When the shock of that has worn off - when is not predictable, but it
will - then the decision of the Cree will be front and centre: as a
potential flash point, as a reminder of Canada's fiduciary responsibilities
and on the purely human level of two nations apparently being held hostage
in a Quebec they repudiate. There is already serious discussion "of taking
back" the territory granted to Quebec after confederation, which includes
all the lands in question. We have never had a civil war in Canada and
won't now - and the Cree are emphasising their peaceful intentions - but
this will not be a "velvet divorce" like Slovakia and Czech republic..
I wonder how our American friends feel about this level of instability on
their borders? and the potential for parts of Canada falling into US orbit
- which could in the long run destabilize your political picture.
Anyway, that's how it feels right now, folks.
Mary Jane Miller,
Dept. of Film Studies, Dramatic and Visual Arts,
Brock University,
St. Catharines, Ontario,
Canada, L2S 3A1.
Phone (905) 688 5550 ext 3584: Fax: (416) 682 9020; e-mail:
mjmiller@spartan.ac.brocku.ca