Manitoba Indians may get to make own hunting laws

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The Manitoba government is taking a long hard look at having Indians write their own hunting rules and enforce the new regulations themselves. Chief Oscar Lathlin of The Pas Reserve complained some redneck conservation officers are belligerent and hate to see Indians exercise their treaty right to hunt ducks. Lathlin would like Indian bands to have a hand in managing all aspects of natural resources, not just hunting. That could include even licensing major developments that have a potential to harm the environment. The government has indicated it's in favor of co-management of natural resources. Despite that treaty right, hundreds of Indians are charged every year with hunting geese and ducks out of season. A Court of Queen's bench ruling sided with Indians but the federal government is appealing. The province is continuing to enforce the law.