Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler speech

In terms of some of the issues and priorities that we heard from the chiefs during the campaign, as you know there are several issues that they face and deal with every day. But one of the themes that we heard was in terms of the change that they see coming into our lands. The Ring of Fire, and the mining development that is taking place and will be taking place.
At the same time they’re facing very difficult challenges. The prescription drug abuse is an epidemic that is creating a lot of havoc in our communities. That’s a challenge that we have, how do we prepare our communities and especially our youth to be a part of that change that is coming?
We need to help our leadership in the communities to be in position to manage the change. If we don’t, we’ll get swept away. We will not be able to participate in a meaningful way, and to benefit in a meaningful way all that this resource development will create.
The other thing with this prescription drug epidemic, it is creating a lot of pressure on other systems. The child welfare system, the education system, policing services and our health care system. So if we can work with governments and others to begin to alleviate the pressures that this epidemic is creating, I think it will be good for everybody.
The other thing I want to speak to briefly, there is a perception in some circles that this organization, NAN, over the last few years is becoming irrelevant and becoming less of a voice for our communities. That was something we talked about in the campaign, that we want to realign NAN so that it fits our community priorities, and so that it is there to support our leadership and their struggles on the issues that they deal with everyday. I look forward to being part of that renewal process where NAN is once again a strong, effective voice for our people.