The gymnasium of the Alexis school was filled with various representatives from several different countries during March 6-9 2010. Issues of discrimination and funding cuts were discussed. Every representitive was allowed to say a few words before the next was given a chance to speak. With at least 30 different speakers from various cultures, it was almost impossible for such a body to reach anything beyond a very general and broad agreement, although it was never directly stated that any agreement whatsoever was actually reached.
"You'll never see this again in your lifetime" a community member promised with a smile, I could not help but smile back in amusement. I entered the conference and asked for a name tag, "Oh no, you can go in" someone who had to be monitoring visitors said. Unfortunately I couldn't quiet make out most of the conference, but that was beside the point. The main issue that Chief Cameron Alexis put forth was the McGiver case, "Starting April 4th everyone registered after 1987 will be non-treaty, the Federal court ruled in favour of the Provincial court of BC. They agreed that all unnoccupied reserve land will be sold to pay off outstanding debts." it was stated. A Central American representative allegedly made a comment which disrupted the entire issue, although several people present at the time couldn't agree on what exactly the comment was. It was however, everyone agreed, a splendid and momentous occasion. By the end of the conference the UN representatives had pledged to support the community by raising awareness of the issues. Although this reporter is uncertain of which issues those are precisely, the main thing is that they involve discrimination and are going to be addressed by the UN sometime in the near future.
