Indigenous Groups Rally Around Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond
Another Dr. Amie Wolf perhaps.
It's unfortunate but I do know one of the Elders who has spoken as a witness to what happened in Norway House and I fully trust his opinion.
There are many people who are doing great work as allies to represent and advance the rights and redresseses owed to First Nations. I understand that recognition for that work has more importance when it s done by one of your own community. I also recognize that Canada likes to have its own collection of Indigenous medalists (these often do not necessarily align with what is important on a community level).
I heard one media commentater say that suddenly it is cool to be Indigenous.
In her statement on Friday, Turpel-Lafond said that "although I often work in the fields of Indigenous justice and child welfare, I have never been awarded a position on an affirmative action basis.... I have been clear in my work that I do not speak for any First Nation as I am a private citizen, not an elected Chief or leader."
Hard to know what to make of the story except that she has done good advocacy work. It seems that if her resume included her disputed heritage it would definitely have been a factor in jobs and promotions in aboriginal affairs positions..