Canada’s First Nations leaders planning to visit Asia
Posted Jul 21, 2011 02:50:17 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Canada’s First Nations are preparing for several trade missions to Asia as they seek a share of the country’s resource development wealth.
Shawn Atleo, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, says he’ll be leading a delegation to China later this year.
Clement Chartier, president of the Metis National Council, says he will also visit China and Taiwan on behalf of his people.
Word of the trips came after a Council of the Federation meeting between provincial, territorial and First Nations’ leaders Wednesday in Vancouver.
Atleo says his organization made Chinese contacts three weeks ago during a mining and energy summit in Niagara, Ontario.
He says they told him they hoped to work on trade projects with First Nations directly.
Atleo says aboriginals are involved in natural-resource programs worth $300 billion across Canada.
Atleo adds that First Nations do not oppose development, they just don’t support development at all costs.
he meeting of the premiers continues Thursday and Friday.
