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In his defense, David Ahenakew said his spontaneous comments were part of a "private conversation" and were not meant for publication.
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OTTAWA (AFP)---Canada's government on Tuesday urged a North American Indian assembly to reconsider its reinstatement of one of its former leaders facing trial for anti-Semitic remarks.
The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) last week invited former chief David Ahenakew back into its senate, saying he had apologized for the comments and deserved a second chance.
"I'm very disappointed with the decision of the FSIN to reinstate Mr. Ahenakew into their senate," Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl told reporters.
"I think it's a very disturbing decision at this time and I urge the FSIN to reconsider the decision," he said, adding that his ministry is reviewing its relationship with the FSIN.
The FSIN represents 72 indigenous peoples in western Canada.
Ahenakew, now 74, was convicted in 2005 of promoting hatred for endorsing Adolf Hitler and telling a reporter in December 2002 that Jews are a "disease" responsible for World War II.
He was fined 1,000 dollars (Canadian, US), but his conviction was overturned on appeal. He now faces a new trial.
Following his conviction, the former national chief of the Assembly of First Nations was stripped of his Order of Canada, the nation's highest honor, and was booted from his FSIN senate job.
In his defense, Ahenakew said his spontaneous comments were part of a "private conversation" and were not meant for publication.
Jewish group B'nai Brith on Monday blasted the FSIN's "error in judgment" and also asked its leadership to reconsider the decision.
