Peigans Return Social Services to Government

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In a controversial move, unprecedented among First Nations people, Peigan Chief Phillip Big Swan and his council have returned operations of four social service programs to the federal government.

The move became effective Sept. 29.

Big Swan said the issue really dates back almost two years, when drastic cuts to provincial government funding of social service programs started. The cutbacks created a deficit of almost $600,000 for the Peigan Nation.

"Now they want to cut another $26 per person," he added. "We can't operate with that."

Funding levels for the four programs is based on rates set by the province's social assistance programs. When the Klein government cut its rates, the federal government did too.

"We operate on the philosophy that Indian people have the same requirement as non-Natives," said John Paul, the field service agent for Indian Affairs who has taken over running the programs. "When the province cut its rates for these programs, we had to follow suit."

Basic social assistance, prevocational training, special needs assistance and the Care Out of Parental Homes program were affected y the move. Day care, child welfare and other adult services funded through formula-based grants, (which have not been cut,) will remain under tribal operation.

Paul said his department took back the operation of the programs reluctantly.

"It would have been better if chief and council had retained them. Other tribes have been hit by the same cuts, but have retained operation of these services."

Staff for the four programs has remained the same, he said.

"They're experienced people and they know their stuff. It helps to provide continuity."

Paul, who's regular position was with the Blood tribe, working out of a Calgary office, now spends up to four days a week in Brocket.

"There'll be no delays in when people will receive their cheques. A regular pay list is being made up now," Paul said. "The only problem might be with emergency funding."

The move was greeted with outcries from some members of the Band, including former councillor Edwin Yellow Horn.

"A lot of people are upset," Yellow Horn said. "There are many issues we want addressed ? timber rights, housing and council salaries. This chief and council never talk to us. We need to have some sort of open door policy, and we don't have that."

Big Swan said the previous council, of which Yellow Horn was a member, should have dealt with the problem, but didn't.