Indian arts group forced to lobby for funds

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A new funding procedure has officials of the Alberta Indian Arts and Crafts Society concerned about their future.

The society, which used to be funded directly by Indian Affairs, must now depend on bands across the province for support if it is to continue to receive federal money.

Indian Affairs is leaving it up to bands to decide which societies will be funded.

If the arts and crafts society is to receive any money, it'll have to win the support of a majority of bands in each treaty area, explained society director Lois MacLellan last week.

Treaty 7 Chief Roy Whitney told Windspeaker his Sarcee Band will support the society but the council is waiting for the society to send a band council resolution.

"Indian Affairs says it's a decision for the chiefs. But it's a way for them to get out of making a final decision," he observed.

The society has until September to submit Band Council Resolutions to Indian Affairs to be eligible for some of the $8.8 million allotted for Indian economic development for 1990.

"If we funded every society we wouldn't have any money left. It's up to the Indian community to decide who gets the money," said Indian Affairs spokesman Bob MacNeil.

The society has had discussions with bands throughout the province and has received support from the Treaty 8 area so far, said MacLellan. It's eagerly waiting to hear from the other treaty areas.

"We're hoping for more support from Treaty 6 and Treaty 7. Since the bands have been extremely busy with their issues it's difficult to get the chiefs and councils to talk to them. Teeing up meetings and getting through the red tape is more difficult in some areas than other. We don't have money for travel. It's taking up time," said a worried MacLellan.

One artist is concerned not enough treaty people use the services the society provides.

"There are so many lost people in this country, who are not status (Indians) or Metis. I refer to myself as an urban non-status Indian," said artist Joane Cardinal-Schubert.

She said the old funding procedure worked well. "Why fix something that isn't broken?"

The society, which was formed in 1975, has helped to develop and promote Native artists and craft producers in Alberta.

It has also succeeded in building a greater awareness of Alberta Native art locally and internationally. Two annual trade shows, organized in Calgary and Edmonton, feature both local and national crafts producers.

The society also sponsors an annual fine arts show to promote the growth of Alberta Native artists. Basic business practices and procedures are taught to those, who wish to pursue to production of crafts on a full or part-time basis.

In addition, advisory services are available to assist Native artisans in marketing their work. Information is also provided to retailers, galleries and to members of the public, who are interested in Native arts and crafts and their availability.