an issue that creates some divisions within the First Nations. Most certainly, the concept of an aboriginal right of self-government generates high levels of hostility among some segments of Canada's non aboriginal population, and pressures from these population segments on the government of Canada impinges on the ability of the First Nations to influence policy development and implementation by the government of Canada.
The failure of the Charlotte Accord at the polls nearly destroyed the influence of the Assembly of First Nations along with the influence of that organization's leader, National Chief Ovide Mercredi. The first ministers were not able to deliver the non aboriginal vote in favor of the Accord; however, neither was Mercredi able to deliver the aboriginal vote in favor of the Accord. The vote against the Charlotte Accord on band reserves approximated 60 percent, while the Inuit constituencies approved the accord..
"The outcome of the Indian vote probably disguises the full extent of Indian distrust for the whole process. Many band governments simply would not allow polling stations to be set up in their communities. This decision reflects a strong current of opinion among many First Nations people that their participation in the vote, no matter which side of the question they took, would be inconsistent with the distinct constitutional status of Indian societies in Canada."
The distance in understanding between the aboriginal national leadership and the separate groups of aboriginal peoples emphasizes the difficulties faced by aboriginal groups in their attempts to influence policy development and implementation by the government of Canada. The leaders of the Assembly of First Nations presents the organization as "an emerging instrument of Aboriginal government with the full authority to negotiate on behalf of all Indian First Nations." Many aboriginal people in Canada, however, tend to view the Ass...