'Urban Indian' position waits

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The Indian Association of Alberta is still seeking an "urban Indian" representative, who will address the concerns of Treaty Indians not living on reserves.

IAA President Gregg Smith says the organization and its newly elected board members have not had enough time to select the representative after a two-day monthly board meeting in July.

The appointee will observe IAA activities which include urban issues as a non-voting board member. The decision to include a "urban Indian" representative was made in a resolution on the last day of the IAA annual assembly.

The director of the New Status Indian Confederation of Alberta, Russell White, who attended the assembly in Eden Valley in June claims there is an urgent need for off-reserve housing and programs for "urban Indians."

The resolution states about 30 per cent of Treaty Indians are living off-reserves and have unique problems the IAA must address.

In an interview from his Edmonton office, Smith said "The resolution is straight forward . . . it's a testing ground."

After a one year trial basis, the board will decide if continued urban representation is needed and whether voting privileges will be given to this person, adds Smith.