Consultations hears Nuu-chah-nulth concerns

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Representatives of Indian and Northern Affairs arrived in Port Alberni on Oct. 19 to explain the First Nations governance initiative spearheaded by Minister Robert Nault, and to receive input on it from First Nations people.

The initiative is expected to provide First Nations with the tools they need to improve day-to-day operations and strengthen band governments by ensuring transparent, responsive, and financially and politically accountable governance.

Ben David, urban Tla-o-qui-aht member, offered the opening prayer and welcomed participants on behalf of the board of the Port Alberni Friendship Centre. About 30 people attended the session, representing Ahousaht, Huu-ay-aht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Tseshaht, Hesquiaht, Nuchatlaht, and Mowachaht.

Patrick Kelly, facilitator and Indian Affairs director for strategic planning in the B.C. region, said the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council would contribute its ideas on First Nations governance via written submission at a later date.

Nault's position on the consultations and proposed amendments to the Indian Act was presented in a video at the meeting. In it, Nault said the proposed changes would represent "a change in authority from the federal government to the chiefs and councils." It would allow First Nations people to have their problems heard and addressed more efficiently. He added that streamlining the process in this way could promote more stable and economically healthy communities that could begin the journey to self-governance. He warned that changes to the Indian Act would not replace treaties, nor would they be about self-governance such as what First Nations are seeking in treaties. Treaty commissioner Miles Richardson has referred to the changes, as "a robust interim measure.'"

Nault hopes that amendments to the Indian Act would turn over power and authority to manage the internal affairs of the communities from the ministry to the chiefs and council. Kelly said that currently, in the Indian Act, there are 120 references to the power and authority of the ministry, as opposed to only two references for the chiefs and council.

Other possibilities for change in a new governance act could include leadership selection and voting rights; accountability of the chief and council to its membership; and legal recognition of band community governments.

"I have little trust in First Nations leadership," said one man during the open forum. "The people living off reserve have no say at elections, even though our heads are counted on the band lists for money. Those of us living away from home are often excluded from resources and services, and then there's always nepotism."

Hesquiaht member Simon Lucas spoke about the progress Nuu-chah-nulth nations have made over the years in spite of the Indian Act.

"The [Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council] has come from extreme poverty levels to what it is today. [Indian Affairs] policy says we're not to help off reserve people. That is why we're at the treaty table, so that we can help all of our people."

He didn't pass up the opportunity to take a poke at the government's definition of consultation.

"We took part in the Salmon Aquaculture Review and made all sorts of recommendations and that just went out the door. It was supposed to be about a consultative process."

Said David Frank of Ahousaht, "You've governed us for almost 200 years. I think we've come far enough that we can do it ourselves. All we're asking is that you give it back to us."

Tom Smith of Nuchatlaht complained that his nation has run out of room on its small reserve to build needed housing. His nation went through five years of Indian affairs bureaucracy in an effort to expand its reserve only to receive a letter that said 'no'.

On a small but significant issue, Carla Pointe of Hesquiaht suggested that the name of the Indian Act be changed.

"We all know that Columbus made an obvious mistake when he thought we were Indians."