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.