Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare says when he woke up at 12:30 in the morning to see the final results of the federal election, he slept like a baby.
“We are in a very crucial time and we talk about the environment and climate change, everything that is going on and the election being over now, now we can do some business at our table,” said Hare.
Hare was one of the guests at the fourth annual forum at Nipissing University called Kina-Gego-Naabadosin – Everything is Connected.
He believes in the re-elected Trudeau government but he feels the government and big companies need to keep first nations more involved in the dialogue.
“Number one, we need to respect each other as a whole and beyond that, we need to work together as first nation communities, municipalities, towns, and then the government,” he said.
“We have got to be at the table together to see all the things happen.”
Hare says that dialogue is important not just when an election is approaching.
“That is election time, I have been around for a few years as a leader and I just see and still now that they come and visit us by the carload,” he said.
“When you elect us there is our sign. Our communities are just as important every day not just every four years. We don’t like them just coming to visit our people just before the election like the government does. When I run for election, I do not get one cent to my campaign. I think what works for me and all leaders should do this, respect. Just respect each other. Every four years that hurts me when I see that. Where were you when I wanted to talk to you two years, ago? Where were you when I wanted to see you last year? Why now?”
Hare believes the election is a win, but not a big win. He has high hopes that one day the Anishinabek will be represented on Parliament Hill.
“It would be so awesome to see before my day comes to see an Anishinabe sitting in parliament with the people up there,” said Hare.
“Even just one, I would love that.”
Hare would not mind being that first one.
“I would enjoy that,” he admitted.
“At least I can share our Elders view and our leaders view, at these tables and be part of it. We are not asking for everything.”
