"Chief Negotiator Allen MacNaughton requests to step down"

By Erin Tully, SIX NATIONS

The Six Nations' Chief Negotiator Allen MacNaughton, Mohawk Chief, asked his peers at Confederacy Council to release him of his role in negotiations. MacNaughton gave a number of reasons why he wants to step away from the main table including becoming disheartened by the whole process.

MacNaughton has been the lead Chief Negotiator for close to 3 years and he said that he feels he's been doing nothing more than wasting time trying to negotiate.

"They (the federal and provincial governments) are biding time, that's their strategy," said MacNaughton. "I don't see the need to be at the table, the job you (HCCC) gave me isn't to waste time."

MacNaughton said that the federal and provincial government didn't seriously consider the Haudenosaunee response to the $26 million offer posed by the Canadian government.

"I don't see that they are flexible at all. To me they didn't seriously consider our proposal," said MacNaughton. "If they

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owed this to a corporation of their own people they wouldn't be stalling like this."

The Mohawk Chief was also worried about the ramifications of having what he thought others may perceive as a leadership role within the HCCC.

"We are all equal, no man is higher than the other but if I speak for us for so long it appears that way," said MacNaughton.

Allen MacNaughton stated that he felt his time at the table had run it's course and said, "I would recommend to Council that you replace me."

MacNaughton also reported to the HCCC that he was exhausted from trying to explore other areas of negotiations which were opposed by the other side of the table. MacNaughton said that he suggested that a mediator be present at negotiations to further the process along.

"We talked about the possibility of a mediator, the Provincial Crown at first said that it was a good idea," said MacNaughton. "They reneged on it after talking to the Federal Crown.

Doering (Ron Doering, federal negotiator) was opposed to mediation but open to adjudication."

Leroy Hill, Six Nations negotiator and Cayuga sub-Chief, reiterated MacNaughton's thoughts and said that he wasn't sure if there was a point in continuing negotiations.

"We need some direction because they want us to give up any further rights to the land (referring to the offer made by the Crown concerning the Welland Canal land), if that's not acceptable than there's not much point to talking to them any further on the issues," said Hill. "I feel that the direction we want to go needs to be looked at and Canada is coming in (to the table) and is given their marching orders and there's no flexibility."

Butch Thomas, Seneca sub-Chief, said that he felt that Canada should consider switching their lead negotiator, Ron Doering.

"Right now I think we should make an effort to switch the seat that Ron Doering occupies. His ideas and thoughts are pretty stale," said Thomas. "They've been through many provincial negotiators, I think it's time for the feds to do some changing up. He (Doering) has a strong belief that he's not budging on."

Arnie General, Onondaga Chief also said he shared the thoughts of other Chiefs and felt that the Canadian government was purposely stalling.

"They're stalling and they're violating their own constitution of law that says before they stick a shovel in the ground they should consult with us," said General. "I don't believe a word they say because there's no justice for us."

While the Chiefs considered MacNaughton's request, Sam General thanked MacNaughton for the work he has done on behalf of the HCCC and the community.

The Council decided to further discuss the request made by MacNaughton at a later date. It may be brought up at a joint Council meeting on the 22nd of this month.