(Continued from part 2) Attachment #1: Transcript of CBC Radio News Broadcast (12:00 Noon) Wednesday, March 3, 1993 Phil Henry, CBC News A Committee that investigated the Lubicon land claim says it will release its findings next week. The Lubicon Cree of northern Alberta are trying to get a reserve and settle a land ownership dispute with the Alberta and Federal governments. The 12-member Committee was set up last May by the Provincial New Democrats. The NDP said it wanted to help settle the dispute which has dragged on for more than 50 years. The group interviewed scores of people. It held hearings in Edmonton, Peace River and Little Buffalo, home of the Lubicons. Federal and Provincial officials boycotted the hearings. They said they didn't want to jeopardize land claim talks. The report will be released in Edmonton on March the 12th. * * * * * Attachment #2: Transcript of CKUA Radio News Broadcast (12:00 Noon) Friday, March 12, 1993 Ken Regan, CKUA News A citizens' commission set up almost a year ago to review the land claim of the Lubicons in Alberta released its report today in Edmonton. For more than 50 years, the Lubicons have been seeking a settlement from the federal and Alberta governments concerning land they occupy at Little Buffalo northwest of Edmonton. Talks between the Band and Ottawa have stalled, and last year the Alberta New Democrats set up an independent Commission to review the matter. As CKUA's Erin Carpenter reports, the Commission says the Lubicon situation is urgent, and if it's not resolved through negotiations, the United Nations Human Rights Committee may have to step in. Erin Carpenter, CKUA News The Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review says both the Federal and Alberta Governments have not acted in good faith in handling the Lubicons' claim. It says they've taken royalties that would have gone to the Band had they had a reserve and that there's a conflict of interest - - that it is the responsibility of the Federal Minister for Indian Affairs, Tom Siddon, to protect the interests of Aboriginal people yet he sometimes decides on development on contested land. The Review Commission recommends negotiations on the Lubicons' claim quickly resume and that they be open to the public; that all energy royalties taken from disputed land be held in trust, and that no development permits be issued on those lands without Lubicon approval; that the Lubicon proposal to develop agriculture and a community infrastructure be honored in negotiations; and that the Alberta and Federal governments pay the $100 million in compensation requested by the Lubicons. The Commission recommends that if there's no satisfactory settlement within 6 months of resuming talks, that the dispute be referred to a third party. It suggests the United Nations Human Rights Committee is the appropriate arena. Lubicon Chief Bernard Ominayak says he hasn't fully reviewed the Commission report but he hopes the governments will take it seriously before it's too late. Chief Bernard Ominayak, Lubicon Lake Indian Nation The social fabric of our community has gone to hell. It's a major job for us to try and continue holding together. And the other side knows that. That's why the urgency is there. Carpenter The Commission has sent its report to the Alberta and Federal Governments. Commission Co-Chair Father Jacques Johnson says the fact the panel consists of citizens won't weaken its report. Father Jacques Johnson, Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review Co-Chair The power that we have is the power of truth, it's the power of being aware of the facts and coming forward with some practical, feasible recommendations. Carpenter Representatives from both the Alberta and Federal Governments were invited to hear the Commission's recommendations today but they didn't come. Erin Carpenter, CKUA News, Edmonton. * * * * * Attachment #3: Transcript of CBC Radio News Broadcast (12:00 Noon) Friday, March 12, 1993 Phil Henry, CBC News A group that investigated the land claim of the Lubicon Cree Indians says the Alberta and Federal governments have not acted in good faith. It urges all sides to resume negotiations. The twelve member Commission was set up last May. It's the brainchild of the Alberta New Democrats. The NDP said it wanted to help settle the 50 year old land claim. The Commission held hearings in Edmonton, Peace River and Little Buffalo, home of the Lubicon. Lydia Neufeld reports. Lydia Neufeld, CBC News Father Johnson, the head of the Commission, says he's hopeful this report will make a difference to the Lubicon land claim issue, despite the fact the Alberta Conservative Government boycotted the Commission hearings. Father Jacques Johnson, Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review Co-Chair The power that we have is the power of truth, it's the power of being aware of the facts and coming forward with some practical, feasible recommendations. Neufeld Included in those recommendations: that the Federal Minister of Indian Affairs or the Prime Minister lead the negotiations and at the Provincial level, that it's the Premier or Minister responsible for Native Affairs who is involved; that negotiations be made in public; that the compensation requested by the Lubicons be paid -- the Band has asked for $50 million from each government; and that if a settlement isn't reached within six months the dispute be referred to a third party. Johnson made the point that although the Committee was initiated by the Alberta New Democrats, the Party played no role in the Commission's hearings and contributed no money. He says it's ultimately people, not politicians, who will make the difference. Johnson ...and perhaps if our voices are joined together to say that the status quo is unacceptable, I think we can all make a difference. Neufeld Johnson points to the Inuit of Davis Inlet as an example of how public pressure can move government into action. Now that the report has been made public, Johnson says it's up to the Federal and Provincial Governments to decide where it goes from here. Lydia Neufeld, CBC News, Edmonton. * * * * * Attachment #4: Transcript of CBC Radio News Broadcast (4:30 P.M.) Friday, March 12, 1993 Krysia Jarmicka, CBC News The Chief of the Lubicon Indian Band says it's time for action on his Band's land claim. Bernard Ominayak made the comment after a report on the land claim was released this morning. It was done by a Commission set up by the Alberta New Democrats. The report says time is running out for the Lubicons. Lydia Neufeld reports. Lydia Neufeld, CBC News The Commission recommends a six-month deadline to settle the 50-year old Lubicon land claim. If no settlement is reached, the land claim should be sent to arbitration or a United Nations Human Rights Committee. It also calls on Ottawa and Alberta to pay $50 million each to the Lubicon, compensation requested by the Indian Band. The report describes the situation as "urgent". Bernard Ominayak, Chief of the Lubicons, has no argument with that. Ominayak says 90% of the 500 people in his community are on welfare. Chief Bernard Ominayak, Lubicon Lake Indian Nation The social fabric of our community has gone to hell. It's a major job for us to try and continue holding together. The other side knows that. That's why the urgency is there. Neufeld Ominayak says his Band has been met with nothing but delays in negotiating its land claim with the federal and provincial governments. He says it's time for action. Ominayak ...Not like in the past, where they've spent 1, 2, 3 years doing a study and then no action taken on the findings. I would hope that this situation is somewhat different. Neufeld Now that the Commission has made its report public, members say it's up to the federal and provincial governments to decide where to go from here. Lydia Neufeld, CBC News, Edmonton. * * * * * Attachment #5: Transcript of CBC National Radio News Broadcast (5:00 P.M.) Friday, March 12, 1993 CBC News A Commission created by the Alberta NDP recommends a six-month deadline to settle the long-standing Alberta Lubicon land claim. It also calls on top federal and provincial politicians to handle the negotiations. The Lubicon Cree have been trying to get a reserve and settle a land ownership dispute for more than 50 years. Lydia Neufeld reports. Lydia Neufeld, CBC News This Commission -- which included lawyers, academics, trade unionists and business people -- was established by the New Democrats. But the members say it was completely independent. Their report includes a dozen recommendations. It calls on Ottawa and Alberta to pay $50 million each to the Lubicon, compensation requested by the Indian Band. And if no settlement can be reached within 6 months, the land claim should be sent to arbitration or a United Nations Human Rights Committee. The Commission describes the situation as "urgent". And it gets no argument from Bernard Ominayak, Chief of the Lubicons.. Ominayak says 90% of the 500 people in his community are on welfare. Chief Bernard Ominayak, Lubicon Lake Indian Nation The social fabric of our community has gone to hell. It's a major job for us to try and continue holding together. The other side knows that. That's why the urgency is there. Neufeld Now that the Commission's report has been made public, the people who put it together say it's up to the federal and provincial governments to decide where it goes from here. Ominayak says the time for study and commissions is past. The Chief says, "It's time to deal with the recommendations that have been put forth. Lydia Neufeld, CBC News, Edmonton. * * * * * Attachment #6: March 12, 1993, Alberta New Democrat Press Release MARTIN WELCOMES LUBICON REPORT Ray Martin, MLA Leader of the New Democrat Opposition Ray Martin, Leader of Alberta's New Democrats, today called on the federal and provincial governments to act on the recommendations of the Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review. "This review of the Lubicon situation to date makes it clear that governments have not acted in good faith," Martin said. "Based on the needs of the Lubicon people to become economically self sufficient and in the interests of fairness, now is the time to begin renewed negotiations on the basis of the Fulton Discussion Paper as recommended by the Commission." The Commission, a group of non partisan interested citizens, has operated at arm's length since it was created by martin in June of 1992. The mandate of the commission was to investigate, compare, assess and report publicly on the latest federal and Lubicon proposals on the table. Martin thanked the members of the Commission or their hard work and personal sacrifice. He noted that the report was done at the expense of the Commissioners. "This is a case where Canadian governments have shown themselves to be consistently exploitive of the Lubicon people," Martin said. "It is now time to right that wrong." For more information: Ray Martin 422-9265 * * * * * Attachment #7: March 12, 1993, Alberta Liberal Press Release LIBERALS APPLAUD RECOMMENDATIONS OF LUBICON SETTLEMENT COMMISSION OF REVIEW Taylor hopes review will provide new stimulus to a speedy settlement Liberal Native Affairs Critic Nick Taylor applauds the recommendations outlined in the Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review report that was released today. "I hope that it will finally kick both governments off-centre and get them back into the negotiating process," Taylor said. He noted that the upcoming federal and provincial elections may provide a wonderful new opportunity to rectify the harm done by past governments, and thinks that the report should be passed to every candidate for leadership of the federal Conservative Party to determine whether they will make a commitment to it. Taylor especially endorses the recommendation to put oil, gas and timber royalties from lands claimed by the Lubicon Lake Band in a trust. He had proposed this measure in October and November, 1991. "Putting revenues in a trust fund would put the heat on the provincial government to come up with more than sanctimonious statements and race horses," Taylor said. For more information contact: Nick Taylor, MLA Liberal Native Affairs Critic Phone: 427-2292 (bus.) or 921-3369 (res.) or, Marion Haggarty Liberal Opposition Phone: 427-2292 * * * * * Attachment #8: Transcript of CKUA Radio News Broadcast (5:15 P.M.) Friday, March 12, 1993 Erin Carpenter, CKUA News In the headlines: An independent Commission reviewing the Lubicon Indians' long-standing land claim delivers its recommendations. A citizens' commission set up almost a year ago to review the land claim of the Lubicon Indians in Alberta released its report today in Edmonton. For more than 50 years, the Lubicons have been seeking a settlement from the federal and Alberta governments concerning land they occupy at Little Buffalo northwest of Edmonton. Last year the Alberta New Democrats set up an independent Commission to review the matter. As CKUA's Andrew Adamson reports, it says the Lubicon situation is urgent, one that may have to be resolved through the United Nations Human Rights Committee. Andrew Adamson, CKUA News The Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review says both the Federal and Alberta Governments have not acted in good faith in handling the Lubicons' claim. It says they've taken royalties that would have gone to the Band had they had a reserve. The Commission recommends negotiations on the Lubicons' claim quickly resume and that they be open to the public; that all energy royalties taken from the disputed land be held in trust, and that no development permits be issued on those lands without Lubicon approval. The panel also recommends the governments honor the Lubicon proposal to develop agriculture and a community infrastructure, and that the Alberta and Federal governments each pay $50 million to the Lubicons as they requested. The Commission recommends a 6 month deadline to settle the dispute, and if that fails, that it be referred to a third party for arbitration. It suggests the United Nations Human Rights Committee might be the appropriate arena. Lubicon Chief Bernard Ominayak says while he hasn't fully reviewed the Commission report it appears to contain good recommendations and he hopes the Alberta and federal governments will take it seriously before it's too late. Chief Bernard Ominayak, Lubicon Lake Indian Nation The social fabric of our community has gone to hell. It's a major job for us to try and continue holding together. And the other side knows that. That's why the urgency is there. Adamson The Commission has sent its report to both governments. Commission Co- Chair Father Jacques Johnson says the fact the panel consists of citizens won't weaken its report. Father Jacques Johnson, Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review Co-Chair The power that we have is the power of truth, it's the power of being aware of the facts and coming forward with some practical, feasible recommendations. Adamson Representatives from both the Alberta and Federal Governments were invited to hear the Commission's recommendations but neither came. Andrew Adamson, CKUA News, Edmonton. Carpenter Alberta New Democrat Leader Ray Martin says the Commission's recommendations should be used to form the basis for a settlement of the Lubicon land dispute. Martin says Premier Ralph Klein should now put pressure on the federal government to strike a deal. The Hon. Ray Martin, Leader, Alberta New Democrats I would hope that Ralph Klein would take a look at this report and say, "Well, it's time to get down to business" and start to put some pressure on the federal government. I think he can do that. I think also he could sit down with the Lubicon and see what our responsibilities are for the Province. Carpenter Liberal Native Affairs Critic Nick Taylor also applauded the recommendations. Taylor says that with both the federal and provincial governments facing elections, this is a good time to settle the dispute. * * * * * Attachment #9: Transcript of CBC Newsworld Broadcast (5:25 P.M.) Friday, March 12, 1993 Nancy Wilson, CBC Newsworld: In the last century when treaties were made between Canada and many Native people, the Lubicon of northern Alberta got left out. Today the Lubicon still have no treaty or land claim settlement with the federal government. But oil and gas companies extract resources from what the Lubicons claim as their land and the federal government takes its share in royalties. As others got rich, the Lubicon people watched their hunting economy crumble and alcohol and suicide claim many of their own. Land claim talks with the federal government have gone nowhere. Last year the Alberta New Democrat Party set up what it termed a Commission to review the status of the Lubicon land claim. Today that Commission turned in its report. It recommends that negotiations should resume in public; that the federal and provincial governments should pay $50 million each in compensation to the Lubicons; that oil and gas royalties be placed in a trust immediately; that the question of extinguishing title should be set aside until practical issues are dealt with; and that if a settlement is not underway within 6 months, the whole question should be taken to the United Nations. Jennifer Klimek was co-chair of the group that made those recommendations and she is in Edmonton. Jennifer Klimek, this land claims dispute has been grinding on for decades. How does the committee propose resolving this? Jennifer Klimek, Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review Co-Chair: Well, what we would hope would happen is we could get the parties back to the negotiating table and they could resolve it themselves. Wilson: But what's required -- because you know the history here and it does seem that the talks and negotiations have been stymied -- what's required to bring the parties back to the table? Klimek: Well, it's going to take some good will on both sides and our proposal is how the parties could come together and perhaps facilitate this and hopefully do so. Wilson: What needs to be resolved? You've seen the arguments put forward both by governments and the Lubicon Band. Where do you stand on the various claims? Klimek: You mean the Commission with respect to each of these claims that are put forward, Nancy? Wilson: Yes, basically the Lubicon Band has said "We are entitled to X amount because we believe that our numbers are this". The government has had problems basically with most of the points put forward by the Lubicons. What does the Committee think about this? Klimek: Well, the Committee has come down on the Lubicon side on some of those claims -- the fact that the infrastructure and the money to get their society off and running should be given to them so they can get on with that. The rest, we put forward a proposal as to how that can be resolved between the two parties if they can't come to some agreement. Wilson: Hearing the presentations and knowing what has been argued in the past, is one group in the wrong here? Have governments basically been stone-walling on this? Klimek: Well, from the evidence we heard it seems the government certainly has the upper hand with power and negotiating position, and they've certainly used it in the past. Now our position is we don't want to sit and look back and lay too much blame. We want to move ahead from here. So it's important that the past only be looked to to find a solution as to how they should move forward. Wilson: You have said that if this is not resolved in 6 months, this should go to the U.N. What could the U.N. do that the various parties in this dispute haven't been able to do for years? Klimek: The U.N., through its Human Rights Committee has looked at this issue in the past. They had looked at it -- I'm not sure of the date -- but they were so concerned about it that they asked the Rapporteur, who's a party who looks over these things, to monitor. There has been on-going monitoring. So the hope there was this is a party or a group that already has some knowledge of it and can help facilitate the resolution if the parties cannot do so. Wilson: A lot of the recommendations the Committee has made were also made by Tory Federal Justice Minister Davie Fulton back in 1986. Any reason to believe your report will have more impact than his did some 7 years ago? Klimek: Our report has a few advantages in the fact that it has been made public. His had been shelved and didn't see the light of day for 2 years. Hopefully the situation has progressed to where all parties want to resolve it and there will be some good will to see the settlement come to some resolution. Wilson: Do you have any measure of the common good will or receptiveness that exists within both the federal and provincial governments? Has anyone at the government level said anything about the work that you've been doing? Klimek: No, in fact one of the disappointments was the fact that we have not been able to receive any input from either government. They were repeatedly asked to attend before the Commission so they could explain their side and we could ask them some questions. But they repeatedly declined. Maybe their absence speaks louder than any of their words. Wilson: How would you interpret that? Clearly they weren't willing to cooperate while you were holding your hearings and deliberations. What makes you think they're going to take this report seriously now? Klimek: I'm not sure they will. It will depend on what they want to do and how serious they are about settling this. Hopefully the fact that... (lost cable connection)... * * * * * Attachment #10: Transcript of CBC National Radio News Broadcast (5:30 P.M.) Friday, March 12, 1993 Krysia Jarmicka, CBC News An independent Commission released its report today on the long-standing Alberta Lubicon land claim. The Commission was the brain-child of Alberta New Democrat Leader Ray Martin. The Commission held hearings in Edmonton, Peace River and Little Buffalo, the home of the Lubicons. Lydia Neufeld reports. Lydia Neufeld, CBC News Father Johnson, the head of the Commission, says he's hopeful this report will make a difference to the Lubicon land claim issue, despite the fact the Alberta Conservative Government boycotted the Commission hearings. Father Jacques Johnson, Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review Co-Chair The power that we have is the power of truth, it's the power of being aware of the facts and coming forward with some practical, feasible recommendations. Neufeld Included in those recommendations: that the Federal Minister of Indian Affairs or the Prime Minister lead the negotiations and at the Provincial level, that it's the Premier or Minister responsible for Native Affairs who is involved; that negotiations be made in public; that the compensation requested by the Lubicons be paid -- the Band has asked for $50 million from each government; and that if a settlement isn't reached within six months the dispute be referred to a third party. Johnson made the point that although the Committee was initiated by the Alberta New Democrats, the Party played no role in the Commission's hearings and contributed no money. He says it's ultimately people, not politicians, who will make the difference. Johnson ...and perhaps if our voices are joined together to say that the status quo is unacceptable, I think we can all make a difference. Neufeld Johnson points to the Inuit of Davis Inlet as an example of how public pressure can move government into action. Now that the report has been made public, Johnson says it's up to the Federal and Provincial Governments to decide where it goes from here. Lydia Neufeld, CBC News, Edmonton. * * * * * Attachment #11: Transcript of CFRN Television News Broadcast (6:00 P.M.) Friday, March 12, 1993 Daphne Kuehn, CFRN TV An independent Commission set up to review the stalled Lubicon land claim negotiations has set a 6 month deadline for the provincial and federal governments to get back to the bargaining table. The Commission's report was unveiled in Edmonton this morning. Jennifer Klimek, Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review Co-Chair One finding is that the parties are not in an equal bargaining position. The governments have had the upper hand and have used it to their advantage. Kuehn Both levels of government were invited to receive the report but neither was represented. Lubicon Chief Bernard Ominayak is worried the government might not be taking this report seriously. Chief Bernard Ominayak, Lubicon Lake Indian Nation The federal government has been appointing all kinds of citizens commissions, commissions for this, commissions for that. I think it's time that we start dealing with the recommendations or findings of citizens commissions. Kuehn The Commission says the Lubicon claim must be handled immediately because the existence of that society is threatened by the on-going struggle. * * * * * Attachment #12: Transcript of CBC Television Broadcast (6:00 P.M.) Friday, March 12, 1993 Bob Chelmick, CBC News Alberta's Lubicon Indians have been trying to negotiate a land claim settlement with the federal government for decades. To-date, no success. So today a citizens' commission released the results of a studying looking into why the two sides just can't agree. But as Kevin Tibbles reports, one side in the dispute failed to show up to listen. Kevin Tibbles, CBC News The Lubicon Band lives on some of the richest oil country in Alberta. Over the years some $6 billion in oil revenue has come from here, $1 billion in oil royalties has been paid to the Alberta Government. But because the Lubicons' land claim with the federal government has not been settled, none of that money has gone to them. Father Jacques Johnson, Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review Co-Chair The power that we have is the power of truth. Tibbles For the past year a citizens' committee in Alberta has studied the gridlock between the Lubicons and the government. Today it released its recommendations. But while the Chief of the Lubicons was present, representatives from both the federal and provincial levels were not. Johnson The government unwillingness to participate is something that we deeply regret. Tibbles In fact, neither level of government agreed to have anything to do with the Commission, something that disturbs one of its members, Sandy Day, a businesswoman from High River, Alberta. Sandy Day, Commission Member ...As a Canadian citizen, that we couldn't have answers was disappointing. Our politicians are elected by the public. I'm an ordinary citizen. Surely I should have access to ask questions that I have. Tibbles The Commission report makes 12 recommendations, one of which calls for the immediate payment of $100 million to the Lubicon Band. The Hon. E. Davie Fulton, Former Federal Justice Minister For the value of the resources that have been taken, $100 million is little compensation. And certainly compared to the enormity of the suffering that's been going on with increasing intensity for over 50 years when a promise was made, it's not a large sum. Tibbles Lubicon Chief Bernard Ominayak has negotiated with governments for over 10 years. He says there have been no serious negotiations now for quite some time. Chief Bernard Ominayak, Lubicon Lake Indian Nation The objective of the governments to this point in time seems to be to try and delay and delay, and hopefully they won't have to deal with us in the end because we will have all died off or given up. Tibbles In the past the Lubicons have blocked highways and denied oil companies access to their land to push for a settlement. Today Ominayak said it may have to come to that again. Neither the Federal Minister of Indian Affairs Tom Siddon nor his Alberta counterpart would comment on this document, nor was there any comment as to why the federal and provincial governments refused to take part in the study. Now the Commission says it will travel to Ottawa sometime next week to try and convince someone in government to read it. Kevin Tibbles, CBC News, Edmonton. * * * * * Attachment #13: Transcript of CP Broadcast March 12, 1993 By Penny Caster Edmonton (CP) Cutting off the flow of oil and gas royalties from operations on land claimed by Alberta's Lubicon Indians might be the nudge government needs to resolve the Band's long-running land claim, says a report issued Friday. An independent commission has recommended all royalties be held in trust, starting immediately. "This is to develop an incentive to conclude negotiations quickly," said Jennifer Klimek, co-chairman of the commission, which has reviewed stalled land claim talks between the Lubicon Band and the federal and provincial governments. Composed of native, church, environmental and business leaders, the commission was set up last May by Alberta NDP Leader Ray Martin, following a request by the Lubicon. "The Lubicon as a society have very little time left," said Klimek, referring to conditions at the Lubicon settlement of Little Buffalo, 500 kilometres northwest of Edmonton. Rev. Stan McKay, moderator of the United Church of Canada, recently described those as similar to conditions in the Third World. The government has shown it can move quickly by its reaction to conditions at Davis Inlet, said Father Jacques Johnson, commission co- chairman. Problems in the tiny Innu community in Labrador came to a head in January, when six children there attempted suicide by sniffing gas fumes. The government has committed to relocate that community and sent the six with their parents to a residential treatment centre near Edmonton. Klimek said the commission endorses the Lubicon Band's $100 million compensation claim, recommending it be equally shared by both levels of government. The report also said that if an agreement between the Band and governments cannot be reached in six months, the dispute should be referred to a third party such as the United Nations Human Rights Committee. The Lubicon Band has a long history of conflict with Ottawa dating back to 1899, when it was excluded from Treaty 8. In the late 1970s, oil companies began operations in the disputed area, disrupting the traditional lifestyle. While the Band has become increasingly dependent on welfare, the companies have extracted resources estimated by the Band to be worth $7.5 billion. Talks between the Lubicon and government have been stalled since September, when Chief Bernard Ominayak last spoke with federal Indian Affairs Minister Tom Siddon. So far, the Lubicon have turned down two federal offers. The Band has been seeking $170 million, including $100 million for lost oil and gas royalties. Ottawa and Alberta have offered $73 million including 247 square kilometres of land which they have valued at $10.5 million. In 1986, Davie Fulton, a former federal justice minister, completed a confidential report for government on the Lubicon land claim. The report has never been made public, but Fulton said last year he was appalled at the way the federal government has handled the claim. Friday, Fulton said he had greater hopes for the commission's report. "I hope it will generate sufficient interest and concern, reaction if you like, that the government will feel compelled to re-enter negotiations." Ominayak warned the Band's patience may not be limitless. "We cannot afford to sit back for too much longer...while they steal all of our resources." * * * * * Attachment #14: The Edmonton Journal, Saturday, March 13, 1993 SETTLE LUBICON CLAIM, REPORT URGES Goal of Ottawa, province seems to be to stall talks, Chief charges Jack Danylchuk and Allen Panzeri Journal Staff Writers The federal and provincial governments are "hiding" from Lubicon land claim talks, Chief Bernard Ominayak said Friday as a citizens' commission urged a settlement of the band's land claim. The report from the NDP-appointed commission also condemned government failure to reach a settlement and urged public negotiations between Ominayak, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Premier Ralph Klein or their ministers. Negotiations broke off last year when Ominayak rejected the government's last offer of $73 million and 95 square miles of land. The Lubicon want $170 million, including $100 million for lost oil and gas royalties. Ominayak also slammed Mike Cardinal, Alberta's minister for native affairs, for supporting the Alberta-Pacific pulp mill development. Cardinal, the first native ever appointed to the Alberta cabinet, could play a larger role in negotiations, but "for native people to be involved in clear-cut logging we're basically helping the other side kill us." The chief told a press conference attended by 60 supporters and media that the band has made "great efforts" to settle its 50-year-old claim, "but when you have people hiding behind the scenes and creating false impressions you don't get any results." Comprised of clergymen, environmentalists, businessmen and lawyers, the commission has been ignored by the federal and provincial governments since it began holding hearings last May. Co-chaired by Oblate priest Jacques Johnson an Jennifer Klimek, an Edmonton lawyer, the commission also recommended that oil and gas royalties from land claimed by the Lubicon be held in trust until a settlement is reached. If a deal is not reached in six months, the dispute should be referred to a third party -- possibly the United Nations Human Rights committee -- for resolution, the commission recommended. Ominayak praised the report and urged the governments to act on its recommendations "instead of spending more dollars on lawyers and PR firms to try and discredit and defeat us." "The objective seems to be delay and hopefully they won't have to deal with us because we will all have died off," said Ominayak. Spokesmen for Cardinal and federal Indian Affairs Minister Tom Siddon said they would not comment until they have time to study the report. Failure to reach a settlement was also condemned this week by the head of the United Church, Rev. Stan McKay. "The situation of the Lubicon people cannot be tolerated," he said in a prepared statement. "The whole history of justice denied should not be one that we have as part of Canadian history." McKay visited Little Buffalo earlier this year and found "the suffering of the Lubicon people very real. Their lives are unravelling." But McKay doubts that the report will move the governments. "They have no intention of moving forward towards a just settlement," said McKay. Public pressure is needed, "and that is the challenge for the church," he said. McKay will likely be joined by the Canadian Council of Churches which plans to make a statement on the commission report on Monday. New Democrat Leader Ray Martin said he started the commission of review because he felt an obligation to kick-start negotiations. He was pleased with the report, and encouraged Klein to put pressure on the federal government to reach a settlement. "They've come up with some very good proposals, and it should be the basis for both federal and provincial governments to getting down and stopping this embarrassment." Who would pay the Lubicons might be a problem, since the report suggests the province absorb the federal government's $50-million share and foot the entire $100-million bill. But Martin said that can be resolved through negotiations. He said the Lubicon case is a worldwide embarrassment that both Klein and Mulroney should end. * * * * * Attachment #15: March 17, 1993, Ottawa Citizen DELAYING LAND CLAIMS DEAL KILLING LUBICONS, MP CLAIMS By Jack Aubry Citizen native affairs reporter Canadian governments are slowly "murdering" the Lubicon Cree of Alberta by failing to settle the band's 50-year-old land claim, a New Democrat charged Tuesday. Edmonton East MP Ross Harvey said the Lubicon are being annihilated by oppressive living conditions while they are continually frustrated by the failure of federal and provincial governments to settle the claim. "This is surely murder. It has got to stop in the name of decency," Harvey told a press conference on Parliament Hill. Officials from the Action Canada Network, the National Association of Japanese Canadians, the Aboriginal Rights Coalition and Friends of the Lubicon were launching a campaign to lobby MPs for support of Lubicon land rights and to pressure the government to settle the claim. The push comes after the release last week of a report by a citizens' commission urging a settlement of the Lubicon claim. The commission, set up by Alberta New Democrats, condemned government failure to reach a settlement and urged public negotiations between Lubicon Chief Bernard Ominayak, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Premier Ralph Klein or their ministers. Liberal MP Ethel Blondin said the political will does not exist within the federal government. While she said the report's recommendation to appoint mediators was "cumbersome", Blondin supports the recommendation to immediately put royalties from the disputed land in a trust fund. Negotiations broke off in 1992 when the Lubicon rejected the government offer of $73 million and 95 square miles of land. The band wants $170 million, including $100 million for lost oil and gas royalties.