BUILDING BRIDGES - A WORLD-CLASS MODEL - June 20/08

The rest of the world needs to take notice. Premiers, Prime Ministers, Presidents and Dictators from around the world should mark next year's Building Bridges Conference in Timmins on their calendars. They could learn a lot about developing relations with indigenous peoples.

The third annual "summit" between First Nations leaders and community leaders from the City of Timmins was a smashing success and, I Dare Say, a world-class model for others to follow.

Most governments pay lip service when it comes time to engage in serious dialogue with their indigenous populations. Is it any wonder? Canadian bureaucrats, as we have seen this week, are pre-occupied with redirecting money earmarked for Native villages to other "priorities" such as lining their own pockets and the pockets of lawyers. MP Charlie Angus is justifiably outraged at the discovery of more than half a BILLION dollars in deliberately misdirected funds. Again, is it any wonder Native groups find it difficult to trust politicians or bureaucrats?

And then there's the City of Timmins. For three years in a row, area Native leaders and city officials - including the City of Timmins, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Timmins Economic Development Corporation have come together to discuss mutual opportunities.

When Native communities across the region need support - they get it from Timmins. Chief Jonathan Solomon of Kashechewan even referred to Timmins mayor Tom Laughren as "Chief" Laughren.

While the comment may seem innocuous to some - ask yourself a question - when was the last time you heard a Native leader or elder refer to a non-Native leader or politician as "chief"?

Answer: You don't.

It cannot be overstated - the Building Bridges conference is a success of monumental proportions. It is a model for provincial, federal, and international governments to follow.

Simply saying congratulations to the organizers isn't enough. They are collectively worthy of the Order of Canada.