Official avoids questions about education policy

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A federal Indian Affairs official turned a deaf ear on a question concerning a DIAND policy called Circular E-12 at a University of Lethbridge lecture on Native self-government, Oct. 15.

R.J. Van Loon, assistant deputy minister for the DIAND on Native self-government said "Circular E-12 has nothing to do with Native self-government."

Narcisse Blood, Indian Association of Alberta vice-president for Treaty 7 in southern Alberta, asked Van Loon "where is the $97 million allocated for Native education going?"

"In a recent commique by the DIAND, it said $97 million was allocated for Native education this fiscal year," said Blood. "No wonder the taxpayer is getting upset because they think that's a lot of money being spent on Native education."

Blood said that DIAND has repeatedly denied that there has been any cutbacks in Native education but rather an increase.

"Then why are so many Native students complaining to us that they have been cut off education. I would estimate about 10 per cent have been affected," he said.

Circular E-12 are administrative guidelines that the DIAND uses to determine the financial sponsorship of treaty Indians including Indians who recently gained status through Bill C-31. About 46 weeks are allowed for Native students who complete undergraduate degrees.

Blood said many Native students must "doubly adjust in preparing for university or college because many do not have the academic background and need to upgrade their high school education before they start their post-secondary education."

Van Loon pointed out that his mandate is to help Indian bands who want to have self-government. "You're talking to the wrong person about education policy," he said amid groans and heckles from the audience.

Van Loon was invited by the U of L's School of Management as part of the distinguished speakers series. About 75 people, mostly Native, attended the lecture.