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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2002

A former chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Canada's largest inter-tribal organization, apologized on Tuesday for remarks that embraced the Jewish Holocaust.

David Ahenakew resigned his position from all organizations including as a senator to the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. Native leaders throughout the country had called on him to apologize for saying Hitler was right when he "fried" the Jewish people during World War II.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is investigating the remarks, which were made last week at a speech and in an interview with a Saskatchewan paper. Hate crimes charges may be brought, according to news accounts.

Get the Story:
Ahenakew apologizes but may still face criminal charges (CBC 12/18)
Apology welcome but won't stop criminal investigation (The Regina Leader-Post 12/18)
Ahenakew 'sorry for conduct' (The Winnipeg Sun 12/18)
Forgive 'slip of tongue' (The Winnipeg Sun 12/18)
Ahenakew apologizes for anti-Jewish remarks (CTV 12/18)
Native Leader in Canada Apologizes for Hitler Remark (The Washington Post 12/18)

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Apology sought for Hitler remarks (12/17)
First Nations upset with Hitler remark (12/16)