2006-07-19
Author: AM 1250/Mix 96 News
Justice Minister Vic Toews is not swayed by a letter from Chief Terrence Nelson of the Roseau River First Nation.  On Thursday morning we told you about the document that urged Minister Toews to address the lack of democracy on the Buffalo Point First Nation Reserve.  Minister Toews says the tradition of appointing an hereditary chief is protected by the Charter of Rights and his government cannot just step in and change that practice.  He adds if Chief Nelson is so interested in democracy he can start by working on things on his own reserve such as supporting his government's efforts to guarantee property rights for women on reserves and allowing the Canadian Human Rights Act to apply to First Nations people.  Toews adds he's used to Chief Nelson making threats of violence and is concerned about his pattern of being prepared to break the law to make changes in First Nation's communities.