Ottawa uses animosity towards Natives to cut Metis/Indian programs

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High Level Friendship Centre director Howard Walker says he isn't taken in by federal government plans to keep Natives from getting ahead in the world and insists other northern Alberta Natives aren't either.

But Walker says politicians have done a good job of fooling mainstream voters about Native rights.

When Natives start to do well for themselves, he says, the government is always there to stop them dead in their tracks.

"The federal government thinks they were messing with some small time outfit when they made treaty deals with us. What they were really doing was making contracts with nations," he says.

"Now they want us to act like little brown white men."

Since the treaties were negotiated, the government has lead Canadian society to believe Natives are getting a free ride through life, Walker says. "So when they take something from Indians, they say it's to save taxpayers money.

"It's a farce. They use our resources -- our oil, gas, and timber -- and give so little in return. It's the white community that benefits."

Walker points to recent cutbacks aimed at Native friendship centers across Canada and the aboriginal communications program as a strong signal there is a federal government campaign to keep Natives in line.

"Whenever Natives get a united voice -- or get too rowdy -- or make good for themselves, the federal government is always ready to do something," he says. "They'll feed us but they won't let us get fat.

High Level, one of the largest centers of diverse Native culture in the province , is a prime example of how Natives benefit so little from government programs designed to give them a better handle on survival, Walker says.

"There's nothing here for them. And they (the federal government ) want to downsize Indian affairs even more. How can Natives compete with the outside world like that?" he asks.

"There is already a feeling around here (High Level) Natives are lazy and don't want to work."

Walker, who is originally from the James Smith Band in Saskatchewan, has been at the High Level Native Friendship Centre since it opened its doors in 1987.

The center plays host to Metis, Dene Tha', Cree and Beaver Indians living in northwest Alberta