PM to AFN National Chief: let's talk

"It may be...it turns out to be one of the most significant statements by a prime minister about the failure of first nations policy in this country," says Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo.

In an interview with CBC, Atleo explains why a letter he received from Prime Minister Stephen Harper is significant. You can decide for yourself when you scroll down to see a copy of the letter below.

Atleo concedes that the average reader might not see much beyond polite and careful words, but, "I do think it does signal a shift," says Atleo.

He sees the fact the letter talks about the PM's office and the Privy Council Office being involved in talks as a real attitude change by the PM on first nations issues.

It's not just about more meetings with bureacrats at Indian and Northern Affairs.

And Atleo sees the PM as a man who gets things done if he wants to.

Atleo's number one priority is improving educational outcomes for first nations students. He believes that such a targetted approach will appeal to Harper, a man known to prefer focused strategies with measurable and achievable results.

The national chief recalls a conversation he had with the PM as "father to father" during which they discussed their own children. Atleo believes Harper sees education the same way he does: as the key to ensuring the next generation of young first nations don't fall into the same old cycles of poverty and despair.

I asked Chief Atleo if he was reading too much into the letter...that his interpretation of it was just wishful thinking?

After all, this is the same government that effectively killed the Kelowna Accord of 2005.

"There's every reason to be skeptical," he says. "The pattern we have is one of a trail of broken promises that dates back to the earliest treaties that were forged 200 years ago."

"It is only the action that our people should judge. Maybe it's the optimist in me, but I'm hoping we can get this done."

 

Letter to Atleo