Parties have varying views on Native issues

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(Research by Albert Crier)

Although only the Alberta New Democrats have developed a policy paper on Native self-government and land claims, members of two parties have joined it in condemning the Progressive Conservative handling of Alberta's Metis and Indian population.

The Tories have been accused of fumbling and blocking the Native rights "football" since before the framing of the Canadian Constitution, then using the Constitution as a ploy to further confuse the issue. Yet, another than fielding awkward questions about the Lubicon claim and other Native cases, the provincial government has not developed a specific strategy for this "interest group as they have oil companies, farmers and schools.

There are only two specific references to Native in the Tory 1986 Speech from the Throne; one under social services, and the other under education.

"Following the principles of the Child Welfare Act, my government will work with Native communities to transfer to them an increasing responsibility for welfare of Native children. Indian bands and non-profit organizations within Native communities will get involved," said Alberta Lieutenant Governor Helen Hunley, reading the government-prepared speech.

The second reference follows," as a result of discussions with Native parents, communities and associations across Alberta, new directions have been set for improving the education of Native children. The first of a series of learning resource materials about Native people has been published and other similar projects will be competed over the next year. Necessary funds will be provided in the budget to support the initiatives of this new policy for the education of Native children."

The New Democrats have charged the Tories with "obstructing" and "foot dragging" on issues vital to the Native people. "The conservatives have bound traditional Native ways of life up in red tape, and prosecuted Aboriginal people under detailed fishing regulations thereby ignoring essential provisions of existing Aboriginal and treaty rights guaranteed under the Canadian Constitution," says the ND position paper.

"Natives have historically been treated as children" says ND party president Allan Eng. "It doesn't make sense for people to be that restricted."

While the New Democrats recognized the Native claim to self-government, Eng concedes that there will be trouble defining Indians and Metis as "a group of people within the Canadian context." He sees Natives as Aboriginals within Canada, "not a country within a country."

Edmonton-Millwoods Heritage candidate Mike Pawlus says the Tories have done "a lot of talking but nothing else." Natives "should have a fair representation within the provincial government," he continues, "we want you to run your affairs without government interference. You know best what you want.

"The government should listen, analyze and implement without undue delay. A Native minister in government has the political power to fight for your rights," Pawlus added. "Westlock/Sturgeon Liberal candidate and party leader Nick Taylor is opposed to Lougheed on the subject of Native self-government, while Lougheed was against it, Taylor says he is for it.

He believes in sharing the sub-surface resources in the provinces, and charges that the "Aboriginals were cheated - this includes both the Metis and Indians" - due to government use of technicalities.

The Indian treaties in Canada we made between the Natives and the federal government before the provinces existed. "It is unfair to say they have no responsibilities because of that fact. It's a cop-out for the province," says Taylor.

He admits he agrees with the provincial point of view on some issues, such as wildlife. Fish and game cannot be given up for federal agreements because the federal government delegated wildlife to the province, says Taylor. The rights were granted to Natives by the federal government and it is their responsibility to work them out without mposing on the provincial government.

On the provincial Native Affairs office, which has been slammed by several Native organizations as well as the New Democrats, Taylor says it should exist only if the Natives want it. As well, it should be disbanded only if the vast majority agree. "The majority should not be deprived because of a noisy minority," says Taylor.

Meanwhile the Alberta Progressive Conservatives have continue to deny the rights of Natives to self-government as long as that is not entrenched in the constitution.