Reform task force to consult Aboriginals

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The Reform Party's Aboriginal Affairs Task Force is set to begin its cross-country tour of Canada in Manitoba this month, and is seeking the counsel of First Nations members.

The task force will examine Aboriginal and treaty rights, self-government and land claim issues and develop policy for the Reform Party. Manitoba was chosen as a starting point for the task force, because of concerns raised by some Aboriginal groups in that province about the proposed dismantling of Indian Affairs, said task force chairman Bob Head.

People who have contacted the Reform Party are concerned that under the self-government system being proposed by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, band councils will have too much control over the daily lives of First Nations members, said Head.

Native groups are being called on to consult with the task force on a "number of self-government options which would give Indian bands a real choice," reads a letter to First Nations organizations.

Self-government alternatives being considered by the Reformers include either a re-working of the Indian Act; forming federally incorporated municipalities with special powers regarding resource management and individual property rights and a community trust fund option. A personal opting-out agreement, much like disenfranchisement, is another option, said Head.

Chief Sydney Garrioch of Cross Lake First Nation in Manitoba looks forward to meeting with the task force.

"It would be a meaningful exercise to inform and to give the historic provisions, as well as to educate."

He's concerned that much of the Reform policy to date has more to do with assimilating Natives than recognizing their unique circumstances.

This perception was only augmented by statements made during the reform Party convention held in Ottawa in October. A policy was proposed by Reform members to make Native citizens like the rest of Canadians by replacing the Indian Act and putting Natives on the tax roll.

"Make them taxpayers again, make them Canadians again, and stop the drain on the federal treasury," said one delegate.

All the more reason to become involved in the process, said Garrioch.