IAA and AFN Will they kiss and make up?

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The Indian Association of Alberta (IAA) is about to start a closer working relationship with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), however, President Gregg Smith sidesteps the question of reconciliation with the assembly.

"We will be working with the AFN but I see it as a protocol arrangement, not a reconciliation. It (IAA) would prefer to see them join us," he added.

The IAA, made up of Treaty Indian nations of Alberta, officially broke away from the Assembly in September 1985 and formed a new national body, the Prairie Treaty Nations Alliance. However, since its formation, the Alliance has received no federal funding and has only been able to maintain its Ottawa office with donations transferred from supporting bands.

The Alliance was also unable to gain a seat at the First Ministers Conference held in Ottawa in March, whereas the Assembly of First Nations was able to address the ministers on Indian concerns. "But, as it turned out, Georges (Erasmus, National Chief of the AFN) defended the case of the Treaty Indian nations. In fact, his speech could have been taken right out of our position paper," says Smith.

During the three-day annual IAA assembly, held on the Eden Valley reserve June 15, 16 and 17, several speakers urged delegates, chiefs and councillors to reconcile with the Assembly of First Nations.

During the debate on education. Alexander Chief Allan Paul joined with Education Task Force leader Adele Arcand in urging bands to "rejoin the AFN."

A common theme in the three-day debate was unity and the need to work together. In his opening address, Smith pointed out that the Association will be working closely with all Native and Aboriginal groups.

"We do need to work together with all Aboriginal groups," he says. "And during the next year the Association will be liaising with several groups, including the AFN."

Smith points out that Alberta bands split with the AFN primarily over the implementation of Bill C-31 which amended the Indian Act and reinstated many Indian people who had lost status under the old Indian Act.

"They (AFN) supported the implementation of C-31, whereas the Plains Indian nations generally did not."

However, with the inclusion of urban new status board members, the reconciliation process between new status Indians has already begun at the Indian Association and Smith foresees more involvement of new status Indians in the Association.