Prentice Needs a Constitutional Refresher

It had appeared, over the past two weeks, that the Federal Government was reluctantly recognizing the singular role it must play in ending the Caledonian standoff. It is thus with great disapointment that I find it returning to its initial imbecilica:
Deirdre McCracken, a spokesperson for Minister of Indian Affairs Jim Prentice, said yesterday the blockade "has nothing to do with the federal government."

Section 91 of the BNA Act, 1867:

...it is hereby declared that (notwithstanding anything in this Act) the exclusive Legislative Authority of the Parliament of Canada extends to all Matters coming within the Classes of Subjects next hereinafter enumerated; that is to say:

(24) Indians, and the lands reserved for the Indians.

But Jim Prentice is prepared for this criticism. McCracken continues:
"This isn't a lands-claim matter. The actual root of the problem is not a land claim."

That assertion took me by surprise, and I imagine it would have suprised the Six Nations protestors as well.

Ask spokeswoman Janie Jamieson why she is there:

"It is our territory," said Jamieson. "Just because it has passed title illegally throughout the years doesn't mean that it isn't ours."

That sounds like a land claim to me. But lending a moment's attention to those that have suspended their lives and abandoned all comfort for over a month is something that Jim Prentice is not willing to do. Fortunately, he doesn't have to. He doesn't even need to leave his office. He needs only ask any Indian Affairs bureaucrat why the Caledonian issue has arisen. They will tell him that the development is part of a land claims suit filed in 1995 - one that has yet met no resolution.

The Federal Government's role in this exercise is simply not open to debate.