UN declaration meaningless

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The United Nations has declared 1993 The International Year of the World's Indigenous People, accompanied by the theme Indigenous People - A New Partnership. The objective is to strengthen international co-operation in addressing problems facing indigenous communities. When a beneficial partnership is established, many of the problems could be collectively solved.

Partnership is defined as a mutual association favorable to both parties. But historically, this has not been so for the partnership between Canada and its indigenous population. European descendants have paternalistically controlled the environment of aboriginals and much of what is permitted within the parameters established by federal policy.

Partnership would suggest governing officials are willing to recognize the sovereignty of indigenous people and extend this recognition to allow an equal voice from native leaders and aboriginal organizations.

When I heard the UN was bestowing this prestigious gesture upon the indigenous, I imagined a grand opportunity for our people to display themselves to the world through events that best reflect their culture and the variety of issues that plague them as a community.

My grand illusions were soon dismantled.

When I inquired about possible funding for Native organizations to celebrate this new relationship, I was told, by a UN delegate, that there were no such funds available. From the UN office, I was referred to the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, where a committee would co-ordinate events.

The head of the committee informed me that indeed there were no funds available for specific projects within the aboriginal community. However, the department was compiling a book of children's reflections of Native heroes that would be distributed throughout the school system. That's safe, children's reflections can't do much damage to established apathy!

It's ironic that the year designated as a year for the indigenous is controlled by the federal government. I guess paternalism is hard to let go of.

The Department of Indian and Northern Affairs exclusively contributes to the needs of status Indians, those who are officially registered with the department. Where does that leave the Metis and the less fortunate who lost their status or never acquired it? It is this segmentation and misrepresentation that contributes to hostility within the indigenous population. Nativeness is not something that can be determined by blood content or historical discrimination.

I salute the UN in their initiative and attempt to solidify this "new partnership." However, 1989 was proclaimed the Year of Peace and Security, and I am still waiting

for that.