The Union of BC Indian Chiefs say funding cuts...

The Union of BC Indian Chiefs say funding cuts of the Harper government’s Budget Implementation Act not only significantly weakened and dangerously compromises vital legislation, such as the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and the Fisheries Act, it has allowed the Harper government to renew a nationwide attack on the collective and inherent rights of Indigenous peoples. “The gutting of legislation that safeguards the environment was bad enough, but now with funding cuts to tribal councils, regional and national Aboriginal representative organizations, it is evident the support for band governments has been challenged and the voices of First Nations’ political advocacy are being told to shut up,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. “Tribal Councils are being dictated to act solely as program providers and if they act accordingly they will qualify for incentive funding. Representative organizations are being advised to provide insight into what the priorities of Aboriginal communities are and, if they act accordingly, a central committee may review a submitted proposal and make recommendations based on ‘our shared priorities.’” The UBCIC Chiefs-in-Assembly met this past September and have passed a resolution that states they “object to and condemn the drastic funding cuts” and repudiates the hypocrisy in the statement that “the Government of Canada is taking concrete steps to create the conditions for healthier, more self-sufficient Aboriginal communities.’” Phillip said “The cumulative effect of these cuts and policy changes is that it will not create self-sufficient communities, it will greatly undermine the inherent right to self-government. Chiefs and Councils will have to meet the dire needs of their growing communities with support program funding which have miserably failed to maintain pace with changing governance, management and accountability costs particularly in relation to modern information technology, liability insurance, legal services, human resource management, salary cost increases and the exponential costs of auditing as demanded by the Harper Government.” The UBCIC believes the Harper Government will soon face litigation due to the lack of meaningful consultation on these policy changes and their infringement to the inherent right of self-government.