Political unfairness: Economic starvation staves off self-gov't

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The federal government is trying to force Indian people to accept federal terms for Indian self-government by means of economic starvation, according to Gregg Smith, spokesperson for the Prairie Treaty Nations Alliance (PTNA).

"The objective in the eyes of the federal government is not to deal with Indian people fairly," said Smith, who is also the president of the Indian Association of Alberta (IAA).

Smith charged that the federal government has cut back funding for Indian band services. All program areas have been hit with cutbacks and some bands are forced to go into a deficit situation, said Smith.

This activity began years ago when the federal government transferred program administration over to Indian bands, followed by a reduction of program funding, added Smith.

Commenting on the lack of progress regarding Aboriginal self-government, Smith said the reason was because of the "very poor" relationship that the Progressive Conservative federal government under Prime Minister Mulroney had had with Indian people.

"There has been no political will to deal with Indian people justly. The government has not pursued their bilateral relationship with Indians," said Smith, who believes there is a need for community consultation with Indian bands by the federal government on Indian self-government proposals.

He pointed out that under section 91 ? 24 of the Indian Act, the federal government has a fiduciary trust responsibility for Indians and lands set aside for Indians. "But they don't have the authority to delegate authority."

Smith doubts any of the national political parties would deal effectively with Indian people if they were elected as the governing party.

What may help the correct the present situation of Indian people, is for the establishment of an office of a mediator, said Smith. "Someone that is not appointed by the government, but by Indian people. And who would be separate from the federal system."

This person would have the sole authority to deal with the government-Indian relationship, explained Smith.

He conceded that there are Indian bands presently negotiating for Indian self-government. However, he added that self-government submissions are only for the purpose of discussing the development self-government status of the Indian bands involved.

"I think there is something wrong with the self-government unit of Indian Affairs regarding their initiative of self-government proposals. They fall short of what the bands require and focus only on the Sechelt model," said Smith. The Sechelt Indian band in B.C. is the only Indian community that has received government recognition of their self-government status.

Smith supports the idea of Indian bands taking the sovereignty stand.

"We have to stand up and say 'no'! That we will determine our own self-government position," declared Smith. "I would hope that more bands would take the sovereignty position.

Referring to the recent accord signed in June by the prime minister and Canadian premiers. Smith said, "I'd be very pessimistic that any future first ministers conferences, mentioned in the accord, would achieve any type of success on Aboriginal self-government." Although the PTNA does not receive government funding, Smith said another tactic the government is using is to reduce federal funding for all Aboriginal organizations.

The PTNA will continue to work with other Aboriginal organizations on areas of mutual concern, according to Smith. Those areas not specifically related to treaty matters, such as self-government.

The PTNA is at present operating through a band to band communications network, explained Smith. He added that the PTNA is planning to hold a Chief's conference, sometime in the fall, to discuss Indian self-government.

The IAA will continue to pursue lobbying efforts on an international scale, said Smith.