Blood Tribe Elder coming to the Hat to speak out against upcoming federal government policy

By Medicine Hat News on April 25, 2019.

A Blood Tribe Elder is hosting a talk Saturday at Medicine Hat College about upcoming developments in relations between Indigenous peoples and the federal government.

Ross Cross Child says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is following in his father’s footsteps by attempting to assimilate Indigenous people, as Pierre Elliott Trudeau did with his 1969 White Paper.

The prime minister’s new policy slated for June – the 50th anniversary of the White Paper – would transform Indigenous bands into municipalities, which Cross Child says would “terminate our lands and treaty rights.”

Former Blood Tribe council Sheldon White Feathers will make a presentation, advocating for a referendum on whatever the government ultimately proposes.

Cross Child says the event’s purpose is to inform people who live off reserves – Indigenous and settler alike – about the slated changes and their ramifications.

“Most people that live in the cities and towns do not know about what’s about to happen in June,” he said.

The talk will occur at 3 p.m. in the Crowfoot Room and will include a question-and-answer period after White Feathers’ talk.

Those looking for more information can contact Cross Child at 403-458-7967.

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