Premier Philippe Couillard promised both financial and moral support for the aboriginal community in Quebec Wednesday in a meeting with First Nations chiefs that comes on the heels of abuse allegations by Sureté du Quebec officers.

Couillard promised money, but he also appointed Fannie Lafontaine as an independent observer to an investigation into allegations of abuse by Sureté du Quebec officers.

Lafontaine, a law professor at Laval University, holds the chair of international criminal justice and human rights at the University.

In the past she was worked with Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour, who later served as High Commissioner for Human Rights on the United Nations.

“Mme. Lafontaine has a very impressive track record. You will see it in the documents we have circulated,” said Couillard.

Grand Chief Ghislain Picard, the head of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador, said he was disappointed that Lafontaine's position was announced before native leaders had any input, but he is certain she will do a good job.

Lac Simon Chief Salomee McKenzie agreed that the community should have had some input.

“They're the ones who named the lady. But what about our side? We didn't really have a discussion about that,” said McKenzie.

Montreal police are currently investigating allegations of Sureté du Quebec police officers inflicting physical and sexual abuse on native peoples in the region.

Nine officers, one of them deceased, are accused of committing the acts over several decades.

Quebec's Ministry of Public Security first learned of the allegations against several SQ officers in the spring, but an internal investigation by the force did nothing.

It was only when the Radio-Canada program Enquete aired interviews with several women in October describing a litany of abuse that the SQ suspended eight officers -- five of whom had, until that point, been working in Val d'Or.

Minister Lise Theriault, now on sick leave, said that many of the allegations aired in the televised report had never previously been brought to the attention of authorities.

Now Premier Couillard said it is time for people to wait and let police do their work.

"I want to send a call for calm, both for the First Nations but also, first and foremost, to our own community. Everyone is entitled to respect. Everyone is entitled to respect for his or her rights at all times," said Couillard. “It’s only a start, it’s not the end.”

Native chiefs, however, want an independent inquiry into the alleged police misconduct in Quebec, and an open attitude to other possible allegations of abuse.

“This situation could spread right across the region and we have to be open as well to that possibility,” said Grand Chief Picard.

Edith Cloutier, head of Val d'Or's Native Friendship Centre, believes more accusations will be made.

“I'm at the frontline. I see those women every day,” she said.


$6.1 million in funding

At a Wednesday morning meeting with Couillard and Picard, representatives from the provincial cabinet and the AFNQL discussed ways to improve the problems faced by native peoples living in and around Val d'Or.

The government pledged $6.1 million to boost funding for a variety of programs aimed at helping aboriginal women. They include funding for the Chez Willie drop in-centre's mortgage, support for the Val d'Or Native Friendship Centre to hire more staff, and money for the Kinawit project which is described an Aboriginal place of healing.

“Certain projects that were moving forward will now be completed,” said Couillard.

The government is also going to study ways to prevent the abuse of aboriginal people in urban areas.

As a way to restore trust between police officers and natives in Val d'Or, cameras will be added to patrol cars operating in the region.