Funds may land in Native hands

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Alberta premier Ralph Klein has indicated he's interested in finding ways to transfer funding for urban Indian programs.

But the proposal is already drawing fire from at least one band that wants to extend its governing rights to off-reserve members.

The new premier met with members of the Native Congress of Canada (the new name for the Native Council of Canada's Alberta wing) to discuss transferring $21.3 million in off-reserve service funds to Native hands.

"I'm very pleased. It's an excellent first step," said Congress president Dorris Ronnenberg, following the meeting with Klein and Social Services Minister Mike Cardinal on a proposal to create a framework agreement for funding transfers.

Tom Ghostkeeper, a special assistant to Cardinal, called the meeting an "information sharing" session and said the government plans to consult with other groups.

"The intent of the meeting was an introduction meeting," he said. "Ongoing discussions will occur."

Siksika Nation officials, however, say the move to transfer funds could be stepping on ground already covered by reserve-based plans. Siksika chief Strater Crowfoot said the band plans to provide child welfare and social services to its off-reserve members.

The provincial government has already agreed in principle to extend band authority to its urban members, Crowfoot said in a media release.

"The Siksika Nation wishes to unequivocally declare our continuing contention and effort to serve our members on and off reservation lands," he said. "We are actively engaged in dialogue and various forms of support with our off-reserve members."

Provincial government officials said they are aware of Crowfoot's concerns and will be dealing with them as plans for off-reserve delivery develop.