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UBCIC News - volume 1, number 4 (August 1978)
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- UBCIC News - volume 1, number 4 (August 1978)
- Is Part Of
- 1.06-01.03 Nesika: UBCIC News
- 1.06.-01 Newsletters and bulletins sub-series
- Date
- August 1978
- volume
- 1
- issue
- 4
- Language
- english
- Identifier
- 1.06-01.03-02.08
- pages
- 30
- Table Of Contents
-
CHIEFS' COUNCIL PREPARES FOR NATIONAL
INDIAN BROTHERHOOD ANNUAL GENERAL
ASSEMBLY
LOCAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
FOUR ARROWS: FROM CENTRAL AMERICA
TO B.C. BY BUS - Contributor
- Beth Cuthand
- Linda Day
- George Manuel
- Michelle Stiff
- Dinah Schooner
- Debbie Hoggan
- a Wilson
- Loretta Todd
- Clifford Hanuse
- John Warren
- Barbara Kuhne
- Pauline Douglas
- Type
- periodical
- Transcription (Hover to view)
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Vol.1 No.4 Aug 78
CHIEFS’ COUNCIL PREPARES FOR NATIONAL
INDIAN BROTHERHOOD ANNUAL GENERAL
ASSEMBLY
LOCAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
FOUR ARROWS: FROM CENTRAL AMERICA
TO B.C. BY BUS
stildbsone
WORDS
A long time ago, when I| was young and idealistic, | learned a lesson the hard way from a tough
lady who threw a beer bottle at me. She was mad at words... .
| was an Indian university student at a time when there were only 48 in the whole of Canada.
Naturally we thought we were great, special and gifted. In those days we all believed that education
in the White system was the answer to the “plight of the Indian’. We used to spend hours rapping
about the “Indian problem’’, drinking beer late into the night and using big words to impress our
relatives and friends. $10.00 words like ‘‘assimilation” , ‘‘colonial oppression”’, “ethnocentric”, my
favourite phrase was “‘the cultural imperatives of our people’’.
One night a group of us: Indian university students, executive members of an Indian organiza-
tion, and reserve people in town for a conference, were rapping. As usual, the hot-shot students
were holding the floor advising the leaders about policy and the general direction the organization
should take.
Two of us ‘‘educated nerds’: myself, the second year sociology major who prided herself in
being leftist, and a third year education major were arguing about THE ANSWER to “our problem”.
The conversation as | remember it went something like this:
“You’re an assimilationist, Keith, if you think our colonialist oppressors have not threatened
the cultural imperatives of our people,’ | said in my best judgmental voice.
“Oh yah,” he replied, “I think your ethnocentricity stinks. Cross-cultural education is the
answer.”
| opened my mouth to answer when a half empty beer bottle came sailing towards my head. |
ducked and the bottle broke against the wall. The tough lady stood up.
“Words, words, words, is that all you f------ university students know.”” The lady was mad, very
mad, her eyes glinted like burning coals. “‘My kids just got kicked out of school because the
white nurse says they have lice and my husband just lost his job. You sit around all day reading
books and learning big words. You think you got answers!”’ Just then, her husband stood up
and took her arm.
“It’s OK Adele,” he said, “‘They’Ill learn, they’ll learn. . . .”
| went home that night feeling very hurt. | thought a lot about what the lady had said. | went
back to University a couple of times after that, a semester here, a semester there, but I’ve never
finished my degree. Somehow it’s not that important anymore.
Like the man said: ‘‘They’ll learn.”
—Editor
OUR COVER: The Magical Feather of the Gitskan
[Neil Sterrit of the Gitskan-Carrier Nation, adapted traditional Tshimsian art form to show the sun setting
behind the mountains, while the youths clinging to the feather are whisked into the sky.
The UBCIC NEWS is the official voice of the
Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs.
It is dedicated to building a strong foundation
for Indian Government by providing an awareness
of the political and social issues affecting the
Indians of British Columbia.
Signed articles and opinions are the views of
the individuals concerned and not necessarily
those of the UBCIC.
EDITOR: Beth Cuthand
Summer Editor: Linda Day
Written Contributions: George Manuel, Michelle Stiff, Dinah Schooner, Debbie Hoggan, Wanda
Wilson, Loretta Todd, Clifford Hanuse, John Warren, Barbara Kuhne, Pauline Douglas
Typesetting: Makara Publishing & Design Co-op
The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs
440 West Hastings Street
' Wancouver, B.C. Telephone: 684-0231
V6B 1L1 Telex: 04-54220
Editorial
Chiefs’ Council prepares for NIB.
Annual Assembly
President's Message
Memorandum of Agreement
Up-Date....
Video De-mystified.........
Timber News
The Secretariat ......0..000...
Hat Creek: The Squeeze ..
Nimpkish Band Monitor 2,4-D
Spraying
The Sekani Gathering
Master Tuition Agreement. ...
Letters to the Editor
Central Interior Conference
Resolutions . 20
Book Review... .....ceecreneda
A LOGAN, oes eae he pata 24
Youth Development 7
The 4 Arrows
Help Wanted
CHIEFS COUNCIL
CHIEFS’ COUNCIL PREPARE
FOR NATIONAL MEETING
The National Indian Brother-
hood is holding their annual General
Assembly this week, in Fredericton,
New Brunswick. They made funds
available for the UBCIC Chief's
Council to attend.
Before they left, the Chiefs met
at the Union Office for a prepara-
tory meeting to discuss UBCIC pre-
sentations to the NIB Assembly,
either for endorsement or towards
working out a national position on
an issue.
BASIC TRAINING FOR SKILLS
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
It appears that the Canada Employ-
ment and Immigration Commission
is negotiating with the DIA for
joint funding for their Basic Train-
ing for Skill Development program.
the Union Education Portfolio has
been researching this issue: the
Chiefs’ Council supported the con-
clusion that:
“We cannot allow officials of
the Federal Government to
think they can_ unilaterally
(without consultation) decide
what is best for us, then have
Indian Affairs transfer our
much-needed dollars to which-
- ever Government or Depart-
ment it feels will serve our best
interest. WE WILL BE THE
JUDGE OF THAT.”
The DIA has consistently tried to
share with other departments and
Provincial Governments the respon-
sibility that is delegated to it under
Section 91(24) of the B.N.A. Act.
Closet-negotiations spread the dol-
lars for Indian Bands to other de-
partments, to be spent by them “‘in
the best interest of the Indians’”’.
We usually only hear about this
once the agreements are signed and
the dollars handed over.
Again and again we come up
against this attitude and we
continue to insist that the
UBCIC 4
White Paper Policy of 1969 is
being unofficially carried out in
small ways that are not easily
proven, or identifiable as any
big master plan.
In spite of the reassurances by the
various Ministers, we have cause to
remain very suspicious of all those
programs designed by governments
for “the use and benefit” of Indian
people. .
“By our standards, we know
that the most beneficial place
to which monies set aside for
Indian people should go, is dir-
ectly to the Bands themselves.
There is no alternative tried
which has yet given Indian
people a trust in the Govern-
ment.
The position adopted by Chiefs’
Council as far as the Basic Training
for Skill Development Program is
concerned, is that if the Canada
Employment and Immigration Com-
mission needs more funds to carry
out this program, then it should go
to the Treasury Board. This pro-
gram may well be useful, but not at
the risk of compromising our
position against the White Paper
Policy and assimilation. -
The Union of B.C. Indian
Chiefs wants to go on record, with
regard to the Basic Training for
Skill Development Program, as de-
claring that the DIA should not
transfer any funds to the Commis-
sion. Band funds should go direct
to the Band. Before any negotia-
tion or transfer takes place, we
want our position to be on record.
Our Chiefs will be seeking endorse-
ment from the NIB Assembly.
UBCIC DECLARATION
ON SALMON POPULATION IN
B.C.
The main purpose of the Sal-
mon Declaration is to find ways in
which all those who have expertise
in the salmon fishery can work
together for the protection of our
resource. Events this summer once
again go to show that we have not
been able to educate non-Indians-
about the extent of our dependence
upon, and our experience and re-
sponsibility in the fishery.
The Chiefs’ mandate to the
Fishing Portfolio is therefore to-
wards a more intense public educa-
tion program on our rights and
responsibilities; and towards col- —
lecting data on traditional exper- —
tise for today’s conditions.
_ George Manuel discusses the
Declaration more fully in “the —
President’s Message”’ (page 5).
. LIAISON WITH
NEW BRUNSWICK INDIANS
RE: SALMON MANAGEMENT.
Those who received our last
Fishing Bulletin will have read that
Bands in New Brunswick are having
similar problems with the Fisheries
Department over their salmon fish-
ing rights. Our Chiefs plan to meet
with the New Brunswick Indians
and work out a liaison to monitor
the Federal Fisheries on the Atlan-
tic and Pacific Coasts. Denis Ni-
. cholas, Vice-President of the NIB,
is the New Brunswick representa- —
tive who has spear-headed this idea
of keeping each other informed.
Federal Fisheries say one thing to
us in B.C. and another to New
Brunswick Bands: we are all har-
assed. With some kind of co-
Operative monitoring, Council
members hope that the harassment
can be lessened. 7
INTERNATIONAL PACIFIC
SALMON COMMISSION.
Continuing on the principle
that more can be achieved by work-
ing closely with groups connected
with the salmon fishery, Chief Tom
Sampson proposed that the UBCIC
be represented on the International
Pacific Salmon Commission, The
proposal was approved. }
PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
Fish conservation and reproduction is stated to
be the number one priority for both the Fisheries
Department and the U.B.C.I.C. Each of these two
organizations has a large number of fishing special-
ists. The people in the Fisheries Department
gained their knowledge mainly through academic
training and their own experience. Our own experts
have gained understanding of fish reproduction and
conservation from the wisdom and experiences of
generations of Indian people who have been fishing
and learning in these waters for over 9,000 years.
Both Indian and Fisheries experts lack confi-
dence in each other. We should find ways of work-
ing together for the good of the whole country,
those who depend on fish for survival, those who
depend on fish for a living, and those who depend
on those who fish.
During the past half year, the UBCIC has put
in three proposals to Federal Fisheries for research
projects. We have received nothing from the Fed-
eral Fisheries, but we have made great progress
in taking back our fishing responsibilities. Some of
the recent efforts by Band Councils to strengthen
fish conservation and reproduction on their re-
serves has, however, been misunderstood by and
badly misinterpreted to the general public. We have
to replace misinformation, misunderstanding and
misinterpretation with facts and figures. We must
find ways to educate the non-Indian public.
The last meeting of the Chiefs’ Council approved
the Fishing Portfolio’s proposal to concentrate on
research and education. The research will empha-
size an Indian approach to fishing rights and fish-
ing responsibilities that will benefit the fish, our
own people and all Canadians who are really con-
cerned about protecting our fishing resources. This
research will provide a base for two urgently
needed projects:
1. A public education program on B.C. Indian
Fishing Rights and Responsibilities.
2. A renewal of Indian fishing expertise
geared to the conditions of modern life, but
rooted in the experience, the wisdom and the
spirit of our traditions.
This is what we mean by the Union of B.C.
Chiefs Declaration on Salmon population in B.C.
and this is what we are taking to the National
Indian Brotherhood Annual Assembly to be
endorsed on a national basis.
Sincerely,
George Manuel
UBCIC “*5
DIA’s proposal says. . . “Bands Do It Our Way”
Many of our Band Employees and Chiefs and
Councillors are being backed into a corner by DIA
District staff.
This article intends to keep Districts informed
on what DIA is doing about Bands signing this
contract; shed some light on the problems bands
are encountering; and try to explain briefly and
‘clearly why this agreement is, what it means to us
as Indian people and to our Indian governments,
and what steps Bands must take.
BACKGROUND
Bands have been administering programs ever
since 1969. What most Bands have been doing is
writing up a budget and handing it in to DIA dis-
trict office. Sometime later DIA lets Bands know
how much funds you will have to carry out either
an education, core housing or recreation program.
In the past, your Chief and Council have been
signing a Band Council Resolution (BCR) in order
to authorize the budget and allow DIA to release
the funds to the Band.
The Band Employees have been using DIA
“guidelines” or “‘terms and conditions” or “‘regu-
lations”’ as their rules for carrying on the programs.
A rough estimate would show us that there are
about 5 dozen pages of rules for how the Bands
carry out the programs.
In 1974 Ottawa made a policy that all pro-
grams that Bands administer will all come under
one policy, rather than under the 30 to 50 policies
that had existed before. Ottawa did not take back
any programs: they are trying to simplify their
work by putting all previous policies into one. That
policy is called a Treasury Board Minute. The one
we are talking about is numbered TB 725973.
THIS YEAR
Fred Walchli, Regional Director of DIA for B.C.
made the policy for B.C. “that this year B.C.
Bands must sign a contract to administer pro-
grams.” He is doing this year what Ottawa directed
all regions to do in 1974. We did not sign agree-
ments or contracts between 1974 to 1978, just the
B.C.B.’s.
Walchli’s staff wrote a “DRAFT” of the Mem-
orandum of Agreement for B.C. that they sent to
all the District Managers and Bands. Walchli sent
gut a Pink Circular, 1064 saying what the agree-
nent is all about, from his point of view.
UBCIC 6
[EMORANDUM
OF AGREEMENT
South Island: “We won’t sign an agreement at an
cost. If our Aboriginal Rights are threatened by’
this Agreement then we just won’t sign. The word-§
ing in this thing is so vague we don’t know if well
are being tricked, and if that’s the case then wel
won't sign.”
This is the first time in the history of B.C.
‘programs that our Bands have the opportunity to
make up our own minds about “the best” rules
to have governing these programs. Before we can
get the rules we want, we have to negotiate these
rules with DIA District Staff. When we sit down to
negotiate with DIA, both sides have to agree before
they should sign the contract, otherwise it is not an
agreement.
WHEN WE NEGOTIATE THIS AGREEMENT
WITH DIA WE CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
OUR RIGHT TO SELF DETERMINATION,
OR WE CAN DECIDE TO USE THE DIA
RULES, AND LEAVE THINGS THE WAY
THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN.
BROAD OVER-VIEW
When we start working on this Local Services
Agreement, we must first understand it. When we
begin to do that we realize very early that the
Agreement is only about the TERMS and CONDI-
TIONS for carrying on the programs. This agree-
ment is not about the dollars that we will use to
carry on the programs. DIA has not said to us that
we will now receive enough dollars to do what we
say we will in the Agreement. WE KNOW that the
rules and the dollars go together.
When we are talking about good management
of these programs, to make the best program possi-
ble for our Band MEMBERS we are talking about
well-trained Band staff. Our staff deserve to have’
available to them the best training possible and the
best resources possible. When we look at all the
situations on all of our Bands, we see that the in-
formation and resources that seem to be available
fall short; they are not good enough. We all know
this and we have to help each c*er get out of the
box that we are stuck in. It is possible for us to do
this by planning and using the Band Training Pro-
gram to our best advantage.
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT FOR LOCAL
SERVICES: WHAT IS IT?:WHAT IS IT FOR?
_ DIA sent out a “fat” copy of their proposal,
of what they want in the agreement; they have
Stellaquo Band: ‘“‘We have a lot of work to do on
this thing, and it is better if we do it together, asf
the Bands in this District.We have to stick together.
Lakes District: ‘The proposed agreement gives no
authority to the Bands — it gives all the shit work
(bleep) and headaches. Further, there will be
constant DIA interference with Band operations.
This | do not think should be allowed because the
Bands need to begin developing. Now we are
straight-jacketed with all their nonsensical red tape
and it isn’t helping us one bit.”
simply compiled all the regulations or rules they
have used in the past.
DIA’s proposal concerns two things:
1. Power, who controls the program, who evalu-
ates it, who decides on budgets and changes
etc.
2. Financial Accountability — Who reports to
who for what moneys, how this is done, when
to get audits, etc.
“Legal Opinion”
1. “DIA keeps a significant, if not overwhelming,
control over most of the program activities.”
2. For the solving of disputes between Bands and
DIA: DIA’s proposal ‘substantially favours the
- Department of Indian Affairs. These provi-
sions’ give the Regional Director General sub-
stantial and unilateral (one-sided) authority in
the dispute process. One can say, at this time,
that there are going to be disputes arising out
of this agreement. If this is so, then the
method to solve these disputes should be fair
and just. The proposals made by the Depart-
ment are archaic and reflect a one-sided point
of view of the dispute process.”’
3. “Third, the proposal for the imposition of a
state of co-management is simply another way
of imposing direct DIA control. The proposal
for co-management in Paragraph 12 penalizes
the Bands for simply alleging a breach or de-
fault on the part of the Department. This is
based on the assumption that there is a blame-
worthy act or fault attributable to the Bands
for alleging a breach. This is a punitive mental-
ity based upon the need to penalize for raising
complaints and objections.”
“The Bands are frozen into the budgets ne-
gotiated from year to year and parliamentary allo-
cation, while being obliged to fulfill a great number
of tasks for the implementation of the program
activities.”
Stuart-Tremblaur Band: ‘‘This proposed agreement
goes against what we are working towards for
Indian Government. If we accept this agreement as
it is, then we are only working against ourselves.”’
TIME TO THINK
BANDS ARE IN NO WAY OBLIGED TO SIGN
THE AGREEMENTS AS THEY NOW STAND
The UBCIC has written to Bands suggesting
action to take with the District Officers who are
continuing to harass Bands itito a rushed signing.
GO TO THE TOP
District Officers should be informed, in writing,
that the Band needs more time to study and
understand the Agreement fully. Copies of this
correspondence should be sent to the Regional
Office and the UBCIC, so that District staff know
you can go over their heads. If the District staff
still pressures for signing, or threatens to hold this
year’s funding, then a formal complaint would be
sent to the Regional Director General, with copy
to UBCIC.
THE LETTER OF INTENT
Those Bands who do want to administer DIA
programs, must negotiate and sign some form of
Local Services Agreement. Send a letter to your
District Office, advising them of your intention to
negotiate a MASTER and SUB-AGREEMENTS.
It is in your interest to include in your letter the
date that you feel you may be ready to bring
negotiations.
STATE OF THE AGREEMENT
A written statement obtained on 22 August
shows there is no great precedent (example) of
Bands signing on the dotted lines.
Of eight Districts, five have not signed any
agreement, or any letters of commitment
In only three Districts have Bands committed’
themselves to negotiating yet.
62 Bands altogether have made written or
verbal commitments to negotiate an Agreement.
13 Bands have signed an Agreement. They
have not necessarily signed the first draft agree-
ment proposed by the DIA.
NEW AGREEMENTS DRAFTED
The UBCIC Indian Government Portfolio is
working on an alternative draft agreement that
could be useful to negotiations, and this will be
-sent out to Bands very shortly. The Lakes Dis-
trict Council are also drafting their own alter-
native. Of the few Agreements that have been
‘signed so far, some have been entirely re-written by
the Band. Legal consultation is advisable for both
the re-writing and the negotiating.Bands negotiating
a group or by District, feel much more contident
of maintaining a strong negotiating position, and
maintaining it as long as necessary .
UBCIC<?7
&
WALCHLI CLAIMS IGNORANCE
OF STRONG-ARM TACTICS
It appears that the Auditor General is criti-
cizing the DIA accounting for funds administered
by Bands. To get the Auditor General off their
backs, the DIA has sent out a hastily drawn up
document to be hastily signed by the Bands. This
document gives all the power to the DIA and all
the responsibilities to the Bands. When Bands
didn’t sign blindly and District Councils started to
seriously study & question the Memorandum of
Agreement, the Regional Office sent out a hasty
note that this Memorandum, prepared by Depart-
ment staff, is only a draft and to be negotiated for
individual Bands.
Nowhere in the original master Agreement
presented to the Bands is this made clear.
DIA DRAFT
Bands have reported heavy pressure to sign the
Agreement as it stands, by the DIA district agents.
Bands have also reported heavy time pressures.
When’ questioned by UBCIC about pressuring
Bands Fred Walchli, Director General, claimed
complete ignorance of such pressure. He referred
to his June 2nd Circular 1064, sent to all his
Regional staff as well as Chiefs and Councils.
(‘“) Each Band must have the opportunity to )
fully consider and understand the Agreement
before signing it; and
b) Bands (should be) aware that the form of
- “Memorandum of Agreement”’ prepared by
Departmental staff is only a draft, and that
there is a great deal of flexibility as to the
particular contents and terms of the Agree- —
\ ment.” (page 2) oy
Pink Circular 1064 suggests that negotiations
should be completed by September 30th.
While the Department recognises that some Bands
and Districts have good reason for following a
different schedule, this has to be approved by the
Director of Operations. Also, the DIA must be
notified by the Band of a Commitment to nego-
tiate and also include a timetable for study, devel-
opment for position and beginning of negotiations.
The Circular suggests that all Agreements should
be in place by December 31st, 1978 — but even
this date is flexible, Walchli told UBCIC.
Some of the tactics used to pressure Bands to
sign this Agreement are just the kind we feel
UBCIC 8
should be guaranteed-against in the Agreement.
The dangers of ‘divide and rule’’ that we see in the
process of individual Band negotiations are already
a fact.
DIRECTOR GENERAL ORDERS PRESSURE
OFF: BUT DISTRICT AGENTS DON’T LET UP
Fred Walchli doesn’t believe his field staff have
not yet understood his directive. As his directive
did not reach the Bands, at least those in Central
District, we can believe they didn’t see it. The
only way the UBCIC can convince him is by de-
tailed reports from Bands. At the Chiefs Coun-
cil meeting on August 27th, Chiefs requested
that those Bands whose funds have been frozen or
who are being otherwise pressured, and who wish
to contact the UBCIC, should do so soon. We
would appreciate specific reports on the DIA field
staff to keep their boss informed.
Peter Prince, Chairman of the Lakes District
Council, has accused the Department of using §
unethical methods, strong-arm tactics and misin-
formation to prevent Councils getting together on
this:
“The Department's fear of the Chiefs’ collec-
tive bargaining is the cause of this government
backlash” he told reporters.
At the meeting of the Lakes District Council on
this issue, August 15/16 he described examples of
these preventive techniques:
1. District staff are insisting on meeting with
Band Councils on the same days as publi- |
cized meetings of the Lakes Council and
thus intentionally affecting attendance of
meetings (as happened to the Takla and
Omenica Bands). —
. District Agents are informing Bands indi-
vidually that they are the only ones not to
sign the contract while, in fact, none have
signed (the case with the Stellagquo Band).
. Funds are being withheld from Bands for
not signing the Agreement: (the case with
the Fort George Band).
+. Agents are pressuring the Band Councils by
imposing a September 30th deadline, while |
in fact that mis-represents the “‘suggestion”’ |
from Indian Affairs Regional Office in
Vancouver.
MIGHT OVER RIGHT:
A. SIGN RIGHT AWAY: DIA District staff are
travelling to our Bands telling us that we must
sign the Agreement right away.
OUR RIGHTS: We do NOT have to sign the
Agreement sent out from the Regional Office
right away. We have until the end of the fiscal
year. We have lots of studying and writing and pre-
paring to do first.
B. DON’T UNDERSTAND. THE AGREEMENT:
We don’t understand what is in the agreement,
it is written in legal words that we don’t know
the meaning of. Yet we are asked to sign it.
OUR RIGHTS: We must not sign the agreement
unless we understand what it says, and what we are
doing. The UBCIC has sent out some papers to all
Band offices, and Chiefs’ home addresses explain-
ing in ordinary English what the Agreement is all
about, and what it says. UBCIC staff are willing
to come to District/Area/Tribal Council Meetings
to help Bands understand what this is all about. We
recommend that you contact your District/Tribal
Chairperson to help you understand this Agree-
ment, or get a District-wide workshop and invite
UBCIC staff.
C. CUT-OFF FUNDS: DIA staff have been saying
that if we don’t sign this agreement then our
funds will be cut-off. In some districts, DIA
has cut off funds because our Bands said they
wouldn’t sign.
OUR RIGHTS: This is important. This year’s
funds are not to be affected by the negotiating and
signing of this agreement. This agreement is to
start next year. If a Band says they won’t sign this
agreement then DIA district staff have taken this
_ to mean that the Band does not want to negotiate
and does not want to administer the program.
Most Bands have meant “We won’t sign DIA’s
Proposed or Draft Agreement because we don’t
like the rules in it.”’ If this has happened to your
Band, and you do want to administer your own
programs, then phone or write a letter to your
district DIA office telling them that you want to
make it clear — you do want to administer and you
are prepared to negotiate AN AGREEMENT.
D. SIGN TH/S AGREEMENT: DIA staff are
saying it is best for us to sign the DRAFT
Agreement. We are told that we have to. We
That is your decision.
SOME OF THE ARGUMENTS __
are being told that it is a good agreement and it
will help us out a lot.
OUR RIGHTS: You do not have to sign the Draft
Agreement that DIA sent out. We do have to sign
some agreement by the next fiscal year. Our Band
staff and Chief and Councillors who have been
experiencing the real problems over the past few
years — are the people who KNOW BETTER than
DIA — what the best interests of our Band Mem-
bers are. .
E. BAND TERMS AND CONDITIONS: A real
problem is for our Bands to make the time,
and to have the confidence to write out own
Terms and Conditions. It is in fact easier to
sign the “DIA Draft”’.
QUR RIGHTS: To take the responsibility for our
Band Members we must write the rules that are
best for our own Band members. If we want to
break our dependency on DIA, and end their con-
trol over our lives then it is time that we started
with this Agreement. When you are working on
your Bands terms and conditions or rules; your
district rep will help you, and UBCIC has copies of
terms and conditions that other Bands have writ-
ten. We cannot print them in this newsletter
because we would be informing DIA of some
Band’s negotiating position when only those
Bands should let DIA know. We have the right to
share these papers with other Bands, though, to
help them. IT IS HARD WORK, THAT IS WHY
WE MUST STICK TOGETHER AS INDIAN
PEOPLE.
F. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING: DIA is telling
some District/Tribal/Area Councils that they
will not deal with them as a group, they will
only deal with individual Bands.
OUR RIGHTS: Band Members must give the au-
thority to the Council to sign these agreements on
their behalf for self-administration of programs.
The Band Councils will have to sign these agree-
ments if we want these programs. BUT there is
Greater Strength in negotiating together. Each
Band supporting the next one for each Contract,
and Budget, and Training of Staff. DIA has no
right to stop Bands from working together or
attending meetings and negotiations together.
UBCIC .9
UP-DATE
TELEGRAPH CREEK SCHOOL:
The school at Telegraph Creek is still not safe
for students. The Band Council, supported by
local residents and by the DIA, wants to build a
school that is suited to the needs of the commun-
ity. The Provincial Education Department has
promised to study these proposals at a meeting to
which the UBCIC is to be invited. Numerous
reminders have been sent to the Ministry since |
June 20th. The Band has now requested that our
lawyers intervene on their behalf.
OWEKEENO LIT UP AT LAST
It may have been a coincidence but soon after
the last issue there was a lot of activity in Owee-
keeno as engineers and electricians flew in to re-
wire the community power system and turn on the -
lights. Members of the CBC Pacific Report crew
are investigating the possibility of a television do-
cumentary on the 7-month blackout for viewing in
September.
MOWACHAHT BAND POLLUTION
The Mowachat Band have been researching means
to control the pollution from the Pulp Mill which
has become a serious health hazard for Band mem-
bers. In August, the UBCIC lawyer went to Gold
River to discuss all the legal alternatives for the
Band to consider. Further meetings between the ~
Band and the UBCIC Energy and Resources and
legal staff are planned for early September.
MOOSE DIES ON DOORSTEP:
INDIAN CHARGED
Francis Haines of the Stone Band will have to
wait until October 11th before hearing the Judge’s
decision in this case.
UBCIC STAFF
Millie Poplar has been hired as the new Co-
ordinator of the Education Portfolio. Millie has
moved to Vancouver from Prince George where she
was involved in Indian Education for many years.
Our summer students will be leaving the Union
office at the end of August. Many have put ina
lot of extra time and effort and we will certainly
be sad to see them go. Our Summer Editor, Linda
Day, will be returning to Ontario but we hope she
will be back soon.
UBCIC 10
‘COMMUNITY
VIDEO
~ VIDEO DE-MYSTIFIED
People came to the August
video workshop for very definite
reasons — a project that needed
doing or completing. There is an
amazing variety of video projects
planned by individuals and Bands
throughout the province. We quickly
de-mystified the equipment and.
process of recording. The focus of
the workshop was on how to use
video most effectively for the
different projects that people are
involved in.
OUR OWN WAY AND FOR OUR
OWN PURPOSES
Neil Bent represented a group
at Lower Similkameen Band who
have all kinds of equipment, video
and film. Now they want to record
illustrated fables and legends of
their tribe ‘fin the ways our fathers
used to tell them — funny but with
a meaning:” with puppets - Neil’s
interest is in making use of com-
mercial TV to put our point of view
across to the non-Indians, to
educate them on issues as they
affect us. Local cable stations all
over the province always welcome
local content and their studios and
The Bella Coola Cultural Centre use to record the elders.
has also had a heavy summer pro- Other individuals came to the
| gram, researching records .all over workshop just to catch up with new
* the province. Ways of recording equipment or for a refresher course,
| traditional ways, speech, dances to get familiar with the equipment
and songs are also being researched. and production once again.
technicians should be open to any-
one who wants to produce a pro-
gram.
Priscilla Ritchie had used video
a little before but wanted to be-
come quite familiar with using the
equipment for her work at the
drug and alcohol program at Mt.
Currie. People find it useful to
look back over discussions. They
get deeper into the subject, and
also see what they say with their
hands, expressions, feet, body that
they often. cannot say in words.
A group of drama_ students
came in from Seabird Island. There
is a great interest in writing and
producing their own plays. The
drama productions will then be
recorded on video. Denise Doug-
las, co-ordinator of the project,
said that even though summer fund-
ing is practically over, the people
are excited enough by the project
that they are going to finish any
way they can.
Darlene Kallop came to the work-
;, shop to find out the most effec-
= \\
tive use of video for this.
Bella Bella has a community
cable station — so that the people.
can produce their own TV program.
Jerry Humchitt came down mostly
to find out more about the editing
part of cable TV production.
At Seton Portage there is strong
concern in recording the stories,
words and language of the old peo-
ple. Louise Alexander is one of
those involved .in the project and
considering all the ways they can
In a 3% day course, put on at
Capilano College with instruction
from both UBCIC staff and College
staff, we covered a lot of ground:
equipment and production; lighting,
sound, planning, scripting and edit-
ing. It was fun: our heads were
heavy by the end of each day.
But the best part is still to come:
putting all of this into practice in
all the different projects. Most
video is — practice and experience
in finding the most valuable formats
and programming for ourselves, and
sharing the results.
UBCIC 11
TIMBER: R
On August 17, three U.B.C.1.C.
staff attended a meeting with the
Deputy Minister of Forests, Mike
Apsey, and several of his staff at
the Prince George office of the
Department.
The meeting was arranged by
Chief Harry Chingee to discuss the
plans which the McLeod Lake Band
has to develop an economic base in
the Forest Industry.
The Minister of Forest has pre-
pared a White Paper on the indus-
try. A copy has been sent to
Forestry Committee members.
Anyone else wishing a copy can
contact the Union office.
The Provincial Government is re-
evaluating the whole administration
of the forest resource following
passage of the new Forest Act. The
province will be divided into new
Timber Supply Areas to replace
P.S.Y.U.’s. The allocated cut in
these new areas will be determined
and the available timber remaining
will be made to make _ timber
available for the small business
UBCIC .. 12
et
i ae
ah
mA
segment of the industry. The regu-
lations which will specify how this
will be done are still being prepared.
He reaffirmed the provincial
position that nothing excluded
bands from greaver participation in
the industry. However, he would
not make any commitments towards
working with bands specifically to
increase their involvement. He did
say that the ‘‘door was always open”
to bands requesting assistance.
Therefore clearly, the initiatives
must come from bands. It is im-
portant that our requirements are
documented and understood at this
time. Once the new system is in
place there will be even fewer
opportunities for bands. Under the
new approach, the Regional Mana-
gers of the Forest Service will
have significant discretion in the
use and allocation of timber. There
would be real advantages if the
bands in each Forest region would
form a committee to meet regularly
with Forest Service staff to keep on
top of what is being done.
At the same time bands must
identify and document their require-
= ments, the Union is doing this ona
‘, provincial basis.
A major effort
must be made to the assistance
which bands need to do this. The
Forestry Committee will have to
work on this need over the coming
To: All Bands
From: Forestry
The revised Forest Act recog-
nizes Indian bands and individuals
as potential participants in the
industry to a very limited extent:
some opportunities are under the
Timber Sale Licence provisions and
the Woodlot. Licence — provisions.
The regulations which will accom-
pany the Act will have to be stud-
ied in some detail.
To continue applying pressure
on the Provincial Government and
to assist bands to acquire timber
off-reserve we need specific infor-
mation on current Indian involve-
ment and aspirations within the
Forest Industry.
It would be helpful to know
how the timber resource which all
bands control on their reserves and
how much timber bands must have
over the next twenty years in order
to develop viable business ventures.
This will help us to document
the importance of employment in
the Forest Industry to the economic
activities of bands. Over the next
weeks Gordon Antoine (the co-or-
dinator of this study) or Clifford
Hanuse will be getting in touch
with you. Your co-operation would
be appreciated in this work.
As a first step we are approach-
ing bands with the following ques-
tions. If your band has not been
approached, please fill in this form
and send it to the U.B.C.I.C. office,
attention Gordon Antoine.
UNION OF B.C.
¢:
INDIAN CHIEFS FORESTRY SURVEY ~
DESCRIPTION
BAND DISTRICT
‘ADULT POPULATION M
EMPLOYMENT NUMBER OF EXPERIENCED
JOB DESCRIPTION ON-RES| OFF-RES]| TOT. | BAND MEMBERS
LOGGING-Full-time
-Part-time
SAW/PULPMILL-Full-time
| -Part-time
TOTAL
ON-RESERVE | OFF-RESERVE | TOTAL
| Logging |
| Saw/Pulpmill
Total
EQUIPMENT
ITEM AGE
IF TIMBER WAS AVAILABLE EITHER ON RESERVE OR CROWN LAND, INDICATE HOW MANY CUNITS
PER ANNUM WOULD YOUR BAND NEED OVER THE NEXT TWENTY YEARS TO DEVELOP A VIABLE BASE
IN THE FOREST INDUSTRY (a General Description)
~-UBCIC” 13
The
Secretariat
The Union would like to clear
up a few misunderstandings that
people may have over D.I.A. budget
allocations to Bands. In the June
issue of the D.I.A. Newsletter,
News and Views, it was implied
that through the Secretariat, the
Union is partially responsible for
the inadequate allocations that
Bands are getting. News and Views
‘States that:
“The Secretariat is a forum for
the discussions of issues. Now
the issues are economic in ’im-
pact, including DIAND budget
allocations and Provincial legis-
lation which affects Indian
interests.”
As a result of negotiations be-
tween George Manuel and the
Regional Director General of Indian
Affairs, Fred Walchli, the Secretariat
‘was formed this year.
meeting of the Secretariat in June
the Union portfolio heads and coor-
dinators met with Walchli and his
program managers. General discus-
sions were held on a wide range of
topics, and research has been done
on funding levels, the local services
agreement and D.1I.A. staffing poli- |
cies.
Although there were discussions |
on a development strategy for B.C.,
the Union has no involvement with
the way D.I.A. distributes its bud-
get. We have been analyzing the
Department budget, and lobbying
for more funds for Band programs.
We have had no input, whatsoever,
with the way the Department of
Indian Affairs allocates the budget
to Bands.
At the first -
DO YOU WANT TO MAKE
A FAST BUCK?
Miki Hirai, Tel. (604) 591-3361
is looking to buy Pine Mushrooms,
f.o.b. (fréight on board) at $4.00
per pound.
~UBCIC 14
HAT CREEK:
THE SQUEEZE
For the past two months nego-
tiations have been taking place
between the Hat Creek Committee,
the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs and
D.1.A. to develop a new contract
and research proposal for the Hat
Creek Committee. In early June
D.I.A. indicated that it was “‘freez-
ing” all remaining funds under the
existing contract with the Commit-
tee. The reason for cutting the
funds was that D.I.A. was not
satisfied with the progress reports
on the research.
The Union of B.C. Indian
Chiefs was asked by the Hat Creek
Committee to help with the funding
problem. Since then the Committee
and the UBCIC have worked out a
new arrangement whereby the
Committee makes policy decisions
and the UBCIC helps with the
administration of the research pro-
ject.
The major focus of the research
is the environmental risks of the
Hat Creek project and the effects it
will have on our people’s lives. We
are first preparing an information
package which identifies the envir-
onmental hazards of the coal mine
and thermal generating plant. This
information will be presented to
the Bands in the area and our people
will have an opportunity to discuss
their concerns. We will then pre-
pare a video tape and a written
report which present our people’s
assessment of the impacts.
Several meetings have been held
with D.1.A. to discuss this research
plan but the new contract is still
not finalized so no new funds have
been made available. This week
D.I.A. introduced a new obstacle
by unexpectedly changing the
terms of the agreement just when. it
was to be signed. Nonetheless,
work is going ahead on our infor-
mation package.
Meanwhile, B.C. Hydro is pro-
ceeding with more and more re-
search at the Hat Creek project site,
but is denying us access to the
study results. Hydro presently has
fifty-one (51) staff working on the
project site, as well as many outside
consultants. By refusing to make
the results of the environmental
research available to us, they are
making it very difficult for our peo-
ple to determine what impact the
project will have on our lands and
our lives. However, the Committee
and the UBCIC are determined to
proceed with our study. |
Once again “the squeeze is on”’
from both D.I.A. and Hydro. Guess
who is stuck in the middle?
2,4-D SPRAYING
B.C. Hydro’s plans to spray
2,4-D in Northern Vancouver Island
were approved August 15th.
The supposed wonder weed and
pest control DDT wiped out the
salmon grounds of Nimpkish in the
late °50’s. At that time, it was the
largest salmon spawning
area in B.C. After the DDT spray-
second
ing, it became one of the poorest.
And now there are plans to use ano-
ther untested weed killer in the
same area.
The Nimpkish Band has put a
lot of work into restoring the river
and planning a large salmon
‘recovery’ program. This project is
vital to the economic development
of the Band.
When the DDT was applied
about 20 years ago, there had been
no tests about the possible side-
effects. You would think a valuable
lesson had been learned by the peo-
ple using pesticides. But now B.C.
Hydro wants to apply 2,4-D to the
same area: this time there is already
much alarm about the side effects
of this pesticide.
Alder trees are growing over the
B.C. Hydro power line right-of-
ways near the Nimpkish Lake, and
B.C. Hydro wants to kill them off
with 2,4-D. This area is just near
the site of the salmon project.
“We cannot permit and wilN
not allow the use of poisons in
the valley. Their use will only
jeopardize our restorative efforts
before they have a chance to
show any improvement.
It appears that money as usual
is the only consideration to
the corporate interests wishing
to destroy alder. Money before
the environment, money before
the birds and mammals, money
before the fish and money be-
\ fore the people’.
Chief Cranmer wrote to the Mount
Waddington Regional District.
Untested
The Regional District and most
non-Indians in the northern Van-
couver Island also oppose B.C.
Hydro’s application. People are
worried about the uncertainty of
the effects of 2,4-D. B.C. Hydro
assures everyone that it is quite
safe: the Habitat Protection Section
of the Fish and Wildlife Branch say
that the effects are mostly untested.
While one quick and light spraying
of 2,4-D may not kill the salmon
immediately, Fisheries Technical
Circular No. 27 (MS) points to the
possible dangers that are not recog-
nised right away. “Low concentra-
tions of 2,4-D maintained over a
period of time could cause sub-
lethal damage. . . gradual decrease
in fish through reduced reproduc-
tion, increased susceptibility to
parasites, disease and starvation”. |
Tests on Bluegills showed the liver
and circulation. of the fish were
affected, as were the spawning
times. “The effects of repeated
exposure to more sensitive fish is
unknown”. There is evidence, too,
that shellfish do gather 2,4-D
residues, especially oysters.
In the light of this kind of
information from marine techni-
cians and after their experience
with the disaster of DDT, the
Nimpkish Band is opposed to
2,4-D spraying in the area.
Fisheries Dept
No Support
On August 12, 1978, members
of the Band had met with Minister
of Fisheries Romeo le Blanc, and
Regional Director, Wally Johnson,
about the Department’s approval of
the spraying. Pearly Alfred, Band
Manager, reported that the Director
had not been aware of their appro-
val, and said he couldn’t understand
it if they had. He promised to
| B.C. Hydro is not allowed to pro-
\mer, Chief.”
NEAR SALMON PROJECT
contact the Band the following
week. (At the time of going to Press,
August 30, the Band had heard
nothing from the Regional Office).
When they heard the Pollution
Board’s decision on August 16th,
the Band telexed Minister le Blanc:
“Re: our discussion here on August
12, the Provincial Pollution Control
Board has approved the application
by the B.C. Hydro to spray the
areas in the Nimpkish water shed
with 2,4-D. The success of the
Nimpkish Band Salmon Enhance-
ment Program cannot be assured if
spraying occurs. As the Minister
who is ultimately responsible for
all Salmon Enhancement, you must
make every effort to ensure that
ceed. We await your confirmation
that the appropriate action has
been taken. Your failure to do so
will be a clear indication to the
Nimpkish Band that your Ministry
does not fully support the Band’s
effort to enhance the Nimpkish }
River System. Yours, Roy aa
The UBCIC has sent
a similar telex to the Minister
strongly supporting the Nimpkish
Band in their stand against the
2,4-D spraying. Receipt of the
telex was acknowledged, and that is
all the response from the Fisheries
Department.
Al Speck, Assistant Band Mana-
ger, told us that now all the Band
can do is to make sure that all pre-
cautions possible are taken. They
have found out who is spraying,
from where and that the spray per-
mit expires on September 15th.
They are researching weather con-
ditions under which spraying can
take place. Work on the salmon
project will be redirected to moni-
toring B.C. Hydro and protecting
the salmon grounds.
UBCIC 15
UBCIC
16
— f
Pe inaitn ee."
%
1
On July 18th to 21st, 1978 the Sekani held a
very historic and serious event. A Gathering was
hosted by the McLeod Lake Sekani. The entire
meeting took place in the woods. The Band sup-
plied tents and transportation for most of the.
guests and speakers. Food was also supplied by the
women from the McLeod Lake Band who cooked
from early morning until very late at night. All
proceedings took place in an open air forum
among the trees. There was no formal agenda
although many subjects were discussed; Sekani
traditional territory — how hunting, trapping and
fishing were practised before resource exploitation
— the days before Williston Lake — the days after
Williston Lake — history of Ingenika — education
— the new forestry road which is planned for the
Fort Ware area — McGregor River Diversion pro-
ject and the impact it will have — Site C and its
impact.
Very strict precautions were taken at the
meeting to prevent alcohol and drugs from being
brought onto the campgrounds. Security guards
were posted at the gates 24 hours a day along with
a RCMP constable.
Day-care facilities were offered. The children
were kept busy playing games, swimming and hik-
ing while their parents saw that the Gathering was
running smoothly.
SEKANI
The large number of youth in attendance was
most encouraging and quite significant for this
Gathering. Many opportunities were offered for
them to speak with leaders, other Chiefs and young
people visiting from neighbouring Bands.
Many evening recreation activities were offered
and usually after a strenuous game of volleyball
everyone would race to the river for a nice, cool,
refreshing swim.
Shortly after the sun would set campfires
would begin to burn, drums would start their
rhythm and on the last two evenings the Quesnel
Indian performers shared their dance with us.
Some people preferred to sit around a smaller
fire to laugh and share stories while enjoying hot
bannock and tea.
The purpose of this Gathering was to bring
together for the first time in history the three Se-
kani Bands: McLeod Lake, Fort Ware and Ingen-
ika to share stories about the history of our people,
talk about trapping, hunting and fishing, discuss
the future of the Sekani and to make new friends
and renew family ties.
The Gathering was very successful this way and
there is no doubt that we will hold more meetings
like this.
—Debbie Hoggan
BACK TO THE MTA
BE IT RESOLVED THAT this
Assembly give the Education Port-
folio full support including support
for negotiations with the Federal
and Provincial Governments to
effect the inclusion of a legal ad-
dendum to the Master Tuition
Agreement which will take the
form of an opting out clause for
bands that wish to make their own
education contracts.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
THAT this Assembly support and
endorse the continuation of the
consultation process initiated by
the Master Tuition Agreement
workshops. 10th Annual General
Assembly
CARRIED.
We are presently preparing for
negotiations. We have two students
working on a paper, documenting
and research, called Assimilation
Process.
The Regional Director of the
Department of Indian Affairs was
to write a letter to the Provincial
Government to begin setting the
stage for negotiations. We are await-
ing a copy of the letter from the
Department of Indian Affairs and a
reply from the Provincial Govern-
ment.
Many of the Bands with whom
we have met on the Master Tuition
Agreement are in the process of
negotiating with various school
boards regarding educational ser-
vices to the Bands.
HISTORY OF THE MASTER
TUITION AGREEMENT
On July 26, 1978, Rosalee Tiz-
ya, Administrator for the Union
of B.C. Indian Chiefs, gave a back-
ground report on the Master Tuition
Agreement in Vernon, B.C.
When we asked one official of
the Department of Indian Affairs
who was responsible for coming
into being of the Master Tuition
Agreement:
Q. Were Indian People informed of
this Agreement?
ANSWER: NO.
Q. Why weren’t Indian People in-
volved in the Agreement?
ANSWER: They didn’t express
an interest.
Q. Did the Bands know you were
about to sign the Agreement?
ANSWER: NO.
Indian people cannot express an
interest if they don’t know if an
agreement is about to exist.
During the existence of the
Master Tuition Agreement, the
Department of Indian Affairs
wanted some clauses of the M.T.A.
clarified. Before the two govern-
ments could change the Agree-
ment, 30-35 intervened and de-
manded that Indian People should
be consulted before any changes
can be done. This is where we are
at now, in the process of consult-
ing with Bands across B.C. on the
Master Tuition Agreement.
Hi Beth,
The Northeast News
(Under the British North Ameri
can Act, Section 91(24) it says
that the Federal Government
has the right to make laws for
Indians and lands reserved for
Indians.
Under the B.N.A. Act, the
Federal Government wrote the
Indian Act and under this Indian
Act are education sections 114
to 123.
Section 114 of the Indian Act
says the Minister may enter into
an agreement with the Govern-
ment of British Columbia for
the education of Indian chil-|
ren.
Under the same B.N.A. Act, the
Government of B.C. have the
right to make laws for education
and to carry out this Act they
(B.C.) wrote the Public Schools
Act.
Under the Public Schools Act,
Section 18(23), the Minister of
Education (B.C.) may enter
into an agreement with the
Government of Canada (D.1.A.)
for the education of Indian
children.
Under these two laws, the Indian
Act and the Public Schools Act,
this is what gave the two gov-
ernments the right to sign the |
Master Tuition Agreement.
The Master Tuition Agreement |
was signed in February, 1969, |
during the same year the White
Paper Policy came out.
The White Paper Policy is locked ]}
into the Master Tuition Agree-
oo
| have been busy in the northeast, with several
things in the last few months. It’s not too easy
with the tactics some people use to screw up every-
thing for sake of government policy, to have full
control of the aboriginal people of this land.
Mary Lou Andrews and myself went to Tele-
graph Creek in June. | was in Alaska in April to
meet with the Indian people there and find out the
effects the pipeline had in that area.
There is also a great deal of T.B. on one of the
reserves here, and we had a researcher here to doa
UBCIC 18
report on that. | understand there is also an exces-
sive number of people with T.B. at Lower Post.
Amy Gauthier and myself will probably take a trip
up there to see how things are.
Louise Mandell has been up to give reports on
how the Montney land claim is going. It should be
in the courts by the time this article gets printed.
Marty Weinstein has also been up in the area to
get familiar with the people. He will be heading up
the study on Land Use and Occupancy in this area.
| will also be working on it with him.
Arlene La Boucane
NO MAGIC KEY
In the institutions of education there are many
standards which must be met if one is to succeed.
There is a never ending competition to rank since
only a selective number can rank at one time: It is
obvious that the rich and the strong have an edge
over those straining under psychological, social,
and political handicaps. In the highly competitive
system of education it is difficult to conform and
there is no place for sentiment. This is the demor-
alizing factor which has caused many to be stereo-
typed as the poor, dumb and shy nobody. After all
someone has to succeed and some must fail.
_ Over the years Native people have experienced
anxiety to no end. To evolve an identity accept-
able in the newly introduced institutions, the
Native person has to adopt new values and customs.
The reaction towards upward mobility, which is
stressed, has been remorseful among Native people.
A large percentage of Native students are lost
annually. However, vast improvements can be seen.
An increased number of Native students are educa-.
ted above grade 11 every year. It is estimated that
this number triples with each generation (Wilson
unpublished report 1975). More and more Native
people are educated and are able to cope within
the system of institutions of society. It is their
advice and encouragement that is vitally important
to Native students today.
How does this relate to what students have to
do? | think that we must recognize that there is no
magic key in understanding the system of educa-
tion which | could recount for you that would set
you on the right road to success. | realize that
you are aware of how Native culture has been
manipulated by government. Even today one is
unintentionally manipulated. It is more import-
ant that you feel at ease with yourself to use your
heritage to your advantage in the classroom. If we
want to change ourselves and attain a higher educa-
tion we should look first and foremost not at the
teachers and the school but at ourselves and our
Own creations.
—by Ted Wilson
Lougheed Way
Agassiz, B.C.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir:
Your Newsletter had a terrific impact on my
concept of the Indian movement, it is a topic that
not only concerns the truthful owners of this con-
tinent, the North American Native People, but also
millions of Canadian and American people as well.
There is something | would like you to clarify
for me if possible. | have European as well as
North American Ancestry and would like to know
exactly what I’ll be recognized as. Right now I’m
what’s called a non-status Indian, will your gov-
ernment consider me as Indian or non-status whites.
| know the white governments are the reason for
this dilemma.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Florence
Editor: The UBCIC. position paper on member-
ship is now with the Chief’s Council, and should
be made public soon.
UBCIC 19
It is difficult to hold a Confer-
ence with as many as 180 people,
and still have’ meaningful discus-
sions take place between all partici-
pants. The Central Interior Re-
gional Conference was one of those
‘where the U.B.C.I.C. staff were
usually in control of the day ses-
sions since they were the people
who were giving feedback on what
events have taken place in each
department since April. In the
evening, workshops were held, and
gave those people who did not have
the chance to speak and ask ques-
tions. during the day, to do so.
There were no formal agendas for
any of the workshops, and discus-
sions centred around topics that
concerned those people who were
present.
Here are some of the resolu-
tions passed during the Conference:
CENTRAL INTERIOR
INDIAN ACT AMENDMENTS
(George Coutlee, Robert Manuel)
WHEREAS the Minister of Indian
Affairs has publicly indicated
the intention of the Federal
Government to introduce
amendments to the Indian Act
this fall, and
WHEREAS
these amendments
would possibly include’ the
areas of: Band Government,
Membership (especially Section
12 (1)(b) of the Indian Act),
Education, Surrenders, and In-
dian hunting, fishing and gath-
ering rights, and
WHEREAS the Minister of Indian
Affairs has also publicly stated
his intention to continue the
consultation process with
Indian people, groups and or-
ganizations, and
WHEREAS the Indian
National
Brotherhood, the Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs, other Provincial
and Territorial organizations,
District Councils, Band Coun-
cils and members have been
involved in the process of devel-
oping informed positions and
proposals for meaningful chan-
ges to the Indian Act which
would be beneficial to Indians
and Indian Government, and
WHEREAS the Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs, District Coun-
cils, Band Councils and members
are in the final processes of
preparation of a position and
Recommendations regarding
the amendment of the member-
ship sections of the Indian Act,
but
REGIONAL CONFERENCE
fINDIAN GOVERNMENT:
| INDIAN CONTROL LANDS “RESOURCES * INSTITUTIONS
at =
WHEREAS the Union of B.C. Indi-
an Chiefs, District Councils,
Band Councils and members
cannot meet the time-frame
proposed by the Minister and
adequately develop proposals
and positions regarding. Band
Government Education, Surren-
ders, or Hunting, Fishing, Trap-
ping and Gathering rights,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
that the Central Interior Re-
gional Conference representing
the District Councils, Band
Councils, and members of the
Central Interior Region of the
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs
endorse the development and
finalization of a position and
recommendations concerning a-
mendments to the Indian Act
Fisheries Workshop
sections which deal with Band
Memberships based upon the
principle that Indian Govern-
ment (Band Councils) shall have
the jurisdiction and authority
to define who its members are
and to administer their regis-
tration,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that
the Minister of Indian Affairs
be informed that the Union of
B.C. Indian Chiefs, -District
Councils, Band Councils and
members are not, at present,
prepared to be consulted with
on proposed amendments deal-
ing with Band Governments,
Education, Surrenders or Indian
Fishing, Hunting, Trapping and
Gathering Rights.
CARRIED
FISHING
PROTECTION OF OUR LIVES
AND LIVELIHOOD (Robert Man-
uel, Michael Leach)
WHEREAS the Fisheries Depart-
ment has begin to train through
.the’ R.C.M.P. their Fisheries
Officers with terrorist methods
to ensure Indian people are
deprived of their source of food
and livelihood-and,
WHEREAS the Chiefs of the Central
Interior Region are responsi-
ble for ensuring the protection
of the food and livelihood of
the Band members of each re-
spective Band and,
UBCIC 21
RESOLUTIONS
WHEREAS the Chiefs, Band Coun-
cils and people are not equip-
ped or trained to protect them-
selves from the trained terror-
ists of the Fisheries Department
IT THEREFORE RESOLVED
that the Union of B.C. Indian
Chiefs central office be directed
to begin the process of securing
information on different ap-
proaches that can be employed
to ensure our people are
properly protected from the
trained terrorists of the Federal
Fisheries Department. . |
CARRIED
FUNDING — POST SECONDARY
STUDENTS (George Coutlee, Jane
Gottfriedson)
WHEREAS increases in rent depo-
sits, Hydro, clothing, vehicle
upkeep, transit fares, and food
costs are continually taking
place and,
WHEREAS students with children
should receive more financial
assistance than they have been
getting in the last two years if
they are to survive with proper
nutrition and clothing and,
WHEREAS a clothing allowance
would: be appreciated in some
cases if a student’s summer job
earnings did not amount to
sufficient funds for the family’s
needs, and
BE
UBCIC 22
WHEREAS priority should be given
to all post secondary institution
applications for students to
attend vocational schools, com-
munity colleges and universities
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
that all students interested in
post secondary education be
given the opportunity to attend
a post secondary institution.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
that the Union of B.C. Indian
Chiefs assist Bands to secure
more funds for post secondary
students.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
that the Department of Indian
Affairs allocate adequate fund-
ing for education of post secon-
dary students depending on
number of students interested
in post secondary education
from a particular band.
CARRIED
FUNDING (George Coutlee, Mary
Leonard)
WHEREAS in recognition of the
fact that monies received in the
Regional Office of the Depart-
ment of Indian Affairs, Van-
couver for the Indian People of
B.C. is not adequate in terms of
D.I.A. criteria, per capita, and
Continued
WHEREAS the President of the
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs has
publicly stated that the moniés
received for the status Indians
of B.C. is causing hardship for
the local communities and
WHEREAS to develop our Indian
Governments and the services
provided to our people we re-
quire more monies from the
Department of Indian Affairs
based on a Regional per capita
basis.
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED
that the General Assembly of
the Central Interior Region
support the Union of B.C. In-
dian Chiefs’ efforts to secure
more monies for our Indian
communities.
CARRIED
In the future we should have
more input from Bands as to what
direction the Union should be tak-
ing when planning conferences of
this kind. If Bands have more
input from the beginning, we could
better determine what concerns
should be covered.
indian Government Workshop
ROLLING THUNDER by Doug Boyd,
Dell Publishing Co., 1974.
Rolling Thunder is a Medicine Man who has
been able to retain the traditional ways and values
of our ancestors. The book was written at a critical
time when most people are experiencing an identity
crisis and traditional ways had almost become
extinct among our people. Rolling Thunder knew
that one day we would need guidance and leader-
_ship for a spiritual exodus from modern concepts
of society back to spiritual living and philosophy.
He is truly to be respected as a healer and teacher
as witnessed and experienced by Doug Boyd.
Boyd witnessed healing rituals; rain ceremony;
control of insects and snakes; communication be-
tween medicine men over a great distance and what
transpired after Rolling Thunder’s encounter with
evil forces.
It was written at a time when there were no
attempts to disguise: outright discrimination;
violence and hostility was an accepted way of life.
He patiently waited until the appointed time that
had been prophesied when people will be ready to
accept the teaching and begin the spiritual exodus
| mentioned earlier.
Doug Boyd freely admits to being biased and
an admirer of Rolling Thunder, which is evident
when reading about his experiences. It almost con-
vinced me that perhaps my friend’s statement may
be justified when he said, ‘‘There were a lot of
questionable things that may be a bit difficult to
believe or accept.”’ That remark had influenced me |
during the early chapters as | couldn’t fully com-
prehend how a man could have so much admira-
tion and awe for one man until | got to parts of
spirituality, and it awakened feelings and memories
that had been dormant all these years. Memories
of what.I had been taught as a child by my Grand-
mother.
Rolling Thunder
This book has created an awareness within me
of who | am and for the first time a positive feeling
about myself. | now share Doug Boyd’s respect of
Rolling Thunder and respect the author for being
able to write about it.
Rolling Thunder offers a doorway back to
develop the traditional ways and spiritual re-birth.
It’s had.a tremendous impact in my life and | hope
it will do the same for many others.
Peace,
Dinah Schooner
UBCIC -23
The Origin of Mountain Goats
The figure of a mountain goat carved on a totem pole signifies nobility.
A COWICHAN LEGEND
Our people once lived farther south than we do now, along the shores of Puget Sound. They were
called the Whull-e-Mooch, which means “people who live on Puget Sound.”
Long ago their country and the sea beside them became covered with snow and ice so thick that
the heat of summer failed to melt them. Our fathers did not like so much cold, but they. did not
know where to go. They were afraid to go south because of a tribe much larger and stronger than
they. North of them were even more snow and ice.
One time Raven came among them and learned about their trouble. He turned all of the snow and
ice into mountain goats, and sent them to make their homes in the caves in the highest mountains.
‘The goats will find plenty of food in the mountains,” said Raven to the people. “And their flesh
will make good food for all of you. You won’t want to eat fish all of the time. And from the hair of
the mountain goats, your women can make clothing and blankets.”
And so Raven sent the snow and ice from the lower country. Then the climate became warmer and
the land drier, along Puget Sound as far as the people wished to travel. So they moved north to
where we, their children, now live and where our fathers lived before us.
ari ene
ee
picture by David Maclagan from “Little Badger and the Fire Spirit”? Maria Campbell
UBCIC 24
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
One hundred and nine young
people gathered in Vernon on
July 27 to discuss their past, pre-
sent and future. Most had taken in
the previous two days of the Cen-
tral Interior Regional Conference,
listening intently while the older
people discussed Indian Govern-
ment, Education, Fishing Rights
and other crucial Indian issues.
Now it was their turn; their rights
as Indian youth were now on the
agenda.
told of a successful youth council
which was created by the students
of that area to create better com-
munications between Indian stu-
dents and Non Indian Teachers.
Since the formation of the council
both teachers and students are
happy with the way in which rela-
tions between them have improved.
The students hope to assist nearby
communities set up similar coun-
cils.
Chief Benjamin Peters of Seton
periences, growing up sixty years
ago. He remembered his boyhood
as being a busy time and he encour-
aged the young people to find or
make things to do. He also stressed
how very important it is that young
people know and understand them-
selves. He said that before a person
can understand anything they must
understand themselves. He also
told us how respect for the elders
had helped him to learn and how
even today he is still learning.
OPEN YOUTH FORUM at VERNON
As everyone sat in a circle, a
microphone was passed around for
introductions. The hilarity that
occurred as the cord tangled around
feet and arms made everyone forget
their initial nervousness and the day
got off to a good start.
Michelle Stiff, Coordinator of
the Youth Development Portfolio
Started discussions by giving a his-
tory of the portfolio as well as a
report of their activities to date.
She told the gathering that although
the portfolio was still in the forma-
tive stages, research in to youth
services had already started as had
the search for funds for later expan-
sion.
Robert Simon, a youth worker
from Deadmans Creek outlined his
proposal for a Youth Council which
would unite young people from the
cities and reserves and involve them
in developing their own programs.
Later discussions agreed that there
should be youth councils but that
the emphasis should be on estab-
lishing them at a community level
as opposed to a provincial level.
Speakers from several bands
spoke to the gathering. All of them
spoke positively to the gathering
about the programs their young.
people were involved in.
Barney Howard of Port Alberni,
Larry Pierre
Lake told us how the young people
in his community had taken over
the publication of the band news-
letter and that they were doing a
good job of it.
The Neskainlith band youth .
group said they had just returned
from a week of camping where an
elder had come along to tan her
deer hides.
There were even visitors from’
Washington who were proud to tell
us about their trip to Alaska and
about how they had raised most of
the funds themselves for this trip.
Larry Pierre, an Elder from Pen-
ticton told the gathering of his ex-
Arnold Ritchie of Mount Currie
spoke to us about spirituality and
understanding your personal spiri-
tuality is a necessity if we are to be.
at all effective in our struggle.
Your participation in this for-
um has reinforced the sentiment
expressed by Robert Manuel when
he quoted from Harold Cardinal’s
The Unjust Society: ‘‘When there is
a person who doesn’t know how to
do something and doesn’t do it,
then | despise that man.” You
young people have shown not only
that you know what to do but also
how to do it. All of you deserve
our deepest respect.
UBCIC 75
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
The Youth Development Port-
‘folio is pleased to present one of
the essays that won a prize in the
Essay Contest.
All the essays were very good
and it was difficult choosing the
winners.
It is encouraging to see young
people thinking about issues such as
Aboriginal rights, education and
alcoholism.
IMPORTANCE OF
B.C.’s INDIAN PEOPLE
NAME: Wanda Wilson
ADDRESS: Box 14,
Hazelton, B.C. VO) 1Y0
AGE: 17
GRADE: 11
| am very happy to enter the
essay on B.C. Indian peoples. To
me, it is a very important subject
that cannot be “shoved under the
table.”
| feel unhappy about B.C.’s
Indian people. On the GITAN-
MAAX reserve where | am living,
| can see how my people feel about
losing most of their culture. The
language is not spoken as well, and
the stories are no longer told. Per-
haps through Land Claims, we will
carry on our traditions.
| have attended one important
Land Claims meeting with the Mini-
ster of Indian Affairs and it was
wonderful to see our elders talking
about how much they are con-
cerned about us and the next gener-
ation. [| am still learning more
about all the native peoples and
sharing most of it with our youth
and culture group. | hope that we
will get what we want. Most of the
land is titled to us. | believe we the
young ones, are Tomorrow’s Lea-
ders.
The B.C. Native peoples have
UBCIC 26
gone through a lot, for 1 have heard
and seen of what has gone on. |
wonder sometimes, if my people
see what this is doing to the young-
er ones. The young ones do not
know why all this culture, tradition
are going on and it is not explained
to them from their parents. My
are
ages syeiys
youth group has been having spea-
kers on land claims, and it is prac-
tising Indian Traditions. The youn-
ger children are learning to trap and
hunt, and there are other Indian
cultures being taught every Friday.
“To get a taste’”’ of how our elders
lived once before.
FLeL PAOQLY
The most important point is
that | never want to lose my heri-
tage. | am just beginning to learn
about what is happening and what
is going to happen in the future.
Through the Land Claims struggle,
we can learn the truth about our-
selves. | will always remember
what | have been told about Indian
people.
M.C. Land Claims
Bill Blackwater
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Alvin Neget above
Our Elders Speaking
Martha Brown right
Land Claims
These pictures are from Land
Claims in Kispiox on Nov. 7, 1977.
This was my first experience and it
sure was interesting. When | was
asked to go, | thought it was just
for older people. | was amazed that
| had really learned a lot.
| hope you enjoyed my essay.
Thank you!
The Youth Development Portfolio
welcomes and encourages young
people to submit any essays or po-
etry that they have written.
Once again, congratulations to
the winners!
HIGH SCHOOL:
First Prize:
Albion, B.C,
Second Prize: Wanda Wilson,
Hazelton, B.C.
Third Prize:
Port Alberni.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
Deanna Leon.
Janice Peters,
William — Little,
THE TOM
LONGBOAT
TROPHY
Winner of this year’s Tom
Longboat Trophy for outstanding
‘athletic achievement is Olympic
calibre Alwyn
nawaga, Quebec.
In honour of Tom Longboat
this trophy is given annually to an
accomplished Indian. athlete. Born
July 4th, 1886, on the Six Nations
Reserve, Tom Longboat of the
Onondaga Nation, started winning
races at county fairs as a youth. He
went on to win several marathon
races including the 25-mile Boston
Marathon in 1907. For several
Morris of Caugh-
years he was recognized as the
champion long-distance runner in
North America. He died in 1949
and in 1955 his name was admitted
to the Canadian Sports Hall of
Fame.
Alwyn Morris is currently a
member of the Canadian National
Canoe and Kayak team. He is the
Canadian juvenile and junior K-1
champion holding the Canadian
all time record in both divisions and
ranked 9th in the world. His
coaches see him as a medal hopeful
in the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Having recently completed studies
at Douglas College he plans to
attend Simon Fraser University in
the fall majoring in History and
Archaeology.
UBCIC 27
FOUR ARROWS
Four is a sacred number signifying perfection,
the four directions, the four elements and the four
seasons. Arrow signifies pursuit, journey and pur-
pose. Four Arrows together signifies strength in
unity.
We were honoured with the presence of the
four Arrows group in our offices in August. All
the way from Mexico and Guatemala they came to
invite us to share in their quest to re-unite indigen-
ous people of North America. These people have
suffered as have all indigenous peoples, centuries of
violent oppression.
After spending the night at the Vancouver
Indian Centre they arrived in our offices for lunch
and a presentation. Everyone welcomed one
another and enjoyed this historical day. Their
presentation is unique, combining Marimba music,
dance and talks in a finely balanced quality of the
spiritual, cultural and political.
Since leaving Vancouver, the group has trav-
elled to Mission, Halat, Alert Bay, Port Alberni,
Nanaimo, Victoria and Chehailus. Last word,
unfortunately, was that their bus had broken
down and they were in dire need of financial
assistance to continue. They are not funded by
the government so any help would be greatly
appreciated. Please direct your donations to:
Four Arrows
cJ/6U.B.CAC.
440 West Hastings
Vancouver, B.C.
UBCIC 28
Four Arrows at U.B.C.I.C. office after a day of
dancing, singing and goodwill. The group from
Guatemala and Mexico, speaking only native lan-
guages and Spanish, spoke to us through smiles,
gestures and interpreters.
From left to right: Mr. Suzuki, Jeronimo Jiminez
Bautista, Larry Pierre, George Manuel, Hermelindo
Silvestre, Mariano Sanchez Ventura.
eact’ 2am $B)
Lt
Mayan Marimba players made beautiful music
while their people danced their traditional dances.
Later many of us joined in.
Two sisters, Teresa and Anita de la Cruz Carrillo,
of the Huichol Nation speak to fellow Huichol,
Pablo de la Robles. The Huichol live in the Sierra
Madre of Mexico and still follow the use of the
Sacred Peyote.
George Manuel, Larry Pierre, Ron Dan and Mr.
Suzuki, a Buddhist monk from Japan, offered
songs of welcome to our brothers and sisters from
the south and later shared an embrace of friendship.
gi 1 iacic 790
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Cont’d
MERRIT WORKSHOP
On August 23, the Youth De-
velopment Portfolio held a work-
shop for close to 50 summer stu-
dents from Merrit and the surround-
ing area. All of these students have
been working on various summer
projects under the supervision of
Robert Sterling.
We began the workshop by giv-
ing the history of the Youth Devel-
opment Portfolio and by explaining
our goals and objectives in the con-
text of Indian Government.
After the introduction and
some discussion, we showed the
film, The Land is The Culture. This
film gives a very good overview not
only of the situation of Indian peo-
ple but a historical perspective and
an explanation of why we must
stand up and fight for our rights as
Indian people.
After the film, we discussed the
concept of leadership training and >
youth councils. We presented the
portfolio’s ideas on these things and
then broke into smaller groups to
further discuss these ideas and how
they could be put into practice.
After lunch we reconvened into
the larger group and received sum-
maries of the smaller group discus-
were nervous about expressing their
ideas and opinions but this nervous-
ness can easily be explained. For
too long, young people have never
been asked to express their ideas or
feelings and it takes a little time to
feel comfortable.
However, with a little persua-
sion the young people began to ask
questions and state their feelings.
One person expressed the fact that
they didn’t really understand the
long term goal of Youth Develop-
ment. We explained the history of
the Indian Act and Indian Govern-
ment to show that young people
will soon be responsible for carrying
out Indian Government. They will
be the leaders soon and will have to
teach the young.
As the day progressed, more
people began to ask questions and
express their concerns.
Finding our place as Indian peo-
ple was one important question
which was asked by one of the
students. On one hand young peo-
ple are being told to go back to the
cultural ways of Indian people and
on the other hand they were being
pressed to be a successful part of
twentieth century society. This
which we can retain our own
cultural values and know how to
survive in the non-Indian society.
Improving communication and
understanding with parents was
another concern. The students
talked about the need to respect
parents and elders because they
have the experience and wisdom
that a lot of young people don’t
have. But parents must respect
their children as well. We decided
that a relationship of mutual
respect would be the best.
After these discussions we
showed the film Mother of Many
Children which shows that growing
up is a long process of many dif-
ferent stages of learning. At one
stage when you are very young all
you are doing is learning, but as
you become older you are still
learning, but you are also teaching
the children who are younger than
you by example.
The young people enjoyed the
film and thanked us for giving the
workshop and the day ended with
everyone thinking about all of the
things we had discussed.
Thank you’s to all for your
interest and participation.
sions. Many of the young people started a discussion on ways in
The Vancouver Indian Centre exists! !
APOLOGIES: Some of the activities that they have going on are:
UBCIC NEWS apologizes to both Chief John Alexis
and Moise Johnnie of Stuart Trembleur Band.
People who know both or either of them will have
realised that the picture and the title didn’t match.
We will certainly double check from now on.
And the fish drying at the crazy angle? It appears
that drying fish was outside of the printer’s exper-
jence.
UBCIC 30
Quilting and Beading classes: Tuesdays, 6—9 p.m.
Wednesdays, 6—9 p.m.
Thursdays: 1—4 p.m.
Also, every Wednesday evening there is drumming
and dancing at the Centre. Everyone welcome.
7—9 p.m.
1855 Vine Street Phone: 736-8944
JOB DESCRIPTION
DIRECTOR — NATIVE LEGAL SERVICES
BRANCH
The Legal Services Commission is responsible
for planning the development of legal services in
British Columbia including education, advice or
information about law.
The Native Legal Services Branch of the
Commission is looking for a director of the branch
who will assist the Commission in the development
of legal services to Native Indians.
Duties
The Director of Native Legal Services will:
1. Co-ordinate the activities of field staff and ad-
ministrative staff and assign work loads and
project responsibilities.
2. Investigate the suitability of and assign pro-
jects falling under the policy guidelines of the
Commission.
3. Assist field staff in project budget preparations
and prepare and co-ordinate overall project
budgets.
4. Act as a general advisor to the community
boards of organizations funded by the branch.
Co-ordinate evaluation of staff and projects.
Advise the Commissioners on specific issues
within the terms of reference of the branch and
provide research and information on Commis-
sion policy deliberations.
7. Co-ordinate liaison with organizations in the
province concerned with Native Indians.
8. Provide liaison with other government depart-
ments engaged in the delivery of services to
Native people.
9. In general to assist the Commission to establish
and maintain delivery systems for the provision
of legal services to the Native population of
British Columbia.
On Wr
Qualifications
Applicants should have extensive background and
experience with the Native Indian population in
British Columbia. Relevant work and education
will be given careful consideration.
Salary
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications,
experience and suitability for the job: Applicants
should submit their resumes along with letters of
recommendation to:
HELP WANTED
The Executive Director
Legal Services Commission
200 - 744 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6C 1A5
The closing date for applications is September 15,
1978.
CHILD CARE WORKER — Ustla-Hahn Alternate
School — Squamish Band
DUTIES: Assisting teachers in maintaining class-
room order.
Assisting individual students with assignments.
Marking and keeping records of student pro-
gress.
Some book-keeping duties.
Should display the ability to work in a team
situation.
Should display patience and a willingness to
work with students in difficult situations.
QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in working with
adolescent students.
Some college training preferably in child care
course (not essential).
Position is operant within an alternative school
setting with students aged 15-17.
Salary: $900 per month
Deadline: September 5, 1978
APPLY: Education Department
Squamish Band
Box 86131
North Vancouver, B.C. V7J 4J5
AGRICULTURE FIELDWORKERS NEEDED
The B.C. Indian Agriculture Corporation will
get underway by the end of September.
For the first year and a half the emphasis will
be on extension work with band and individual
farm projects through the Co-ordinators of existing
agricultural programs and services.
Individuals with agricultural training and
farming/ranching experience are invited to apply
for these positions. The ability to assist farmers,
and would-be farmers with practical day-to-day
problems is the most important qualification.
Applications should be sent to:
Bob Pasco
Chairman
Box 283
Ashcroft, B.C. VOK 1A0
UBCIC 31
The UBCIC NEWS is the monthly publication of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs.
With effect from September 1, 1978, subscription rates are as follows:
Institutions and organisations: $12.00 per year
Individuals $8.00 per year
UBCIC NEWS is free for B.C. Indian people.
The Communications Portfolio also publishes Special Reports and Bulletins dealing with individual
issues as these become necessary. They will be sent to you as part of your subscription.
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Part of UBCIC News - volume 1, number 4 (August 1978)