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National Assoc. of Friendship Centres Renewal affirmation wanted for program

Author

Windspeaker Staff

Volume

5

Issue

10

Year

1987

Page 5

The National Association of Friendship Centre (104 in Canada) has just concluded a 16th Annual Assembly in London, Ontario.

Significant resolutions passed at the assembly include a call for the renewal affirmation of the Native Friendship Centre Programme, commencing in April 1988. Other business dealt with included:

- Financial support for the North American Indian Veterans tour of Europe in November 1987, to conduct a traditional memorial ceremony for all Native Veterans who served in World Wars I and II, and in post war peace keeping forces.

- A call for DIAND to launch independent investigation into outstanding grievances of disabled Indian war veterans regarding benefits for Indian Veterans; their treatment received from the Federal Government; and their experience upon returning home from both World Wars.

- Support for the Gitskan Wet'suweten People who have undertaken a basic challenge to the Constitution of Canada for ownership and jurisdiction of their traditional territories.

- Support for the einstatement immediately by the Department of Justice Canada for the Saskatchewan Native Courtworker's and Counselling Association Programme.

- A call on the British Columbia Government for a moratoriam on the adoption of Native Indian Children by non-Native families and to begin working constructively with Native People to develop programmes, procedures and legislative changes to help prevent further undue apprehensions of our children.

- Unanimous support for Miriam Youngchief as a lifetime member of the National Association of Friendship Centre Movement. Youngchief, has given 15 years of continuous voluntary service, locally, provincially and nationally.

- Elections were held for National Leaders:

o President ? Nelson Mayer from the province of Manitoba, Vice President ? Karen Collins from the province of Alberta, Treasurer ? David Newhouse from the province of Ontario, Secretary ? Judy Parceaud from the province of Quebec.