Province should consult First Nations, says chief

Feb. 23, 2009

New Brunswick First Nations want to be consulted about decisions made by the province, says New Brunswick Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Roger Augustine.

There are discussions going on about companies entering aboriginal territories, he said.

"We want to be consulted and that's basically one of the frustrations that I'm seeing right now."

In a letter printed in Wednesday's Telegraph-Journal, Augustine was critical of the provincial government and said they are behind other provinces in their dealings with First Nations.

During a phone call Wednesday afternoon, Augustine said the Metepenagiag First Nation land claim underway is a start to resolving some of the issues for New Brunswick First Nations.

"We want a more comprehensive agreement in dealing with natural resources, gaming issues and to be included when there is a company coming into town, into our region."

It's important for people to remember issues like the salmon crisis in Eel Ground or the lobster fishing dispute in Burnt Church, he said.

"These all resulted because of misunderstandings and mistrust."

Augustine said it's time for the First Nations to take personal responsibility and they might not have been negotiating hard enough in the past.

"We weren't negotiating with enough power as collective chiefs in the province, but you're going to see a change."

The chiefs are determined to see progress and some have started working together, he said.

"You're going to see a more comprehensive approach. You're going to see more unity."

Augustine said there are chiefs who think they should deal with the federal government because First Nations are a federal responsibility.

"I think somewhere down the road we have to take a look at the tri-lateral approach and include the feds."

When the province receives money from the federal government the First Nations are included in the census numbers used to determine how much they get, he said.

"The province has got to recognize the First Nations of New Brunswick as partners."

But Augustine said the province is starting to see they need to consult with First Nations.

"There's no other way."

Aboriginal Affairs Minister and Southwest Miramichi MLA Rick Brewer said the province has a good channel of communication open with the First Nations.

"New Brunswick, I would have to agree we're not in first place with our discussions with First Nations, nor are we in last place. We're kind of in the middle."

The two sides have held several meetings to discuss issues like education since he took over as minister responsible for aboriginal affairs, Brewer said.

"I have an open door concept. I won't be refusing to meet with any First Nation chief."

Brewer said he met with four chiefs from around the province about three weeks ago and has another meeting scheduled for today.

"When you get a chance for open and frank discussion I think it's important that we do carry it on."