Transfer plan not enough for bands

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A new federal government policy which transfers authority over Native programs and services to the nation's bands, has been criticized by the Indian Association of Alberta (IAA) as, in fact, retaining government policy, legislative and financial control ? placing it upon a three-man steering committee from Ottawa.

The designated committee has "more power than the minister of Indian Affairs, Bill McKnight," charges IAA official Peter Many Wounds Jr.

Responding to this criticism, DIA Assistant Deputy Minister John Rayner admitted the committee has final decision-making power over Canada's 592 bands. He pointed out that "bands deal mainly with district and regional offices."

"The transfer program must meet certain requirements ... because the taxpayer's money is being used for it. So, it's only fair to meet some standards," Rayner says.

Many Wounds Jr., who did in depth assessment of the policy, feels the "corporate management plan" is not transferring control because it only gives bands administrative powers. Many Wounds indicated the committee retains authority to set policy, allocate finances and decide which programs and services will be transferred to bands.

"The committee makes approvals on their requirements, not the bands and tribal councils of Canada," Many Wounds explained.

He added that in Alberta lone the committee has authority over an estimated $256 million in resources, plus capital assets and other funding arrangements, which will eventually be transferred to Alberta's bands.