Woman blasts procedure

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A letter to be sent to Social Services and Indian Affairs recommending changes to the handling of Natives seeking social assistance is to be drafted by the Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee (AUAC) following their Sept. 6 meeting in Calgary.

The letter follows a complaint heard by the committee from Loretta Peepeetch of Airdrie who felt she was being given the run around when she applied to both Indian Affairs and Social Services for assistance following separation from her common-law husband.

"I was told by both departments that they couldn't help me," said Peepeetch. "They told me to go to the other department." Peepeetch did finally receive assistance, but not without a fight.

"I approached Indian Affairs on April 27 and told them my situation," explains the mother of three. "They referred me to Social Services." There, Peepeetch was told there was "nothing they (Social Services) could do." Peepeetch then phoned Indian Affairs again who in turn spoke to Social Services and then to Peepeetch.

It was more than two weeks later and several more telephone calls and personal visits before Peepeetch could get the assistance she urgently needed.

"It's ridiculous the way they treat you," said Peepeetch. "Half the time when you go pick up your cheque it's not even ready."

Present at the meeting to answer Peepeetch's charges were Teri Singer of Alberta Social Services, Karen Buss and Arend Visser both from Indian Affairs.

"We are doing the best we can," explained Visser. "We don't develop procedure, we are only in charge of executing it," he adds.

Council did question why it was necessary for recipients of Indian Affairs assistance to pick up their cheques, instead of having them mailed.

Buss explained that recipients must meet with a counsellor once a month and that usually coincides with collecting the cheques. Also, the monthly earnings could vary and clients are required to have earnings verified.

Peepeetch also questioned Singer on Social Services handling of Treaty Indians. "As soon as you tell them you are a Treaty Indian they say 'sorry can't help you'," said Peepeetch.

"Treaty status aside," said Singer, "there are a lot of issues deciding your eligibility. You must have a residence, employment history, and assets can also affect your eligibility."

In other business the committee heard a presentation from members of the Calgary Catholic School Board who are attempting to broaden the scope of Native education in their schools.