CORNER BROOK, N.L. - Several premiers and native leaders used the opening day of the national aboriginal women's summit to air their grievances with the federal government in its handling of native issues.
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams called on Ottawa to revive the Kelowna Accord, saying natives lost some hope after Ottawa shelved the $5-billion accord.
"The first ministers' meeting in Kelowna brought with it great hope for aboriginal communities. It is unfortunate that this hope has not been fully realized," Williams said Thursday.
"I once again would call upon the federal government to fulfil the commitments made at the historic meeting in Kelowna."
The agreement was signed under the previous federal Liberal government and sought to improve education, employment and living conditions of aboriginals over a 10-year period.
The Conservative government says it is committed to meeting its targets, but did not support a private member's bill backed by the Liberals, the Bloc Quebecois and the NDP and isn't obliged to support it financially.
Mary Simon, president of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, bemoaned Ottawa's lack of support of a United Nations rights declaration.
"I will not waver in demanding that the government of Canada support the declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples as reported to the United Nations Assembly by the human rights council," she said.
Federal Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice has said the declaration is unconstitutional, could prevent military activities on aboriginal land and could harm existing land deals.
