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

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