Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs Up-Date - Issue no. 6 (August, 1984) · UBCIC Periodicals

Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs Up-Date - Issue no. 6 (August, 1984)

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Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs Up-Date - Issue no. 6 (August, 1984)

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UNION OF B.C. INDIAN CHIEFS UP-DATE

440 WEST HASTINGS STREET
VANCOUVER, B.C. V6B 1L1
TELEPHONE: (604) 684-0231

TELEX: 04-54220

Date: August, 1984

To: Bands & Tribal Councils

Issue No. 6

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT - Chief Saul Terry: |

During this election campaign, issues and promises are brought forward to win
votes and influence people.The priority of the day appears to be the economy
along with the despair of unemployment. Yet in the political debates and is-
sues discussed by the national leaders,no mention has been made so far of the
devastating statistics facing our Indian communities. I cite the emotions ex-
pressed when unemployment in British Columbia passes the 15% mark or 11% on
the national level. Yet among our people,unemployment rates have for so long
been over 4 and 5 times that level. In some communities, the unemployment is

100%. If we had a 15% rate of unemployment, we would consider it a vast
improvement !

We have all manner of social problems, negative statistics,in our communities
that wont be addressed during this campaign but our people will continue to
live and die by such statistics. Behind every problem or statistic is a root
cause. Social problems in our communities stem from Indian policies imposed
on our people over many generations and behind these policies has always been
the desire to acquire our lands and resources. While there is absolutely no
question we must address these matters of deep social concern,we must look at
the source of all our statistics - our deprivation: The very basis of every-

thing is our land and resources. From these stem all the larger questions of
ongoing concern.

To get by, we must look to the land and its resources on which we depend so
mich, especially in this time of hardship, depression, repression and reces-
Sion. Since we average 85% or more unemployment, with no light at the end of
the tunnel, it’s encumbent on us to bring forward our concerns to those res-
ponsible for abuse of the federal "trust" towards our people and get them to
begin seriously addressing the real issue: Our land,its resources and how we
relate to them. Consider it vital that this issue be brought forward at all
times because it is the question Indian people in BC have voiced for over 100
years. The unswerving position of title to our land still has to be addressed
and is unfinished business between Canada, B.C. and the Indian people.

Our struggles stem from the fact: really no agreement was reached with Indian
people, and from the fact of what one may call the "trust", supposedly in the
hands of the Federal Government, was abused. If that federal trust had been
properly used, we would see an Indian people very different from what we wit-
ness today. If it were not for that abuse of trust, there would be a greater
amount of self-determination achieved by our people in their various territo-
ries throughout this province, indeed Canada and beyond.

As we look around, we see our rivers being depleted of very important fishery
and marine resources -estuaries that support them are all being destroyed. In
terms of lands where many developments are being pushed, we see they too are
subjected to all manner of abuse through the use of herbicides, insecticides
etc. We see the depletion or over-harvesting of forests and destructive prac-
tices being used against our lands and resources in the process. Our people
witness these destructions, and we become deeply concerned. As our lands and
resources are destroyed, so too are our people.

Still the Province of BC insists that we have no basis for our concerns with
respect to our lands and resources when we put these forward. If the Federal
and B.C. Government could prove that indeed our lands were justly taken away
from us, there would be no reason for our people to express this same concern
for over 100 years. The question of our land -our title- is one that must be
addressed at all times and in all forums because the statistics are just too
great to ignore. Politicians and public alike should know the issue of title
is one that Indian people will never let go. Regardless of the statistics of
destruction to our people, we will not disappear.

eee Update6

NEW MINISTER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS & NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT -No sooner appointed as
DIAND Minister, Douglas Frith flew to the North to stress his priority of ec-
onomic development over land claims settlement. By his statements, Frith has
clearly reflected a long-standing contradiction of DIAND: Aboriginal title &
rights versus economic development. How can a Minister responsible to Indian
people expect to uphold their title and rights at the same time as he carries
responsiblity for development by corporate interests of the same lands he is
Supposed to defend for Indian people? The conflict has always been there but
Frith guaranteed Indian people would understand his priority when the "Globe
& Mail" reported July 5th of his trip to Whitehorse in the following manner:

"If we don’t diversify and expand the economic base of Northern Canada, were
not going to do a very good job for the next generation of Canadians, whether
they are of native origin or not," Frith said on a visit to this opmmunity on
Tuesday. While he promised to continue to push for rapid settlement of north-
ern native land claims,he admitted some industrial projects might be approved
before some claims are settled. ‘Native groups often demand delays in large
projects saying land claims must be settled first. I am,I must admit,going to
put more of an emphasis on economic development..Without economic development
you can plan and do everything else you want but no jobs mean no future. “"

Frith is perhaps unaware: Indian Governments too are interested in economic
development of our traditional lands- but NOT to benefit outside interests OR
at the expense of our environment. Historic extraction of resources and dev-
elopment of our lands has already profitted countless individuals and corpor-—
ations creating jobs for everyone but Indian people. With the destruction of
Indian Nations” economic self-sufficiency, Indian people endure the highest
levels of unemployment, and lowest levels of poverty ever recorded in Canada.
Indian Governments can justifiably respond to Frith, "No jobs mean no future
for our people too." But for our economic development to proceed and benefit
our people, Indian Gov’ts must have control of their lands and resources.With
an election call. of Sept. 4, it may not be necessary to begin Frith’s educa-
tion immediately. However,if he is to remain DIAND Minister after the federal
election, he will have to be well instructed on the priorities of Indian Gov-
ernments for control over their own lands and resources.

NO_LAND, NO JOBS, NO FUTURE FOR McLEOD LAKE - As if echoing our concern over
statements made by Indian Affairs Minister, Doug Frith, "The Sun" released a
lengthy report on an interview with Chief Harry Chingee of McLeod Lake Band,
July ll. The McLeod Lake people (members of the Sekani Nation), were flooded
out of their traditional territory to make way for Williston Lake and a mass-
ive BC Hydro-electric project over a decade ago. In "The Sun" interview Chief
Chingee stated, "We have no jobs, no future. Our life is falling apart at the
seams." Following are extracts from that report:

"Of the Band population of 270, only 3 members have jobs and those are in the
Band‘s administration office. In the last 10 yrs,18 members have died violent
or alcohol-related deaths.. What is there to look forward to? Our social fab-
ric is unwinding and nothing is being done about it” said Chingee..The area’s
major logging companies won’t hire Band members for their operations, Chingee
charged. “Local forest companies arent interested in doing anything at all to
help us. They just hire family members or friends.” Chingee said a possible
solution to the Band’s problems would be a tree farm license. ‘We would be in
a competitive market, and, it would create some jobs. Native bands should be
entitled to tree farm licenses because of historical rights. We feel we own
the land - now we don’t get a share of anything.” But he said the Provincial
Govt. has refused to grant the Band’s application for the license...The Band
is also negotiating with the Federal Gov't. for a land claims settlement, but
Chingee said there’s been little progress since negotiations began 2 yrs ago.
‘We “ve been talking, that’s about it. We want prime land equal to the value
of land under Williston Lake that was flooded when they built W.A.C. Bennett
Dam. That is traditionally our land and they took it away.” He said the fed-
eral gov't. has offered the Band 12,150 hectares of land but only if the Band
gives up all rights to further claims. “They want to give the chief a new suit

and stuff like that. But we want prime land and the land that belonged to
us. 1]

Is this what the new Minister is talking about when he says some industrial
projects might be approved before land claims are settled? How do our people
negotiate for their homeland when it is more than 50 feet under water? Can
there ever be any just negotiations to rectify the tragic disruption of lives
and social disintegration among out people when our lands are taken?

---3 Update6

NON-PAYMENT OF TAXES ON INDIAN LANDS MAKES CHIEF A RACKETEER IN THE U.S.- The
vast majority of charges against Chief Satiacum of Puyallup Tribe, Washington
State are for failure to pay taxes on cigarettes sold on Indian reserve land
and not for violent acts, UBCIC lawyer, Louise Mandell, told the Immigration
adjudicator at Satiacum’s bail hearing at Oakalla,July 9. Satiacum,convicted
in the U.S. on numerous charges under the "Racketeering Act", is seeking bail
while Canadian Immigration officials hold hearings on his request for politi-
cal refugee status in Canada. Since Nov./83, Satiacum has been denied bail on
the basis he was a danger to the Canadian public. However Louise argued dur-
ing the bail hearing that all of the charges against Satiacum were laid under
the "Racketeering Act" for which there is no equivalent in Canada. This Act,
She explained, allows for a list of allegations that infer a pattern of crim-
inal activity. The pattern of criminal activity in Satiacum’s case is mainly
for non-payment of taxes. Two other main charges under the "Racketeering Act"
include conspiracy to commit murder and attempted arson. 5

Of the charges, Louise had this to say,"There’s no question that it’s contro-
versial in the extreme whether or not the Treaty right protects Indian people
to carry on commerce without having to remit sales tax. Chief Satiacum, along
with many other Indian leaders, was advised he did not have to pay taxes and
on the basis of legal advice, set up an establishment and continued to assert
his right in that area. The State came against him and indicted him on numer-
ous counts on the sale of cigarettes.There was also a charge or an allegation
that he was involved in a conspiracy to commit murder. We led evidence during
the bail hearing to show, in that case, there was one witness called and that
witness was a known criminal who was granted immunity from prosecution to
give evidence against the Chief. As well, the Chief categorically denies the
allegation is true. In addition, there was a charge of arson, which was not
well-founded. It involved the minor singeing of the side of the building. So
a lot of the charges against him have been drummed up, in the sense they were
made to appear as more than what they really are. If there was any truth to
the fact he could have been indicted for a charge of attempted murder then
the State would have charged him with that separately. Instead, they included
it as one of many counts of the racketeering charge." This has given the
Chief the appearance of being a "danger".

POLITICAL MOTIVATION BEHIND THE CHARGES - Louise explained: motivation behind
the Racketeering charges has more to do with the fact Chief Satiacum has been
in the forefront of the struggle to assert Treaty Rights in Washington State
for over 30 years. She said,"When he began, his Nation had 6 acres of reserve
to its name, most of which was cemetary and there was no recognition of fish-
ing rights whatsoever. After 30 years of fighting, Puyallup’s reserve acreage
has expanded to over 300 acres and the Boldt decision, which was rendered in
the late 70°s, secures to the Indians, 50% of the fish catch in the State of
Washington. What in practice has happened is that the Chief has been a lead-
ing figure in a movement which radically increased and benefitted the Indian
people to the detriment, some would argue, of the non-Indians of the area. He
has been targetted as someone who has been eroding the economic base of the
City of Tacoma,the State of Washington and certainly of non-Indian commercial
fishermen. He has therefore been targetted to be stopped. The effort around
the taxes is another example. Safeway Corporation,United Grocerers and others
had a lot to lose by Indian Nations asserting and securing the right to sell
cigarettes at a price considerably less than they could. So, the non-Indian
community mounted itself in opposition to that economic advantage.

During the bail hearing, numerous people testified that Chief Satiacum was a
peaceful man. One witness, Ben Le Beau,former assistant Attorney-General for
the State of Washington during the height of the fishing struggle there, des-
cribed the Chief as a known pacifist who believed in the rights of his Treaty
and his people. Le Beau said all the State records on Satiacum,dating back to
the beginning of his struggle, show he was recognized by authorities as a man
who preferred to settle disputes within the court system -not through violent
confrontations. Because of his pacification,Le Beau said the Chief was often
called upon to mediate between opposing groups. Chief Lawrence Pootlass, of
Nuxalk Nation, who adopted Chief Satiacum in a Potlatch in recognition of his
achievements as a fighter for his people, pledged to Immigration that if Sat-
iacum was released into his custody,Chief Pootlass would accompany him to any
and all hearings in the case. Despite all the evidence in his favour,Satiacum
was denied bail. However, Louise obtained a small victory on the Chief ’s be-
half. This time Immigration did not deny bail to the Chief on the basis he
was a danger to the Canadian public. They denied bail only on the basis that
he might flee.

e224 Update6

In a press conference held immediately after denial of bail, Chief Saul Terry
spoke on the support Satiacum has gained amongst Indian people in Canada. He
Said, "Indian people in the communities are now beginning to understand what
was at the bottom of the charges against Satiacum: tax-free status of Indian
people which is an Indian right." Chief Terry described Satiacum as "ahead of
his time in the sense,these taxation issues are some of the things we are al-
SO going to have to face as Indian Nations in Canada. In terms of the situa-
tion here, it has to be made clear to the Canadian public, the kind of system
Indian people have to deal with, when fighting for all our rights in our ow
homeland. I think this particular issue should be brought before the Canadian
public so people will know for sure what is really at the bottom of this..Be-
cause it relates to land, and the resources we are able to generate from that
land. Corporations in Canada and other countries have always been able to
reap benefits from our lands and our resources. In this situation, it seems
that they are now saying, “NO! You cannot do that.” In essence, they are say-
ing--that we cannot practise our own aboriginal rights within our homeland."

Satiacum, now 55 years of age, faces up to 300 years in prison if returned to
the United States. Louise Mandell says a decision on the Chief ’s application
for refugee status in Canada should take more thana year. "There’s a long
road to go down on the refugee status claim," she said. "But he’s got a good
case for bail. We'1l press forward and get his release." Next hearings into
his claim are scheduled for September 10-13 at Oakalla.

TAXATION QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED IN UBCIC BULLETIN -Due to the importance of
the whole issue of taxation of Indian people to our Indian Governments, the
UBCIC’s legal staff has been gathering information on taxation as it applies
federally and provincially to Indians. A Taxation Bulletin is being prepared
and will be mailed to member Bands as soon as it is completed. Information in
_ the bulletin will include an analysis of the Indian Act respecting taxation;
division of jurisdiction for tax purposes federally and provincially which
cover Income, Excise, Social Service and Property taxes;and Band jurisdiction
over taxation. Also, the legal staff will attempt to answer frequently asked
questions. From information in the bulletin, it seems further questions may
arise regarding this vital issue. We are expecting feed-back in this area and
will hopefully be able to provide a follow-up bulletin as needed.

HAZARDOUS WASTE DUMP SITE TO BE LOCATED NEXT ‘TO BONAPARTE BAND --Despite the
fact, no in-depth assessment of health or environmental hazards was done on
the full effects of hazardous waste dump-sites in BC, the BC Government went
ahead last summer and chose Genstar/IT to open such a site. Four potential
Sites were looked at by Genstar/IT - the favoured choice is next to Bonaparte
Reserve near Ashcroft. This site is within the watershed used for the area by
local cattlemen, farmers and residents of the Ashcroft area. Forest clearing
has already begun next to Bonaparte. Despite original maps which indicate the
dump-site is supposed to be placed some distance from the reserve, an on-site
visit shows clearing is taking place much closer to the reserve’s boundary .

Due to concern generated over construction of such a dump-site, the Interior
Waste Management Committee (IWMC) was formed to coordinate the interests of
groups in Interior BC. Member groups of IWMC include: Lillooet Tribal Council
and Nlaka “pamux Tribal Council, as well; SAGE (Save A Good Environment), FISH
(For an Insured Safe Habitat), COD (Citizens Opposing Dumps) and others. At
the time of its formation, IWC stated its principles as follows:

1. The waste management program BC is now embarking on has to be effective,
environmentally sound, and must not be a threat to the present and future
health and well-being of land, water, air and living resources.

2. People of Interior communities that may be affected by the program should
be kept fully informed about all details of the program.

3. People of B.C. are affected and therefore should be kept fully informed
about all details of the program.

4. If,through public scrutiny, the program now envisioned for BC reveals any
serious flaws, especially flaws that may adversely affect the environment or
the well-being of the people, the program must be restructured.

On July 7, IWMC met at an all-day session in Ashcroft and issued a resolution
calling for an immediate public participation program on Hazardous Waste Man-
agement for BC. They resolved that this program should include:

ee.) Updates

1. A full formal public inquiry

2. Intervenor and evaluation funding

3. A province-wide information program

4. Full public disclosure of proceedings and recommendations of inquiry.

During the meeting, Bonaparte Band issued an invitation for people to attend
their PowWow, August 24-25 on the reserve in order to gain an awareness of
Bonaparte “s concern that such a site should be located beside their land.The
UBCIC have endorsed IWMC’s position. Darlene Taylor, Environmental Health
Researcher for UBCIC, is attending all meetings on this issue and will be
reporting regularly.

NOBODY KNOWS WHERE MOST HAZARDOUS WASTE IS DUMPED IN BC -Approximately 74,000
metric tons of "hazardous" or "special" waste is being generated each year in
B.C. and NOBODY knows where the vast majority of it ends up, according to the
Environmental Health Committee of BC Medical Association (BCMA). Demonstrat-
ing deep concern over the issue, BCMA, at its recent Annual Assembly, called
on the BC Government to hold an independent judicial public inquiry into man-
agement of such waste and urged the government to grant no permits for dump-—
sites until such an inquiry has reported. Background information provided for
BCMA “s resolution states:

“One-two percent of that waste is shipped out of the province to other facil-
ities. Some of the rest is treated ‘on site’, usually at larger industrial
plants. Just where a _ significant amount of the rest of the waste ends up is
a moot point. At present however there is no effective control over landfill
sites or over ‘midnight dumping’. We agree with the Minister of the Environ-
ment Anthony Brummet, that we have a ‘special problem’ and a solution must be
found...The U.S Environmental Protection Agency has found over 50,000 illegal
dump-sites and believes -2,000 of them may pose serious health hazards. There
is as yet, no inventory of illegal dump sites in BC, nor an assessment of the
potential health impact of those sites. Obviously, this problem needs to be
addressed.

In 1980, the United States Surgeon General declared: through the 80’s the U.S
will “confront a series of environmental emergencies posed by toxic chemicals”
that are ‘adding to the disease burden in a significant, though as yet not
precisely defined,way°. He also reported that the public health risk associ-
ated with toxic chemicals is increasing and will continue to do so until we
are successful in identifying chemicals which are highly toxic and in contro-
lling the introduction of these chemicals into our environment.

Hazardous wastes include extremely toxic pesticides,PCB’s, acid wastes, toxic
heavy metals such as arsenic, cyanides, lead, mercury, organic and pharmaceu-
tical wastes, etc. The composition of some waste streams, particularly from
some of the larger industries, is known, but that of a considerable amount of
waste generated by small and medium-sized industries is unknown. A detailed
inventory of all such waste produced in the province is a Mandatory first
step in fully assessing the situation.."

"SUN" NEWSPAPER MOURNS HUMAN STUPIDITY-After scientists reported finding more
than a dozen deadly chemicals in one of eight grey whales found dead in the
Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound since spring, the Sun Editorial ran
this message on hazardous wastes:

"The Dying of Light-A dead grey whale was found last month near Port Angelos,
poisoned by so many pesticides and pollutants - its liver turned to mush. The
pesticides and other poisons are so heavy, we are told, they settle in deadly
pools in ravines and holes in the ocean bottom, where fish and grey whales
feed. Sometimes they drift onto bathing beaches, bubble up in residential
neighbourhoods, contaminate drinking water and food fish, destroy ecosystems
and threaten the balance nature has managed to preserve, sometimes shakily,
through centuries of industrial abuse.

We regret the passing of another beautiful marine mammal and we are beginning
also to grieve for mankind - the animal that purports to be distinguished by
intelligence, and yet, is so regrettably stupid and shortsighted a creature
that 1t knowingly poisons its own environment, its great and glorious neigh-
bors on the planet, and its own chances for survival."

---6 Update6

DRASTIC WATER SHORTAGE LOOMING-Under "Canada, U.S. Running Dry","The Sun" ran
a near-full page story on the future of water in North America, July 12. In-
teresting quotes include: "North America is running out of water. Supplies of
fresh, unpolluted water to millions of people in Midwest America is dwindling
at an alarming rate while a huge underground reservoir that irrigates western
states 1s being sucked dry. According to water authorities,lush green lawns &
a daily shower could be little more than a fond, luxurious memory for 1/3 of
the continent by the 2lst century. More importantly, looming shortages could
have a staggering effect on N. America’s agriculture, industry and politics."

"Dr Jim Bruce, head of Federal Atmospheric Environmental Service, says global
carbon dioxide pollution is expected to begin warming the planet, noticeable
within 15 yrs. The warming, called the green-house effect because pollution
traps more of the sun’s heat in the atmosphere, will increase evaporation and
could cause the level of the Great Lakes to drop by 30% within 65 yrs. It is
expected to lead to ‘prolonged, severe droughts beginning within the next few
decades “ and will transform much of the Prairies into a dust bowl."

"Water authorities say N.America’s insatiable thirst is on a collision course
with nature and something must be done to avoid shortages that could lead to
major diversions of Canadian waters south." "Engineers have proposed a number
of megaprojects to solve the problem. The two most staggering would redirect
vast quantities of Canadian fresh water away from northern seas."

UNIQUE SOLUTION TO U.S. WATER SHORTAGE FORESEEN IN 1964-BC Residents are con-
soled on the same page with: "water diversion in this province will not occur
until further in the future." However "The Sun" reported on a scheme to sup-
ply water to the United States that was formulated 20 years ago:

"A classic water management plan was put forward by Ralph Parsons Engineering
Company of Los Angelos in 1964. Known as NAWAPA,North American Water & Power
Alliance, Parsons” plan called for water to be drawn from Alaska and northern
Canada and stored in a 800-kilometre-long reservoir in Rocky Mountain Trench.
In the process, the reservoir would flood Prince George and other communities
in central BC, but would provide parched regions of the US with all the water
that nation needed." -THIS PLAN WOULD, OF COURSE, PROVIDE RESIDENTS OF PRINCE
GEORGE AND SURROUNDING AREAS WITH MORE WATER THAN THEY NEED, OR, INDEED WANT!
"The Sun" didn “t state what became of that 20 year-old plan but the mere fact
it was ever proposed in the first place shows how desperate minds malfunction
when faced with serious water shortages.

FORESTS TO BE NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCE? - People will have to start thinking of
forests as non-renewable resources if present destructive practices continue
warns Dr. Thomas Brydges of Ontario’s Environmental Ministry. In a paper pre-
sented to the Club of Rome Conference in Helsinki, Brydges stated: "People
like to think of forests as renewable resources so whatever mistakes we make,
we “ll always be able to recover. But that’s not necessarily so. The demand of
growing populations; cutting of trees for fuel wood & to create farmland; air
pollution; lack of reforestation; & the need to set forests aside for enviro-
mmental reasons such as protection of water supplies all threaten the world’s
forests. It appears the current abundance of global forests are operating as
non-renewable resources." (Globe & Mail, July 12)

HEALTH PORTFOLIO REPORT - Reporting to Chiefs° Council, July 10, UBCIC Health
director, Vi Birdstone, summarized the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Program (NNADAP) Community Worker Proposal. Vi reports: "Last year, Regional
NNADAP Advisory Board seconded Sheila Rhymer,a Medical Services staff member,
to develop a training program for CHR’s, alcohol counsellors and Band social
workers after it was found some of their work and training overlap in certain
areas. Main reason for developing the program was to reduce costs in training
all three groups of Human Development Workers. The Open Learning Institute in
Richmond was asked to put together a package suitable for Bands to utilize. A
curriculum was written with modules that allow home-study courses & telephone
tutors available for students to phone Richmond long-distance if they require
help. Another module is to have senior CHR’s, Band social workers and alcohol
counsellors work as their tutors. There’s no mention of subsidizing the add-
itional workload of these workers. This method is supposed to allow more than
one trainee at a time to take the course,contrary to present methods allowing
more than one trained CHR, Band social worker & alcohol counsellor per Band.
Theoretically, this would eliminate pressure on present CHR’s and allow more
freedom in career choices. Vi reports discussion took place on continuing to
higher education but nothing so far has been made definite. Rhymer and NNADAP
are ready to begin a couple of pilot projects on this program this Fall, with
Remote Bands willing to participate.

eeo/ Update6

NATIONAL NATIVE/INUIT HEALTH CAREERS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM-Health & Welfare re-
ceived their first portion of funds, about $1,900,000, and have begun Career-
related summer employment. The program will provide experiential assignments
for Indian & Inuit secondary school & university students in Medical Service
hospitals,nursing stations and health centres as part of the program although
it’s late in the summer year. Most of the students have been hired in the 4
Medical Services zones in BC, consisting of two future nursing career and one
environmental health technician. Regional office also has two summer student
positions to fill either in Health Education or Nutrition. Policy & Program
Development staff of National Health & Welfare have been to each Province
with Justice Emmett Hall seeking entrance to university Medical Schools for
prospective Indian students wanting a career in medicine. More meetings are
being held in each region with community members taking part to determine the
thrust of the program for community-based health programs,such as Blue Quills
Nursing Program, which support Indian self-determination and reliance.

NATIONAL SOCIAL SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEET-The National Social Services
Advisory Committee ’s first meeting was held, May 21-23,in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Frank Rivers, of Squamish Band in North Vancouver, is Interim Chairman of the
Health & Social, Cultural Portfolio of the Assembly of First Nations. The of-
ficial delegates for UBCIC are Julie Newman, alternate Violet Birstone. The
major purpose for the meeting was to write a report in conjunction with The
Canadian Council on Social Development to present to an International Confer-
ence on Social Development, August/84, in Montreal. Canada’s Report to this
Conference will have a native section to be presented by the AFN and CCSD.
The Assembly of First Nations will also hold a National Indian Child Welfare
Conference this Fall. Your suggestions for agenda items are welcome and can
be sent to Cathie Bruyere, AFN, Ste.500, 222 Queen St.,Ottawa, Ontario.

HANDICAPPED & DISABLED: What seemed a simple process of submitting a proposal
to Medical Services for an established program within the BC Paraplegic Asso-
Clation entitled, "Native Section of the Paraplegic Association," has turned
into a year-long search to find out whose mandate it is to fund a program for
these people. Medical Services turned it down. So has the Portfolio respon-
sible for the Handicapped and Disabled, the Secretary of State. Department of
Indian Affairs, however,has not given a final “no” to the proposal. Have you
ever wondered why very few people in wheel chairs live on-reserve? Or why
there arent many so-called disabled or mentally handicapped?

In recent travels, I heard a _ very sad man tell why he was not at home living
among his people. He had a stroke and could no longer live at home because of
the lack of facilities and manpower to look after him. He had never married,
So there was no wife to care for him and his extended family is almost non-
existent. He went to the microphone and told the gathering that he had hoped
to hear his language spoken when he went home but so far he had heard nothing
but English. He said that he gets very lonely in the home and,though it is an
Indian rest home,he missed his own language most of all.He went on to explain
that it was Government Policy which does not allow him to remain with his own
people, that there are no funds made available to look after him at home!

A stroke,to my knowledge,is a fairly new disease to Indian people. There may
have been medicine to prevent this type of illness in the past, as there were
medicines to prevent blood coagulating in the veins and pain relievers for
arthritis. As we ingest more and more of the white man’s foods and shop more
in the supermarkets,we become more susceptible to these new diseases. We will
also live longer as they do, although our death rate is still 4 times greater
than theirs. We will in the future require more homes, a new way of looking
after our handicapped and disabled or return to the way we used to look after
our old people, if possible. Meantime, we must find ways to fund the Native
Section of the BC Paraplegic Association! (Report by: Violet Birdstone)

RESOURCE CENTRE HAS NEW POLICY-As announced in UPDATE #5, Reg Percival is re-
organizing UBCIC’s Resource Centre. He is being helped by new staff members,
Cheryl Billy and Fran Smith, hard at work on the "Revitalization Materials
Project". They are presently sorting through past Portfolio files, ensuring
easier access through catalogue classification. The Resource Centre, in full
operation again, collects, stores and distributes valuable information, prac
tically inaccessable anywhere else. Bands should be aware of its operation.
The Centre will include:

1. A recognized library classification system (Brian Deer System).

2. Card catalogue access to reference material by author, title & subject

3. Book format catalogue access to reference material for UBCIC Band
Affiliates.

eoe8 Update 6

4. Monthly new acquisitions lists to keep UBCIC staff and Band Affiliates
aware Of available reference material.

9. Newsclipping service to ensure UBCIC staff are informed of current issues.

6. Documentation of Resource Centre usage for financial accountability and to
help identify new or changing information needs.

The Centre “s first concern is to provide adequate collections and services to

UBCIC staff and Affiliate Bands, for which there is no charge. But, we will

also make resources available to anyone who needs them, particularly to those

who cannot find elsewhere, the specialized materials they require. For those

who are not affiliated with the UBCIC, a small fee will be charged.

However, certain categories of library materials are used heavily by UBCIC
staff and Affiliate Bands and therefore will not be lent to outside users.
These include: micro-films, Government documents (Hansards, statutes, etc.),
District Research files, and newsclippings. ,

"1984"; THE YEAR CANADA OPENS ITS NEW CIVILIAN SPY AGENCY - This year may be
properly termed the year of "Big Brother" for Canadians, with the establish-
ment of the new Canadian Security Intelligence Service July 16th. The highly
criticized Bill C-9, which replaces the RCMP security service with a new aut-
Onomous agency, passed in Parliament June 21st, despite heavy opposition from
MPs, the provinces and countless civil rights groups. Burnaby New Democrat MP
Svend Robinson, who attempted a one-man fillibuster of Bill C-9, said there’s
so many things wrong with the legislation, he would prefer to keep the secur-
ity service as a branch of the RCMP! Ted Finn, first director of the new
civilian security agency, was sworn in July 16th, at a ceremony in Solicitor-
General Kaplan‘s office in Ottawa. Critics of Bill C-9, which establishes the
Agency, were almost unanimous in declaring the Canadian Security Intelligence
Service would have "too much leeway and too much power but not enough super-—

vision and not enough accountability." Among the most contentious sections
Of Ball G-9-

Section 2 defines terms used in the Act. Almost without exception, critics of
the Bill say definitions are too vague and would permit wide discretion on
the part of the service. Classic among examples cited is the definition of
“threat to the security of Canada" using such generalities as "foreign influ-
enced activities...that are detrimental to the interests of Canada." The Sec—
tion mentions “activities directed toward...or intended ultimately to lead to
the destruction or overthrow by violence of the constitutionally established
system of government." Critics argue this section would require the Service
to speculate about a person’s intentions & "ultimately" could mean any length
of time the Service wanted. “Detection of misconduct long in advance of its
actual commission may require not only discernment but also clairvoyance,"
wrote CCLA (Canadian Civil Liberties Association).

Sec. 12 outlines duties and functions of the new service and says,in part, it
“shall collect,by investigation or otherwise,to the extent that it is strict-
ly necessary...information and intelligence respecting activities that may on
reasonable grounds be suspected of constituting a threat to the security of
Canada." The Phrase "strictly necessary" offends many opponents of the Bill.
They argue, the security service director’s interests are served by having as
much information as possible. Without detailed guidelines, he will be likely
to cast his net wide, not err on the side of civil liberties. Wrote CCIA:
"Since the goal of an intelligence investigation is to assess, understand and
predict,the temptation will be to discover almost everything there is to know
about the targets including their most intimate habits and beliefs. It is not
hard to appreciate the chill such pervasive surveillance can create to both
political liberty and personal privacy." Of equal concern is lack of control
of countering techniques; actions intended to disrupt, intimidate or discour-
age those the service suspects of having improper motives or intentions. In
its brief,the Ontario Law Union pointed out the McDonald Commission into RCMP
wrongdoing advised: "the security....agency should not be permitted to carry
out activities or disruptive measures designed to inflict damage on Canadian
citizens or domestic political groups. "We regard the missing safeguard as a
deliberate decision by the solicitor-general and T.D. Finn [who is to be the
director of the proposed new service] to permit disruptive measures," the Law
Union brief said,"Such measures in our view will violate the charter of free-
doms of peaceful assembly, association, opinion, and expression."

Sec. 21 permits a security officer with a warrant to "enter any place,or open
or obtain access to any thing; to search for,remove,or return,or examine, take
extracts from or make copies of or record in any other manner the informat-
ion, record, document, or thing; or to install,maintain or remove any thing."

---9 Update6

Critics were not satisfied with the Committee set up to review the Security
Agency s activities either. "The Committee would be made up of Privy Council
members not sitting in the Commons or Senate.They would be appointed and paid
by the government and therefore might be easily influenced,or suspected of it
critics claim. Committee members would have no automatic access to cabinet
documents, even when those documents are given to the security service. There
is no provision in the Bill for an All-Party Parliamentary review process
such as that used in West Germany or the US - government accountability will
be minimized. Neither is there the role for the solicitor-general that was
recommended by the McDonald Commission -obliging him to have knowledge of and
responsible for workings of the service."("Sun":May 30; June 23; July 13,16)

AIM LEADER LEONARD PELTIER’S CASE HEATS UP - For those who missed! "The Sun"
(June 27) carried the headline; "Sakharov Vs Leonard Peltier: Russians parry
protests". "The Sun" stated: "In a news report from Moscow,the Soyiet Union,
annoyed by the barrage of Western protests about its treatment of dissident
Andrei Sakharov, is waging a similar campaign over an American Indian impris-
oned for murder in the USA. Hailing American Indian Movement leader Leonard
Peltier,39, as a “freedom-loving man” jailed unjustly, Soviet news media car-
ried stories almost daily for weeks, calling his case an example of American
human rights abuse...Soviet officials have answered inquiries about Sakharov
with the argument: confinement of the Nobel Peace Prize winner in the closed
city of Gorky is an internal matter. Sakharov has never been convicted of a
crime. But he and Peltier both staged hunger strikes to protest their treat-
ment by authorities of their respective countries. The Russians accused U.S.
authorities of attempting ‘deliberate physical destruction “of Peltier when he
began a hunger strike in the Federal Correctional Centre in Marion, Ill. last
April 10th. The almost daily bulletins on Peltier’s hunger strike continued
for weeks after his fast ended May 22." (Sun,June 27)

The idea that a government may "neutralize political dissidents through the
criminal process" is still foreign to us in Canada, but Peltier’s case, which
began during his’ extradition hearings in Vancouver in 1976, has caused many
people to question that possibility in the case of the United States. Peltier
has been successful in gaining international attention and support of 50 mem-
bers of the US Congress in order to have his case re-opened. Recently he was
granted an evidentiary hearing, which is a first step in a newtrial. That
hearing is expected to take place within the next few months.

MAPUCHE, PEOPLE OF CHILE SUFFER FURTHER REPRESSION-In its 11 years of military
dictatorship in Chile, the Mapuche People have been subjected to an unceasing
attack on their rights. The Mapuche, whose name means "People of the Earth",
represent the most numerous indigenous group in Chile with a total of nearly
l million people. Their national organization Ad-Mapu (meaning "towards the
earth") has struggled for years to maintain the cultural integrity and econo-
mic survival of the Mapuche. The military government of General Pinochet, two
years ago instituted Indian laws requiring their communal lands be divided up
into private plots and has tried to force a private enterprise system on them
in hopes of destroying their community strength. Ad-Mapu has resisted this
"legal" extermination and been subjected to various attacks against it by the
military in the process. Since January/84,violent confrontations have erupted
between military-police and the Mapuche. Of the top national leaders of Ad-
Mapu, 2 have been placed in "internal exile" (meaning they are banished to a
far corner of the country away from their sacred lands), and, ten community
leaders have been placed in detention in different parts of the country. Rec-
ently,Chilean“s Commission on Human Rights released a bulletin on the Ad-Mapu
Situation, requesting international support to "put an end to this repression
and to urge Chilean authorities to "respect the civil, economic and cultural
traditions of the Mapuche People."

GUATEMALAN REFUGEES TO BE FORCIBLY RELOCATED-In a cammunique from the Diocese
of San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs
received distressing information of new conditions facing the Guatemalans who
have fled human rights violations in Guatemala and now live in refugee camps
in Mexico near the Guatemalan border. In response to the news, UBCIC telexed
Mexico ’s Ambassador in Ottawa about the situation. Following are excerpts:

"We, as Indian Nations in British Columbia, are grateful to the Mexican Gov-
ernment for the humanitarian gesture extended to our Brothers and Sisters in
their time of need for refuge and safety until they are able to return to
their homeland. Not only do we view this gesture as a reflection of the Mex-
ican Government ‘s compassion and generosity, but we would also encourage your

---l10 Update6

government to maintain these principles in alleviating such human suffering.
We understand the Mexican Government recently decided to relocate the refugee
camps of the Guatemalans hundreds of kilometres into other states of Mexico.

Whatever the reasons may be, we wish to share our concerns regarding this
decision.

On April 30/84, Mexico’s Commission of Aid to Refugees (COMAR) announced the
Mexican Governments decision to relocate 46,000 refugees now officially reg-
istered in camps in Chiapas. Since this announcement, refugees have expressed
concern for the health and well-being of their children,sick,elderly, invalid
and pregnant women who would not survive such relocation. The lives of their
weakest people are at stake due to the rough conditions involved relocating.
We “re aware the refugees are not opposed to relocating a few kilometres fur-
ther into Mexico but not a few hundred involving further hardship which they
would have to endure travelling. We also understand,there are camps located a
suitable distance from Guatemala’s border where they would like to remain.

On reviewing our information,we wish to express the same concern for the wel-
fare of the refugees who could not survive such a move. Asa consequence, the
Union of BC Indian Chiefs requests the reconsideration of your government ‘s
decision of relocation for the sake of saving the lives of those who have al-
ready endured so much. In further consideration of such an unfortunate situ-
ation, the refugees are seeking political asylum and will no doubt return to
their homeland when their human rights are secured and restored to them. To
move them beyond reach of returning to their homeland would be unbearable for
many whose roots run deep.

On July 4, 1984, we received news through the Guatemala Refugee Project of
Vancouver that the Mexican Army has surrounded one of the refugee camps, Las
Delicias, involving 3,000 people in an attempt to carry out this policy. We
_ feel such a move would not be to the ultimate benefit of the Mexican govern-
ment in consideration of the conditions the refugees now find themselves in.
With continued goodwill, we ask that these actions be put in abeyance as you
consider the human aspects involved and that food and essentials be allowed
to be distributed by those organizations receiving international aid on be-
half of the refugees. For your consideration of our requests and concerns, I
would like to thank you on behalf of the Indian Nations in British Columbia."

Supporting this telex to Mexico’s Ambassador, UBCIC also telexed new External
Affairs Minister Jean Chretien, informing him of the situation and requesting
that his Department investigate the concerns reported to the UBCIC. The telex
to Mr Chretien reminded him of the visit made by Grand Chief George Manuel in
November “82, to the refugee camps, in his capacity as Ambassador of the World
Council of Indigenous Peoples. Grand Chief Manuel’s report on that visit and
his open letter to the People of Canada were forwarded to Chretien along with
the Communique we received as background information on the desperate plight
of Indian people there. Further to telexing Mr. Chretien, a resolution was
passed at the recent AFN All-Chiefs Assembly in Montreal on this particular
Situation. The resolution contains much of the contents of the above telex
and mandates the National Chief to follow-up.

TELEX FROM OUR_ NATIONAL CHIEF, DAVE AHENAKEW: Dated July 26, 1984

To: Confederacy of Nations, Elders, PTO’s
Re: Confederacy of Nations Meeting - August 14-16, 1984

As agreed in Montreal, the next Confederacy of Nations meeting will be held
in Vancouver, August 14-16, 1984

The meeting will be held at:

Westin Bayshore Hotel
1601 West Georgia St. (McKenzie and Fraser Ballrooms)
Telephone: (604) 682-3377

100 Rooms have been booked at:

The Holiday Inn, 1133 West Hastings St., Telephone: (604) 689-9211

The Rate is: $78.00/Single & $84.00/Double.

Please reserve as soon as possible as rooms will be held only until August 3.
You may also reserve by Telex 04-507763

PLEASE NOTE: YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN TRAVEL & HOTEL ACCOMODATION
I look forward to seeing you in Vancouver.

...ll Updateé
SQUAMISH BAND RUNNERS HONOURED FOR COMPLETING 1,300 MILES OF "JIM THORPE RUN"

A Nation is not simply the government and institutions running it, but the
soul of a people expressed in a variety of ways. To be whole, a Nation must
also call upon its poets, musicians, dancers, orators and many,many others to
inspire the pride of its heritage and accomplishment. Amongst Indian Nations,
whose people held a common bond with the natural world, physical ability too,
was greatly honoured. Throughout history,the heritage and accomplishments of
Indian Nations were distorted. Indian philosophy and ability was discouraged
so the invading people could abuse and exploit the earth, the environment.

The great Jim Thorpe, a Sac and Fox Indian from Oklahama, is part of that sad
distortion of Indian history. Thorpe,one of the greatest athletes of all time
did what no one has done: in 1912 during the Stockholm Olympics in Sweden, he
won gold medals for both the Decathalon and Pentathalon. Thorpe Was honoured
throughout the world for his accomplishments. The King of Sweden called him
"the greatest athlete of all time", and, even the Czar of Russia bestowed on
Thorpe high tributes in the form of bejewelled gifts. It was not much later,
that Thorpe was maliciously stripped of his honours, his medals and the gifts
given for his accomplishments. Thorpe lived for long after, but feeling so
disgraced, his heart was truly broken. His children carried on the struggle
of regaining the recognition Thorpe so deserved and just two years ago, his
Olympic medals were posthumously returned to Thorpe’s family.

The injustice done to the great Jim Thorpe cannot be so easily undone. But in
terms of Indian Nations” recognition of his accomplishments and the pride he
instilled, it might now be said that Thorpe has been lastingly and deeply
honoured by the accomplishments of several young Squamish Band athletes who
were inspired by his greatness. On July 1 of this year, 8 young people, aged
12 - 20, set out from Vancouver on a marathon relay across country headed for
Ios Angeles and the opening of the Olympics there. The runners were to form
part of the "Jim Thorpe Run" which began in New York with the Onandaga People
of the Six Nations who ran 3,400 miles. The Squamish runners were scheduled
to run 1,300 miles,all told, and had to run from 80 - 120 miles daily as part
of the relay. Instead they were diverted from main highways and had to run
greater distances through more difficult terrain. The young runners’ endured.
Climbing 10,000 foot mountains, and travelling through both the Mojave and
Death Valley Deserts in the 120 degree summer heat. Despite terrible pain and
injuries,muscle spasms,heat stroke and tremendous obstacles to their success,
all of the runners made it to Los Angeles within an hour of their schedule.

On July 27, members of the Squamish Nation gathered at their longhouse for a
feast to honour the young people on their return. Members of other Nations
came too in recognition of their great committment and dedication. Honoured
were Michael Billy, Craig Ian Billy, Reno Natural, Daryl Douglas, Ina James,
Becky Campbell, Shawna Bruce and Richard Baker. Coach Theresa Campbell and
husband, Rusty, along with local organizer Bill Simmons and other members of

the Squamish Nation who assisted and supported the runners along their trem
endous journey were also honoured.

It is difficult to imagine all the daily trials these young people overcame
throughout the several weeks of their run, but it is not difficult at all to
understand the hope and inspiration they have created due to their prowess -
both physical and spiritual. In honouring the great Jim Thorpe, these young
people have brought honour to themselves, their Squamish Nation and to Indian
people as a whole. The Union of BC Indian Chiefs wishes to thank the Squamish
youth for their remarkable endurance and accomplishment in revealing the
truth about a man who was "unjustly scarred by history."

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