Native accountability session fails to generate an audience By MICHAEL COX SKEENA REFORM MP Mike Scott was the only person in attendance Jast Saturday for a meeting ta discuss increased native government accountability, It was hosted by Leona Freed of the Manitoba- based First Nations Accoun- tability Coalition (FNAC) which wants more financial accountability, democracy and equality from native governments, She came to Terrace hoping to talk with north- west band members. The only other people present were Sam and Agnes Davis fom Massett. They’re organizing a B.C. branch of the accountability coalition. Freed said she wasn’t sur- prised more public officials didn’t come despite being invited. Vigil planned THE TERRACE PRO-LIFE Education Society is mark- ing the 30th anniversary of legalized abortion in Canada with a £5-minute prayer ser- vice this Friday at Mills Memorial Hospital. It’s part of a nation-wide series of prayer and fasting events under the heading Day of Infamy. The hospital was chosen as the site for the service be- cause 122 abortions were conducted there in 1998, says society representative Shannon Moleski. “We're inviting people from area churches io take part,’’ she said of the ser- vice which begins at 8 a.m. At the same time, the society has placed tiny white crosses, one for cach of the 122 abortions dane at the hospital in 1998, at the foot of its biliboard on Hwy37 leading to the air- port. “They also represent the hurting mothers and hurting families. This affects the whole family,” said Moleski. “The only group Hstening to grass-roots groups is the oppositian,’’ she said. Freed has held a number of press conferences across the country and al each one politicians rarely attended. “Most people are scared to touch nalive issues. The only way we can change that is by speaking out to anyone who will _listen,”’ she said. Freed invited local MLAs Helmut Gicsbrecht, Dan Miller from Prince Rupert and Bil! Goodacre from Smithers, All declined to at- tend. Giesbrecht said that he had no knowledge of FNAC or of its initiatives, Giesbrecht also said that he is tom between specific coalitions such as FNAC. and the larger picture of na- tive affairs in B.C. **This is more of a federal issue then a provincial one and T am just going to wait and see what happens after this conference,’’ he said. Native issues may be dealt with on a federal level, but FNAC is trying to unite na- tives across the country. ‘It’s a shame that more ‘people aren’t here, These is- sues. are very important,” Agnes Davis said at the start of the Saturday session. Freed also feels there is an urgency to addressing native issues in the country. “All the money that is given to natives is done through taxation and the government — provincial and federal — should be concemed that it is being misused.”? Freed feels it is far too easy for chiefs and band councils to use money to conducted at Mills Memorial Hospital, march up to: the large ‘Choose Life’ sign just off of Hwy37 leading control people who live on reserves. She proposes that a native ombudsman be elected for each province for better financial control. Under current practices the federal Auditor General audits federal Indian Affairs which in tum is ‘supposed to audit native governments. Freed said that this system is too complicated and isn't working effectively. “Indian Affairs isn’t giving us any help because they: aren’t auditing the reserves closely enough.” Freed’s proposal for a na- tive ombudsman for cach province has a catch though. She wants the ombudsman to be autonomous from the provincial, federal and na-- tive governments. ‘‘We’re back at square one if the ombudsman has any govemment Freed, Freed has been holding conferences across the country and intends to com- pile all ber findings into a Proposal that will be pre- sented to the Reform oppo- sition and Indian Affairs. Mike Scott said the Reform Parly and FNAC have been sharing informa- tion and holding joint press conferences over the past two years. “We [Reform] aren't backing this conference, but we definitely support the ideas that Leona Freed has put forth,” said Scoit. Scott said this conference is nol intended to undermine all mative governments, but is ‘an opportunity to get the issue of financial accoun- tability out in front of the public.’’ ties,” said kos up to the airport. They were placed there by the Ter- Aa Re See Leics eee 4 race Pro-Life Education Society which is also holding a prayer service this Friday at the hospital. The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, May 12, 1999 - A3 News In Brief B.C. Parks’ campgrounds open for new season THE LAKELSE LAKE Provincial Park campsite at Furlong Bay opened for another season May 6 after a four-day delay. The park, which usually opens May 1, was close due to lingering snow on the access road. ‘*There was still quite a bit of snow up there,’’ said local parks supervisor Jamie Hahn. ‘‘The sun doesn't § get in there too much.’ © All olber provincial campgrounds, including Kteanza Creek east of here and Exchamsiks west of here are also open. Council turns down Beaver Ave. plan THE IDEA of naming a new street on the bench Beaver Ave. got nixed by city council. That’s because there’s already a Beaver Cres. in Cop- perside. The search for a name for the new street — located in the subdivision south of McConnell Crescent — is to continue. The city has of late turned to animal names for street naming, having largely exhausted the list of pioneers’ names. Councillor David Hull suggested Goose Ave. or Honk Ave. in honour of the Canada Geese often seen in that area of Frank’s field. But that didn’t fly either. Gov't collects bucks for child support The B.C. government’s attempt to toughen up regulations on overdue family maintenance in the past year has paid off. The Family Maintenance Enforcement Act collected $104 million this past year, 75 per cent of the total amount owed to families. Atiomey General Ujjal Dosanjh said family maintenance debts must be paid in full and on time just like any other debt. ‘‘The changes to the provincial Family Maintenance Enforcement Act have sent a clear message that this government considers child support a serious obligation,” said Dosanjh. The act, brought in last year, allows the provincial government to go after personal corporations, register claims against property and withhold driver’s licences. Dosanjh said that B.C.’s enforcement program is high- ly regarded across Canada for its efficiency in enforce- ment. Poor air quality TERRACE HAD the dubious distinction last month of having the poorest air quality in the Skeena region. : Increased backyard burning, a lane number of cars stirring up dust and Terrace’s large size all contributed © to the poor reading, said environment ministry official Doug Johnson. “There isn’t just one thing that lead to this high level. It is a combination of things,’’ said Johnson. injuries Stop Here. Road ‘a 6 semesters! YOU CAN EARN A LIVING WHILE ENJOYING: THE OUTDOORS? IF working indoors isn’t for you perhaps you should consider a career in Natural Resources, We offer a certificate and diploma which focuses on resource values such as: Fish & Wildlife, Watershed Restoration & Rehabilitation and Forestry. 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While quantities last. ratte (uw bies od fark Dear Friends, Once again spring Appeal. donation to: Terrace BC V8G 2E7 Sincerely, Norm Hamelin C/O Terrace Corps support is both essential and May God bless you! National Red Shidld Appeal has The past year has again seen a great demand in Northern BC for the services of The Salvation Army. Hre are just a few areas in which your donations have dispersed: Community Services .......0.ssscsses 12 $149,400.00 ‘Camping Programs.........:cssesseseee ee 9 Pl 900,00 Emergency Programs........-ssssceee 9 220,290,00 Adult Residential Programs..................$19,500.00 As you can see, the financial cost of operating these programs is enormous and your greatly appreciated. You can help by forwarding your The Salvation Army 4626 Soucie Avenue > **Tax Receipts will be issueci** A Canvasser may call. arrived and with it The Salvation Army's National Red Shield April, 1999