soul ‘ was a cine ote ie oe whe phe eed dat ery We are very ‘encouraged that so many Canadians are expressing support for the - right of First Nations’ peoples to govern our own affairs on our own lands. | o We have received many requests for information following our recent newspaper _ _ Statement and the First Ministers’ Conference on March 8 and 9. -T hope you will find answers to your questions here, If not, please write me. & E a | Dr David Ahenakew, _ | - National Chief, ‘Assembly of First Nations runs Ageia in aartata -nedlijtizedun sigraia 6 ai qiepotges wack lgidd apy a aadinr wl hunts thai wan Dat ne ¥ * What is the distinction between the — Assembly of First Nations and the three aboriginal organizations? The Assembly was formed in 1982 by the National Indian Brothethodd .ds the national voice for First Nations across Canada. The Inuit Committee ‘oh National “Issues represents a distinctive aboriginal people who have lived in the Arctic for many centuries. ; The Native Council of Canada and the Metis National Council are separate orga- © nizations representing non-status Indians . and people of mixed Indian and European ancestry. How does the Assembly of First Nations function? . The Assembly expresses the belief in democracy that has always.been a First Nations’ tradition. The National Chief, Dr. David Ahenakew, was elected by chiefs of First Nations across Canada. He meets regularly with the chiefs to ensure ‘that their views are fully expressed, What is the First Nations’ stand on the “‘issue’’ of sexual equality? Although the problem has been described as discrimination against women, sexual - equality is not the issue. We have always - -believed in and practiced sexual equality. In fact, women have more influence than men in some First Nations’ societies ee : THN AME BR Meat Matt It oa sor byl & oo he st afte . ry yi ria. wag capi which are based on the matrilineal tradi- tion. The problem of. discrimination against First Nations’ women was created by the federal government. | The proposed ‘change to eliminate dis- crimination would create more problems than it solves, as it only addresses one of the many and varied problems con- fronting First Nations. This is'a complex matter involving real issues such as the right of individual First Nations to deter- mine their own citizenship, the preserva- ‘tion of their cultural identities and the right to exercise self-government. What is meant by First Nations’ self-government? Does it mean separating from Canada? Definitely not. We fully believe in a strong and united Canada. © But we cannot continue to be treated as if we were third-class citizens in our own land. As self-government comes into effect, we will make the decisions affecting our own lives and the future of our children— rather than having those decisions imposed on us by others who cannot really understand our needs. Self-governing First Nations look forward: to positive and productive relationships with the federal government and those provincial governments which are prepared to work together with us for the benefit of Canada and all her people. The majority of Canadians say “YES” to these vital aspects of First Nations’ Self-Government. Here is asummary of the realty. i aes Should First Nations covigrol i Ng ‘The Assembly of First Nations commissioned a Gallup public opinion... survey of Canadians throughout the country. 0% 100% - use and developmen uae ll } ‘and resources? ai oil and gas on their lands? the money received From the sale i minerals courts and law enforcement 0 on . their lands? 2%-yes the education of their peoples? _ BE 76% yes ... social and child welfare services for their peoples? 71% yes health care services for their peoples? 69% yes ates peau TriGe * Self: “government means self- fulfillment. So we are very puzzled when some people ‘compare it to apartheid | ‘which denies self-fulfillment to native people in South Africa, No comparison could be further - from the truth. Fortunately, most: Canadians under- stand the logic and justice of First Nations’ self-government—as indicated by the. public opinion survey summarized below. How will self-governing First Nations work with the federal and provincial governments? We would expect to relate to other levels of government as the provinciai and federal governments now relate to one another. We are confident that goodwill on both sides can lead to arrangements that will be fair, effective and mutually beneficial. . We are also confident that political leaders will want to reflect the support now being expressed by so many people in all parts of Canada. If you share their belief in First Nations’ self-government, express your wishes to your elected Tepresentatives. How and when will self-government ' come into effect? The process now underway will move forward through continuing discussions with leaders in other levels of government. The purpose of these discussions is to agree on the most reasonable way to implement the proposal for self-govern- ment put forward this year by an all-party committee of the House of Commons. Each First Nation will decide the most appropriate time to assume the rights and responsibilities of governing its own affairs on its own Jand. So it will be a gradual process over the next several years. When will self-government bring economic self-sufficiency? The rate of progress toward self- sufficiency: will vary from one First Nation to another — depending on their economic resources and opportunities, It is encouraging to note that some First Nations are already moving towards . financial independence. In addition to traditional activities such as ‘fishing and trapping, some First Nations are opera- val ae Ee ‘ee AME LFA SE Nn MELSON PENSE Pe ROARS ee Seat var hts : ere eens Terrie ok bo oo The Herald, Tyesday, May 1, 1984, Page 11 ting hotels, transportation services, manu- facturing plants and financial institutions. When 'self-government restores the right to make our own decisions, there will be many more opportunities to develop our economic potential. We look. forward to exploring joint venture opportunities, as well as fair and reasonable development arrangements for natural resources on First Nations’ lands, How will First Nations’ schools prepare our children for a more fulfilling future? We recognize that education is vital to the fulfillment of our future as self-governing First Nations. The very serious drop-out rate will be a thing of the past when we exercise our right to determine our own curriculum development and evaluation. Only then will our children feel comfortable in schools which reflect our own traditions and values. The educational program will also give them the opportunity to prepare for post-. secondary studies—whether they choose to atterid an institution such as the Sas- katchewan Indian Federated College, or any other university or college. In the same way, self-government will ensure that health care, child welfare, housing and other community services will respond fully to our traditions and needs, *For More Information Write- Dr. David Ahenakew, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations 222 Queen Street, 5th Floor Ottawa KIP 5V9 ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS oan a Mot ae one Tt ere eee eer i rey eee ee eat ee wae eee eee