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Canada's most recognized Native leader confronted federal, provincial and territorial officials over First Nations health in face-to-ace meetings earlier this month.

The Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations blamed the federal government for creating and maintaining poor health standards in Native communities.

Ottawa's "closed-eye policies and outright refusals" to respect Aboriginal rights to self-government has led to wide-spread suffering and despair in Native communities, said Ovide Mercredi.

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The province of Saskatchewan is considering a plan to hand over millions of dollars to Natives as a first step toward self-government.

A recently leaked provincial cabinet document indicates the government might hand up to $550 million in funding over to Native groups to co-manage various social programs.

The 33-page brief is only a policy framework for the government's relationship with Indian and Metis peoples in the province, Indian Affairs Minister Bob Mitchell said.

The $550 million figure represents current government spending on Natives.

Page 3

The province of Saskatchewan is considering a plan to hand over millions of dollars to Natives as a first step toward self-government.

A recently leaked provincial cabinet document indicates the government might hand up to $550 million in funding over to Native groups to co-manage various social programs.

The 33-page brief is only a policy framework for the government's relationship with Indian and Metis peoples in the province, Indian Affairs Minister Bob Mitchell said.

The $550 million figure represents current government spending on Natives.

Page 3

The province of Saskatchewan is considering a plan to hand over millions of dollars to Natives as a first step toward self-government.

A recently leaked provincial cabinet document indicates the government might hand up to $550 million in funding over to Native groups to co-manage various social programs.

The 33-page brief is only a policy framework for the government's relationship with Indian and Metis peoples in the province, Indian Affairs Minister Bob Mitchell said.

The $550 million figure represents current government spending on Natives.

Page 3

The province of Saskatchewan is considering a plan to hand over millions of dollars to Natives as a first step toward self-government.

A recently leaked provincial cabinet document indicates the government might hand up to $550 million in funding over to Native groups to co-manage various social programs.

The 33-page brief is only a policy framework for the government's relationship with Indian and Metis peoples in the province, Indian Affairs Minister Bob Mitchell said.

The $550 million figure represents current government spending on Natives.

Page 3

A recent meeting between the federal Indian affairs minister and the chief of the Lubicon Band in northern Alberta may pave the way towards a long-awaited land claim settlement for that Native community.

Indian Affairs Minister Ron Irwin met briefly with Chief Bernard Ominayak Feb. 18, the first day of the minister's four-day stint of self-government discussions with Alberta chiefs.

Ominayak would not give many details of their talk, saying he preferred to wait until the minister sees the Lubicon's proposal next week.

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A recent meeting between the federal Indian affairs minister and the chief of the Lubicon Band in northern Alberta may pave the way towards a long-awaited land claim settlement for that Native community.

Indian Affairs Minister Ron Irwin met briefly with Chief Bernard Ominayak Feb. 18, the first day of the minister's four-day stint of self-government discussions with Alberta chiefs.

Ominayak would not give many details of their talk, saying he preferred to wait until the minister sees the Lubicon's proposal next week.

Page 3

A recent meeting between the federal Indian affairs minister and the chief of the Lubicon Band in northern Alberta may pave the way towards a long-awaited land claim settlement for that Native community.

Indian Affairs Minister Ron Irwin met briefly with Chief Bernard Ominayak Feb. 18, the first day of the minister's four-day stint of self-government discussions with Alberta chiefs.

Ominayak would not give many details of their talk, saying he preferred to wait until the minister sees the Lubicon's proposal next week.

Page 3

A recent meeting between the federal Indian affairs minister and the chief of the Lubicon Band in northern Alberta may pave the way towards a long-awaited land claim settlement for that Native community.

Indian Affairs Minister Ron Irwin met briefly with Chief Bernard Ominayak Feb. 18, the first day of the minister's four-day stint of self-government discussions with Alberta chiefs.

Ominayak would not give many details of their talk, saying he preferred to wait until the minister sees the Lubicon's proposal next week.

Page 3

Micmacs of Nova Scotia have signed a three-way deal with federal and provincial officials designed to address major Native issues such as Justice and policing.

But some Aboriginal leaders are wary of where the agreement could lead.

"We are happy, (but)we have 502 years of experience that tells us we must always be leery," said Union of Nova Scotia Indian president Alexander Denny.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed Feb. 11 will bring senior federal and provincial politicians and Micmac leaders together to oversee ongoing forums on Native issues.