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