While a Premier-Indigenous Leaders’ roundtable was held in Conne River yesterday, much of the focus has been placed on who was not at the table.
Over the last several weeks both the Innu Nation and Nunatsiavut Government pulled out of the gathering, protesting against the inclusion of the NunatuKavut Community Council due to their claims of southern Inuit identity.
When asked if true reconciliation is possible without the participation of those two groups, Premier Andrew Furey focuses on the other means of dialogue available.
He says the roundtable is just one way to engage Indigenous communities, and “is in no way meant to replace existing bi-lateral relationships, “rather the event is meant to enhance those relationships.”
Another concern that has been raised by those objecting the inclusion of the NCC is the position of Indigenous Affairs Minister Lisa Dempster. The groups allege that she is in a conflict of interest, and have called for her resignation.
Premier Furey responded broadly when asked about the concerns, saying that he has confidence in all of his ministers.
Qalipu First Nation chief Brendan Mitchell comes to Dempster’s defense, praising their relationship with the province and the accessibility of both Furey and her through weekly conference calls.
Mitchell says they have never had someone give them the support, attention, and consideration that Minister Dempster has, noting that he would be mad at the Premier if he ever removed her from the portfolio.