'They were not elected to ignore the will of the people,' Madahbee

Union of Ontario Indians
News Release

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NIPISSING FN - “The best way First Nations and other Canadians can express their disappointment with federal indifference is to translate their concerns into action,” says Patrick Madahbee, Grand Council Chief of the Anishinabek Nation.

“Canadians from all walks of life have implored the Harper government to reconsider the undemocratic manner in which they have stifled debate and rammed massive pieces of legislation through Parliament,” said the Grand Council Chief.

“These so‐called omnibus bills threaten the safety of our lakes and rivers, the fish that inhabit them and ignore constitutional and legal requirements to work with First Nations on issues that affect our peoples."

“Now other citizens understand our frustration. We have pursued all the proper political channels, but this
government refuses to respect First Nations rights as referenced by Canada’s Constitution, Supreme Court
rulings, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to which they are a signatory."

“Harper may have pulled the wool over some people’s eyes last week in Ottawa, but Chief Theresa Spence is still
fasting for justice. We call on other Canadians to be understanding and supportive of our efforts in the days
ahead to demonstrate to members of the Harper caucus that they were not elected to ignore the will of the
people."

The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political
advocate for 39 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 55,000 people. The Union of
Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of
Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

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