The BC Indian Position Paper, Draft Copy - Union of British ...

DR.JT COPY.- TIIE ?.CD:DL&i POYITIO; P.J%&I. I' :720D'JCTIOiC -This report is a draft position paper on the stand of Indians in 3ritishColuinbia.It is a record of the principles and policies which our peoplebelieve should be i~icorporated in a revised legislation and statutesaffectin: Indians.It is evident that legislation for Indians is necessary and that the presentIndian .ct is unsuitable.i':ew legislation and/or constitutional chansesimst be introduced to insure educational and economical opportunity, and toprovide for decentralized power and authority to the local level.L'heIndian people need legislation that will reverse the present paternalisticattitude of the Federal Government and which zuarsntee ri3hts and privilegeswhich are due 3.C. Indians. The Indian ict xmst in its present form beabolished and be replaced with more suitabl:,legislation but the newarrangements entered into wit11 the Federal Sovernment must not jeopardizein any way settlement of the aborizinal rights issue.iJew le~islation must reflect the real intent of past government obli-3ations.-&/It . r i m s t h e zovernment commitments to its treaties, to itslezislative commitments, and to verbal promises.It must provide the basisfor equality and opportunity and reflect mutual trust and understanding.Indians are concerned primarily with:1. liecognition of all aboriginal rights such as: land title, foreshoreand riparian rights, forest and timber, hunting and fishing, mineraland petroleuil, and all other rights that are hereditary, 'istorical,moral or of legal obligation.2. .. claims cocmission rust be established for recognition of aboriginalrights and for settlement of all land claim.3. 2econciliation of injustices done by the imposition of restrictionsby all forms of ~ederal/~rovincial le5islation.4. Complete consultation with Indians durin~ revision of appropriatelegislation.

The real issue is not revision of the Indian .ct but recognition of therishts that have been denied Indians since Confederation, to enact consti-tutional le~islation that will iaarantee these Indian rights.Lso, Indiansrmst be provided with the resources to enable achievement of their rightfulposition in jociety.Je reject the Federal rfivernment dhite Paper on Indians released in June,1959. Ie believe that the 3.11. ;. :ct would be the best legal protectioil wehave if it were observed.Je oppose any zradual phasing out of Federalconstitutional responsibilities for Indian raserves and Indian people inproviding services such as: health, education, social activities, anddevelopment of Indian land.'These principles outlined in this report are suggested in good faith toavoid the kind of mistakes frequently made in the past by the Feder~l5overnment for decisions and policies rmde trithout direct involvexent ofIndian people.There is need for a re-newed recognition of the constitutional responsibilitiesof the Federal Governnent which will provide Indians with thaopportunity for administering their o-m affairs and remove them f roiincontrol of a civil service branch of the Federal. Government.The Federal 2overn1itent is 5ound by the ~3ritish Xorth dnerica Act to acceptle~islative responsibility for Indians and lands reserved for the Indians.Is insist that Indians be recognized as a distinct ethnic group to receivea11 the privileges due as Canadian citiaens but more so in view of ouraboriginal rights.Eecognition of Indian status is of paramount importance.2;. L8"u J, iST.;TUi'?he legal status of Indians as defined by the Indian .:ct is toorestrictive.re feel that a person who once was an Indian forpurposes of the Indian .,ct but has since lost his status as an Iildianthpouzh enfranchisement, nay neverthelass continue to be an Indian

for purposes of constitutional guarantees under protection of the2ritish itorth .,mepica .st.: legal definition for registered Indiansis needed with an option that Indians may renounce their India.1 status,become enfranchised, and receive due comflpcnsation for losing theirstatus.i:ecognition of Indian status is e~ential for justice.$e want to en-joy all the privileges of Canadian society but emphasize that rscognitionof Indian status is necessary to enable us to achieve thise iuality. Otherwise, we become non-entities in our own land. Recognitionof Indians as a distinct etlmic group is an important contributionto the multi-cultural nature of Canada as a nation..Te believe like the Federal ;ovrnn~ont that there should be apositive recognition by everyone of the unique contribution ofIndian culture to Canadian life,>Je believe that the only say tomaintain our culture is for us to re~ilain as Indians.To preserveour culture it is necessary to preserve our status, rights, landsand traditions. Our constitutional rights are mandatory. iJe asIndians do not want sympathy from the non-Indian Canadian sociiety..Je want to be able to do our own thing: to keep our own identitjr, topractice with pride and dignity our cultural heritage as aborigines.:$itthin the framework of society, without Jeopardy or wanting tojeopardize the rights of our non-Indian neighbors, we want non-Indiansto appreciate our rights as first citizens of Canada.It is necessalythat these rights be recognized through education, museums and parks,reserves, encouragement of cultural traditions, and appropriatelegislation.1. Educati~The preseiit educational systen has piioven inadequate for Indiansand mst be revised.It mst provide Indians with the means toachieve a levsl of education they need for furthering Indiandevelopineat .

History books .must be revised to enphasize the major role played5y Indians in the development of our country.Special trainin< r,iust be provided to T~dians in many areas toprovide the background necessary for development.In all of thiswork Indians should be involved in al!l phases of tho educationalsystem: in revising curriculuc~, i'ndeveloping training courses,and in providing special trainiilg courses.2. Indian ~rts and Crafts %sin=.Je need to develop a general Indian .ets and Crafts business to ,\encourage Indians to capitalize on their native attributes and to ,//rnaxiraize returns to the producers of the handicraft items rather,than to the nerchandisers. .ie also nesd protection from cheapi)inport imitation products.3. Indian Culkal Centr?.i massive cultural ceiltre should be buil't to house the historic- Lartifacts of our ailcestors that have becone disperscid in rmlymuseums of universitiss and privatc collectors.It is nscessarjrthat Indians develop and build this centre and operate it toperpotuate our culture and to develop pride in the haritage of ourancestors.4. Land JecuritxIndian land should not be exposed to alienation by any level ofgoveriment either through taxation, expropriation or surrendor.This land is ,;our heritage.Lnd iilay under special circumstances be considered for alienation:a) If tax is u~vo~tee~and juslcifi20le;YJe-should reeeivrmm%ces,~krh.b) If expropriation is unavoida'slo and justifiable r.ro should receiveda fair price sz. land ?A excliange.c )If *--is beins collected - of r^~-fndtiat+-dn-d%tkrssrvices or return of the t~xes-s~~be-provi~C~-to Wians ..- ~-~

Je desire recognition by the governments and by thc other Cana-1' ilciil2, \ P'&+A .citizons as the nativ&ab nglnes of this land and to have OUTl r\aboriginalrights respectad accordingly./The Federal ,;ovurnment imst oxercise its ?overs to insure theprotection of Indian rights and privilez~s for our culturalheritage to be preserved.C. CIVIL 3IGi.Tl'SIndians need to be providad with opportunities in: education, edploy-elent, housing, health improvement, cormnity facilities and servicesand other such items.In order to achieve these opportunfties a period of time mst elapsein which Indians anjoy spocial rights, spscial civic privileges, specialprotectiva legislation.'The Federal ;ovcrnnient has passed coilsidcra?3le legislation providingspecial privileges to i;~inority groups particularly in regard to restric-tive immigration.Recent discrirniiiato-qj lezislation was passed protec-ting the French languaxe and sivin~ protection to the French cultura..Jc expect similar protection of Indian 1angv.ageSand Indian cultur-.Frosent legislation affecting 1ndians.L~ discriclinatory, restrictiv~ andprojudicial to tho human and civil rights of the Indian people.doconsider that our aboriginal ri,zhts take preccdenco ovor all existinglegislation.Various aspects to be considered in rovisinz legislation areoutlined herein.1. ~s~itutign~l-L~~s&a.t_i~ni- -Jo nsr-d legislation to protect our unicpe aboriginal status within thecontext of tho Canadian constitutioii.It is necessary that the presentIndian ict be substantially revised, mil that constitutional guarantees

e ~rovided. Je arc not prapared at this tine to propose any coLlcretelegislation affecting Indians but rathe? to present as a basis thmoprinciplno and oSj~ctiv.:s up.on which prjs .~t 1-.:i;l..tionn.y bc r ..vii;,d.,do fz;l 2150 th:.t2 national Constitution-1 Confomcc- should be con-vsncd to includo Indians and tho two senior ~ovcmeuts to discuss thoirnport~nt position that Indians should occupy in our method of gov~i~il-ment.dc present hzroin thc principles, policies 2nd objectives which Indimp-ople fez1 should bc incorporated in now legislation and constitutions1directions.'~'hc :overnmont should adopt these principles as 3 bzsisfor dmcloping logislation and constitutional chngw which should inturn bc sont back to 3.C.Indians foi consideration at tho lot-1 level.To urgo the i?.ovem,~cnt to establish an indspendont claims comiissionas promiscd by several prccsding ~ovaill;.iariCs, this co~imissio'fl to in-cludc indopendent nnd unbiased individuals including adequate Indianrowresentation. Xi; purposes of tho C1-ims Comnission would b2 to:(1) liodernizc Indian trcatiss .(2) ..iwnrd col-npensation to ~boriginal peogles rezardless of t h statusdefined in tho Indian ~ct.(3) Examinc the boundarics of rasorvations and r?cognize the nood toinclude as part of reservcs tho 1-lkes th~tare on tl~c edgc of thorosfirvos.(4) Examine piparim and foroshore rizht:: of land abutting tho L XJ,(.3.Pacific Oceans.(5) Prcpnm draft logislotion to overcorm thc bad cffects of thoIagratory 3rd~ Convontion .~ct and otherrestriction onIndian aboriginal hunting and fishing rights.(6) 1Ilai. a11 otlicr claims that Indian Fersons or bonds want to havehoard.

'i%e appointment of an Indian claim c0iOinnLssion imst be based upon afundamental policy that Canada's native Indians ;,lust 'aow achicvc fullcquality prithou-t loss of aboririnal, :loraditory 2nd usufructor-y rizhts.Indians should havo the rights aiid iwivilegos to be represented on theclairn conmission and to participabr: equally with the Fedora1 authorityin assessing xnd warding compensation to participate equally with thoFedora1 authority in assessing and awardbl~ canpensation to Indim:;who have othorwisa had their lands and other rights alienated.The Provine3 should racognize that Indians arc tax payinj residentseithsr directly or indircctlq for >ihich Lhey get very little provincial. .services in return. i c . c c e r a ~'-thatti no L n o i q o ~ u ~l o w .. .c -. I- t of e- 0 rolrincLLl-semrices to Indim'The Foderal Governiiiont should ensure that provincialberviccs be provided to Indians without discrimination.The Province of ritish Columbia has collected considerable taxes froclIndian lands where the status of said lands as to alienation andsurrender is ques tioncd by the Indian 2eoplss.A lands claim coiz~ssionshould investigate the claims of Indians i;~ respect to collection ofthese back taxes and in rospoct to tho constitutional title andownership of these lands.5. -3Gu~atig1-Indian rights to pursue education in any educational institution inCanada have not been fully recognized and should therefore be forinallyset out in appropriate legislation.Indian children also should havethe full right to be ..nrollad in a kindergarten on or off reserveswithout restriction.Education of Indians is of paramount import~mceto social and sconomic development and it is mandatory that unlkitedpre-school traininz be provided to Indian children.

i rcvissd Indian :ct should rccoDiza tho aced and indeed our desireto administer our own affairs..h, Indians of :ritish Columbia pro-pose tbat an annual budget be appropriated 5y Parliaxlent for Indianssimilar to appropriations made to other Federal 'Sovernment depart~lents,that these budgets be prepared by Indians and the funds administeredby Indians and not be subject to approval in any way by any FederalSovernment dopartmont.Indians should answer directly to Parliamentfor the administration of thzso funds.It is our wish that royalties fror,~ natural resources encompassed withinour aboriginal rights bc used to su:~sidize the Indian administrationof Indian affairs.firther, that land taxes collected on Indianreservations whether now considered alienated or not be returnad bythe province to the Indians of 3ritish Columbia and all such taxescollected. in the future also be retui-ned to Indians.Jc recogniec: the continuing neod for an Indian Xfairs ?ranch. butone that is suller in struct.~rc and rnoro closely attuned to theneuds of Indian people; a branch that will strve the interests ofIndian peoplo, rather than be authoritarian in nature.'The role ofthe Indian 'ffairs 3mnch as xe seo it is a inuch smaller success orbody to senre mainly as the keeper of thc Lhsen's promises, thetreaties and the lands.';be role of the Branch is explained in theFkwthorn report can play a valuable role in the Canadian comaunity*";hc Indian dfairs 3ronch should act as a national conscienceto sec th.lt socisl .xnd economic equullity is achieved betw:en1ndi:ms and whites. This role includes the persistent idvocacyto Indim needs, the persistant axposu-re of shortcomings inthe govement.11 trc:~tmenthat Tndians receive and the persistentrernoval of ethnic tonsions betmeen Indians and whites.Indians should be rcgardod as 'citizens plus'. In addition to thenoml rights md dutios of citizenship, Indians possess certainadditional rights as charter members of the Canadian cormnity.The Indinn iffairs '3ranch has a special responsibility to seethat the plus aspects of Canadian citizenship Are respected, andthat governaents and the Canadian people arc educated in theacceptance of thsir existonce.;'

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Indians are tho bsneficial or actual owners of their lands.Tho logaltitle has only boon held by the Crown to prevont thc salo or breaking upof thosc lands.It is not nocossnry tinat leg31 titles be continued to bcheld by tho Crown.:.Je propose that dcecls of ownerahip including taxexeziption privilegas be handsd over to 3idiai1 bands for administration asthey see fit but that the Constitution of Canada ~qarantec and protectthesc lands against alienation as to oxpropriation, sala a'nd taxation 3yany persons other than Indians.Furthcr, we propose that the FederalGover~un~nt accept the responsibility to guarantee the collateral rec-uimdEor business and social devclopinents Oil rcservc lands that otherwisa fornon-Indian people would be accomplished by pledging of their personalproperty as collateral.In respect to rcserves that have littlj or no devcloprnent potential thef olloruing arc suggested :(1) Industlry could bc 'moved in to provido jobs so that Indians inaybetter themselves.(2) Reserves should be developed to provide a means for independenceof the Indian people.(3) In cases whcrc resorvos ars over-populated and the band consents,the band members should bo trained baforo being moved off thereserves to survive in other camunitics.(4) The Indian people are relocated as a last resource only if thepeople involved consent to do so.If taxation by non-Indian is to be h~posod upon Indian land, it must beimposed only wit11 the written consent of the band involved.'l'his provisionrmst be guaranteed by logislation and ~iritten into the Constitution ofCanada to prevent non-Indians from tafiiporing with Indian lands in raspactto taxation.Similar protaction is rerpired against expropriation, purchaseor other moans of alienation.V. SOVB'lI~!tEi

Tho t1,ro senior governments should not be directly involv~d in theadministration of Indian lands or of Indian peoples, rather thesefunctions should be performed by self government. Indian bandsshould like imnicipalities bo racognizod as a third level of govomientbut contrazy to municipalitias they should participate in Foderal-ho-vincial constitutional conferenccs, in fiscal and monatary conferenccs,and in ncaotiatioils for extension of provincial servicas to Indians andto Indian reservations.'i'he future role of tha two senior govorniaents should bo concurnod pri-marily with raising the social-ecoilaaic status of the Indian paopl.: inrelation to other Canadian citizens, and to the oxtonsion of provincinlservices based upon tri-party negotiations.40 recommend thc creationof an :'Indian Progress ,igencyG as recomiended in the Ilawthorn reportbut as a Parliamentary Committee with the main function of preparinzan annual social-oconol;lic devslo.p?ncnt progress report to include:1. gucatioilLData on the achieveinent of Indians iii public schools, universitiesand technical schools.Data on employment, job opportunities, wage levels, businossdevolop~izeiits and other relative development informstion.3.Data relative to Indian status, tmaties, changes to legislationaffecting Indians and agreements with tho provinces.4. :;ocial.Data on housing, living conditions, public services, various socialproblems, medical and health conditions.ie wish to re-enphasize Yne responsibility of the Fodoral Govcrnrneilt

for Indians and Indian reservations, and to insist that FederalGovernrient policy be pro~tulgated to the dfoct that consent ofIndians will be obtained in all cases and that Indians will participatein all negotiations concerriing the extension of provincialservices to Indians and to Indian rcscrvations.;erviccs nmr providcd by the Province and by ~mnicipalities to othercitizens should be extended also without cpcstion to Indian peopleddhorc there are no such services now ~.vailable to Indian peoplo, theyshould be contracted with costs borne oil a fedora1 provincial costsharing basis.L;ervicos specifically refsrred to concern: oducation,welfare, public health, sanitary regulctions, housing-building codes,counselling services and Indian estatos.:?lo 7ederal Governr~ent should retain tho pi-crogative of reassumingprovincial services should thc Provi;lce fail to live up to itsexpectations in providing servicos to Indians.Local govermicnt of municipal status should be given to Indian bandsfor purposes of administration over Indian lands and Indian people.;.?and councils should bo given status as nnnicipal councils and bandcouncil by-laws should bc givon the status of federal legislation inits application to Indian roserves .Each Sand should choose its own arrailgorflents for local govemcnt..Ippropriato legislation should establish a legal basis for bandgovernment in all natter usually delegated to local govemmnt.Toachievs this local government effectively howavor, there must he atraining prograin provided for chiefs and councillors who will betaught the essentials of solf government in order to become selfreliant and who will become acquainted with opportunities availablefor their reserves. rJso, ths chicf and councillor trill need to bepaid ada,uate salaries in ordcr to attract the best people for thesepositions.

If Indian self-govemnt is to have any ineaningful contank however,the local community rmst have indcpendant sources of reve.nuo withoutreliance coapletely upon federal and provincial grants, and they l;nusthave a dezrco of ad~uinistrative coz~pebncc sufficient to give soniorgovomnts some confidence that grants will not be nishandlod.Indian local governments must therefore davelop ail indcpendont rfleansof revenue based upon their land resources and Indian leadors mstreceive training in government and business administration.C. @.ridsI'he following points should be considaed as guidelines:1. Pie6bership in bands should ba loft to band councils who should inturn have recourse to provincial courts in the sottloment ofdisputes.2. .idopted children to be members of the Indian family.3. The nationality of a woman in marrying is determined by that ofher spouse.4, nligitimate children of an Indian woman should have Indian status.5. .;ny Indian over 21 should havu tho privilege of enfranchisementafter a suitable waiting poricd.5. Children of people who riithdrow fpon Indian status should reminen the band list uiitil thay are old enough to decide for thelilsolves.7. Elections should be run under the provincial election regulationsin regard to age, method of running elections, eligibility foroffice, and other detail?.8. 'iZIe term of office for chief and council should be four yoars.9. Election of councillor should be alternated from year to year toprovide for chntinuity in office.19; and councils should have access to lawyers in order to scrutinizea11 legal documents before final signing.11. Official stationery such as Sand council resolutions should Scarthe name of the band council.12. Delegation of powers should bc invested in tho council wherever theileed arises for the officicnt uporation of tho band's l~usiness.

The dual functional role f Indian band councils should bo recognizad:(1) -To administar band affairs in a political sense, similarto municipal government administration,(2) - To dsvelop the reserve lands similar to that undartakenby private snterprisc on non-Indian lands.;Je favour the incorporation of businnss davaloprn3nt entities with poworsseparate from tho band councils for economic and commnity dovslopmentthat are subject to the by-laws imposed by tho band council.30ththe band council and ths business corporations would in turn beresponsible to Indians at the local lovsl.It is mandatory that band by-laws hav3 tho status of federal jurisdictionnot subject to ovarruling sithar by municipal or provinciallegislation, except in the case wherr. they advocate powers exclusivelydelegated to the Provincial Sovernment within the terms of thsCanadian Constitution.It is evident that extension of local governmnnt to Indian reservationsand the responsibility for d~velopment of Indian lands will create manyjob opportunities in respect to public ssrvice employment, band adminis-tration, and jobs in private industry.Thore will be an increasinglystrong demand for tschnically and profnssionally trained Indian paoplaand it is nocessary that training and educational programs be dcvslopedand implementod hediately to meet these futurs needs.?iTe a r antirelyin favor of the Coqualcctza concept for mooting the special xlucntionalneeds of Indian people in this respoct, and we emphasiee the importanceof quickly expanding these educational programs.de favour Indian representation on local boards with respect toeducation, mnicipal sanrices, and other local govarnment affairs.Itis essential that the Federal kvernmsnt insist upon fair Indian representationon these boards in view of the significant amount of FederalGovamnt funds that are provided as grants to provincial government toinsure that adequate Indian reprosentation on these boards is accomplisheo.The Federal Government in paying these costs can ensure that the bestinterests of Indians are observad.

UNION OF: B.C. lNDfAN CHIEFSVI . E LTUR,IL RWOURCESde are concernod about our environment4 our gen3ral ecology including:pollution, flood and arosion control, protaction of fish and wildlife,destruction of spawning channels, protection of our forests, and adequatedevelopment of our mineral resources.Je are concerned about our aboriginalrights and compensation in the form of royalties for natural resourcas takenfrom tha province./ie are concerned about tha limitation of our ri~htsin using natural resources to sustain our living.il'm or revised legislation should pormit Indians to obtain fish for thepurposes of food consumption without the necessity of a permit, at anytime from any river, stream, or inlat and from beyond the surf line, toincludo shellfish, herring spawn and oulichan, with no restrictions as toaga or sax.Fbrthor, Indians should be given exclusive service contracts to provideprotection to our forests and wildlifa, spawning channels, and tho controlof floods and erosion and othar natural phenoi;~-.non. Considerable employmentcan be providod to Indians in working with these natural resources inareas that are natural to our hereditary means of living..Use, Indiansshould be given tho complete responsibility for administering and op~ratingour system of national parks.VII. .&TS .UJD CR.~lFTSJe wish to develop a native arts and crafts industry so that Indianproducers and marketers would profit from this industry rather than haveprofits go to non-Indians particularly in the marketing area.Ja are concerned about the substantial importation of cheap imitationnovelty items from Japan that sorvc to undermine the authenticity of nativeproducts.4e feel those imports should be completely curtailed, and thatIndian snterprise should be subsidized to get into the business ofproducing novelty items to reach this particular tourist trade in additionto the authentic genuine articles.

,.I,, dcsira that a 1arp cultural c-ntr; bc kilt in a metropolitan a'oatohouse tha nmr dispcrscc! historic artifacts of our ancestors.3oso arti-facts should bo rctumcd to Indians in '-:ritislr Columbia and ba housed ina larga cultural ccntr.; administercd and opzratod by Indians.nativa handicraft industry existed bsfor;: thc white man cnmz to thiscountry.fo had our own natural protectiv.: xcchanism .~zainsthe pFoductsof a11 other oountrics.Now that tho whit;. ~nan has dcmolishod thds:barricrs w3 expact artificial barriers to ho croatad to protact ourindustry.'To provide an incantivc to dov2lop this vr.ry important nativ3industry, tho Fcdsral Yovernmnt should ~rovido funds for cxtonsive tz-;inin:,of craftsinon, and for developing appro?ri.:tc: 13usinoss antorprise.llkmthzr,protective tariffs are nacded to providc protection during the davolopinentstaga of this nativ: industly.Indian reservos are poclcots of social and economic poverty that have bccomcincreasinzly dependant on :cdf arc - orieutzcl sovernment prograi'ls . Thefuturc advanccinsnt of Indian pcoplz will dzpoud upon the social and oconornic3nvironmcnt in which thoy liva..a cnvironii?x?t imust be croatcd in w:?ic!lIndians will becoino involvsd in thcir o:ni afiairs and in which Iilcliariaspirations caii be cncouraged to :row.:i;~ari. ns~dsto ba a concertec' &fortin the nraas of commnity improvement, dconomic opportunity and socisldovelopmont.Indian co~munities lack indopcndonco.Indians generally arc. depcndcnt u9onth;: ~ovornrnont for thcir sustenance and upon sourcos outsid3 ths Exlinilcoiimnity for thcir co1m1orcial scrviccs and foii many of th-ir social and re-creation facilitics.It is necessary that a certain amount ofrinter-dspendoncewithin tho Indian coilmnity be devoloped. :!"nere is need to 2stablish socialand rccraational activities around bhich cowlunity progranis can evolvc.Provisioii of facilitids such as adult education centres, skating rinks,recreational facilitics and commercial csiitres, whers practicabl;,shouldIrma priority in 't2m of co~~unity ii:~r*ov~ii~~;lt.

Comnity improvjrn::nt r:m;uir-salso tliat standards of housing and szi~itaryfaciliti;:~ b~ upgrad ,d. ,.ousinz stand~rds do not inc,.t th; rni:~i.,lu~~ I~ousin:ir;!quir,n;nts of t h national ~ building. cod-. .'h.:s..; conditions must 's.; cor-r-ct;,d 33 thz iixpact of inad~quat. housin~ 011 thi! social ,nvironrnsnt and itsiff :ct on tho family unit can SJ crucial to th.~ dsv-lopimnt of pro;lic:ssivcid. :a15.. r>j.~cth? policy of th; Indian . STairs ;ranch to nov,: Indians off rcs~r-vations into non- Indian urban rUsiddii'ci~l -3rdas.On-r.:s ~nr: housiil.; assis-tancv should 5.3 at th,: smnc l:v.;i as thi off-r;s..rvs housing assistance.:::!cr.;ationfaciliti~s should 13.3 madc availabl~ to Indian hands to combnb-trural frustrations and to sncourag- cor,uimity activitiss.It is particularlyimportant that young-r poop12 hav..; th,; indans to sxdrcis~ thcir youthfulzxubsranc; and to rrork off thlcir frustrations 3s growing-up prsssurcsd 2v:2lop.rz favour th;! ;stablisl%n:ntof 3 provii1ci~1 wid.: com,ymications pro:'l;?.figanczd by thd jov;rni~nt but adi~inist.~r;!c! by Indians. ;his pro:l'$:x shouldinvolvs cotmw,~icatior. xork;rs, n.;wslctt..rs , radio- tclsvision tiin.;, aid 0 t h ~ ~modirn r,~othods of co:xmnicS ion.21; program could b.: dzv.~lo?od to r~acha11 livols of th;~ India? cofimmnity. Obj.:ctivi:n would b- to providi. th?rssourccs to ~ncourazd Indians to sp,;ak up for th:;ir otm 'ights,ai~d t7n;r~-by bb,>comz pcrs onally i;~volv.~d in r-:cogni zi13 : and in ixprovin. th,;ir ormconditions.Th;! coroin~nic;rtions and cm~~iunitjr d;;v~:lop!nsnt programs !.mzt b>coi?pntil?l~ and work to:x:;th.~r.Confimnity d~vclopmont prosrams would inclu6a:mprcssntation on r,~zionalschool boards and planning boards, housing and roads d:valopmsnts,capitali-xprov ~msnt pro,or-am, public works, roacarch and comnunications programs,colmuniky sarvicos, public utilitiss, tc~rri planning, housing, coiaimnityaffairs, and russarch..J; proposu that tho F;d.:ml 3ov~rn:1;;i1i; ::tnblish a Provincial Indi,>:n L;c!lool

8.8~ rust~o .;ssociztiofi, a Provincial aducational council consistin:: of I'nclimpcopls to d ,a1 with matt~rs iilvolvinz ;duca'tion and 0th-r r-latod 'ili:ttirs.>hsir splicific r~spoilsibility would b3 to ~n:surs that th.3 oducationa2sy:;tc,r;i mcognizds thi unip; contribution of Indians to tho dov~lo~~cx?t ofthis countrj aid to :nsurG that sducational proqains ars dosigncd 'to ;;noour-aga Indians to participat, in thcir own social, cconm~ic and sducntionL~ladvaiic~n~nt. This board should hav, th, povdr to appoint Indian schooltrustcos to various school boards throu:houtth2 provincs basid upoil .&hasxt-nt of Inclinn population within ,ach commulity.ills Fodsral Govsrn-;n:::ltshould proscribe as 1 condition of i~n~riilg :rantsto th; provincialnuthoritiss for tha oducation of Indian childrsn that the F'rovincialIndian .3chool %'rustza .:ssociation b, constitut;d as racommsndsd aild tho~r'20 givsn th~sr powors.Fbrth~r program that nasd considsra'olc attaition are th:: trainin% ofIndian tzach,rs,bursury prograns for post secondary zducation includinzacadlmic, vocational, tochnical and university.&so, special hi.211school prograins for Indian drop outs, and oth:r ssnricos such as spdcialtminin:,Indim collozss, studsnt host~ls, counsolXing a11d placclilentservicss , Indian/non- Indian cultural cxchai~:~ prograins, transportationand accon;.lodation.'i"n3 funds for zducation should b:t provid;;d to band councils. 3andcouncils can in turn d3cids whzthzr to cp;;i-,-.tz Indian schools and havsassociated Indian school boards, or makc contracts wtth nearby publicschools for smlo or a11 of tlic Indian stud::nts.mass contracts wouldprovid.;. for an Pndian voics and voto in tho operation of thoso schools.Opportunity could ba providod for othor Canadian childrcn to attondschool on tho rsssrvos.It is sspscially importact that nursory schools and kindorgartans bcprovidod in Iiidian communitios to propnri Indian children to onter thoirrdgular provincial aducatioual systcin.Pro-scilool training is ofsi~nificant iiaportancc and should provide tmk~ing in tl~s Indian l~i?,~;:osand orisntation ?ro:ra.miingd~signad to assist tho stud~nt in onhriii:fori~ml educational training psriod.

IT"LL~J dducstional progr3;I should tsk: into account tlls diff;.r;nc;s i:1background of t11~ Indian stud .nt and tkir vaIx;sand motivationscoiqxn-cd with tlic non-Indian stud::nt.'~':~cli.;r should 'os ;ncourL3:2dto lsarn al2out t h i>ack=rouiid ~~ nd cultuturi of thsir Indian stud,?nts and tsuric' irs tand thcz 3 individuals.Th.: Fsd.?ral ;ov.-rnmont is bound to India!?,; by C:I:;!ritish ijorth _uricaic-L.i'br:lovor, th; nucisrous tr2.1tias ~st~:31ishijd with Indians acrossC.~nada cstnblish~d a ?sd:ral Sov.:rn!z~nt cor,r.lit;;nsiit to provids hxlth sdr-vicss to tho Indim p?oplz on or off t11.1 rxcrvz..?s intorprct thisco;,~:,utia~nt to apply to Iiidians gdnarally regardlsss of troatius and thatthis is an o?~ligntion to :provids hcalth 2nd modical sorvices dquival~ntto that clljoyod by any other Canadian citiz;;n.Considcrablo inprov2mcnt in thi 1l;:alth al;d ~anitary coliditions of Indiansi:; required throughout this provinc~. I11 opc?r;r to iinprovo ths st,?.nlzrd ofhoalth in Indian coimnuliti.ss it is n:c~ssa-cy to provida trlining to Indi:>.!ihoalth and social worki:rs .:ot withstanding that paywnt for iiodical s~rviccs is n.idc by the ,91v..~-slant of Canada on 13shalf of Indian pcoplc, Indians should havl tho riglltto choosc: thzir own doctor.i:L$dical and hoalth sorvices prcvidsd to IndLms should includc i3-dica1,clontal, optical, hearin~, hospital, social sciviccs projacts, l.ivk%~sconditions and sanitation, nutrition, 3.1coholism, and wolfars..iolfare prograins should includ~ a corunitmant from t h Pdd-ral ~ 20vomi;.ntto provids ;ducation and training, i-ndustry and job opportunities toIndians throughout the proviilcz r.~hsther livinz on or off th.2 rosorve.(isarc not satisfisd with a porpotuat;d wslfar.2 state. 2s wish Indians to b~zivon thc opportunity to.'iiiprovc thr:ir ;30tsiitial for employment and forImsinoss o;>portuniti~s, and further t'l-sajob opportunities bc mads avail-abl~ on thyi ~ISO~VOS.

Counsvlling and plac.!njnt s;:rvics ogr?rat~3 jy Jl?r!ians should bi: iilacl;avdilabl~ to stud:':its, you113 adult,? mc! tl-I; ui1cr.1ploy3d Indians .;itu.~tx?throughout thu provinc; .Thc social sirvicss prol;mn should inc>~dz considsration of crifiia, la251probl~iffi and rahabilitation, oilplo:mant, huur:m,?r! msourc;s and 13znl aid.1, ars of i2~.~ opinion ilso that a full r:~izo of provincial w2lfarc prosrxds;;vnilablc to ot:~or Canadian citizons should 12s mad^ availablj withoutdiscrimination to any psrsnn of Indian onc~stry rszzrdless of tli-irdo~nicilc within t11~ province. Tho wslfare programs that should bc avi~il-:?'old artlonz othars includo fanily allor.ranc,-s, old ags security, old ago:rssistancs. blind parson's allowancd, and disabled porson's alloiuanczs,unmploymi~:nt insurance and social assistance.;us are of tho o?inion that ~ivitnz up our Tndiaii idsntity is not n:c.xa&ryfor sconomic d vslopmint. Othsr groups in socioty *:n;j;y spscial lo~is-lation to insur~ thsir ~cononic, social, or cultural iArell-b~ing. .L sxpdcttha sanm2 trrctnent for Indians..--2~rm ObAt_iv~.I. Ei~ap&nx :.is I-.-, ,cogniz.:tho fact that ocono~ic dov;Iopmontis ass.;ntial to Lilacultural, aducntional, and socill davolopmnt of Indians and that thessareas ~ctivitics ar.3 i~lt.:~r~lat..!d.I rocognize also that cconoi~~icd.,vslopimcnt among Indians callnot ?01y so1.2ly on continuin,? govornii~oiit:tppro?riations which dcp~lid in turn on annual logislativ~) action.Ourpolicy for cconoraic d~valop1xont thorofor;! is for th; govarnim.3nt toprovid; th::funds nscossary to zivc us ths impctus for economicdcvslopmant on our resorvos throughout thi: provinca, but that zvontua1I.ythe businsss opportuniti~~s, job opportuilitics, incoinas 2nd othorfactors ??ill bc self gonarated andill in turn sustain an in~provingstandard of living amon::Indians :.ri-Lhout Teliance upon gover!'nncilt fui~ds.Our lonz term objsctivos for scouoinic dsvc;lop~~~mt thorufor;> L~PO for

Indians to surviv~? on tilair o:in .~,~crits in coiq~tition with ‘the :?oil-Indian soci-ty.2. -Pr-i~~&o--E~t~r~r;s-It is iiny.:r3tivc though that Inciia-ns onlist the m~rgies, resourcco mdtalsnts of privat~ zntc;rprisz in t!iis nost ;argent sffort. i.: ncmm..ndail Economic ii~volo~~n~nt Council tr, colprise Indians and succzssfulsznior cxccutive of industry iiorkin~ 'to: :ther- toward a comnon ;oil ofIiidiaii salf Sittr:rfiiznt and .~cono;.lic cissir~ilation with tho noil-Indiansoci'2ty.3. -Cgsst&vg ~zv_zl-op-~z,?nLIndiai~ raszmes generally hav~ not dovslopcd and this lack of sx7loi-tation roflccts 011 the narrow visw and rr,strictivc visws placocl upoiltha ?otcntial for Indian r3si3rvzs in prior pars . Continued wslfnrsoriontzd proj.?cts liavo d3nied tho Iirdias tl13 opportunity for self~conomic dev~lopncnt, largely du;? to Uxa lac!< of creative progra!:li-,un?and unddrstnndinz of Indians thst has ch.:~ra.ct~rizd. tlicl thin'xia~ ofgov;mnr~ont officials . Econoixic d-v2lopi;i;;i1t thsrzf oro mst b2 cr~~tivc:and nust bz tha r.;spensihility of Indians.It ,ii11~st 53 direct-2 byIndians.b. - Lizi&azipz ~o-Tl~vxlgpp~t-" lhc mmjor iinLxdimc?nt to tha achieveiii-nt of cconomic zqu.llity is not Alack of Indian onthusiasi;~, but a lac!: of tho capital rsrpirod to i~mi~.~uss of convzntional facilities.,hit Indians want is a bridg;. bat~i.:-ilthzir lack of cquity capital as a. down p,iy.fient on devolopr,~znt projzctsand tho finances and tha facilities of t11~ conventional institutions whovrovide financial rJsourcos for economic d+v~lopmont opportuniti~s..i szcond factor limitin. Indian d~volopii1oiit has bocn lack of educationand training.:ia proposs substantial increases in this rsgard in bothquality and quantity with fundin2 providsd by tho Federal Govornzvant.Tho rasourczs of privnt:: industxy rril.1 also bo snlistod in this worlc.. t!~h-d factor limiting Indian participatioil in ths conotiic lijlc of tl~l:cor~r~mnity at l-rr,rrL. ha.; be31i thz inability to obtain adequate t.:c:l?iical

3ssistancs.Indians sock incrcasiu.: involvs:%-ilt vith .md assist~nc~f FOKI thu priv.?ti busindss s.;ctor in this ~z5ard.5. &v_~&opgn&&gggzzproposs a vast ~c onoilic d~vclol~~;13iit p~ogiia!il u tilizin~skill~drssourcas pz~gl, in many divarss prof;ssioi~;..l and t;chnical arassimilar to those human r9sourczs prnvidcd to und~rd.>v~lopad cou;?trie::thYough tha Canadian Intsrnationdl 9;v>lo:xr;nt~sncy. !Je pruposi, a8,C . Inc'inii Economic Dov>lopi;~siit .:x;ncy and w~; expect si~ailnr assistailcs,i:lonztnry, educational, and tachnic~l, th~t our country now provid~s tounderd~ve1op;d countries..I; proposz also that the govormnt guarant~e mortgages mcpired forsconolnic dovaloprncnt in liau of providinz OLE-laiids as collateral to2r;vont alidnation of our lands.~%rt:lsi-, royalties from fishing, tizbor2nd minaraln should be provided to 3ssi:;t us in ccono!i~ic devolop~ant.ie props-; also that the Indian i

~ ---.1. .1;C;L;: :i10;: .;'! ;po;l'i:j. .. .~h.; expansion of racrjation .~nd spurts f ci1.itios and activities is ofpararn0~nt importnice to tk,; w~ll-'sail2 :>.ucl. to th; ,;-n:,ral ddvolo;?'nentof Indians throughout tlia province.iloc~zdtion facilities ard v;:ryl~zking on rssarvcs at t h pr,,sc:nt ~ tii-IC, .~:.iy 1.2~.2rv;.s hav- very lit'c'eor 110 facilitiz-, fop recreation 2nd eu.tl?ts hi* r$croztion31 :rctivitiesofton t,:lcs forcls that load to unhappiness.IC fczl thesa facilitias sl~ouldba .~vnilabiblc to Indian roservos throu~hcr~t. ths provillce to cor:lbat fn~.str.:ttionand lonlincss and pr..pari!pcoplz physically tn hilp tl~emsolv~~s..:he govcr;.ni.ntsl~ould rdcognizc the ;~o;.;;d for social 2;11 rzcruntion:lj2ivolvsin:nt :md c;hould ;.l-'i> provision for such facilities as ar- roquir:;dto develop a cultural ccrs around rrhicli corci]znity activitias cm avolvs.~ocrcational and sports programs huld provide for racroation centres, sportsfacilitias, athletic programs, ainatcu:ur sports, leadorship training, andactivities such as skatinz, curling, hoc!ccy, l~crossc, football, soccer,13ass5a11, softball, tennis, :md other :v.cl-. iadoor and outdoor recroatio!lalactivities.1s rocoznize the inporta11ct.i of a sound '3ody -ts a ra:;diremontfor socialand cconmnic szlf dovolopc~~nt. .Jc axpict th- :ovcrmailt to provid.: i;~with ths maans for ix~proving our physical ',roll-bein:.22111. :I~o'~'T'z~:;IO~)D TJ:TI:-rh arc of tho opinion that co11sidcrn:~le cor.~,zr~ications worlc is r-rpircr'throughout the provincr? to bring to:cthorp4opl.c of Sndian ancastry whohave cmmon problems , ideals, and eb jictivos.lo thercf ore propo:je ni:cxtonsivc commnications prozrnil to ii,~prov.~ and to recognieu thu ii.lport.~nc ;of uirity zf~oil~ our brotlisr!iood to includc, r,rar-danco competitions, c::rc-iilonizl daiicss, conferoncos, and training iil legislative processss, political?hilosophy, uconor,5c davolopnent, social izlprovcfilsnt, and other shilarco~zmnity dsvolop~nant activities.

T' ' T c iLOL - LIT ..CTI1JI'?I3C. ~-Tc proposo as Indinns to zilcoura:'. oui- :rout!.~ to '3; arorz of GI'. )G'~?;:;.k~ndou~r.?sponsil>ility for econo;~lilic, socialoliticul d-volopr~ent facin? tilocoiili.r.5 ,zilcrations.13 th

3. ,Soripinal clairxs aiid troaty ohli';?.t.io;ls :TS priority item forsettlo~iznt,. 3227 xust '23 rscogniz,:d n;id h,x~ourr:cl.. i%il.:ncial rssources ;,ust be pyovid;d to 1;-~tlizis. '5s capital :-l...r.!;dbrust h3 tapp.:; for nsod finmcing of ~cono:.:ic d-vL;lo~r~ont. . i3~13.y::~of gmnts is nozdsd to initint- XL?scor~o.iic dcv;lopl13n'L fund. .5. ':s~hnical assistailcc is i-~ozdod. to provids hzlp in d-velopiasnt .5. Counselling survicc is required to i;12!cd Irirlians ~ ~ a of r o thoir rizhts.~nd as a g~ida in self d-v~lopia~~it.7, Oblig,~tioc,~ of tho psd,sml ;ovcrni-,iziit for Tiiildians and land:; rmcrv-dfor th.2 Indians 'oo rs-statod and ru-af.Pix~c?.72. Indians wa!~t to ?xcoine full citiems - Zldian citizsns with fullrizhts and privilu~cs that 20 with citizenship.9. .I coiwutne?it of full consultation with liidians in all policy mttersaffcctinz Indians is nesded frori tho i:oc?zral Sovor~li~~ont.10. Dof initioli of Indian status to '3s c!~ tr,n,iiiiod by Indians.12. :'oras of the tr~st in which rosclrvz ?.and is !wid by the GOVCP~XIO~?~for tho uso a'nd tine b;;lofit of tli: ro~;~~c'bivz balds should '22 r;~,I.l~c'out in djtail.13. Th3 word surrc~dcr in rzlation to lands should bc rcpllczd byword in^ that conveys tho maaniag that ti12inistcr is zictii1~ upon the,instructions of Zidians in hmdlin,rr llild in rrhich he holds in trv.stfor Indian?.1. Land holdors shoulcl havi~ a Cortificnto of Yitls rrith a restricticrthzt tho land may not b;:dispos-d of to ~~IJTO!IC ilot of Indian st3i;ils.Land owners nust 13,:zllowod to laase la?d aiid such right to liaui:should includ: thc power to borr01~r-monuy oil ths s::curity of ra'i, to 53rccoivjd undzr the laass.15. Tho propcrty of docoased Indians ~,rith no wills and no heirs shouldr-vert to tho 3o:1d.

16. Conditions of ]>and r:~sr4~orsh~~fhoulc!. '3;: :st??2lishcd 5 ~ 7 th" bxnd ii;::jlfand th- ~~i:;:~S;.rsl~ip list adminis tor';:! 2::ch individu-1 band.17. Control of all barid funds s):ould 3s vsst,?d i.li.th t h balds. ~12. Indian peopli: zr; outitled to a policy of etgality which prcseivc; theircultural h ~ r i t :.nd a ~ ~nric!los ~ Indian id&:'tity and acliiovei?snts.19. L positiv~ rzcognition by avoqrona of t'nz unicjuo contrilztion ofIndim cukturo and history in thc! dovc1op;iei~t of Canada as a n-t'lun.20. ?hat substantial funds bo find:; aixailzJ3lr: Lor economic dzv.:lopr,~~ntsiinilai- in ?ugnitu.de to Fed~:ral Govsi-nmnt expenditures in th,:.;..;ternprovinces, and fumds mdz avnilablo to underdeveloped countries throughtha Torld ;mk.21, Articipation in provincial and local :>rogram and services.2 . ILovised legislation to include nor coxxit~;l;wnts for status Indicns,. .non-status Iildims, and Lutis.23. :,cviex of school curricular a-~d co~~rsa contont to reflcct Indianculture and participation i;~ tha ilisto~ica2. di.veloi~.i-nt of hn.:d~:.2 Capitalied oil the uso 3f lmOS31?TC 1xld .I, th3 ocono!~~ '3~52 fo? IiiC!iansalf irnprov.si?nt.25. 3clc:ation of authority to h d Councils in all ro1;vont fialds.1ands 2nd '3and councils should 'oc fogal ontitias.26. 3ands should h..ve powors to fom band i:mnicipal corporations siiail-rto corporations und;:r the rmnicipal acts but undar Fedora1 jurisclictioil,tog:th;:r with 2 systam of grants siinilar to Frovincial grants ;3rogra1.1s.27. Indian nnd 5and ownod companies and corporations to bc rsliav-cl of alltcxation as to assets and incoine whon operating froil Indian rosasvo land.22. . . mnicipal services devolopclmt xrailts syste::~ for tho installation ofs~rvices on resarves.

29. 'a16 councils to hnvo taxin% erzr on ~AS;TVC l.?nd ?xhhcthsr loosdd ornot, whyh;tihc~ surr~~:(i'dr::d or not, aid no u(ilaor lo:islativ.,such pan-rs .body i;o hL).vo30. F~otuction of 1ndi.m rsstoivo lands rritiiout loss dui to axpm>ri'tio!lor alisnation, and cr-ation sf a land rzgi::tuy syston control1:~d byIndians but rscoznieod by otl~a~1s~isl::.tiv~ bodids .