2006-07-19
Author: AM 1250/Mix 96 News
Some residents of Steinbach might not like what is being asked of Justice Minister Vic Toews.  A letter was sent to Minister Toews asking him to speak to the lack of democracy on the Buffalo Point First Nation and the government's willingness to fund an unelected government.  Fellow Ojibway Chief Terrence Nelson from Roseau River First Nation wrote the letter.  He says this issue could put Minister Toews in a sticky situation because if he stands for democracy it could anger some residents of Steinbach who own cottage lots at Buffalo Point.  He feels cottage owners enjoy the dictatorship that protects their purchases of Ojibway land and so changing that might not sit well with them.  Now that Justice Minister Toews is in power Chief Nelson is asking him to ensure that democracy is available to everyone.  He adds the government needs to do something before the band members resort to violence to solve their dilemma.