Politics·Video

First Nations chief says Idle No More fuelled by frustration

National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Shawn Atleo says that the relationship between First Nations and the government is reaching a "moment of reckoning."

First Nations frustrations

12 years ago
Duration 16:45
National Chief Shawn Atleo talks about the growing frustration of First Nations peoples over a litany of issues, from treaty rights to the environment.

The leader of Canada’s aboriginal people says that the relationship between First Nations and the government is reaching a "moment of reckoning."

In an interview on Thursday’s Power and Politics, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Shawn Atleo said that the ongoing hunger strike by Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence and the growing Idle No More movement are signs of the frustration and anger over treaty rights and the poor conditions on reserves.

He told CBC’s Evan Solomon that both Canadian and First Nations leaders must work together and move with a greater sense of urgency.