‘Monumental shift in thinking’ needed, says national chief Atleo

National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo raised the growing awareness of First Nation realities after visiting Attawapiskat just before Christmas.
“We see with the situation in Attawapiskat a growing awareness within Canada and internationally of the urgent needs in our own backyard, and the importance of working with First Nations to develop long-term solutions to a system that is broken,” Atleo said Dec. 21 after visiting Attawapiskat Dec. 20 along with Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Grand Chief Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell, Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse, Olympian and IndigenACTION ambassador Waneek Horn-Miller and Don Morrison of the Debbie and Don Morrison Family Foundation.
“It is a monumental shift in thinking when we have sixth-graders in a city like Ottawa, reaching out to their peers almost 1,000 kilometers away. We must take this thinking, and the kind donations by many Canadians through the Red Cross and other initiatives to other First Nation communities, and continue to quicken the rate and pace of change for our peoples and all of Canada to realize the true potential of this country.”
Atleo said real reconciliation and real change will not come without action, noting First Nations have built a strong foundation and are ready to move forward to achieve real change for their people and communities.
“We look forward to 2012 and to a meeting between the Crown and First Nations with a specific focus on resetting the relationship and mutually designed approaches and plans,” Atleo said. “Healthy, stable and secure communities are thriving communities. Through respect and meaningful engagement, we take action to move forward on reconciliation and a better tomorrow for all.”