™- ty The Herald; Friday, March9, . Lt a 2 5 ee othet Catiddiaris | T ‘ ponsoring this message in news example, a special | e All Party Penner Committee recognized. and confirmed what has been : afact = ee hundreds of years tndian Nations have the full and inherent ‘ight to > govern. us - at her First Ministers Conference to pursuet this and other i important is issues. “ Here: are answers to questions that may be on your: mind as we move toward 4 a more | logical and. more > just relationship between First Nations and Canadians; © e ‘Assembly was formed ta represent 2 they views ‘and interests of Cantida’s First - ° ’ Nations in discussions.with other levels “of government. “We also feel a'sense of resj onsibility._ t’s why.’ papers across The Assembly’s maridate reflects thie“ ‘democratic approach that is an Indian ~ tradition. Policies and activities flowout. “of the collective judgement: of Indian: leadership in all parts of Canada. For 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. oon. What: ‘are the Historic roots of Indian government? - From the earliest days of settlement, the Crown respécted the autonomy of . Indian Nations. The Royal Proclama- tion of 1763 ‘recognized the unique ' relationship between the First Nations ° and the Crown. That relationship has . riever been‘ denied .in any subsequent — treaty or document, including the Con- stitution itself, - So, the present’ discussions are not . ‘goncerned with.“‘giving” First Nations - '., the right to sel government. That right isa reality which has never been surren-_ “ :dered or denied. What'is now being considered is the process of: fulfilling the © . existing: relationship. How does The Assembly of . First Nations feel about . the Penner Report? ic Keith Penner, the Liberal MP for Cochrane-Superior was the Chairman — ofan all- party Parliamentary: committee — that studied First Nations self- - government, ‘Members of the Commit- " «tee included 7 non-Indian meinbers.of * “Parliament from all three‘parties and. 1 “representative of the Assembly, of First : Nations. The Penner Report, including . 58 recommendations, was tabled in the ©. Howse of Commons November 3, 1983. OF course, we are ‘obviously very. ptatified that the Report recognizes the , . Feality of First Nations self-government. | The59 recommendations are now being carefiully considered by the Assembly — and by'members and leaders of First | Nations communities actoss Canada, - - As we continue our. own vn discussions, . we: ‘are also: ‘looking forward to the - Federal.Government’s tesponse to the Penner Report. ’ "Why has the Indian Act Os discouraged our socialand - -economic development? © Ifyou read the Penner Report, you may be surpriséd by its strong criticism of the ‘Tndian Act. But, Indians know, from.a ‘lifetime of experience, that the 1876 Indian ‘Act - ‘social and economic problems. . - For: ‘one reason;. the Act dominates every as ect of life in. Indian commu- é Indian Act denies us the. opportunity to make our,own decisions, develop our latids and economic poten- » tial, educate our children and:plan our. ‘fature, It’s no surprise that. this near- - total, ‘government. intervention into | nities. : every aspect of life has undermiried “‘ponifidence; initiative and self-respect. ‘The many regulations and guidelines: hive’ ‘slowed down desperately rieeded improvements in housing, health, edu- "cation and employment i in First Nations: communities. The Indian Act ‘also: discriminates against Indians in a way.that most — people would agree is terribly- unfair. Our criticism is not of-Federal civil servants—but of the outdated, arbitrary’ and unjust Indian Act that they are trys , ing to administer. , which was amended over 30 years ago—has been a major cause of 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 - efigineering.. ' 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 Nation will make their own decisions régarding when, if, and how their Nations will » - make the transition to self government. Some undoubtedly feel fully prepared for a rapid transition. Others may plana gradual move over a lengthy period, , “Why will self-government help us to contribute more . fullyto Canada? _ As we develop our lands arid resources - to‘achieve an. equitable ‘standard of education, housing, health, child care, and opportunity; we will also, come’. closer to economic self-sufficiency. However, we feel our contribution to Canada cannot be measured . in ‘ economic terms alone. ‘Respect and love for the land is at the . heart. of the Indian value system and religious tradition. More and more Canadians have come to understand and -gharé this feeling for the land. Iti is this spiritual bond » together with -pride: How will self-governing . - Nations relate to other levels “of government? oF OF éoinse, there are many details to — ‘discuss‘and negotiate during the coming: months and years. This will bea 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. my Whatare the next steps? © - ‘The Assembly of First Nations will ~ share in aseries off 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 furthér 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 First Nations or drop us a line to ask ques- tions or express your opinions. We hope to hear from you. Assembly of First Nations _ 222 Queen Street, 5th Floor Ottawa KIP 5V9 me) 236-0673 ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS ; our heritage that compels us ‘to “Safeguard our culture and identity. | _ ca) eae = ee a wee ates Chg 2 tape re s ve Miye es ES ret tpt amasiy og Rg tO tee Setar Lor aE aad ERI AG wx ea