MITCHIKINABIKOK INIK

ALGONQUINS OF BARRIERE LAKE

LES ALGONQUINS DU LAC BARRIÈRE

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BARRIERE LAKE REJECTS MINISTER STRAHL’S ATTEMPT TO ABOLISH CUSTOMS

Kitiganik, October 30, 2009 – In an opportunistic move, Minister of Indian Affairs Chuck Strahl has imposed the
Indian Act elections provisions on the Algonquins of Barriere Lake in attempt to eliminate their Customary
Governance system. Barriere Lake Elders reject his modern-day attempts at assimilation and genocide.

Chief Ratt believes that the imposition of article 74 is pulling the rug out from under his People as it jeopardizes
their progress, undermines their efforts, and violates the rights of the Algonquins of Barriere Lake. Discussions
regarding housing, electrification of reserve, and addition to reserve were on-going with the Department but will
now likely be suspended. Minister Strahl refers to the Algonquins as lacking the will and tools to resolve the issues
facing the First Nation. «Obviously, that statement is a slap in the face and demonstrates a level of ignorance to
the capabilities of our People» says Chief Ratt.

Minister Strahl ignores the progress that the community has been making to restore a sense of stability especially
in regards to responsible government. Back in 2006, the Department also imposed the highest level of
intervention by appointing a third-party manager. «We have very little say on our financial resources. However,
we were nearing the completion of a co-management plan to reduce that level intervention to sole-management.
We wanted to train our People so that we could take over our Administration; to become self-sufficient. As it is
now, third-party managers take as much as 10 percent out of every project or program within our budget. That
amount adds up and takes away from the community» explains Chief Ratt «We cannot live that way forever and
were making changes to becoming self-sufficient »

The third-world conditions of the Algonquins was exacerbated by outside individuals who interfered with the
economic well-being and who have directed funds designed to help the community, directly into the coffers of
professionals and consultants. With the guidance of Elders, Chief Ratt explains that a new generation has taken a
commitment that refuses to allow the “status quo” to bind their People to the substandard living conditions that
plagued them for years.

The Mitchikinabikok Inik and our Elders vow to take aggressive action and all measures to protect their rights for
the present and future generations. Chief Ratt has advised the Department not to use the situation facing his
People as an opportunity to do away with their Customary Governance. «Our recognition is derived from our
People; not the Department of Indian Affairs. We will not surrender our rights or compromise our Customs; not
now, not ever. »

Members of the First Nation believe that the Minister’s decision is the result of pressure from outsiders that have
been pressuring the Department to recognize and reinstate former Chief Jean Maurice Matchewan who was
removed from Council by the People back in January 2008. Mr. Matchewan along with his advisory team of David
Nahwegahbow and Russel Diabo have refused to accept that decision and have gathered a network of
organizations, university students and other activists to help protest the People’s decision. «These outsiders are
misinformed and are blind to the injustices that we have faced. They are doing more harm than good. We are real
people with real struggles. Do not play with our futures» says Chief Ratt.
For more information: Christal Ratt cell: 819-860-8129