Wolastoqey chiefs slam Higgs, ready to work with new government should election be called

Leaders of the six Wolastoqey nations in New Brunswick have issued an open letter slamming Premier Blaine Higgs's government for how it has handled its duty to consult and have signaled their readiness to work with a new provincial leader, should a snap election happen this fall.

"We are ready to work with any government that is ready for a consistent, reliable, and Nation-to-Nation relationship founded in good faith," stated the chiefs in the letter, issued Friday.

The letter is signed by Chief Ross Perley of Neqotkuk (Tobique), Chief Patricia Bernard of Matawaskiye (Madawaska), Chief Gabriel Atwin of Bilijk (Kingsclear), Chief Shelley Sabattis of Welamukotuk (Oromocto), Chief Tim Paul of Wotstak (Woodstock) and Chief Allan Polchies of Sitansisk (St. Mary's).

Much of the letter is a critique of the way the provincial Department of Aboriginal Affairs has been "overhauled" in a way that centralizes all interactions with First Nations "through a group that takes its lead from expensive external lawyers and Higgs."

In August, CBC News reported that the department has doubled its spending and staffing since Higgs took power, including millions spent on lawyers from Cox & Palmer and Stewart McKelvey, who advise the government and sit with Higgs and key ministers on a steering committee guiding the province's legal position.

The chiefs say in their letter that relations were becoming positive and productive with bureaucrats across many departments prior to Higgs.

"Now, all discussions with First Nations are funnelled through a group of expensive corporate lawyers who answer only to Premier Blaine Higgs," they said.

"We are not being consulted ... a constitutional requirement and legally protected right. Instead, we are expected to be thankful for getting talked at by bureaucrats whose sole mandate is to check a box, tally the interaction and ensure those numbers get reported up the chain."

CBC News asked for an interview with Aboriginal Affairs Minister Arlene Dunn but she was not available Friday.

In an emailed statement, she said her department identified a need two years ago for further consideration on how the province manages its day-to-day interactions with First Nations.

"Through this process, opportunities for improvement were identified, to do better for First Nations and to ensure the Province is not just responding but is making concrete proactive steps to improving the lives of all members of First Nation communities," she said.

Dunn said a mandate was later developed for a "whole-of-government approach," that would help create a better understanding of First Nations' needs and ensure that the province could deliver on commitments.

Dunn said she and Higgs have both met with First Nations on "many occasions" and have always been open to further meetings and discussions.

"There are many other consultations, negotiations and engagements that are ongoing with First Nations on a daily basis, and I hope to be in a position to announce more successes in the coming weeks and months."