Independent body to speed up system. Announcement today timed to defuse threats of illegal protests by native bands

CanWest News Service
Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Prime Minister Stephen Harper will try to calm agitation for aboriginal protests this summer by announcing today the creation of an independent tribunal to speed the settlement of native land claims.

Today’s announcement is timed to defuse threats of illegal and possibly violent demonstrations on some reserves. The Assembly of First Nations is also calling for a “day of action,” including protest, on June 29.

Yesterday, Chief Terrence Nelson applauded Harper for agreeing to reform the land-claims system, but said he could not call off his blockade because of “the simple promise of another white man.”

Instead, Nelson sent a letter to Canadian National, offering a five-year “truce” with the company in return for CN’s agreement to voluntarily halt trains along the disputed tracks the night of June 29, as well as a CN promise to pressure Ottawa on land claims.

“We’re certainly not stepping down our protest,” Nelson said. “What we’re trying to do is sit down properly and negotiate, before things get out of control.”

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