Treatment of the First Nations is one of Canada’s biggest human-rights problems, says the U.S. State Department
Everything from Quebec separation to a high suicide rate to disputes over resources were listed in the department’s latest review of the human rights situation around the world.
“Quebec’s Indians continue to regard the separatist political government with deep misgivings,” says the department.
The State Department also noted the 1995 police killing of an unarmed aboriginal protester at Ipperwash, Ont. Family members of the slain man filed a $7-million wrongful death suit against Ontario government officials and police, but said they will drop the suit if a full public inquiry is held.
Indian Affairs Minister Ron Irwin is also noted as having rejected the recommendations of the landmark Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Ottawa has yet to officially respond to the report.
