The Canadian Press
Ottawa (Dec 6, 2006)
Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice was booed and jeered yesterday as he tried to speak to about 400 native protesters on Parliament Hill.
Organizers of the rally -- held as chiefs from across Canada began a three-day meeting in the capital -- say anger over perceived Conservative backtracking on First Nations rights has reached the boiling point.
Over shouts of "Liar!" and "Shame!" Prentice, above, used a bullhorn to try to explain that his department is not responsible for cutting $160 million meant to preserve native languages.
That cash was recently eliminated by Canadian Heritage and replaced with $5 million a year for seven years.
The Tories say they'll use the money to craft more effective programs to keep about 50 fading languages from dying.
But Prentice was almost drowned out by catcalls as he insisted that the Conservatives have earmarked more money for native issues than previous regimes.
"Our people are frustrated and angry," said Assembly of First Nations national chief Phil Fontaine.
"And they have a right to be.
"We feel betrayed and we simply can't be silent about this betrayal."
