Rt. Hon. Jean Chretien

Prime Minister’s Office

Langevin Block

80 Wellington Street

Ottawa, Ontario

K1A 0A2

May, 1999

Dear Mr. Chretien;

I am writing to express my support for the Caldwell First Nations tribe of the Chatham-Kent area. Whether Native or non-Native, whether a member of the Chatham-Kent community or not, the Caldwell land dispute is a matter that should be a concern to all Canadians.

The community maintains that it has no issue with the Caldwells and that their issue is with the government for carrying out the negotiations secretly. It is clear that their problem lies much deeper than the "secretive" nature of the negotiations. I am shocked and embarrassed by the racism that has been exhibited in this community. Canada is a nation that prides itself on multi-culturalism and respect. How can we claim to promote these values when attitudes like the ones found so prominently in the Chatham-Kent community towards our Indigenous people, are broadcast around the world?

The community is living in fear and ignorance of what the Caldwells are trying to do. They need more information so that they can see that reserve land in their area poses no threat to them.

I would like to congratulate the federal government for honouring their treaty obligations to the Caldwells. I sincerely hope that nothing will stand in the way of this tribe establishing a homeland.

Sincerely,