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Assembly of First Nations National Chief Matthew Coon Come responded today to the apology by Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Senator David Ahenakew. Ahenakew apologized for racist statements made over the weekend and resigned from all posts he currently holds with the FSIN.

Apology by Senator Dr. David Ahenakew: Quote
"I was clearly out of line as a person who has been regarded as a leader in the community and for that I extend my deepest condolences and apologies to the Jewish community,"… "To the other ethnic groups I have offended, I also apologize and say that I am sorry for causing your hurt. I cannot describe the feelings of regret that I have for making those comments." "To the First Nations people and leadership of Saskatchewan and Canada, I must extend my sincere and deepest apologies for my comments. I have clearly embarrassed our people. I admit my own stubbornness -- my pigheadedness -- and my own personal embarrassment has prevented me from coming forward immediately to do the right thing." End Quote

Ahenakew is not affiliated with the Assembly of First Nations, but AFN National Chief Coon Come stated the apology and resignation are important steps in dealing with this deeply troubling situation. Yesterday, the National Chief had condemned the statements by Ahenakew and called for an apology as “a necessary first step, but only a first step.”

“For our peoples, healing traditionally begins by acknowledging the harm and the hurt you’ve inflicted, apologizing to the people you have offended and taking responsibility for your actions,” said the National Chief. “Now, the real work begins - trying to re-build the relationships that have been damaged, working with the parties to make some kind of restitution for the damage inflicted, and working towards reconciliation if at all possible. This will be much more difficult, but the efforts have to be made.”

Investigations continue to determine if Ahenakew will be charged under the Criminal Code, and there are also moves to strip him of his Order of Canada. The National Chief noted that the proper authorities and mechanisms are in place to deal with these legal and procedural matters.

AFN Vice Chief for Saskatchewan, Perry Bellegarde, noted that he had already introduced a strongly worded motion to remove Ahenakew from all posts at the FSIN had he not resigned this morning.

“We hold strongly to our belief and adoption of zero tolerance for racist attitudes and comments directed at our people and we cannot exempt ourselves or any of our own, regardless of their status or standing among our people, from this same code of conduct,” said Vice Chief Bellegarde.

In his statement today, Ahenakew apologized to the Jewish community and other ethnic communities offended by his remarks and apologized for the shame he brought to all First Nations citizens.

“No individual or organization can accept an apology on behalf of someone else,” said National Chief Coon Come. “I accept the apology he made to me as a First Nations person but I speak only for myself. Members of the Jewish community and other cultural groups in Canada will have to decide if today’s statement is an acceptable start. Whatever their decision, I hope we as First Nations can work with any and all other Canadians to move forward from this setback. I will be in contact with my colleagues in the cultural communities to talk about how we can work to restore and strengthen our relationships and keep the circle strong.”

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.