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First Nations chiefs angry over Harper’s decision to duck out early from ‘historic’ meeting

A Stephen Harper scheduling conflict has angered several First Nations chiefs and has some questioning the government's priorities.

Tuesday's Crown-First Nations Gathering was billed potentially historic by Harper when he announced the event last month.

The meeting is an opportunity for First Nations leaders to voice their concerns and priorities for a changing relationship with Ottawa. But, it appears, Harper will only attend the historic event's opening ceremonies and speeches. He'll then be whisked away to prepare for Wednesday's World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Some chiefs have expressed displeasure over Harper's planned departure during the meeting.

"We are deeply disappointed to hear the prime minister will be ducking out the back door within a couple of hours after this session begins," Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, told APTN National News.

"I think in many ways it reflects his dismissive attitude towards the Aboriginal people in this country."

Saskatchewan's main First Nations organization called on Harper to change his plans and "meet directly with First Nations" leaders.

"According to the draft agenda, there is no opportunity for chiefs or the regional chiefs to speak directly with the prime minister," said Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Vice-Chief Morley Watson.

The country's most prominent First Nations leader, however, downplayed the impact of Harper's absence saying that it wouldn't take away from the event.

"No, I don't think [the prime minister] is going to be there to the end of the day," said Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo, in an interview with APTN National News.

"There are around a dozen cabinet ministers [that will be there] and he's sent a signal to all of government that this is really important and this is led by him."

Nevertheless, Harper's early departure is bad optics.

This, however, may be more of an indictment on Harper's schedulers than Harper himself.

The prime minister announced the First Nations meeting on Dec. 1, 2011. On Jan. 10, 2012, Harper announced his attendance to the World Economic Forum, which runs every year during the last week of January.

No one seems to be questioning the need for Harper to attend the meeting in Davos, especially during the economic tumult that continues in Europe. But, perhaps, the scheduling gurus could have done a better job in planning the date of the First Nations meeting?