Erosion of treaty rights continue

Page 6

EDITORIAL

This week Windspeaker has a special feature section on hunting and trapping. We have tried to touch on most of the issues facing Native hunters and trappers, however, there continues to be many threats to this way of life.

Recently the Alberta government undertook a series of discussions with farmers over the issuing of grazing conservation leases for unoccupied Crown land. Most of this land lies in the south and in the foothill areas.

The Indian Association of Alberta is currently meeting with the minister and is lobbying for at least some input into the discussions. However, currently their pleas are falling on deaf ears as treaty rights continue to be eroded by an uncaring Alberta government.

And another traditional Native occupation is also being threatened. Outfitters and guides are now to be regulated by the Alberta government. A new government policy restricts licenses for new outfitters and guides and makes it just impossible to enter this industry.

Recently we have seen the erosion of education rights for Indian students, now hunting, outfitting and guiding appears to be in jeopardy. Native people are going to require all the leadership and perseverance they can muster to fight these unjust and damaging new regulations.