AFN on the way out?

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Self-government in, Assembly of First Nations out: That's the scenario being painted by Phil Fontaine, head of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

The reason such groups as the AFN, the AMC, and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations exist is because of the constant struggle against governments that refuse to recognize Native rights and refuse to behave honorably when it comes to treaties, said Fontaine.

"If we can implement the inherent right to self-government, then the picture changes in a fundamental way, because then our governments are in place."

He said First Nations would have to have a careful look at their political organizations and determine together how they should be positioned and structured.

Fontaine attended the AFN's leadership race July 6 in Saskatoon. Though a strong contender for the position of National Chief in 1991, he declined to run in this latest election in favor of working on the dismantling of Indian Affairs in Manitoba and the implementation of self-government.

"We're involved in some very important initiatives. The work has just begun and

I didn't want to leave while that was very much a part of the Manitoba First Nations' agenda."

He said the dismantling process is going well, with Chiefs, Elders, and the community showing strong support for the initiatives.

"The question is timing. How quickly is the process going to come forward?"

The advice he is hearing is to use caution, he said.

"Take whatever time you need to do it properly, and we're heeding that advice."