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Two provinces are taking steps this year to build changes into their court systems that will better accommodate first nations needs and concerns.

Consultations are underway in Manitoba between the province and Metis and Native communities to develop a model for a three-year pilot project.

Under the proposed system, councils of Elders and Metis senators would advise judges on cases involving Native people. Native judges and para-legal workers would also be able to accept guilty pleas and impose sentences for lesser crimes for non-jury

Page 2

Two provinces are taking steps this year to build changes into their court systems that will better accommodate first nations needs and concerns.

Consultations are underway in Manitoba between the province and Metis and Native communities to develop a model for a three-year pilot project.

Under the proposed system, councils of Elders and Metis senators would advise judges on cases involving Native people. Native judges and para-legal workers would also be able to accept guilty pleas and impose sentences for lesser crimes for non-jury

Page 2

Two provinces are taking steps this year to build changes into their court systems that will better accommodate first nations needs and concerns.

Consultations are underway in Manitoba between the province and Metis and Native communities to develop a model for a three-year pilot project.

Under the proposed system, councils of Elders and Metis senators would advise judges on cases involving Native people. Native judges and para-legal workers would also be able to accept guilty pleas and impose sentences for lesser crimes for non-jury

Page 2

The chief of the cash-strapped Roseau River band in southern Manitoba won't say when a proposed casino on his reserve will open but promises it will go ahead despite stiff provincial opposition.

"We are fighting a battle like Custer going into Wounded Knee. But we are going to win this one," Lawrence Henry said.

"We could become self-sufficient. Not just from the gaming but from investments as well."

Page 2

The chief of the cash-strapped Roseau River band in southern Manitoba won't say when a proposed casino on his reserve will open but promises it will go ahead despite stiff provincial opposition.

"We are fighting a battle like Custer going into Wounded Knee. But we are going to win this one," Lawrence Henry said.

"We could become self-sufficient. Not just from the gaming but from investments as well."

Page 2

The chief of the cash-strapped Roseau River band in southern Manitoba won't say when a proposed casino on his reserve will open but promises it will go ahead despite stiff provincial opposition.

"We are fighting a battle like Custer going into Wounded Knee. But we are going to win this one," Lawrence Henry said.

"We could become self-sufficient. Not just from the gaming but from investments as well."

Page 2

The chief of the cash-strapped Roseau River band in southern Manitoba won't say when a proposed casino on his reserve will open but promises it will go ahead despite stiff provincial opposition.

"We are fighting a battle like Custer going into Wounded Knee. But we are going to win this one," Lawrence Henry said.

"We could become self-sufficient. Not just from the gaming but from investments as well."

Page 2

Native communities should have the right to collect taxes without affecting existing funding arrangements with Ottawa and the province, a federal report obtained by an Ottawa newspaper says.

"The power tax, represents a key instrument of self-government," says a Finance Department working paper obtained by the Ottawa Citizen.

Page 2

Native communities should have the right to collect taxes without affecting existing funding arrangements with Ottawa and the province, a federal report obtained by an Ottawa newspaper says.

"The power tax, represents a key instrument of self-government," says a Finance Department working paper obtained by the Ottawa Citizen.

Page 2

Native communities should have the right to collect taxes without affecting existing funding arrangements with Ottawa and the province, a federal report obtained by an Ottawa newspaper says.

"The power tax, represents a key instrument of self-government," says a Finance Department working paper obtained by the Ottawa Citizen.