B20 - Wednesday, March 7, 1984 - North Shore News

The All-Party Penner Committee recognized and confirmed what has been a fact

for hundreds of years—Indian Nations have the full and inherent right to govern
their own affairs on their own lands. |

The Assembly of First Nations will soon be meeting with the other levels of government
at the First Ministers’ Conference to pursue this and other important issues.

Here are answers to questions that may be on your mind as we move toward a more
logical and more just relationship between First Nations and Canadians.

What is The Assembly of
First Nations?
The Assembly was formed to represent
the views and interests of Canada’s First
Nations in discussions with other levels
of government.

We also feel a sense of responsibility
to inform other Canadians. That’s why
we are sponsoring this message in news-
papers across Canada.

The Assembly’s mandate reflects the
democratic approach that is an Indian
tradition. Policies and activities flow out
of the collective judgement of Indian
leadership in all parts of Canada. For
example, a special Assembly on Febru-
ary 6th, 7th, and 8th, 1984 brought more
than 500 Chiefs and other leaders
together to set the continuing direction
of discussions and negotiations.

What are the historic roots of
Indian government?

From the earliest days of settlement, the

Crown respected the autonomy of

Indian Nations. The Royal Proclama-
tion of 1763 recognized the unique
relanonship between the First Nanons
and the Crown. That relationship has
never been denied in any subsequent
treaty or document, including the Con-
stitution itself.

So, the present discussions are not
concerned with “giving” First Nations
the nght to self-government. That nght
1s. a reality which has never been surren
dered or demed. What is now being
considered ts the process of fulfilling the
existing relanonship

How docs The Assembly of
First Nations feel about
the Penner Report?

Mr Keith Penner, the Liberal MP tor
Cochrane Supenor was the Chairman
ofan all-party Parhamentary commuttee
that studied First Nations scl
government Members of the Commit
tee included 7 non-Indian members ot
Parhament from all three parties and |
tcpresentative of the Assembly of First
Nations Phe Penner Report, inc lading
SH recommendations, was tabled in the
House of Commons November 3, 198 3

Of course, we are obviously very
gratihed that the Report recognizes the
reality of First Nations self-government
The 58 recommendations are now being
carefully considered by the Assembly
and by members and leaders of burst
Nations communities across Canada

As we continuc out own discussions,

we are also looking forward to the
Federal Government’s response to the
Penner Report.

Why has the Indian Act
discouraged our social and
economic development?

If you read the Penner Report, you may
be surprised by its strong criticism of the
Indian Act But, Indians know, from a
lifetame of experience, that the 1876
Indian Act - which was amended over
30 years ago has been a major cause of
social and economic problems.

tor one reason, the Act dominates
every aspect of life in Indian commu
mies The Indian Act demes us the
opportunity to make our own decisions,
develop our lands and economic poten
tial, educate our children and plan our
future. It’s no surprise that this near
total government intervention into
every aspect of life has undermined
confidence, initiative and. self-respect

The many regulations and guidelines
have slowed down desperately needed
improvements in housing, health, edu
cation and employment Ww First Nat IONS
Communities

The Indian Act also discriumuanates
against Endaans ana way that most
people would agree is terribly untai

Our critiasm is not of Federal civil
servants but of the outdated, arbitran
and unjust Indian Act that they are try
ing to administer

Are Indian First Nations prepared

to manage their own affairs?
It is the essence of Indian life for people
to become involved in community
affairs and leadership. More and more
Indians are active in fields such as
medicine, education, law, business and
engineering. This, together with the
insight and experience of the chiefs, and
the guidance of elders, provides a solid
base for the move to effective self-
government.

The members of each First Nanon
will make their own decisions regarding
when, if, and how their Nations will
make the transition to self-government.
Some undoubtedly feel fully prepared
for a rapid transition, Others may plan a
gradual move over a lengthy penod

Why will self-government
help us to contribute more
fully to Canada?

As we develop our lands and resources
to achieve an equitable standard of
education, housing, health, child care,
and opportunity, we wall also come

closer to economic self-sufficiency

Hlowever, we feel our coutribution
to Canada cannot be measured 19
cconomuc terms alone

Respect and love for the land 1s at the
heart of the Indhan valuc system and
rchgious tradivon More and more
(anadians have come to understand and
share this feeling for the land

Ivas this spiritual bond, together with

pride in our heritage that compels us to
safeguard our culture and identity.

How will self-governing
Nations relate to other levels
of government?

Of course, there are many details to
discuss and negotiate during the coming
months and years. This will be a gradual
process of accommodation, conducted
in a spirit of mutual respect. _

However, we hope all Canadians will
understand that our need for self-
government has nothing to do with
separation. We love our country, and
want only to share equally in our future
together with all Canadians—each in our
own way.

What are the next steps?

The Assembly of First Nations will
sharc ina series of important discussions
at the First Ministers’ Conference, on
March 8th and 9th. This conference
gives all participants the opportunity to
continue the process that began so many
years ago.

As time goes by, there will be further
conferences that bring First Nations
together with other levels of govern-
ment in a spirit of mutual respect.

The First Nations will continue to
discuss the recommendations contained
in the Penner Report. With your
understanding and support, a stronger
Canada will emerge.

For more information
Please write the Assembly of Furst
Nations or drop us a line to ask ques
tions or express your opimions We hope
to hear from you.

Assembly of First Nations
222 Queen Street, Sth Floor
Ottawa KIP 5V9

(613) 236-067 3

OY

ASSEMBLY

OF FIRST
NATIONS