IAA battles cited in upcoming year

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The Indian Association of Alberta (IAA) has been given strong mandates on several key issues for the upcoming year and President Gregg Smith sees the largest battle being waged against government policies formed to undermine true Indian self-government.

The 44th annual general assembly of the IAA took place at the Eden Valley reserve, one of the two Stoney Tribe reserves, southwest of Calgary June 15, 16 and 17.

In an interview after the final assembly ceremonies a tired but confident Smith says he is optimistic about the upcoming battle.

"We've seen this coming. These discussions have been going on with the government for almost two years. They consult with us, but then totally ignore us. But, if enough pressure is brought to bear, I think we will see changes."

During the next few months Smith pledges to meet with other Aboriginal groups such as the Assembly of First Nations and the Metis Association of Alberta in order to make a concerted united effort against what he describes as the disastrous undermining of Indian treaty and Aboriginal rights by the current government.

"There are a lot of things we can do. There has to be pressure and as long as it is steady pressure ? united pressure, we can change the situation."

During his address to the assembly on the first day, Smith pointed out to delegates that the federal Conservative government had been the worst government in history.

"And I don't just mean over Aboriginal matters. Generally, right across the country, they are unpopular, they are weak."

Smith points out that a federal election is due within the next year or so and that a minority government made up of a coalition of the Liberal and New Democratic parties could be formed.

"We have to lobby all politicians. We have to inform them of the Conservative government which has consistently molded legislation and policy aimed at undermining Aboriginal rights."

Smith expressed concern over the Meech Lake Accord, which he says gives far too much power to the provinces and in many ways precludes the amendment to the constitution which would allow for true self-government.

"We cannot have genuine self-government without that amendment and now that power has gone to the provinces," complained Smith

Smith joins his voice with that of former prime minister Pierre Trudeau in labelling Prime Minister Mulroney as weak and ineffective.

"We saw that in the First Ministers Conference, where Mulroney made plans and when they didn't sail, blamed the whole situation on the provinces. It was his fault. He was to blame," says Smith.

Smith reiterated his statements on the role of the IAA made shortly after his election last year.

"I see the IAA not as a voice in itself but as a lobbyist, as a representative of the bands in Alberta. We will take direction from the bands, not the other way 'round."

Smith, at 36, is the youngest president of the association and is determined to continue the open-style government of the IAA and maintain a close working relationship with the media.

"We want to assist the bands in obtaining self-government ? it has to be a decision of the community. Our position is to help where possible. To help form the basic model."

Smith feels the government still wishes to promote the "Sechelt" model of self-government based on a municipal style of self-determination.

"The choice is the bands'. If they wish to pursue it we will assist. But I think we can do better than this style. But we may have to fight for it."

However, Smith feels his greatest challenge this year will be to fight the devolution and the new power structure of the Department and in particular the three-man steering committee.

"We are in the social envelope and that is why our programs and services are so often cut. We are an easy target. And this is not surprising because the deputy minister is Bruce Rawson, who tried to cut our health agreement when he was deputy minister of Health and Welfare in 1979. If there is any ne person whose policies are deliberately destructive, it is Bruce Rawson," says Smith.

During the final day, a resolution was passed to include a constitution amendment to the IAA's bylaws which would increase the term of the president from two to four years. The resolution will be discussed and voted on at the next annual assembly scheduled to take place in the Treaty 8 area.

A band council resolution by the Fort McMurray band to hold the assembly in the Fort Vermilion area next year was discussed. A decision will be made during a Treaty 8 meeting later this month.

Other resolutions passed during the final day included a resolution regarding Treaty Indian veterans made by Percy Potts and Terry Newborn. The resolution indicated new government policies regarding veterans has come into effect and there was a need for workshops and discussion on the new guidelines.

A resolution on the high drop-out rate of high school students was made in order to carry out a study on why Indian children quit school at a much higher than average rate.

Health Committees of ten tribes have been funded by Medical Services and 35 tribes are precluded from participation. The lack of funding has created many problems on these reserves and the IAA has been directed to lobby for extra funding.

Another resolution on the "Memorandum of Understanding", signed between the federal and provincial governments on Indian issues, was made. The IAA was directed to convey complete displeasure and disagreement with this activity to both levels of government.

A resolution on the care and maintenance of Treaty Indian children was introduced because the federal government is currently in the process of formulating a new child welfare policy. The IAA was directed to demand the Department of Indian Affairs commence immediate consultation with Alberta Indian governments prior to any formulation of a new child welfare policy.