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

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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
Page 4 and 5: for purposes of constitutional guar
Page 6 and 7: Je desire recognition by the govern
Page 8 and 9: 'i%e appointment of an Indian claim
Page 10 and 11: - 9-S .
Page 12 and 13: Tho t1,ro senior governments should
Page 14 and 15: If Indian self-govemnt is to have a
Page 16 and 17: UNION OF: B.C. lNDfAN CHIEFSVI . E
Page 18 and 19: Comnity improvjrn::nt r:m;uir-salso
Page 20 and 21: IT"LL~J dducstional progr3;I should
Page 22 and 23: Indians to surviv~? on tilair o:in
Page 24 and 25: ~ ---.1. .1;C;L;: :i10;: .;'! ;po;l
Page 26 and 27: 3. ,Soripinal clairxs aiid troaty o
Page 28: 29. 'a16 councils to hnvo taxin% er

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

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