responsibility for the Lubicon Lake Band lies with the Federal Government now as it did in 1984. We express the hope that the independent Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review may provide helpful initiatives. We urge the Federal Government to meet with this Commission. We come away from this visit with a renewed appeal for a Lubicon settlement. We do not expect the Lubicon to continue to carry this struggle alone. It is clear that something must give if this situation is not to degenerate further. A settlement is needed now. It cannot wait. MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION Rt. Reverend Donald Sjoberg, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada Reverend William F. Phipps, Representing the Moderator, United Church of Canada Reverend Dan Zehr, Executive Director, Mennonite Central Committee Canada Ms. Linda Winsky, Edmonton Interchurch Committee on Aboriginal Rights Mr. John Phillips, Justice and Peace Commission, Oblates of Mary Immaculate of Grandin Province Mr. John Stellingwerff, Chair, Edmonton Interchurch Committee on Aboriginal Affairs Ms. Lorna Schwartzentruber, Coordinator, Aboriginal Rights Coalition (Project North) Archbishop Henri Legere and Canon Isaac Graham also came to Little Buffalo with the delegation. Because of previous commitments, they were unable to spend the entire day with us. * * * * * Attachment #38: Transcript of CKUA Radio News Broadcast (12:00 Noon) Friday, June 12, 1992 Don Bell, CKUA News: A coalition of Canadian churches and aboriginal rights groups says Alberta's Lubicon Indians have suffered enough and it's time the federal government reach a settlement with the Band. Some members of the coalition visited the Lubicon reserve in northern Alberta in 1984 and yesterday they made a return visit. Today members of the coalition held a news conference in Edmonton and they said the Lubicon Band is depressed its 50-year old land claim is still unresolved and that other Canadians should join them in urging a quick settlement. CKUA's Erin Carpenter reports. Erin Carpenter, CKUA News: The 7-member coalition of churches and aboriginal rights groups has supported the Lubicon Indians' land claim for years. They've just come back from talking with Band leaders on the northern Alberta reserve and say they now plan to increase the pressure on the federal government to settle the long- standing dispute through a letter-writing campaign and urging their membership to become more vocal in supporting the Lubicons. Rev. Bill Phipps is with the United Church of Canada. He says the Lubicons are depressed and dejected with how long the land claim negotiations have dragged on. Rev. Bill Phipps, United Church of Canada: They're totally exhausted. And I don't think we understand what our society, in having the negotiations go on so long, is doing to these people. It's a disgrace as well a tragedy... Carpenter: Phipps says it's encouraging talks have reopened between the Lubicons and the federal government after a two year impasse. But the coalition is urging Indian Affairs Minister Tom Siddon to go a step further and meet with the Lubicon Settlement Commission. The independent panel was set up by the Alberta New Democrats and recently held two days of hearings on Lubicon grievances. Meanwhile neither the Lubicons nor the government are talking publicly about the negotiations, but it is known that the two sides aren't even close to common ground. Ottawa recently offered $45 million and 246 sq. kms. of land. The Lubicon are asking for $170 million. Erin Carpenter, CKUA News, Edmonton. * * * * * Attachment #39: Transcript of CKUA Radio News Broadcast (5:15 P.M.) Friday, June 12, 1992 Don Bell, CKUA News: A delegation of Canadian church leaders and aboriginal rights groups is turning up the heat on the federal government to quickly resolve the Lubicon Indians' 50-year old land claim. The delegation has just returned from the Lubicon settlement north of Edmonton and says Band members are discouraged they still don't have a deal with Ottawa. As CKUA's Erin Carpenter reports, the 7-member delegation staged a rally at the federal government building in Edmonton today to protest the drawn out negotiations. Erin Carpenter, CKUA News: Several Natives sing a song in support of the Lubicons while aboriginal groups and church leaders criticize the federal government for not helping reach a quick settlement with the Band. Rev. William Phipps is with the United Church of Canada. He told a rally today the Lubicon are suffering while Ottawa takes its time resolving their land claim. Rev. Bill Phipps, United Church of Canada: While they are doing that people are dying, individually and collectively. A whole way of life and a culture is being destroyed. Carpenter: Phipps and other members of the delegation are telling people to write to their MPs and the Indian Affairs Minister Tom Siddon to push for a quick settlement. Edmonton New Democrat MP Ross Harvey was at today's rally. He says the government's stalled on the issue long enough, but adds he's encouraged it's reopened negotiations with the Band. He says Ottawa should take a hard look at the Lubicons' most recent proposal. Ross Harvey, New Democrat M.P.: If we can get a point by point response from the federal government on that proposal I think we're going to be well on the way to a settlement. Carpenter: The Lubicon are asking for $170 million...Ottawa has offered $45 million and a 246 sq. km. land package. It's not known if the two sides are any closer to finding common ground. Neither side is talking publicly about the negotiations. In the meantime the church coalition and aboriginal groups will turn up the heat on the federal government. Lorna Schwarzentruber of the Aboriginal Rights Coalition says it's the only way to help reach a quick settlement. Lorna Schwarzentruber, Aboriginal Rights Coalition: I don't think we can afford to stop. We need to be optimistic and just pray that every little bit can help. Carpenter: Erin Carpenter, CKUA News, Edmonton * * * * * Attachment #40: Transcript of CBC Radio News Broadcast (5:30 P.M.) Friday, June 12, 1992 Krysia Jarmicka, CBC News: A group of church leaders is again calling on Ottawa to settle a land claim with the Lubicon Lake Indian Band. The group held a news conference and rally in Edmonton today to make that point. The church leaders have just returned from a visit with members of the Lubicon Band in Little Buffalo in northern Alberta. Lydia Newfeld reports. Lydia Newfeld, CBC News: The visit to Little Buffalo was a follow-up to one made by some of the same church leaders in 1984. Rev. Bill Phipps with the United Church of Canada says the group found that little has changed for the Lubicons in the last 8 years. At a news conference and rally in Edmonton this afternoon, Phipps and the other church leaders again urged Ottawa to take the initiative and settle the land claim dispute with the Lubicon. Rev. Bill Phipps, United Church of Canada: ...Individually and collectively, a whole way of life and a culture is being destroyed. We are here to say that this has to stop, that finally this government has to come to terms with their responsibility on behalf of you and me and all the Canadian people. Newfeld: Phipps also called on people to write letters to federal members of Parliament and hold sit-ins at MPs offices in an effort to pressure Ottawa into a settlement. The Lubicon land claim battle has been waging for over 50 years. The Cree Indian Band rejected a bottom-line offer from the federal government for $45 million and 246 sq. km. of land. The Band is asking for $170 million in compensation. Lydia Newfeld, CBC News, Edmonton. * * * * * Attachment #41: Transcript of CBC TV News Broadcast (8:30 P.M.) Friday, June 12, 1992 Bob Chelmick, CBC News: Canadian church leaders held a rally in Edmonton this afternoon in support of the Lubicon Indians. They're angry with the federal government which has refused to sign a land claim agreement with the Lubicon Band. As Rocky Woodward tells us now, the church groups displayed their disappointment at the rally in front of Canada Place. Rocky Woodward, CBC News: Earlier this afternoon a Native drum was heard on the streets of Edmonton. The message the drum played was for stronger solidarity with the Lubicon Cree in northern Alberta. The rally was initiated by a group of Canadian church leaders in support of the Lubicons. Rev. Bill Phipps, United Church of Canada: ...but it's been since 1939 that the Lubicon Nation has not had a land claim settlement. Particularly in the last 12 years, the Lubicon people have been fighting for a settlement to no avail. Woodward: The church group recently returned from a visit to the Lubicon community at Little Buffalo. The last time they were there was 8 years ago, and they say nothing has changed. Phipps: We went up again yesterday to talk with people and what did we find? We found that the conditions have deteriorated. Their traditional lifestyle has been totally destroyed by the oil and gas and forestry industries. Woodward: Edmonton MP Ross Harvey showed up at the rally. He called on people to get behind the Lubicons. Ross Harvey, New Democrat Federal MP: ...That's very important, because in the long run it is going to be the steadfastness of the Lubicon people coupled with the steadfastness of people like you that is going to bring them the just settlement they deserve. Woodward: But today the church groups believe there is hope for the Lubicon. A lot more hope than 8 years ago. Phipps: It looks like the Minister Tom Siddon went up there and maybe there's a little bit of an opening to have serious negotiations and resolve this. Woodward: ...Church leaders say they will continue pressing the federal government to honor the Lubicon demand. For CBC News, I'm Rocky Woodward. * * * * * Attachment #42: June 17, 1992, letter to Chief Ominayak from Jacques Johnson, Co-Chair, Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review Dear Bernard: Yesterday, June 16, Jennifer Klimek and I had a telephone conversation with Mr. Doug Hoover, special assistant to the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, Tom Siddon, in Ottawa. We were asking for an answer to our invitation for the Federal Government to send representatives to the Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review hearings to be held on June 22. Mr. Hoover told us that there was a letter on Mr. Siddon's desk and that the Minister was expected to review or sign that letter in the very short term. Mr. Hoover volunteered to tell us the thrust of the letter which was a refusal to appear before the Commission on the basis of an understanding between yourself, Chief Bernard, Dick Fowler and Tom Siddon, that there would be no negotiation taking place in the public eye. Mr. Hoover felt that it would be impossible for the Federal Government to send anyone to appear before the Commission as there are sensitive negotiations taking place right now, and that to reveal some of these negotiations to the public at this time, may jeopardize the chances of a settlement taking place. Our position is that the Commission's role is not to negotiate publicly, but to try to understand the positions of all parties concerned and make recommendations and report to all parties as well as the public of our findings. I would like to inform you also that the Alberta Minister of Native Affairs, Dick Fowler, faxed me a letter last night indicating that the Provincial Government would not appear before what he calls the "Pseudo Commission" for much the same reasons as the Federal Government has put forward. Would you have any comments on this? Sincerely yours, Jacques Johnson * * * * * Attachment #43: June 18, 1992, excerpt from House of Commons Debates Mr. Ross Harvey (Edmonton East): Mr. Speaker, in 1984 the Canadian Council of Churches sent an observer delegation to Little Buffalo Lake in north-central Alberta. Their mission was to investigate and report on the living conditions and treatment by Canadian governments of the people of the Lubicon Cree Nation. It was this delegation that first applied the term genocidal to the situation they found. It was this delegation that first drew the attention of the world to the destruction of the Lubicon people's traditional way of life and the ongoing refusal of Canadian governments to deal fairly with them. Last Thursday, eight years later, a second Canadian Council of Churches delegation travelled to Little Buffalo Lake. Their conclusions? If anything, things have become worse and government intransigence more calamitous. Death and disease run rampant. The very spirit of the people is being ground to dust. This ugly stain on Canada's record must be removed. The Canadian government must being real negotiations with the Lubicon Nation, in good faith and starting with a detailed point-by-point response to the Lubicon's 1990 draft settlement offer. * * * * * Attachment #44: June 18, 1992, letter to Fr. Jacques Johnson from Lubicon Chief Bernard Ominayak Dear Jacques: You ask for my comments regarding the reasons given by Mr. Fowler and Mr. Siddon for refusing to appear before the Lubicon Settlement Commission. My comments are as follows: While it's true that representatives of the Federal Government have consistently refused to negotiate in public, which would have been the preference of the Lubicon people especially after years of non- productive negotiations behind closed doors about which Government representatives have made all kinds of ridiculous claims, there is in fact no agreement between Mr. Fowler, Mr. Siddon and myself which would prevent either Mr. Siddon or Mr. Fowler from appearing before the Lubicon Settlement Commission. Moreover the Lubicon people would welcome Mr. Fowler and Mr. Siddon appearing before the Lubicon Settlement Commission and answering questions about their respective Lubicon settlement offers, which they have publicly described many times as "generous", and about Lubicon settlement proposals, which they have publicly described many times as "unreasonable". Hopefully a full public vetting of Lubicon settlement proposals and government settlement offers will let people decide for themselves who's being "generous" and who's being "unreasonable". Regarding Mr. Fowler's characterization of the Lubicon Settlement Commission as a "pseudo" Commission one can only presume that Mr. Fowler for some reason thinks only the government can establish a "real" commission. To our knowledge, however, there's nothing in the parliamentary rules or in law which prohibits the Leader of the Official Opposition from establishing a citizens commission with exactly the same powers to assess and recommend as might be held by a similar commission established by the government. Without taking anything away from Mr. Martin who is certainly to be commended for establishing the Lubicon Settlement Commission, it seems to us that the credibility of any such independent citizens commission depends more upon whether it's generally seen as needed and useful than upon who initially perceived that need and acted upon it. Following years of frustrating, non-productive discussions between the Lubicon people and both levels of Canadian Government -- during which much of what the Lubicon people owned and valued as a people has been systematically destroyed by government directed multi- billion dollar development activity conducted in our unceded traditional territory without our consent and over our protest -- the need for some kind of truly independent third party to help resolve Lubicon land rights is painfully clear. We would have welcomed the establishment of such an independent third party by either level of Canadian Government but in fact both levels of Canadian Government have instead consistently blocked, rejected and/or subverted efforts at independent third party mediation, including the Federally commissioned independent inquiry conducted by Mr. E. Davie Fulton which was rejected and ultimately subverted by both levels of Canadian Government, the Lubicon proposal to reinvolve Mr. Fulton as an independent third party mediator responsible to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, which was rejected by the Federal Government; Mr. Getty's proposal to establish an independent three person tribunal, which was rejected by the Federal Government; and the Federal Government's proposal to appoint a single mutually agreed mediator -- which the Federal Government itself then subverted by actually withdrawing the names of Federal candidates for mediator which the Lubicon people found to be acceptable. Hopefully Mr. Fowler's and Mr. Siddon's refusal to appear before the Lubicon Settlement Commission isn't just more of the same. If it is hopefully that refusal won't prevent the Lubicon Settlement Commission from studying and drawing conclusions about the Government's Lubicon Settlement Proposals, as well as perhaps about the refusal of both levels of Canadian Government to cooperate with the Commission. With all of the problems currently being faced by both levels of Canadian Government one would think that Mr. Fowler and Mr. Siddon would welcome any help they could get in resolving this long-standing dispute. Certainly the Lubicon people appreciate the Commission's concern and willingness to try and help. Hopefully Mr. Fowler and Mr. Siddon will both reconsider and agree to appear before the Lubicon Settlement Commission. Sincerely, Bernard Ominayak * * * * * Attachment #45: June 19, 1992, letter from Federal Indian Affairs Minister Tom Siddon to Jacques Johnson Dear Father Johnson: Thank you for your letter of May 21, 1992, inviting me to meet with the Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review on June 22 or 23, 1992. As you may be aware the Honourable Dick Fowler and I met with Chief Ominayak in Little Buffalo on June 5, 1992 to discuss the band's land claim and the status of negotiations. In this regard, I am pleased to advise you that negotiations are continuing and that we plan to meet again by mid-summer. In past discussions I was asked by Chief Ominayak not to comment publicly on any aspect of the negotiations. During my recent visit to Little Buffalo, I re-affirmed this pledge with the Chief's approval. I am sure you realize that as a Minister of the Crown I am in no position to break my promise to Chief Ominayak. As the Commission of Review is very much a public forum and as substantive negotiations are at a delicate stage, I am sure you will appreciate the necessity of honouring my commitment to Chief Ominayak. It is for these reasons that I have to respectfully decline your invitation to appear before the Commission at this time. Your determined efforts on behalf of the Lubicon people are greatly appreciated, and I hope my inability to appear in person will not detract from your group's work. Yours sincerely, Tom Siddon * * * * * Attachment #46: June 24, 1992, letter to the Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review from the Taskforce on the Churches and Corporate Responsibility Dear Commissioners: The Taskforce on the Churches and Corporate Responsibility is a national ecumenical coalition of the major Christian churches in Canada. Its role is to assist its members in implementing policies adopted by them in the area of corporate social responsibility (list of members appended). In 1983, the Lubicon Lake Indian Nation appealed to Canadian churches for support in their struggle for recognition of their aboriginal rights. In response, the Taskforce on the Churches and Corporate Responsibility has raised concerns with industry and government for nearly a decade about the effects on the band of industrial development within its traditional territory. Through correspondence, meetings with management, and participation in shareholder meetings, the Taskforce has persistently encouraged companies in the energy and forest sectors to respect Lubicon aboriginal land rights. This is consistent with Canadian church policies that call for no new major industrial development on unsurrendered land until either native land claims are settled, or until terms governing that development are negotiated satisfactorily with the native people concerned. Although the primary concern of the Taskforce is corporate social responsibility, with respect to the Lubicon, we have viewed corporate actions within the framework of provincial and federal government policies. Based on our experience with corporations, the provincial and federal governments, and the Lubicon, we believe any consideration of the federal government's settlement offer and the Lubicon's response should take into account the following points. The social, cultural and environmental consequences of industrial development have been severe on the Lubicon and their traditional territory. This was pointed out as early as 1983 by a World Council of Churches study. Under these circumstances, the Taskforce has sought changes in corporate practices, while simultaneously urging the federal and provincial governments to quickly reach a just settlement. While none of the corporations so addressed agreed to cease their development activities until the land claim was settled, some began discussion of environmental and jurisdictional questions with the Lubicon. The failure to reach a timely resolution of this matter has imposed extreme hardship on the Lubicon while governments and industry have carried on relatively undisturbed. While significant financial advantages have flowed to both government and industry, the Lubicon have experienced social, cultural and economic disruption, including in particular the serious decline of traditional resources. Therefore, as you examine and compare the federal government's proposed settlement and the Lubicon response, we hope you will consider the following elements, which we consider essential to a just settlement: 1. the Lubicon should be provided with an adequate land base; 2. the Lubicon should receive support adequate to achieve self- sufficiency; and 3. past and present benefits derived by the federal and provincial governments and private enterprise from natural resources extraction should be taken into account. Financial compensation for past resource extraction and special economic development funding are two important elements include din the Lubicon proposal but missing from the federal government offer. The federal government offer thus ignores the significant private and public benefits that have been derived from natural resource sales while imposing social, cultural and economic costs on the Lubicon. We wish you well in your task and hope the results of your work will speed a just and final settlement. Sincerely, Rev. Dr. Ray Hodgson, Chairperson * * * * * Attachment #47: June 1992 letter from the Aboriginal Rights Coalition to Federal Indian Affairs Minister Tom Siddon Dear Minister Siddon: We understand that an Independent Citizen's Commission has been formed to review the Lubicon Lake Nation settlement. We also understand that this Commission has heard from the Lubicon regarding their proposal during Commission meetings last week in Edmonton. It is vital that the federal government offer be presented to the Commission. We encourage your participation as a sign of your deep desire in resolving the present impasse. The media are watching this with great interest. Sincerely, Lorraine Land, Co-Chair * * * * * Attachment #48: June 08, 1992, letter from Sister Beryl, St. John's Priory to Federal Indian Affairs Minister Tom Siddon Dear Sir: I continue to follow the Lubicon Lake land rights issue with a great deal of interest, and prayer. I have your letter of May 26, written in answer to one of mine. I did not find much indication that you are determined to bring this matter to a satisfactory solution -- 1981 was when I first began to understand the situation. Living in Alberta over the past ten years has shown me that neither the provincial nor the federal governments are truly committed to a solution. I wish to bring to your attention the initiative being taken by Mr. Ray Martin who has organized an independent enquiry into the Lubicon land rights. Hearings were scheduled for the Lubicon, who attended and gave evidence, for the federal and provincial government representatives -- neither of whom sent representatives to support what seems to be a most helpful initiative. If the federal and provincial governments are so committed to settlement, why were they not there to assist this grass-roots effort? I might add that there are a number of highly qualified people involved on the enquiry, all of whom are giving their time and expertise. I request that you and your advisors give high priority to reaching a just settlement of these land rights for the Lubicon. Yours sincerely, Sister Beryl