MAA, IAA unit on key issues

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The Indian Association of Alberta (IAA) and the Metis Association of Alberta (MAA) have announced a united effort to ensure that Alberta's wildlife management and environmental protection rights are recognized by the Alberta government.

In a news release, the two groups state that the "management and environmental protection rights and capabilities of the Aboriginal people have been ignored in favour of the provincial government's single-minded pursuit of economic development."

It also states that not only have the people been affected socially and economically, but the entire cultural and social survival of Alberta's Natives has been placed in even greater jeopardy.

The release calls for an immediate moratorium on the proclamation of the new proposed Wildlife Act. It also insists that a moratorium be placed on the proposed policy and regulations regarding grazing leases.

Indian and Metis representatives are also demanding that an Aboriginal consultative process work in conjunction with the Department of Forests, Lands and Wildlife.

Leaders of the release included Lubicon Lake Chief Bernard Ominiyak; IAA President Greg Smith; IAA Zone 8 Vice-President Lawrence Courtorielle; and Sam Sinclair, president of the Metis Association of Alberta.

A precedent was set earlier in the day when Sinclair was invited into the All Chiefs Conference so that he could speak to the IAA leaders.

The release comes as a result of government intentions to adopt new regulations and policies in areas regarding wildlife conservation and the selling of Crown grazing lands - an important forage ground for northern Alberta's animal population.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Lou Desmarais at the Indian Association (452) 4330) or Lorraine Sinclair at the Metis Association of Alberta

(433-8711).