Showing support

THUNDER BAY – Fellow First Nation leaders showed they are behind Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence’s politically motivated hunger strike.

Spence announced earlier this week she was willing to die for her people and would begin a hunger strike in an attempt to get a meeting with the prime minister.

On Friday Matawa First Nations chiefs, Nishnawbe Aski Grand Chief Harvey Yesno and MP Bruce Hyer (Ind., Thunder Bay-Superior North) gathered at the Matawa building on Court Street to show their support for Spence.

Yesno said the concerns raised by Spence are common issues amongst most First Nations and he believes Canada and Ontario need to get to the table when it comes to treaty implementation, which he said is really about resource development.

“I think we have a huge opportunity in Northern Ontario to do something that could positively impact the communities on issues like the cost of living, housing and some of the other social issues,” he said.

Housing is by far the largest issues in the remote communities and resource development can help fix that problem.

“I believe if there is a concerted effort there to look at regional infrastructure, whether that’s all-weather roads or transmission lines, that will impact the cost of living and some of the other services that are behind in terms of community development,” said Yesno.

“I think you would find our communities would be willing partners to see that development take place. It would have a huge positive impact not only in Ontario but Canada as well.”

Improvements are already happening in small ways in communities where industry has provided support in areas like recreation and treatment for prescription drug abuse.

But Yesno said they can’t rely on industry because their interest is in economic development.

“Their business is not health and social services. They’ll be a part of it, but not a central party,” he said.

And in order to develop First Nation communities and build infrastructure, they need an ongoing, fluid relationship with both the federal and provincial governments.

Hyer said he came to show his support Friday because not only are many of the Matawa communities in his riding, but that it is important to support all of Northwestern Ontario.

“As I look ahead to the future, if First Nations do well, we are going to do well,” he said.

“It’s a matter of treaty rights. It’s a matter of fairness. It’s a matter of basic democracy. It’s also a matter of enlightened self-interest and practicality. We’re one big community up here and if we don’t work together, we’re going to all be in trouble.”