Conference looks at taxation foundation

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IAA may form law

Delegates attending the first Alberta Indian conference on Taxation and Economic Development Issues were told that, "without taxation and revenue self-government is a dream."

In his opening address conference co-ordinator Bob Reiter stated, "It's economics that will bring it (self-government) into reality."

The two day Dec. 2 and 3 conference held in Edmonton looked at ways taxation can be used to promote economic self-sufficiency and the realization of self-government for Alberta Indian bands.

More than 200 delegates attended the conference sponsored by the Indian Association of Alberta, the Blackfoot band and the Department of Indian Affairs. The conference consisted of workshops and presentations.

The president of the IAA, Gregg Smith told delegates during his opening remarks that he hoped there would be discussion on tax exemptions that Indian bands may or may not be taking advantage of.

"Tax exemptions used properly and to their full extent, serve as a catalyst for economic development," stated Reiter.

"The exemptions provide competitive edges to reserve economy and bring reserve economies into the mainstream of Canadian economy," he said.

He told delegates the conference will also provide practical information on how to limit Canadian tax liability with respect to income tax, federal sales tax, and provincial sales tax.

In addition, conference members looked at special tax rights given to Indian people under Section 87 and 83 of the Indian Act.

A broader purpose of the conference was to rally Alberta Indian band support for the establishment of the Alberta Indian Law Foundation.

If formed the foundation would be a non-profit, non-political organization which would serve as the legal voice for Alberta Indians.

The foundation would research, educate and act as an advocate on issues such as economic development, Indian law issues, land law, and band bylaws.

Smith says it is important to have a body such as the foundation as it would provide a forum for any legal issues concerning Alberta Indians.

"We would like to catalogue all existing case law in this province relating to Indians and have the Alberta Indian Law Foundation (to) do work dealing with those cases," he stated.

Smith also told delegates that although invited, the minister of Indian Affairs would not be attending the conference.

"It continues to be unfortunate that the minister continues to refuse invitations to such conferences that deal with Indian issues which he's supposed to be responsible for," he stated.

Windspeaker will provide further coverage of the conference in next week's issue.