Following the cultural hunt organized by Roger Fleury, who designated himself the Chief Pontiac Anishinaabek Fort de Coulonge Kichesipirini, which elicited reactions from the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council, as well as the Executive of the Green Party of Quebec (PVQ), now the leader of the PVQ reacted. Alex Tyrrell, who is currently facing a vote of confidence within the PVQ, reiterates his support for Roger Fleury.
In his statement, Alex Tyrrell does not mention Roger Fleury and the cultural hunt that was organized, but accuses his opponents and the federal government of dividing the First Nations.
In recent days, the rights of Indigenous peoples living off reserve have been the subject of heated debate. For far too long, the federal government has done everything in its power to divide Indigenous peoples in order to pursue their colonial goals. Linked to this debate is the reality that a recent Supreme Court decision declared that the Métis of Canada would now be considered “Indians” in terms of constitutional rights, said Alex Tyrrell.
Alex Tyrrell therefore rejects the position of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council and the communities it represents. He even finds the Council’s position regrettable.
In the context of systemic racism, continued colonial oppression and unresolved land claims, it is unfortunate that many Indigenous communities living on-reserve feel that recognizing the rights of off-reserve Indigenous people will limit their rights and access to resources which are already scarce and which are systematically flouted by federal and provincial governments, says Alex Tyrrell.
Roger Fleury is not a member of any Aboriginal nation, and the Anishinabe community of which he claims to be the leader does not exist, said Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council Grand Chief Verna Polson.
Divergent opinions within the PVQ
The PVQ’s National Executive this week also insisted on denouncing its leader Alex Tyrrell. “The actions of Mr. Fleury and Mr. Tyrrell were taken without consultation with the National Executive and members of the PVQ” said one of the members of the Executive, Vincent J. Carbonneau. Alex Tyrrell also finds the position of the Executive of his party regrettable.
I find it unfortunate that some of my opponents in the Green Party are trying to fuel the conflict between indigenous peoples by launching attacks without having adequate information on which to base their actions. When traditional organizations and parties exploit the current tensions between Indigenous communities, we are only replicating the dynamics of the English and French, and their efforts to exploit the early Iroquois / Mohawk and Huron communities for their own benefit. I expect better from members of the Green Party, says Alex Tyrell.
Note also that Alex Tyrrell confirmed to CHIP 101.9 that he still supports Roger Fleury’s position for the MRC Pontiac to change its name. Roger Fleury affirms that the MRC Pontiac is stealing wood from the community and he demands that the MRC stop sullying the image of this “Great Chief”. Remember that the PVQ is holding a vote of confidence on Alex Tyrell until December 13th.