You Can't Fool All of the People All of the Time.

That's especially true if the subject is climate change and you're Justin Trudeau facing First Nations leaders, hands down the fiercest defenders of Canada's environment against the relentless encroachment of bitumen engorged pipelines.

When Trudeau convened his climate summit, First Nations leaders dutifully answered the summons. They thought they were going to have a seat at the big table with Trudeau and the premiers. Instead they were sent to the kids' table out in the kitchen, safely away from the grownups. Guess what? They're a little pissed off at the perceived snub.

“First Nation people were just asked to come and visit the premiers and Prime Minister,” said Treaty 6 Grand Chief Tony Alexis.

Alexis said First Nations were disappointed to learn they would not have a seat at the table during the Prime Ministers meeting with the premiers. Prime Minister Trudeau had a separate meeting with Indigenous leaders and aboriginal organizations and then a meeting with the premiers and their representatives.

And the message that Trudeau did deliver to First Nations leaders, that we can buy our way out of climate change if we can just get bitumen to foreign shores, didn't go down well either.

Athabasca Chipewyan Chief Allan Adam walked out of the meeting with Trudeau due to its emphasis on economic solutions to the climate problem. According to the statement announcing the meetings discussion would focus on “the opportunity for Canada to become a leader in the global clean growth economy.”

“What Chief Adam is saying is blunt and I share that with him,” said Alexis.

The Assembly of First Nations is advocating full participation in the design and delivery of Canada’s climate change strategy.