Periodical

Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs Newsletter (March 1997)

Title: Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs Newsletter (March 1997)
Is Part Of: 1.06-01.08 Union of BC Indian Chiefs Newsletter; 1.06.-01 Newsletters and bulletins sub-series
Date: March 1997
Language: english
Identifier: 1.06-01.08-08.01
pages: 13
Table Of Contents: IN THIS ISSUE...

2. President's Message

3. Non Insured Health Benefits

4. Bill C-79- Indian Act II

6. Press Releases - AFN & Treaty 8

7. First Peoples Travel

8. Resource Centre Update

9. Memorial - Bernard D. Charles

10. Institute of Indigenous Government

11. NHS Indians out in the cold

12. First Nations Breast Cancer Society
Contributor: Chief Saul Terry; Ron Irwin; Robert Van Pelt
Type: periodical

Transcription (Hover to view): Union ofB.C.Indian Chiefs

NEWSLETTER
MARCH 1997

Chiefs Committee Gives Policy Reform
a One-Year Deadline
Temporary appeals body - Proposal to extend the Indian Specific Claims
Commission for one more year.

T

AFN's Chiefs Committee on Claims will
he federal government and the
be working intensively with government
Assembly of First Nations have
representatives to explore the different
started working together to
overhaul the existing specific claims policy possibilities for the new independent
claims body and policy - the aim is to start
over the course of the next year. The
Chiefs Committee on Claims, an executive from scratch if necessary, rather than
merely "update" the existing policy
sub-committee of the AFN with regional
(outlined in the 1982 publication
representationfromacross the country,
will be working with the Specific Claims Outstanding Business). Models to be
Branch's Special Projects Unit on a newexamined include the "Rolling Draft"
developed last year by the AFN's Land
policy framework for an independent
claims body which is to take effect April Rights Unit and the'' Concorde Report''
(1996), an overview ofthe problems with
1,1998.
the existing process from an alternative
The aim of this exercise is to
dispute resolution perspective. In
eliminate the flaws that Indian
addition, there appears to be
governments have encountered with the
considerable support from Chiefs for some
existing policy - the injustice ofthe federal
type of legislative model.
government judging claims against itself;
The Chiefs Committee on Claims'
the policy's inability to deal with the full
is
considering
a one-year extension of the
range of grievances; the unacceptable
current
Indian
Specific
Claims Commission
length oftimeit has been taking to resolve
(ISCC).
The
ISCC
an
appeals mechanism
claims and the federal government's
for
dealing
with
rejected
specific claims inflexibility with regard to compensation,
was
only
intended
as
a
temporary
body,
among others.
and its mandate has been seriously
The Liberal's 1993 Red Book
undermined because it was not
promised that a Liberal government, in
sufficiently empowered to compel Canada
consultation with Aboriginal peoples,
to respond or act on its recommendations.
would undertake a major overhaul of the
A one year extension would allow Indian
federal claims policy on a national basis.
governments with claims at the ISCC to
It further promised that it would create, by
continue within this process while the
jointly developing a mandate with
Chiefs Committee on Claims focusses its
Aboriginal peoples, an independent
efforts on the creation ofa truly independent
claims commission.
claims body through an overhaul of the
On the basis of these promises, the existing process.

MARCH J997

British Columbia is represented on
the AFN's Chiefs Committee on Claims
by Chief Arthur Manuel on behalf of the
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs and Chief
Ken Malloway, Chairman of the
Aboriginal Council ofB.C. They will also
be participating on a rotating basis in the
Joint Task Force, a smaller technical
working group which will be carrying out
discussions with federal representatives
while remaining accountable to the
Chiefs Committee on Claims which in turn
remains accountable to the AFN's
SPECIFIC CLAIMS (Continued on page 3)

IN THIS ISSUE...
2. President's Message
3. Non Insured Health Benefits
4. Bill C-79- Indian Act II
6. Press Releases - AFN & Treaty 8
7. First Peoples Travel
8. Resource Centre Update
9. Memorial - Bernard D. Charles
10. Institute of Indigenous Government
11. NHS Indians out in the cold
12. First Nations Breast Cancer Society

1

UBCIC NEWS

Message From the

President

felt by Chiefs and Council
Manuel
was
the
and their staff. The level of establishment ofa Provisional
frustration expressed by our
Indigenous Government.
people is evidence of this. It
This would enable First
is important for all of us - no
Nations to break away from
matter where we live - to take an oppressive colonial system
the time to reflect on what we and create a political body
as Nations of people are doing based on our own laws and
on the whole Land Question. beliefs.
Unless we take thetimenow
Only the power of the
to do this, many ofour people people will prevent any

lead towards a maximum
degree ofpolitical, economic,
social, cultural and spiritual
independence. It would mean
getting out from under the
colonial arm of Canada and
strengthening our own
political system. I have no
doubt in my mind that, years
from now, our Indian
At
the C h i e f s
government
system will mean
Council meeting
peace and stabilility for our
on February 19th, 1997 I
people. We as citizens of
stated that I cannot accept
the notion that the Federal
"I know too that our people have Indian nations have to have
and Provincial governments
become more increasingly restless underthe courage to make change
will continue to deny our
the present governmental system but we based upon the international
p r i n c i p l e s o f selfrights. We know we have
must not abandon our mission handed
determination.
The
rights but they deny it. We
down to us by our Elders."
foundation has been laid, now
have real land claims issues
we must consider how we
and it is the governance of
will fulfill the dreams of our
those lands that we are talking will lose their Aboriginal Title further erosion of our rights.
about. The Union of B.C.
and Rights. We are not
The fact is there is a low level past Leaders and Elders to
Indian Chiefs wants to deal
being informed truthfully by war going on in this country establish our own House of
the Peoples.
at thepoliticallevel based on the Federal government on
between Indian peoples and
the principles we laid out.
their policy on land claims
the governments of Canada.
The Era ofProvisional
But, rather than dealing with settlement.
I know too that our people
Indian Government is now.
us nation-to-nation they are
The Union of B.C.
have become increasingly
A constitution has been
trying to deal with us band by Indian Chiefs over the years restless under the present
presented to the nation
band.
has taken many forms of
governmental administrative
representatives and the
In March 1992,1 made
a presentation to the
U . B . C . I . C . Health
Conference titled "Power of
Indian Health". At that time
I spoke to our people who
work in the field of health
services and how we
encounter difficulties with the
Federal and Provincial
Crown on services we try to
provide both on reserve and
off reserve. I asked at that
time, what can we do about
it? I am sure that, by now,
the results of taking over the
devolution of services from
the governments are being

2

action to make sure the
Federal government
understood fully that Indian
land is not for sale. For
example when in 1980, the
Prime Minister and the ten
Premiers attempted to
drop all references to
protection ofaboriginal rights
in t h e
amended
C a n a d i a n Constitution,
the Union of B.C. Indian
Chiefs responded by creating
a major political action in
Canada and in Europe.
Another idea put forward by
the late Grand Chief and
President, George

system but we must not
abandon our mission handed
down to us by our elders.
This brings me to the
questions I asked in 1992
and the vision I shared with
our peoples at that time. I
suggested that we implement
our authority within the
borders of British Columbia
and Canada in order to
protect our lands and our
peoples rights. I suggested
that we go to the communities
to discuss and formulize an
interim political body or what
is called a Provisional
Government - which would

people in their respective
territories. The resistance
must be placed by our moving
forward shoulder to shoulder
in the development of the
Confederacy of Sovereign
Indigenous Nations.

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS
HEALTH

UPDATE

SPECIFIC CLAIMS UPDATE
(Continued from page 1)

N G N - I N S U R E D H E A L T H BENEFITS

with federal representatives while remaining
accountable to the Chiefs Committee on Claims
which in turn remains accountable to the AFN's
membership at large.
The AFN will be soliciting feedback and
communicating developments to Indian governments
as the reform process progresses. To this end, it is
highly likely that some kind of regional forum for
B.C. will be scheduled in the near future. The end
product of the intensive Joint Task Force activities
that have now been launched is hoped to be a
detailed model of the new policy/body which will be
presented for discussion, revision and approval at the
AFN's Annual General Assembly in Vancouver this
summer.
If you wish to have a say in specific claims
reform, please make your views known to:

The last update on the NonInsured Health Benefits cut-backs
was issued in the Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs newsletter in August,
1996. A short report was provided to the
UBCIC 28th Annual General Assembly in
October, 1996.
Update Taken From The First Nations
Health Bulletin, AFN (Dec. 1996)
Medical Services Branch, Health Canada
has started a drug benefit review process to
improve the management of the Non-Insured
Health Benefits. This is so rates of growth
do not exceed the limits allowed under the
current MSB envelope. When Health and
Welfare talk about the ' 'Envelope'' this is what it means:
The envelope represents the maximum resources available to
Chief Arthur Manuel
fund all federal Indian and Inuit health programs. In order to respond
UBCIC Chiefs Committee on Claims Representative
to the Federal Government's orders to pay off the country's deficit, the
Phone: 1-250-679-3295
Department of Health and Welfare, Canada announced that they
Fax: 1-250-679-5306
would live within a growth budget of 3% for 96-97 year; 3% for 97-98
E-mail: [email protected]
year and 1% for 98-99 year. The department figured that this
represented $1,024 billion dollars for 96-97 year and that the NonInsured Health Benefits accounted for 50% of the total envelope
expenditures. The NIHB operating costs include payments for drugs and dental benefits administered under contract to Liberty
Health, as well as regionally (in our case this is known as Pacific-Yukon Region) administered benefits such as medical
transportation (mostly at the reserves level) and vision care. Management also includes governmental administrative costs related to
the program.
If you are confused about payment of certain drugs, it's because Medical Services Branch (MSB) has limited or discontinued
certain drugs but added new ones. Because some drugs have the same active ingredients but sold under different names and prices,
as of December 1, 1996 MSB decided to only pay for the version with the best price - as long as it has the same active ingredients.
On March 1, 1997 an updated drug benefitfistwill be implemented and Non-Insured Health Benefits will stop paying for a
small number of certain drugs that are currently covered. A slight inconvenience is expected as pharmacists and doctors decide
which new drug to prescribe in place of the old drug. As far as the Assembly of First Nations is concerned, thefirstchange is to
insist that pharmacies only provide the best price alternative. It means that the generic drug will be provided even if a physician has
stipulated that there should be no substitutions. If a status Indian client insists upon receiving the drug prescribed, they will have to
either:
a) Pay the cost difference themselves, or
b) Ask the pharmacy to request an exception from MSB
This is a substantive change from the current operating practice. Under the second change, the intention is to eliminate a
number of expensive drugs to save money and to substitute between change number one to two is that under change one, a cheaper
generic drug will be substituted Generic means general quality of drugs - not a specialized drug.
"Real-Time Point of Sale System (RTPOS):
Medical Services will be introducing a "Real-Time Point of Sale System" in 1997-1998 year. The new process will be
similar to a credit card purchase where these cards are electronically zapped and a minute later approval or denial is attained. This
system will work in the same manner when the pharmacist electronically enters a client's claim and the claim is forwarded to
Liberty Health for approval or denial. The problem is if there is an error in data or missing information, the claim will be rejected
and the client will be asked to pay cash or credit up front. Under the current service, the pharmacist dispenses the prescribed
medication and then submits the paper claim for reimbursement. Any delay is between the Health Insurance Company and the
pharmacist but with the new service, claims will probably be rejected at the point of sale. This may be fine for aboriginal people who
live in communities where waiting is not problem but where our people have to travel great distance from isolated areas, this new
development will pose hardships for them.
For further information, please contact Mildred Poplar at (604) 684-0231.

MARCH 1997

3

UBCIC NEWS

Liberal Standing Committee Members Try to Short
Circuit Hearings on Bill C~79 - Indian Act II
Assembly of First Nations, February 20, 1997

Jean Chretien's government is accelerating their plan to ram Indian Act II into law before the upcom
federal election. This week Minister of Indian Affairs Ron Irwin used a special procedure in the House of
commons to rush Bill C-79 to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs (SCAA) before going through
second reading of the draft legislation. This was carried out the same day as the federal budget was introduc
thereby minimizing any attention that it would get.
On December 19, 1996, Irwin
wrote to all of the Chiefs re: C-79 and
stated that "The Committee will hold
extensive hearings on the Bill and is
expected to travel to various parts of the
country. The Committee will publicize
its schedule of hearings and encourage
First Nations to appear."
Today the SCAA had a planning
meeting to decide how to proceed with
these public hearings on the Bill. CoChair Claude Bachand, of the Bloc
Quebecois, recommended that an AFN
representative be appointed to the
Committee as an ex-officio member for
the duration of the hearings. His motion
was defeated by the Liberal members of
the SCAA, including Jack Anawak and
Elijah Harper, the two Aboriginal
members.
At the same time, the Liberals on
the Committee have already tried to limit
the ability of First Nations to appear and
have their voice heard. They intend to

We now have
another example of
what the Minister's
assurances are
actually worth.'
have the national Aboriginal
organizations appear on March 6. Only
five days (March 10-14) have been set
aside for First Nation presentations.
Instead of having hearings across the
country (as the Minister promised), they
intend to arrange testimony by way of
video-conferencing, with each group
getting 40 minutes.
This automatically puts many
barriers in front of First Nations who
want to testify before the Committee.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
The SCAA is waiting to see how many First Nations respond. If they
receive many requests, they will be forced to extend the time for public
hearing and also travel to have hearings in your territory.... I am
therefore requesting all First Nations and organizations to immediately
write to the Clerk of the SCAA, requesting them to hold hearings in your
territory on location, or, as a last resort to appear before the Committee
via teleconferencing at the Committee's expense and extend it's schedule
of hearings to allow First Nations time to prepare their presentations.

What about remote communities? Are
they supposed to pay their way to get a to
a city that has the proper faculties? Will
the proposedfiveday limit on testimony
prevent First Nationsfromappearing if
they don't get their requests in first?
We now have another example of
what the Minster's assurances are
actually worth: clearly he and his
Liberal colleagues have no intention of
letting the voices of the First Nations be
heard. But if we work together we can
force them to let us speak
The SCAA is waiting to see how
many First Nations respond. If they
receive many requests, they will be
forced to extend thetimefor public
hearings and also travel to have hearings
in your territory.
However, we will need to work
quickly to get the SCAA to change
course. I am thereforerequestingall
First Nations and organizations to
immediately write to the Clerk of the
SCAArequestingthem to hold hearings
in your territorry on location, or, as a
last resort to appear before the
Committee via teleconferencing at the
Committee's expense. We are also
asking you torequestthat the SCAA
extend it's schedule of hearings to allow
First Nationstimeto prepare their
presentations.
Please send copies of your letters
to my office, also to SCAA Co-Chair
Claude Bachand (his fax number 613992-9849).
Yours in recognition of Aboriginal and
Treaty Rights.
Ovide Mercredi, National Chief

4

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

Letter from Ron Irwin, Minister of
Indian and Northern Affairs
(January 22, 1997)

Dear Chief Terry:
Thank you for your Chiefs Council Resolution dated November
19, 1996. It is unfortunate that the resolution opposes any
proposed modifications to the Indian Act.

February 21, 1997
Ms. Christine Fisher, Clerk,
Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs
and Northern Development,
180 Wellington St.,
Room 647, Wellington Building
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A6

Dear Ms. Fisher:
I appreciate our overriding desire to resolve the British Columbia Land Question which will take time to negotiate. In the
Members of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs have made
meantime, I would like to do as much as I can to improve the
many presentations to government since its founding in 1969. Our
legislative base that impacts upon the daily lives of First Nation position and principlesremainconsistent. One of the basic
members and how your communities are governed. As you well premises of our position and principles is that Indian people must
know, the Act has for far too long served as an impediment to
be provided the opportunity to effectively speak out on government
the social, economic and political development of First Nations.
initiatives that directly affect our lives. In thisregardthere can be
The approach of the federal government, and my commitment
no question that Bill C-79 will affect thefivesof every Indian
to First Nations, is to deal with them on the basis that they
person in British Columbia.
already have the right to govern their own affairs - a nation to
In recent machinations of Minister Irwin, he indicated that
nation approach. Again, I reiterate that we have every intention he would hold extensive hearings. Based upon this commitment
of meeting our obligations to First Nations. I want to make it
our people expected that the Standing Committee on Aboriginal
very clear to you and allfirstnations that my objective is not to Affairs would travel to British Columbia to hear our deeply felt
propose fundamental changes to the federal government's
views on how Bill C-79 will affect our everyday lives. Obviously
fiduciary relationship or treaty obligations to First Nations.
the Minister has broken his word.
It is quite obvious that the Minister does not believe that the
On December 12, 1996,1 tabled in the House of Commons An
Canadian government is obligated to extend the full democratic
Act to permit certain modifications in the application of the
process to Indian people on legislative matters that affect the lives
Indian Act to bands that desire them (Bill-C79). If enacted,ofthis
Indian people. In order to secure safe passage for his Bill C-79
fully optional Bill would allow First Nations to choose a
the Minister has decided to muzzle the voice of Indian people by
package of potential changes in the application of the Indian
limiting access to the Standing Committee. The Minister is clearly
Act, or remain under the existing provisions of the Indian Act. afraid to hear what the Indian people genuinely think and feel about
I want to emphasize that no First Nation would berequiredto
his Bill C-79.
come under the provisions of the Bill, unless it chooses to do so.
Nevertheless, the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs request time
to make a presentation to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal
I expect the legislative process will provide for extensive public Affairs. Furthermore, we request that the Standing Committee on
hearing and a review conducted by the Standing Committee on
Aboriginal Affairs make itself accessible to the Indian people and
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development As a result,
Indian leadership of British Columbia directly. The human rights
changes to the proposed package will almost certainly be made. record ofCanada depends upon a free and open political process for
It is through this joint sharing of ideas and comments that we
Indian people as well as for other Canadians, especially on matters
can ensure First Nations are involved in the review of the
which will ultimately impact every facet of their lives.
federal Bill.
I would encourage you to submit to the Committee any suggestions or comments you may have on this issue. Our shared goal
is to work towards First Nation governments exercising their
own jurisdiction. However, the proposed Bill can produce some
positive changes in the short term for those First Nations who
opt in.
Thank your for taking thetimeto express your views.

Yours truly,
UNION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA INDIAN CHIEFS
Chief Saul Terry,
President
cc:
National Chief Ovide Mercredi
Nation Representatives
Claude Bachand Bloc Quebecois

Yours truly,
Ronald A. Irwin, P.C., MP.

MARCH 1997

5

UBCIC NEWS

Assembly of First Nations
December 16, 1996
OTTAWA-The Federal Government must accept its
responsibility for the unilaterally imposed assimilation
policy of Residential Schools.
The National Chief and First Nation Leaders call on the
government of Canada, to take responsibility for their role in
the residential school policy and to respond to the Royal
Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommendations relating
to the Residential School experience.
Effects of the Federal Government imposed Residential
School policy can be felt and is encountered in all areas of
First Nations, effects such as the high rate of suicide, alcohol
and drug abuse and how this had in turn affected the loss of our
languages, culture, parenting abilities, and traditions and
ceremonies.
A call for a National Public Inquiry was made by
Ovide Mercredi, National Chief of the Assembly of First
Nations, February 28, 1994. A national committee was
established to document an historicalrecord,which was to look
at how countless human rights violations occurred against First
Nations children, while in the entrusted care of the churches, as
well as how the effects of this assimilation policy resulted in the
many problems that First Nations have encountered. This
process was stymied by government inaction and their lack of
responsibility.
The Commission recommends an apology by those
responsible. The four historic mission Churches have issues
apologies at various forums across the country and have begun
to take responsibility. However, the federal government has
refused to take responsibility.
The Commission recommends: "That the nature and
scope of the injury to Aboriginal people by past policies in
relation toresidentialschools be established and appropriate
remedies devised therefor. Specifically, calling on the
government of Canada to establish a comprehensive Public
Inquiry instructed to investigate and document the origins
and effects of residential school policies and practices
respecting all Aboriginal Peoples.
Secondly, the commissionrecommends:"That the
nature and scope of the injury caused to Aboriginal people by
past policies in relation to the relocation of Aboriginal
communities be established and appropriate remedies
devised therefor." Through a recommendation
acknowledging Violation of Rights, the Commission
recommends that Governments acknowledge that where the
relocation of Aboriginal communities did not conform to the
criteria set out in Recommendation 1.11.2, such relocations
constituted a violation of their member's human rights.
The Federal government adopted this policy of
assimilation, to destroy, Aboriginal languages, traditions and
beliefs and the residential school system was compounded by
mismanagement and underfunding, the provision of inferior
educational services and the mistreatment, neglect and abuse of
6

CONGRATULATIONS
The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs is pleased to announce
that Louise Mandell, long time legal counsel for the
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs has been appointed to
Queens Counsel. On behalf of Chiefs Council and staff,
the UBCIC Congratulates Louise in receiving this
prestigious honour. We thank Louise for her years of
dedication and commitment in defending the aboriginal
rights of Indian Nations in thefieldof law and justice.

AFN (Continued)

any children - facts that were known to the department and the
churches throughout the history of the school system.
The commission further recommends the federal
government fund the establishment of a national documentation
centre to research, collect, preserve and disseminate information
related to residential schools, relocations and other aspects
of Aboriginal historical experience.
For more information contact:
Assembly of First Nations (613) 261-6789

TREATY8 TRIBAL
ASSOCIATION
JUDY MAAS TO SERVE SECOND T E R M AS
TREATY 8 CHIEF
(Press Release January 16, 1997)
At a meeting in Fort St. John today, the assembled
Treaty 8 Chiefs unanimously gave their support to Judy
Maas for a second term as Tribal Chief. Maas will
represent some 2,000 First Nation members in the
Treaty 8 portion of Northeastern British Columbia until at
least 1999.
As head of the Treaty 8 Tribal Association, and
spokesperson for its six member First Nations, Maas is
charged withrepresentingand advocating aboriginal
interests in almost one quarter of the province. "I don't
take the responsibility lightly,'' she said. ''My role is to act
as steward of the treaty which governs ourrelationswith
non-Native society. I am honored the Chiefs entrusted me
with this solemn task."
Chief George Desjarlais of the West Moberly First
Nations said "Herreappointmentshould serve as notice to
government and industry that she has the solid backing of
the Association Chiefs, and that she is full mandated to
speak on behalf of the native people in the
Association's member communities."
"The government of Canada has ignored our treaty
rights too long,'' she concluded. "My job is t to hold the
government to the promises made in the treaty.''
For further information, Please contact: Treaty 8 Tribal
Association (250) 785-0612

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

Presbytery recommends that Annett be
permanently "Delisted"

T H E CREATION OF FIRST
PEOPLES TRAVEL

First Peoples Travel is an aboriginal owned travel
' 'Kevin Annett was dismissedfromSt. Andrews
company that serves the corporate needs of the Native
United Church in Port Alberni in 1995 because of his
community throughout British Columbia. It is also an example
involvement in native issues which was disputedof how individuals can use creative planning to build
by the Comox Nanaimo Presbytery of the United enterprises that help strengthen the native economy, all without
waiting for government assistance.
Church"
Press Release - January 30, 1997
The Chief Judicial Officer of the United Church hearing
to consider "de-listing" Reverend Kevin Annett was asked on
Tuesday to be removed from his position because of an
apprehension of bias on his part.
Reverend Bruce Gunn, advocate for Kevin Annett, made
the request after Reverend Annett's testimony revealed that the
Judicial Officer, Jon Jessiman, appeared to have represented the
church body that not only removed Reverend Annettfromhis
pulpit but recommended that he be permanently expelled from
ministry.
In his testimony given on January 28, Reverend Annett
described a February 9, 1995 meeting with church officials at
which Mr. Jessiman read out the demands of Comox-Nanaimo
Presbytery regarding Reverend Annett, and spoke for both
Conference and Presbytery officials present that day.
Reverend Annett also offered a March 31, 1995 letter
from Conference Personnel officer Art Anderson which, on the
direct advice of Jon Jessiman, rejected a proposal from
Reverend Annett to the Presbytery that would have resolved the
dispute. In evidence already were a series of legal
correspondences between Jessiman and Reverend Annett's
lawyer regarding the position of both Presbytery and Conference
towards Reverend Annett.
"In his comments and correspondence to church
officials and legal counsel, we believe that Mr. Jessiman was
acting for Comox-Nanaimo Presbytery in the early months of
1995 when I was dismissed by the same Presbytery from my
job'" commented Kevin Annett today. 'Mr. Jessiman cannot
therefor continue sitting as the judicial officer of these hearings
and claim that he is an unbiased or neutral party. I have been
informed by legal opinion that the legitimacy of these hearings
is already in serious doubt."
Reverend Annett also stated that he is considering asking
a civil court to conduct a judicial review of the hearing if
Jessiman is allowed to continue as its judicial officer.
The request for Jessiman to step down as Judicial Officer
was made by Reverend Gunn on the seventh day of Kevin
Annett's testimony, which has nearly concluded Gunn's
request was made as a motion to the hearing panel, which will
reconvene on March 3 to consider the motion.
4

Contact: Kevin Annett 224-3102 (messages) or 224-4753

MARCH 1997

The concept of First Peoples Travel originated last fall at
a meeting between George Morrison/Allan Ailo and Ed Wright/
Dave Ellem. This discussion about travel planning started a
chain of events that eventually lead to a business association
that the company a reality. Ed and Dave, together with their
staff, provide the professional skills and advice, gained from
operating a successful commercial travel agency, to ensure
efficient service for their clients. George and Allen provide the
financing, publicrelationsand market identification that makes
First Peoples Travel an Aboriginal agency.
The name First Peoples Travel was chosen to reflect the
Native identity of the company and also as a sign to show the
non-native community the presence of Aboriginal business. For
the Native economy to thrive, a strong and visible presence in
the marketplace must be established. This can be accomplished
by the creation of more Aboriginal businesses that provide
various services to the general public. First Peoples Travel
believes that this type of long term planning is necessary within
the Native community to build for the future.
Specializing in travel arrangements for corporations,
organizations, associations and individuals, First Peoples Travel
can arrange your transportation, accommodation, conferences
or meetings on a group or an individual basis. Furthermore,
through First Peoples Travel's associations with a number of
"specialist" logistics companies, they can ensure the safe and
sure movement of such diverse items as war canoes or totem
poles to dance or theatre groups anywhere in the world.
More importantly, First Peoples Travel has made a
Commitment to the Aboriginal community to provide
opportunities for professional training and job creation. We
have many opportunities in corporate development at present,
and as support from the Aboriginal and non-aboriginal
communities grows, we will be able to create more employment
opportunities in other areas (travel agents, travel consultants,
etc.).
The federal government has an official procurement
policy, developed to support Native business by using their
services. While doing our feasibility study for First Peoples
Travel, the reactionfromthe government departments was very
positive and numerous departments said they would use First
Peoples Travel. If the government departments will actually
follow their promises to support Aboriginal businesses like First
Peoples Travel, therelianceon government grants and other
assistance would be greatly reduced.
If you would like to arrange your travel through
First Peoples Travel or would like more information, we can be
reached at (604) 532-5030 or toll-free at 1-888-801-0333.

7

UBCIC NEWS

RESOURCE CENTRE UPDATE

L A K O T A OYATE -KI
NATIVE BROTHERHOOD

We
have been kept very busy in the Resource Centre
with the IIG students and faculty and several research
groups. Most of the research carried on has been around
traditional land use.
We now have the 1881, 1891 and 1901 Census reels
for B.C. We have also been gathering material on
researching First Nation genealogy.
Although we do not have the manpower to be able to
conduct genealogical research for you, we have many
resources of interest for your use.
If you missed getting a free copy of thefinalRCAP
report summary called "People to people, nation to
nation", these are now out of print. Thefivevolume
RCAP final report is availablefromthe federal government
bookstore for $250.00/set. The number to call for more
information about ordering is 1 (819) 956-4802.
A new 48X lens is being purchased for one of the
reader/printers so that the Colonial Correspondence Index
and the B.C. Archives Newspaper Index is easier to read.
With the existing zoom lens you almost need a magnifying
glass to read the screen or the printed results. I we can
muster up $1010 + tax, we will also purchase another zoom
lens (9.5 X 16) so that the Colonial Correspondence pages
can be printed off one page to a sheet of paper. With the
existing lens, these pages and some of the other filmed
materials have to be printed off in sections. Know any
generous philanthropists?
We are constantly ordering new books. There is a
great deal of material out there on First Nation issues.
Two books which we purchased recently are worth
mentioning: "Shingwauk's Vision: A History of Native
Residential Schools" and Parallel Paths: Fiduciary
Doctrine and the Crown Native Relationship in Canada".
Remember that you can order materials through the UBCIC
Chiefs Mask Bookstore by calling the UBCIC number (604)
684-0231 and ask for the Bookstore.
We will be having a temporary staff change in
early summer when our library technician, Sarah
Torsky, goes on maternity leave to have here baby
daughter. Sarah has the very important job of cataloguing
our materials and maintaining our databases.

8

Oregon State Penitentiary
2605 State Street
Salem, Or. 97310-0505

GREETINGS: To whom it
may concern,

We are the Native Brotherhood of the Oregon State
Penitentiary. Werepresentmany nations throughout the lands,
our consciousness has been brought to you, the Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs. We are seeking any books or copies of videos of
traditional dance, and or current struggles, that may be shared
with our Brotherhood, we are looking for the beauty of the west
coast peoples, and interior, anything that could be offered would
be well appreciated.
Our interest is the struggles of our peoples. If you could help us
contact other Native Foundations that may help our quest it
would be very much appreciated. We were told that the B.C.
Chiefs have a newsletter, and or articles taken out of the
newspapers in the area of Vancouver. We here at the
penitentiary have Cultural Night that is offered to the minority
and we are allowed to show movies on Native Night, and this is
the reasoning to our call of donations from the B.C. Indian
Chiefs. Anything from the voice of ourrelativesfrom the North
Lands would gladden our hearts. In the Spirit of Resistance we
offer our prayers for the people.
Respectfully Submitted
Robert Van Pelt
LAKOTA Oyate-Ki Sub-Chief

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

Known to his family and
friends as 'Wakah', Bernard was
bom on May 31, 1972 at Peach Arch •
District Hospital. He died, by his own
hand, on February 20, 1997 at the age
of twenty four. He will be remembered by his mother Sharon, father
Bernard, brother Shayne and sister
Shannon. Warm memories will be
carried by aunts, uncles and cousins,
far too numerous to name, who were
an important part of Bernard's life.
Bernard lived with a foot in both
cultures, equally comfortable in both. His native name was Stam-Quel-Ton
which was passed to him from his
great grandfather, Jimmy Charles. He
wore the paint and honored his belief '
in 'Si yo wen' as a spirit dancer in the
smoke houses of the lower mainland
and Washington State.

His love of dance extended
beyond his spiritual call, into his daily
life. He loved music and was to be
found at every 'rave' within driving
distance. His friends both native and
non-native were many and he was
always there for them.
Bernard had a special way with
children and young people. He was
adored by his nephews and all children were drawn to his gentle manner,
his tolerance and warm sense of
humour. We will all remember him
for his laughter, affectionate nature
andyouthfulexuberance, but we will
not forget that he struggled in life
with drugs and the depression that
accompanied their use.
We say farewell to our son,
brother and friend. We send our love
and wish him Godspeed in his journey
among the Eagles.

Bernard David Charles
'Stam-Quel-Ton'
May 31, 1972 - February 20, 1997

Country Wide Day of Native
Protest Set for April 17, 1997
(Globe and Mail, Feb. 27, 1997)

O T T A W A - Assembly of First Nations Chiefs
have picked the 15th anniversary of the signing of
Canada's Constitution as the date for a country-wide
day of native protest.
The Chiefs voted yesterday to hold the protest
on April 17 to press the federal government and Prime
Minister Jean Chretien into responding to the 440
recommendations of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.
Chiefs endorsed in principle the report of the
royal commission to assess the recommendations and

MARCH 1997

prepare a medium term and long-term strategy to be
brought back to the A F N by May 17. The royal
commission called for a fundamental restructuring of
the relationship between aboriginal people and
Canada.
Mr. Mercredi said the results of a new poll
indicating that 40 per cent of the respondents believe
natives have no choice but to resort to blockades to
back up demands and show there is more support for
natives than the government acknowledges.

9

UBCIC NEWS

INSTITUTE OF INDIGENOUS GOVERNMENT
EXTENSION PROGRAM
EXTENSION PROGRAMS

For more information on the Saanich Extension program,
contact: Paul Sam, IIG Saanich Extension Co-ordinator
Phone:(250) 652-5784 Fax:(250) 544-0538

The Institute of Indigenous Government is committed
to expanding extension and off-campus programming to
enhance First Nation students access to our unique education
LILLOOET EXTENSION PROGRAM
program in British Columbia, Canada and around the world.
The students at the
Our goal is to deliver up to
Lillooet Extension Program
80% of our courses ' 'off
Indigenous Economic
are working full-time in the
campus" in regional centres
and Social Development
community while attending six
and Indigenous communities
hours of instruction one day per
through the extension
week. For example, IGST 101
program and by innovative
will alternate with IGAD 101
distance learning strategies.
every other Monday. This
Rather than sending
arrangement allows the
students to a post-secondary
Indigenous
Indigenous
students toremainworking in
institution, which is usually
Government
Political
their
community and stay close
located in urban settings, our
Administration
Development
to
family
and friends.
and
instructors can be sent to
Leadership
As
student
enrolment
communities to deliver
increases
the
foundation
credited and non-credited
courses and the four principal
courses offered through our
areas of specialization will be
extension programs. This
offered to meet the demand.
arrangement allows students
International Indigenous
Evening and/or day classes can
to remain in the home
Relations
be
arranged.
community, close to family,
For
more information on
friends and employment.
this
exciting
educational
The AG is also
opportunity
in
the Lillooet area,
committed to provide
contact:
community-based quality
programs to all students wherever their home communities may Marilyn Napolean,
IIG Lillooet Extension Q>-ordinator,
be located. There are presently two extension sites in
Lillooet
Tribal Council
operation to date. Thefirstextension sites are located in
Phone:
(250)
256-7523
Saanich and Lillooet, BC.
Fax:(250)
256-7119
We are anticipating additional sites at Duncan, the
William Head Correctional Centre, Lytton, Mount Currie BC
ELDERS & RESOURCE PEOPLE
and in the Yukon Territory. Anticipated start up is aimed
Eldersfromthe community are providing cultural,
for the Fall semester of 1997.
social and spiritual guidance for the students. Their input into
Indigenous education assures that Indigenous control is being
SAANICH EXTENSION PROGRAM
reflected
in the implementation of instruction, course
This extension site was established in the Spring of
development,
workshops, and student support. Elders also,
1996. This arrangement enables First Nations students from
actively
participate
with the delivery of symposiums, workshops
the Saanich Nation, and the surrounding areas, to access
and
cultural
events
which fully reflect indigenous
instruction, student development workshops, and community
philosophy,
values
and
experience.
support while pursuing their post-secondary studies.
Community
members
are also utilised to enhance
Students at the Saanich site are enrolled part-time and
and
aid
in
the
instruction
of
our courses, symposiums and
full-time in either the Certificate in indigenous Government
workshops.
To
sit
in
on
any
of
the Extension courses, please
Studies (30 credits) or the Associate of Arts Degree in
contact
the
coordinators
for
class
time and schedules.
Indigenous Government Studies (60 credits). The foundation
For
information
on
Extension
Programs in your area,
courses are being offered on an on-going basis to allow for new
contact
Jennie
Blankinship,
Director
of
Extension Programs at
applicants.
(604) 602-9555 or Fax (604) 602-3432.

Education for nationhood

10

SUMMER 1996

UBCIC NEWS
To All Bands and Organizations
My relatives:
We the Lakota, Dakota of the Standing Rock Sovereign
Nation are requesting Emergency Aid for the Winter Disaster of
1996-97. The Standing Rock Lakota and Dakota Tribe is nonIRA therefore does not fall under the federal and state guidelines for disaster relief. We have encountered five times the
snow accumulations with freezing arctic winds below zero.
Indequate installation, in houses no fuel deliveries are able to
get through to the far rural areas of the reservation. Families
are stranded for food as it is many miles to the nearest grocery
store, many are snowed under and have to tunnel out.
NEEDS: fuel, propane, oil and gas, heaters electric and
gas, non perishable foods, medical supplies, blankets, coats,
boots, thermal wear, gloves, liners caps, scarves and socks.
We would like to address the Clinton Administration
with their budgtet cuts have devastated our lives. Also both
state governors of North and South Dakota. We have lost
numerous lives with this severe weather, some have been elders
trying to stay warm in their homes. This last storm took a
mother, who has seven children that were waiting for her to
return from work. The blizzard buried her car, killing her.
We employ this summon for assistance to help the
standing rock Hunkpapa people through this devastation and
loss. Your contributions is greatly appreciated by the Lakota
and Dakota of the Standing Rock Sovereign Nation. May the
Great Spirit keeep you safe and well. We do this is
remeberance of our ancestors
Contact: Joseph A. Walker, Elder Treaty Council. P.O.
Box #49, Fort Yates North Dakota, 58538-0049 (701) 8547165

MYSTERY

PHOTO

Government Cuts leave N.D.'s
Indians out in Cold

Do You Know This Woman?

(New York Times - January 27, 1997)

B . C . FIRST NATIONS AIDS S O C I E T Y

FORT YATES, N.D. - Arctic Winds swirled around Asa Lester's
flimsy house, piling drifts to the roof and making it feel like 60 below.
As his propane heating supply sputtered to an end, Lester, a wiry
Lakota, face days wrapped in blankets, huddled around a glowing hot
plate.
Across the wind-whipped Standing Rock Reserve last week,
propane trucks followed Air Force snowploughs, deliver heating fuel to
families isolated on prairie expanses by the worst winter blizzards in
memory.
For much of the Northern Plains, this has been a cruel winter.
Eight people have died in North Dakota in the past three weeks as a
result of the weather. With 15,000 dead cattle lying frozen around the
state President Bill Clinton last week declared North Dakota a disaster
area.
For the Lakota and other American Indians whose remote
settlements have been buried under snowdrifts, the harsh weather
couldn't have come at a worse time. Across the nation, the federal
government has cut money that helped Indians improve an weatherize
their housing.
More than any other group, the 2 million Indians in the United
States including the 1 million on reservations depend on federal aid.

SUMMER 1996

Second Notice for Health and Healing Together Conference
Hosted by: Healing Our Spirit
March 16,17, 18, 1997
Stanley Park Coast Plaza
Keynote Speakers
DR. TERRY TAFOYA
ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS B.C REGION VICE CHIEF
KO'WAINTCO LINDA SHACKELLY
NATIONAL CHIEFOVIDEMERCREDI
JANE MIDDLETON MOZ
The conference will address all aspects of the medicine wheel physical, emotional, spiritual and mental.
Contact: Michelle George (604) 983-8774 ext. 13

11

UBCIC NEWS

FIRST NATIONS
BREAST CANCER
SOCIETY
Breast Cancer exists and is
growing among Native women due to the
lack of education: Native women are not
getting examined regularly by physicians
because they may not understand the
medical procedures nor know how to go
about an examination. Many Native
women are dying needlessly. The FIRST
NATION BREAST CANCER SOCIETY
is doing something about this.
The First Nations Breast Cancer
Society in conjunction with the Canadian
Breast Cancer Foundation: B.C. Chapter,
with assistance from Health Canada has
successfully completed a national
broadcast documentary. This program
will be played on the Knowledge Network on prime time television throughout B.C. later on in the year. Plans are
under way to get the program broadcast
through Canada and to the North. This
knowledge will reach all Native people
across the country.
This video has been sent to 604
First Nations bands in Canada, the 1st
copy is free of charge. This video will be
used by the professional health care
workers within those communities. It is
available to the general public also.
It is our hope that education and
knowledge may replace feelings of doubt
amongst our women and that we may
start to save lives for generations to
come.
For more information on this
program or to order copies of ECHOES
OF THE SISTERS First Nations
Women: Breast Cancer, please contact
the First Nations Breast Cancer Society
at Rm D-311 B.C.'s Women's Hospital
and Health Centre, 4500 Oak Street,
Vancouver, B.C. V6H 3N1 Telephone
(604) 875-3677 Fax (604) 875-2445.
Any donations to the society are greatly
appreciated (office equipment). Donations over $25.00 will receive a tax
receipt. Charitable registration number:
1075738-11

ECHOES OF THE

SISTERS
First Nations Women:
Breast Cancer
(A Broadcast Documentary)

FIRST NATION BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS:
Lisa Simen-Falvy, Jacqueline Davis, Jean Han use, Nancy Phillips, Margaret Harris
with Spiritual Healer Bev Julien (Centre)
An awareness breast cancer video that targets native women. It is 23:55
minutes and is in closed caption. Breast Cancer survivors tell their stories and is
intertwined with Western and Native traditional medicine. The video is used as a
awareness teaching tool for Aboriginal communities in Canada.
The video was shot on the Peguis Reserve in Manitoba and locally in British
Columbia. The Medical staff of the B.C. Cancer Agency were very supportive and the
Native breast cancer survivors were tremendously brave to go on camera and tell their
stories. These women can also pass the new acquired knowledge in their community
so that other native woman don't have to die needlessly due to the lack of education.
The video "Echoes of the Sisters" won an award for the most public service in
the American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco in November 1996. It is presently
entered in the Dreamspeaker Film Festival in Edmonton, Alberta.
Helping native women become more aware of breast cancer, and to teach them
how to do breast exams and why it is important to practice a good breast health
program. By arming Native women with education and knowledge of this devastating
disease they can help prevent the cancer from growing before it has a chance to.
The Society also offers support to newly diagnosed women and to women living
with the disease. Please contact the FNBCS for more information about breast cancer
or to receive the video.
"Early Detection Is Your Best Prevention"

Jacqueline Davis, President

12

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

MAP OF THE SOVEREIGN INDIGENOUS NATIONS
TERRITORIAL BOUNDARIES: JUNE, 1993
The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs' map of the Sovereign Indigenous Nations Territorial Boundaries is the only contemporary
map that accurately shows the traditional tribal territories of the 23 Indian Nations in British Columbia. The six colour map measures
28"x36".
The tribal territories are the homelands of distinct Nations, within which their respective peoples share a common language,
culture and traditional forms of political and social organization. These homelands have been occupied by the Indian Nations since
time immemorial. Up to the present, the Indian Nations in British Columbia have never surrendered their ownership oftheir homelands
(aboriginaltitle),nor have they surrendered their original sovereignty as nations to govern their homelands (inherent jurisdiction).
Information on the territorial boundaries was compiled by the Union'sresearchportfolioand President's office between July,
1990 and April, 1993 from archivalresearchand information provided by elders, chiefs, and tribal councils. Chief Saul Terry, President
of the Union and a graduate of the Vancouver College of Art (now the Emily Carr College of Art and Design), prepared the working
drafts for the map.
Design and cartography for the June, 1993 map was done by David Sami, chief cartographer of Multi Mapping Ltd. in
Vancouver, B.C., using a 1:2,000,000 scale base-map from the Surveys and Environment Branch of the British Columbia Ministry
ofEnvironment, Lands and Parks. All territorial boundaries shown on the map are subject to furtherrevision,as additional information
becomes available. Contact the Union ofB.C. Indian Chiefs at (604) 684-0231 for ordering information.
28" x36" / Scale: 1:2 000 000 / Six Colours

MARCH 1997

13

UBCIC NEWS

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14

- AND MUCH MORE!

MARCH 1997

Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs
NEWSLETTER

MARCH 1997

Chiefs Committee Gives Policy Reform
a One-Year Deadline

Temporary appeals body - Proposal to extend the Indian Specific Claims
Commission for one more year.

' he federal government and the
Assembly of First Nations have
started working together to
overhaul the existing specific claims policy
over the course of the next year. The
Chiefs Committee on Claims, an executive
sub-committee of the AFN with regional
representation from across the country,
will be working with the Specific Claims
Branch’s Special Projects Unit on a new
policy framework for an independent
claims body which is to take effect April
1, 1998.

The aim of this exercise 1s to
eliminate the flaws that Indian
governments have encountered with the
existing policy - the injustice of the federal
government judging claims against itself;
the policy’s inablility to deal with the full
range of grievances; the unacceptable
length of time 1t has been taking to resolve
claims and the federal government’s
inflexibility with regard to compensation,
among others.

The Liberal’s 1993 Red Book
promised that a Liberal government, in
consultation with Aboriginal peoples,
would undertake a major overhaul of the
federal claims policy on a national basis.
It further promised that it wouldcreate, by
jointly developing a mandate with
Aboriginal peoples, an independent
claims commission.

On the basis of these promises, the

AFN’s Chiefs Committee on Claims will
be working intensively with government
representatives to explore the different
possiblilities for the new independent
claims body and policy - the aim is to start
from scratch if necessary, rather than
merely “‘update’’ the existing policy
(outlined in the 1982 publication
Outstanding Business). Models to be
examined include the “‘Rolling Draft’’
developed last year by the AFN’s Land
Rights Unit and the ‘‘Concorde Report’’
(1996), an overview of the problems with
the existing process from an aliernative
dispute resolution perspective. In
addition, there appears to be
considerable support from Chiefs for some
type of legislative model.

The Chiefs Committee on Claims’
is considering a one-year extension of the
current Indian Specific Claims Commission
(ISCC). The ISCC- an appeals mechanism
for dealing with rejected specific claims -
was only intended as a temporary body,
and its mandate has been seriously
undermined because it was not
sufficiently empowered tocompel Canada
to respond or act on its recommendations.
A one year extension would allow Indian
governments with claims at the ISCC to
continue within this process while the
Chiefs Commuttee on Claims focusses its
efforts onthe creation of a truly independent
claims body through an overhaul of the
existing process.

British Columbia 1s represented on
the AFN’s Chiefs Committee on Claims
by Chief Arthur Manuel on behaif of the
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs and Chief
Ken Malloway, Chairman of the
Aboriginal Council of B.C. They will also
be participating on a rotating basis in the
Joint Task Force, a smaller technical
working group which will be carrying out
discussions with federal representatives
while remaining accountable to the
Chiefs Committee on Claims which in tum
remains accountable to the AFN’s

SPECIFIC CLAIMS (Continued on page 3)

IN THIS ISSUE...

2. President's Message

3. Non Insured Health Benefits

4. Bill C-79 - Indian Act J]

6. Press Releases - AFN & Treaty 8

7. First Peoples Travel

8. Resource Centre Update

9. Memorial - Bernard D. Charles

10. Institute of Indigenous Government
1]. ND's Indians out in the cold

12. First Nations Breast Cancer Society

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

t the Chiefs
“ ™ Council meeting
on February 19th, 1997 I
stated that I cannot accept
the notion that the Federal
and Provincial governments
will continue to deny our
rights. We know we have
rights but they deny it. We
have real land claims issues
and it is the governance of
those lands that we are talking
about. The Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs wants to deal
at the political level based on
the principles we laid out.
But, rather than dealing with
us nation-to-nation they are
trying to deal with us band by
band.
In March 1992, Imade
a presentation to the
U.B.C.1.C. Health
Conference titled “‘Power of
Indian Health’’. At that time
I spoke to our people who
work in the field of health
services and how we
encounter difficulties with the
Federal and Provincial
Crown on services we try to
provide both on reserve and
off reserve. I asked at that
time, what can we do about
it? I am sure that, by now,
the results of taking over the
devolution of services from
the governments are being

Message Fron the President

felt by Chiefs and Council
and their staff. The level of
fmistration expressed by our
people is evidence of this. ft
is important for all of us - no
matter where we live -to take
the time to reflect on what we
as Nations of peopleare doing
on the whole Land Question.
Unless we take the time now
todo this, many of our people

Manuel was the
establishment of a Provisional
Indigenous Government.
This would enable First
Nations to break away from
an oppressive colonial system
and create a political body
based on our own laws and
beliefs.

Only the power of the
people will prevent any

maT @ "I know too that our people kave —
— become more increasingly restless under =
— the present governmental sysiem but. we —
must not‘abandon our \mission“handed
down to us by our Elders.” 7

ee

will lose their Aboriginal Title
and Rights. We are not
being informed truthfully by
the Federal povernment on
their policy on land claims
settlement.

The Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs over the years
has taken many forms of
action to make sure the
Federal government
understood fully that Indian
land is not for sale. For
example when in 1980, the
Prime Minister and the ten
Premiers attempted to
drop all references to
protection of aboriginal nghts
in the amended
Canadian Constitution,
the Union of B.C. Indian
Chiefs responded by creating
a major political action in
Canada and in Europe.
Another idea put forward by
the late Grand Chief and
President, George

further erosion of our nights.
The fact is there ts a low level
War going on in this country
between Indian peoples and
the governments of Canada.
I know too that our people
have become increasingly
restless under the present
governmental administrative
system but we must not
abandon our mission handed
down to us by our elders.
This brings me to the
questions I asked in 1992
and the vision I shared with
our peoples at that time. I
suggested that we implement
our authority within the
borders of British Columbia
and Canada in order to
protect our lands and our
peoples nghts. I suggested
that we go to the communities
to discuss and formulize an
interim political body or what
is called a Provisional
Government - which would

iead towards a maximum
degree of political, economic,
social, cultural and spiritual
independence. It would mean
getting out from under the
colonial arm of Canada and
strengthening our own
political system. I have no
doubt in my mund that, years
from now, our Indian
goverment system will mean
peace and stabilility for our
people. We as citizens of
indian nations have to have
the courage to make change
based upon the international
principles of self-
determination. The
foundation has been laid, now
we must consider how we
will fulfill the dreams of our
past Leaders and Elders to
establish our own House of
the Peoples.

The Era of Provisional
Indian Government is now.
A constitution has been
presented to the nation
representatives and the
people in their respective
territories. The resistance
must be placed by our moving
forward shoulder to shoulder
in the development of the
Confederacy of Sovereign
Indigenous Nations.

2

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

HEALTH UPDATE
NON - INSURED HEALTH BENEFITS

The last update on the Non-
Insured Health Benefits cut-backs
was issued in the Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs newsletter in August,
1996. A short report was provided to the
UBCIC 28th Annual General Assembly in
October, 1996.

Update Taken From The First Nations
Health Bulletin, AFN (Dec. 1996)

Medical Services Branch, Health Canada
has started a drug benefit review process to
improve the management of the Non-Insured

SPECIFIC CLAIMS UPDATE
(Continued from page 1)

with federal representatives while remaining
accountable to the Chiefs Committee on Claims
which in turn remains accountable to the AFN’s
membership at large.

The AFN will be soliciting feedback and
communicating developments to Indian governments
as the reform process progresses. To this end, it is
highly likely that some kind of regional forum for
B.C. will be scheduled in the near future. The end
product of the intensive Joint Task Force activities
that have now been launched is hoped to be a
detailed model of the new policy/body which will be
presented for discussion, revision and approval at the
AFN’s Annual General Assembly in Vancouver this

Health Benefits. This is so rates of growth
do not exceed the limits allowed under the
current MSB envelope. When Health and
Welfare talk about the “‘Envelope’’ this is what it means:

The envelope represents the maximum resources available to
Jund all federal Indian and Inuit health programs. In order to respond UBCIC Chiefs Committee on Claims Representative
to the Federal Government’s orders to pay off the country’s deficit, the Phone: 1-250-679-3295
Department of Health and Welfare, Canada announced that they Fax: 1-250-679-5306
would live within a growth budget of 3% for 96-97 year; 3% for 97-98 E-mail: [email protected] net

summer.
If you wish to have a say in specific claims
reform, please make your views known to:

Chief Arthur Manuel

year and 1% for 98-99 year. The department figured that this
represented $1,024 billion dollars for 96-97 year and that the Non-
Insured Health Benefits accounted for 50% of the total envelope
expenditures. The NIHB operating costs include payments for drugs and dental benefits administered under contract to Liberty
Health, as well as regionally (in our case this is known as Pacific- Yukon Region) administered benefits such as medical
transportation (mostly at the reserves level) and vision care. Management also includes governmental! administrative costs related to
the program.

If you are confused about payment of certain drugs, it’s because Medical Services Branch (MSB) has limited or discontinued
certain drugs but added new ones. Because some drugs have the same active ingredients but sold under different names and prices,
as of December 1, 1996 MSB decided to only pay for the version with the best price - as long as it has the same active ingredients.

On March 1, 1997 an updated drug benefit list will be implemented and Non-Insured Health Benefits will stop paying for a
small number of certain drugs that are currently covered. A slight inconvenience is expected as pharmacists and doctors decide
which new drug to prescribe in place of the old drug. As far as the Assembly of First Nations is concerned, the first change is to
insist that pharmacies only provide the best price alternative. It means that the generic drug will be provided even if a physician has
stipulated that there should be no substitutions. If a status Indian client insists upon receiving the drug prescribed, they will have to
either:

a) Pay the cost difference themselves, or

b) Ask the pharmacy to request an exception from MSB
This is a substantive change from the current operating practice. Under the second change, the intention is to eliminate a

number of expensive drugs to save money and to substitute between change number one to two is that under change one, a cheaper
generic drug will be substituted. Generic means general quality of drugs - not a specialized drug.
“‘Real-Time Point of Sale System (RTPOS):

Medical Services will be introducing a ‘‘Real-Time Point of Sale System’’ in 1997-1998 year. The new process will be
similar to a credit card purchase where these cards are electronically zapped and a minute later approval or denial is attained. This
system will work in the same manner when the pharmacist electronically enters a client’s claim and the claim is forwarded to
Liberty Health for approval or denial. The problem is if there is an error in data or missing information, the claim will be rejected
and the client will be asked to pay cash or credit up front. Under the current service, the pharmacist dispenses the prescribed
medication and then submits the paper claim for reimbursement. Any delay is between the Health Insurance Company and the
pharmacist but with the new service, claims will probably be rejected at the point of sale. This may be fine for aboriginal people who
live in communities where waiting is not problem but where our people have to travel great distance from isolated areas, this new

development will pose hardships for them. :

For further information, please contact Mildred Poplar at (604) 684-0231.

MARCH 1997 %

UBCIC NEWS

Liberal Standing Committee Members Try to Short
Circuit Hearings on Bill C~79 ~ Indian Act II

Assembly of First Nations, February 20, 1997

Jean Chretien’s government is accelerating their plan to ram Indian Act II into law before the upcoming
federal election. This week Minister of Indian Affairs Ron Irwin used a special procedure in the House of
commons to rush Bill C-79 to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs (SCAA) before going through
second reading of the draft legislation. This was carried out the same day as the federal budget was introduced,
thereby minimizing any attention that it would get.

On December 19, 1996, Irwin
wrote to all of the Chiefs re: C-79 and
stated that ““The Committee will hold
extensive hearings on the Bill and is
expected to travel to various parts of the
country. The Committee will publicize
its schedule of hearings and encourage
First Nations to appear,”’

Today the SCAA had a planning
meeting to decide how to proceed with
these public hearings on the Bill. Co-
Chair Claude Bachand, of the Bloc
Quebecois, recommended that an AFN
representative be appointed to the
Committee as an ex-officio member for
the duration of the hearings. His motion
was defeated by the Liberal members of
the SCAA, tncluding Jack Anawak and
Elijah Harper, the two Aboriginal
members.

At the same time, the Liberals on
the Committee have already tried to limit
the ability of First Nations to appear and
have their voice heard. They intend to

We now have —
another example of
what the Minister's

assurances are
actually worth.’

have the national Aboriginal
organizations appear on March 6. Only
five days (March 10-14) have been set
aside for First Nation presentations.
Instead of having hearings across the
country (as the Minister promised), they
intend to arrange testimony by way of
video-conferencing, with each group
getting 40 minutes.

This automatically puts many
barriers in front of First Nations who
want to testify before the Committee.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

The SCAA is waiting to see how many First Nations respond. If they
receive many requests, they will be forced to extend the time for public
hearing and also travel to have hearings in your termitory.... I am
therefore requesting all First Nations and organizations to immediately
write to the Clerk of the SCAA, requesting them to hold hearings in your
territory on location, or, as a last resort to appear before the Committee
via teleconferencing at the Committee's expense and extend it's schedule
of hearings to allow First Nations time to prepare their presentations.

What about remote communities? Are
they supposed to pay their way to get a to
a city that has the proper facuities? Will
the proposed five day Limit on testimony
prevent First Nations from appearing if
they don’t get their requests in first?

We now have another example of
what the Minster’s assurances are
actualiy worth: clearly he and his
Liberal colleagues have no intention of
letting the voices of the First Nations be
heard. But if we work together we can
force them to let us speak.

The SCAA is waiting to see how
many First Nations respond. If they
receive many requests, they will be
forced to extend the time for public
hearings and also travel to have hearings
in your territory.

However, we will need to work
quickly to get the SCAA to change
course. I am therefore requesting all
First Nations and organizations to
unmiediately write to the Clerk of the
SCAA, requesting them to hold hearings
in your territorry on location, or, as a
last resort to appear before the
Committee via teleconferencing at the
Committee's expense. We are also
asking you to request that the SCAA
extend it’s schedule of hearings to allow
First Nations time to prepare their
presentations.

Please send copies of your letters
to my office, also to SCAA Co-Chair
Claude Bachand (his fax number 613-
992-9849).

Yours in recognition of Aboriginal and
Treaty Rights.

Ovide Mercredi, National Chief

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

Letter from Ron Irwin, Minister of

Indian and Northem Affairs
(January 22, 1997)

Dear Chief Terry:

Thank you for your Chiefs Council Resolution dated November
19, 1996. It is unfortunate that the resolution opposes any
proposed modifications to the indian Act.

I appreciate our overriding desire to resolve the British Colum-
bia Land Question which will take time to negotiate. In the
meantime, I would like to do as much as | can to improve the
legislative base that impacts upon the daily lives of First Nation
members and how your communities are governed. As you well
know, the Act has for far too long served as an impediment to
the social, economic and political development of First Nations.
The approach of the federal government, and my commitment
to First Nations, is to deal with them on the basis that they
already have the right to govern their own affairs - a nation to
nation approach. Again, I reiterate that we have every intention
of meeting our obligations to First Nations. I want to make it
very clear to you and all first nations that my objective is not to
propose fundamental changes to the federal government's
fiduciary relationship or treaty obligations to First Nations.

On December 12, 1996, I tabled in the House of Commons An
Act to permit certain modifications in the application of the
Indian Act to bands that desire them (Bill-C79). If enacted, this
fully optional Bill would allow First Nations to choose a
package of potential changes in the application of the /ndian
Act, or remain under the existing provisions of the /ndian Act.

I want to emphasize that no First Nation would be required to
come under the provisions of the Bill, unless it chooses to do so.

I expect the legislative process will provide for extensive public
hearing and a review conducted by the Standing Committee on
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. As a result,
changes to the proposed package will almost certainly be made.
It is through this joint sharing of ideas and comments that we
can ensure First Nations are involved in the review of the
federal Bill.

I would encourage you to submit to the Committee any sugges-
tions or comments you may have on this issue. Our shared goal
is to work towards First Nation governments exercising their
own jurisdiction. However, the proposed Bill can produce some
positive changes in the short term for those First Nations who
opt in.

Thank your for taking the time to express your views.

Yours truly,

Ronald A. Irwin, P.C., MP.

MARCH 1997

February 21, 1997

Ms. Christine Fisher, Clerk,

Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs
and Northern Development,

180 Wellington St,

Room 647, Wellington Building

Ottawa, ON

KIA 0A6

Dear Ms. Fisher:

Members of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs have made
many presentations to government since its founding in 1969. Our
position and principles remain consistent. One of the basic
premises of our position and principles is that Indian people must
be provided the opportunity to effectively speak out on government
initiatives that directly affect our lives. In this regard, there can be
no question that Bill C-79 will affect the lives of every Indian
person in British Columbia.

{n recent machinations of Minister Irwin, he indicated that
he would hold extensive hearings. Based upon this commitment
our people expected that the Standing Committee on Aboriginal
Affairs would travel to Bntish Columbia to hear our deeply felt
views on how Bill C-79 will affect our everyday lives. Obviously
the Minister has broken his word.

It is quite obvious that the Minister does not believe that the
Canadian government is obligated to extend the full democratic
process to Indian people on legislative matters that affect the lives
of Indian people. In order to secure safe passage for his Bill C-79
the Minister has decided to muzzle the voice of Indian people by
limiting access to the Standing Committee. The Minister is clearly
afraid to hear what the Indian people genuinely think and feel about
his Bill C-79.

Nevertheless, the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs request time
to make a presentation to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal
Affairs. Furthermore, we request that the Standing Committee on
Aboriginal Affairs make itself accessible to the Indian people and
Indian leadership of British Columbia directly. The human rights
record of Canada depends upon a free and open political process for
Indian people as well as for other Canadians, especially on matters
which will ultimately impact every facet of their lives.

Yours truly,

UNION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA INDIAN CHIEFS

Chief Saul Terry,

President

cc: National Chief, Ovide Mercredi
Nation Representatives
Claude Bachand, Bloc Quebecois

UBCIC NEWS
Assembly of First Nations

December 16, 1996

OTTAWA-The Federal Government must accept its
responsibility for the unilaterally imposed assimilation
policy of Residential Schools.

The National Chief and First Nation Leaders call on the
government of Canada, to take responsibility for their role in
the residential school policy and to respond to the Royal
Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommendations relating
to the Residential School experience.

Effects of the Federal Government imposed Residential
School policy can be felt and is encountered in all areas of
First Nations, effects such as the high rate of suicide, alcohol
and drug abuse and how this had in turn affected the loss of our
languages, culture, parenting abilities, and traditions and
ceremonies.

A call for a National Public Inquiry was made by
Ovide Mercredi, National Chief of the Assembly of First
Nations, February 28, 1994. A national committee was
established to document an historical record, which was to look
at how countless human rights violations occurred against First
Nations children, while in the entrusted care of the churches, as
well as how the effects of this assimilation policy resulted in the
many problems that First Nations have encountered. This
process was stymied by government inaction and their lack of
responsibility.

The Commission recommends an apology by those
responsible. The four historic mission Churches have issues
apologies at various forums across the country and have begun
to take responsibility. However, the federal government has
refused to take responsibility.

The Commission recommends: ‘‘That the nature and
scope of the injury to Aboriginal people by past policies in
relation to residential schools be established and appropriate
remedies devised therefor. Specifically, calling on the
government of Canada to establish a comprehensive Public
Inquiry instructed to investigate and document the origins
and effects of residential school policies and practices
respecting all Aboriginal Peoples.

Secondly, the commission recommends: “‘That the
nature and scope of the injury caused to Aboriginal people by
past policies in relation to the relocation of Aboriginal
communities be established and appropriate remedies
devised therefor.’” Through a recommendation
acknowledging Violation of Rights, the Commission
recommends that Governments acknowledge that where the
relocation of Aboriginal communities did not conform to the
criteria set out in Recommendation 1.11.2, such relocations
constituted a violation of their member’s human rights.

The Federal government adopted this policy of
assimilation, to destroy, Aboriginal languages, traditions and
beliefs and the residential school system was compounded by
mismanagement and underfunding, the provision of inferior
educational services and the mistreatment, neglect and abuse of

CONGRATULATIONS

The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs is pleased to announce
that Louise Mandell, long time legal counsel for the
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs has been appointed to
Queens Counsel. On behalf of Chiefs Council and staff,
the UBCIC Congratulates Louise in receiving this
prestigious honour. We thank Louise for her years of
dedication and commitment in defending the aboriginal
rights of Indian Nations in the field of law and justice.

AFN (Continued)
any children - facts that were known to the department and the
churches throughout the history of the school system.

The commission further recommends the federal
government fund the establishment of a national documentation
centre to research, collect, preserve and disseminate information
related to residential schools, relocations and other aspects
of Aboriginal historical experience.

For more information contact:
Assembly of First Nations (613) 261-6789

TREATY 8 TRIBAL
ASSOCIATION

JUDY MAAS TO SERVE SECOND TERM AS
TREATY 8 CHIEF

(Press Release January 16, 1997)

At a meeting in Fort. St. John today, the assembled
Treaty 8 Chiefs unanimously gave their support to Judy
Maas for a second term as Tribal Chief. Maas will
represent some 2,000 First Nation members in the
Treaty 8 portion of Northeastern British Columbia until at
least 1999.

As head of the Treaty 8 Tribal Association, and
spokesperson for its six member First Nations, Maas is
charged with representing and advocating aboriginal
interests in almost one quarter of the province. “‘I don’t
take the responsibility lightly,’’ she said. “‘My role is to act
as steward of the treaty which governs our relations with
non-Native society. I am honored the Chiefs entrusted me
with this solemn task.”’

Chief George Desjarlais of the West Moberly First
Nations said ““Her reappointment should serve as notice to
government and industry that she has the solid backing of
the Association Chiefs, and that she is full mandated to
speak on behalf of the native people in the
Association’s member communities.”’

“The government of Canada has ignored our treaty
rights too long,”’ she concluded. ““My job is t to hold the
government to the promises made in the treaty.”’

For further information, Please contact: Treaty 8 Tribal
Association (250) 785-0612

6

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

Presbytery recommends that Annett be
permanently "Delisted"

‘Kevin Annett was dismissed from St. Andrews
United Church in Port Alberni in 1995 because of his
involvement in native issues which was disputed
by the Comox Nanaimo Presbytery of the United
Church’?

Press Release - January 30, 1997

The Chief Judicial Officer of the United Church hearing
to consider ‘‘de-listing’’ Reverend Kevin Annett was asked on
Tuesday to be removed from his position because of an
apprehension of bias on his part.

Reverend Bruce Gunn, advocate for Kevin Annett, made
the request after Reverend Annett’s testimony revealed that the
Judicial Officer, Jon Jessiman, appeared to have represented the
church body that not only removed Reverend Annett from his
pulpit but recommended that he be permanently expelled from

In his testimony given on January 28, Reverend Annett
described a February 9, 1995 meeting with church officials at
which Mr. Jessiman read out the demands of Comox-Nanaimo
Presbytery regarding Reverend Annett, and spoke for both
Conference and Presbytery officials present that day.

Reverend Annett also offered a March 31, 1995 letter
from Conference Personnel officer Art Anderson which, on the
direct advice of Jon Jessiman, rejected a proposal from
Reverend Annett to the Presbytery that would have resolved the
dispute. In evidence already were a series of legal
correspondences between Jessiman and Reverend Annett’s
lawyer regarding the position of both Presbytery and Conference
towards Reverend Annett.

“In his comments and correspondence to church
officials and legal counsel, we believe that Mr. Jessiman was
acting for Comox-Nanaimo Presbytery in the early months of
1995 when I was dismissed by the same Presbytery from my
job’’ commented Kevin Annett today. ““Mr. Jessiman cannot
therefor continue sitting as the judicial officer of these hearings
and claim that he is an unbiased or neutral party. I have been
informed by legal opinion that the legitimacy of these hearings
is already in serious doubt."

Reverend Annett also stated that he is considering asking
a civil court to conduct a judicial review of the hearing if
Jessiman is allowed to continue as its judicial officer.

The request for Jessiman to step down as Judicial Officer
was made by Reverend Gunn on the seventh day of Kevin
Annett’s testimony, which has nearly concluded. Gunn’s
request was made as a motion to the hearing panel, which will
reconvene on March 3 to consider the motion.

Contact: Kevin Annett 224-3102 (messages) or 224-4753

THE CREATION OF FIRST
PEOPLES TRAVEL

First Peoples Travel is an aboriginal owned travel
company that serves the corporate needs of the Native
community throughout British Columbia. It is also an example
of how individuals can use creative planning to build
enterprises that help strengthen the native economy, all without
waiting for government assistance.

The concept of First Peoples Travel originated last fall at
a meeting between George Morrison/Allan Ailo and Ed Wrght/
Dave Ellem. This discussion about travel planning started a
chain of events that eventually lead to a business association
that the company a reality. Ed and Dave, together with their
staff, provide the professional skilis and advice, gained from
operating a successful commercial travel agency, to ensure
efficient service for their clients. George and Allen provide the
financing, public relations and market identification that makes
First Peoples Travel an Aboriginal agency.

The name First Peoples Travel was chosen to reflect the
Native identity of the company and aiso as a sign to show the
non-native community the presence of Aboriginal business. For
the Native economy to thrive, a strong and visible presence in
the marketplace must be established. This can be accomplished
by the creation of more Aboriginal businesses that provide
various services to the general public. First Peoples Travel
believes that this type of long term planning is necessary within
the Native community to build for the future.

Specializing in travel arrangements for corporations,
organizations, associations and individuals, First Peoples Travel
can arrange your transportation, accommodation, conferences
or meetings on a group or an individual basis. Furthermore,
through First Peoples Travel’s associations with a number of
“specialist” logistics companies, they can ensure the safe and
sure movement of such diverse items as war canoes or totem
poles to dance or theatre groups anywhere in the world.

More importantly, First Peoples Travel has made a
Commitment to the Aboriginal community to provide
opportunities for professional training and job creation. We
have many opportunities in corporate development at present,
and as support from the Aboriginal and non-aboriginal
communities grows, we will be able to create more employment
opportunities in other areas (travel agents, travel consultants,
etc.).

The federal government has an official procurement
policy, developed to support Native business by using their
services. Whiie doing our feasibility study for First Peopies
Travel, the reaction from the government departments was very
positive and numerous departments said they would use First
Peoples Travel. If the government departments will actually
foliow their promises to support Aboriginal businesses like First
Peoples Travel, the reliance on government grants and other
assistance would be greatly reduced.

If you would like to arrange your travel through
First Peoples Travel or would like more information, we can be
reached at (604) 532-5030 or toll-free at 1-888-801-0333.

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

RESOURCE CENTRE UPDATE

e have been kept very busy in the Resource Centre
with the [IG students and faculty and several research
groups. Most of the research carried on has been around
traditional land use.

We now have the 1881, 1891 and 1901 Census reels
for B.C. We have also been gathering material on
researching First Nation genealogy.

Although we do not have the manpower to be able to
conduct genealogical research for you, we have many
resources of interest for your use.

If you missed getting a free copy of the final RCAP
report summary called *‘People to people, nation to
nation’’, these are now out of print. The five volume
RCAP final report is available from the federal government
bookstore for $250.00/set. The number to call for more
information about ordering is 1 (819) 956-4802.

A new 48X jens is being purchased for one of the
reader/printers so that the Colonial Correspondence Index
and the B.C. Archives Newspaper Index is easier to read.
With the existing zoom lens you almost need a magnifying
glass to read the screen or the printed results. I we can
muster up $1010 + tax, we will also purchase another zoom
lens (9.5 X 16) so that the Colonial Correspondence pages
can be printed off one page to a sheet of paper. With the
existing lens, these pages and some of the other filmed
materials have to be printed off in sections. Know any
generous philanthropists?

We are constantly ordering new books. There is a
great deal of maternal out there on First Nation issues.
Two books which we purchased recently are worth
mentioning: ‘‘Shingwauk’s Vision: A History of Native
Residential Schools’’ and Parallel Paths: Fiduciary
Doctrine and the Crown Native Relationship in Canada’’.
Remember that you can order materials through the UBCIC
Chiefs Mask Bookstore by calling the UBCIC number (604)
684-0231 and ask for the Bookstore.

We wiil be having a temporary staff change in
early summer when our library technician, Sarah
Torsky, goes on maternity leave to have here baby
daughter. Sarah has the very important job of cataloguing
our materials and maintaining our databases.

LAKOTA OYATE -KI

NATIVE BROTHERHOOD

Oregon State Penitentiary
2605 State Street
Salem, Or. 97310-0505

GREETINGS: To whom it
may concern,

We are the Native Brotherhood of the Oregon State
Penitentiary. We represent many nations throughout the lands,
our consciousness has been brought to you, the Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs. We are seeking any books or copies of videos of
traditional dance, and or current struggles, that may be shared
with our Brotherhood, we are looking for the beauty of the west
coast peoples, and interior, anything that could be offered would
be well appreciated.

Our interest is the struggles of our peoples. [If you could help us
contact other Native Foundations that may help our quest it
would be very much appreciated. We were told that the B.C.
Chiefs have a newsletter, and or articles taken out of the
newspapers in the area of Vancouver. We here at the
penitentiary have Cultural Night that is offered to the minority
and we are allowed to show movies on Native Night, and this is
the reasoning to our cail of donations from the B.C. Indian
Chiefs. Anything from the voice of our relatives from the North
Lands would gladden our hearts. In the Spirit of Resistance we
offer our prayers for the people.

Respectfully Submitted

Robert Van Pelt
LAKOTA Oyate-Ki Sub-Chief

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

Known to his family and
friends as 'Wakah', Bernard was
born on May 31, 1972 at Peach Arch .§
District Hospital. He died, by his own
hand, on February 20, 1997 at the age
of twenty four. He will be remem-
bered by his mother Sharon, father
Bernard, brother Shayne and sister
Shannon. Warm memories will be
carried by aunts, uncles and cousins,
far too numerous to name, who were
an important part of Bemard’s life.

Bemard lived with a foot in both
cultures, equally comfortable in both. -
His native name was Stam-Quel-Ton
which was passed to him from his
great grandfather, Jimmy Charles. He
wore the paint and honored his belief -
in ‘Si yo wen’ as a spirit dancer in the
smoke houses of the lower mainland
and Washington State.

Bernard David Charles

His love of dance extended
beyond his spiritual call, into his daily
life. He loved music and was to be
found at every 'rave' within driving

, distance. His friends both native and
| non-native were many and he was
always there for them.

Bemard had a special way with
children and young people. He was

+ adored by his nephews and all chil-
24 dren were drawn to his gentle manner,
| | his tolerance and warm sense of
‘humour. We will all remember him
. for his laughter, affectionate nature
and youthful exuberance, but we will
| not forget that he struggled in life
‘se@ | with drugs and the depression that
= accompanied their use.

We say farewell to our son,
brother and fnend. We send our love
and wish him Godspeed in his journey
among the Eagles.

‘Stam-Quel-Ton'
May 31, 1972 - February 20, 1997

Country Wide Day of Native
Protest Set for April 17, 1997

(Globe and Mail, Feb. 27, 1997)

OTTAWA - Assembly of First Nations Chiefs
have picked the 15th anniversary of the signing of
Canada's Constitution as the date for a country-wide
day of native protest.

The Chiefs voted yesterday to hold the protest
on April 17 to press the federal government and Prime
Minister Jean Chretien into responding to the 440
recommendations of the Royal Commission on Abo-
riginal Peoples.

Chiefs endorsed in principle the report of the
royal commission to assess the recommendations and

MARCH 1997

prepare a medium term and long-term strategy to be
brought back to the AFN by May 17. The royal
commission called for a fundamental restructuring of
the relationship between aboriginal people and
Canada.

Mr. Mercredi said the results of a new poll
indicating that 40 per cent of the respondents believe
natives have no choice but to resort to blockades to
back up demands and show there is more support for
natives than the government acknowledges.

UBCIC NEWS

INSTITUTE OF INDIGENOUS GOVERNMENT
EXTENSION PROGRAM

EXTENSION PROGRAMS

The Institute of Indigenous Government is committed
to expanding extension and off-campus programming to
enhance First Nation students access to our unique education
program in British Columbia, Canada and around the world.

For more information on the Saanich Extension program,
contact: Paul Sam, WG Saanich Extension Co-ordinator
Phone:(250) 652-5784 Fax:(250) 544-0538

LILLOOET EXTENSION PROGRAM
The students at the

Our goal is to deliver up to
80% of our courses ‘‘off
campus’’ in regional centres
and Indigenous communities
through the extension
program and by innovative
distance learning strategies.
Rather than sending
students to a post-secondary
institution, which is usually
located in urban settings, our
instructors can be sent to
communities to deliver
credited and non-credited
courses offered through our
extension programs. This
arrangement allows students
to remain in the home
community, close to family,

indigenous
Government
Administration

Indigenous Economic
and Social Development

International indigenous
Relations

Lillooet Extension Program
are working full-time in the
community while attending six
hours of instruction one day per
week. For example, IGST 101
will alternate with IGAD 101
every other Monday. This
arrangement allows the
students to remain working in
their community and stay close
to family and fnends.

As student enrolment
increases the foundation
courses and the four principal
areas of specialization will be
offered to meet the demand.
Evening and/or day classes can
be arranged.

For more information on

friends and employment. F a ea
The HG is also " ; { : = is exciting educatio
committed to provide Edu ca tion oF Hla tionhood opportunity in the Lillooet area,
community-based quality contact:
programs to all students wherever their home communities may | Marilyn Napoican,
be located. There are presently two extension sites in IG Lillooet Extension Co-ordinator,
Lillooet Tribal Council

operation to date, The first extension sites are located in
Saanich and Lillooet, BC.

We are anticipating additional sites at Duncan, the
William Head Correctional Centre, Lytton, Mount Currie BC
and in the Yukon Terntory. Anticipated start up is aimed
for the Fall semester of 1997.

SAANICH EXTENSION PROGRAM

This extension site was established in the Spring of
1996. This arrangement enables First Nations students from
the Saanich Nation, and the surrounding areas, to access
instruction, student development workshops, and community
support while pursuing their post-secondary studies.

Students at the Saanich site are enroiled part-time and
full-time in either the Certificate in indigenous Government
Studies (30 credits) or the Associate of Arts Degree in
Indigenous Government Studies (60 credits). The foundation
courses are being offered on an on-going basis to allow for new
applicants.

Phone: (250) 256-7523
Fax:(250) 256-7119

ELDERS & RESOURCE PEOPLE

Elders from the community are providing cultural,
social and spiritual guidance for the students. Their input into
Indigenous education assures that Indigenous control is being
reflected in the implementation of instruction, course
development, workshops, and student support. Elders also,
actively participate with the delivery of symposiums, workshops
and cultural events which fully reflect indigenous
philosophy, values and experience.

Community members are also utilised to enhance
and aid in the instruction of our courses, symposiums and
workshops. To sit in on any of the Extension courses, please
contact the co-ordinators for class tyme and schedules.

For information on Extension Programs in your area,
contact Jennie Blankinship, Director of Extension Programs at
(604) 602-9555 or Fax (604) 602-3432.

10

SUMMER 1996

UBCIC NEWS

To All Bands and Organizations

My relatives:

We the Lakota, Dakota of the Standing Rock Sovereign
Nation are requesting Emergency Aid for the Winter Disaster of
1996-97. The Standing Rock Lakota and Dakota Tribe is non-
IRA therefore does not fall under the federal and state guide-
lines for disaster relief. We have encountered five times the
snow accumulations with freezing arctic winds below zero.
Indequate instaliation, 1n houses no fuel deliveries are able to
get through to the far mural areas of the reservation. Families
are stranded for food as it is many mules to the nearest grocery
store, many are snowed under and have to tunnel out.

NEEDS: fuel, propane, oil and gas, heaters electric and
gas, non penshable foods, medical supplies, blankets, coats,
boots, thermal wear, gloves, liners caps, scarves and socks. mi ' %

We would like to address the Clinton Administration . 2 her cee
with their budgtet cuts have devastated our lives. Alsoboth fF ~& c ag
state governors of North and South Dakota. We have lost
numerous lives with this severe weather, some have been elders
trying to stay warm in their homes. This last storm took a
mother, who has seven children that were waiting for her to
return from work. The blizzard buried her car, killing her.

We employ this summon for assistance to help the SER
standing rock Hunkpapa peopie through this devastation and MEE Sg
loss. Your contributions is greatly appreciated by the Lakota 0 Sethe eo
and Dakota of the Standing Rock Sovereign Nation. May the
Great Spirit keeep you safe and well. We do this is
remeberance of our ancestors

Contact: Joseph A. Walker, Elder Treaty Council. P.O.

ee Fort Yates North Dakota, 58538-0049 (701) 854- M VS TER Y PHO TO

’ J
Government Cuts leave N.D.'s Da YoulKnow This woman?
Indians out in Cold
(New York Times - January 27, 1997) B.C. FIRST NATIONS AIDS SOCIETY

FORT YATES, N.D. - Arctic Winds swirled around Asa Lester's
flimsy house, piling drifts to the roof and making it feel like 60 below. Second Notice for Health and Healing Together Conference
As his propane heating supply sputtered to an end, Lester, a wiry Hosted by: Healing Our Spirit
Lakota, face days wrapped in blankets, huddled around a glowing hot
plate. . March 16, 17, 18, 1997

Across the wind-whipped Standing Rock Reserve last week, Stanley Park Coast Plaza
propane trucks followed Air Force snowploughs, deliver heating fuel to
families isolated on prairie expanses by the worst winter blizzards in Keynote Speakers
memory. DR. TERRY TAFOYA

For much of the Northern Plains, this has been a cruel winter.
Eight people have died in North Dakota in the past three weeks as a ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS B.C REGION VICE CHIEF
result of the weather. With 15,000 dead cattle lying frozen around the KOWAINTCO LINDA SHACKELLY
state President Bul Clinton last week declared North Dakota a disaster
area. NATIONAL CHIEF OVIDE MERCREDI

For the Lakota and other American Indians whose remote
settlements have been buried under snowdrifts, the harsh weather JANE MIDDLETON MOZ

couldn't have come at a worse time. Across the nation, the federal
government has cut money that helped Indians improve an weatherize The conference will address all aspects of the medicine wheel physi-

their housing. a in cal, emotional, spintual and mental.
More than any other group, the 2 million Indians in the United
States including the | million on reservations depend on federal aid. Contact: Michelle George (604) 983-8774 ext. 13

SUMMER 1996 11

UBCIC NEWS

FIRST NATIONS
BREAST CANCER
SOCIETY

Breast Cancer exists and is
erowing among Native women due to the
lack of education: Native women are not
getting examined regularly by physicians
because they may not understand the
medical procedures nor know how to go
about an examination. Many Native
women are dying needlessly. The FIRST
NATION BREAST CANCER SOCIETY
is doing something about this.

The First Nations Breast Cancer
Society in conjunction with the Canadian
Breast Cancer Foundation: B.C, Chapter,
with assistance from Health Canada has
successhully completed a national
broadcast documentary. This program
will be played on the Knowledge Net-
work on prime time television through-
out B.C. later on in the year. Plans are
under way to get the program broadcast
through Canada and to the North. This
knowledge will reach all Native people
across the country.

This video has been sent to 604
First Nations bands in Canada, the Ist
copy is free of charge. This video will be
used by the professional health care
workers within those communities. It is
available to the general public also.

It is our hope that education and
knowledge may replace feelings of doubt
amongst our women and that we may
Start to save lives for generations to
come.

For more information on this
program or to order copies of ECHOES
OF THE SISTERS First Nations
Women: Breast Cancer, please contact
the First Nations Breast Cancer Society
at Rm D-31] B.C.'s Women's Hospital
and Health Centre, 4500 Oak Street,
Vancouver, B.C. V6H 3N1 Telephone
(604) 875-3677 Fax (604) 875-2445.
Any donations to the society are greatly
appreciated (office equipment). Dona-
tions over $25.00 will receive a tax
receipt. Charitable registration number:
1075738-11

Jacqueline Davis, President

ECHOES OF THE
SISTERS

First Nations Women:
Breast Cancer
fA eee = ocumentaty)

a

rs ire i

rie

oie

aa ae

ae
is

S '

1s

ras

oe

od

i %

tal

Syihs

FIRST NATION BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS:

Lisa Simen-Falvy, Jacqueline Davis, Jean Hanuse, Nancy Phillips, Margaret Harris
with Spiritual Healer Bev Julien (Centre)

An awareness breast cancer video that targets native women. It 1s 23:55
minutes and is in closed caption. Breast Cancer survivors tell their stories and is
intertwined with Western and Native traditional medicine. The video is used as a
awareness teaching tool for Aboriginal communities in Canada.

The video was shot on the Peguis Reserve in Manitoba and locally in Bntish
Columbia. The Medical staff of the B.C. Cancer Agency were very supportive and the
Native breast cancer survivors were tremendously brave to go on camera and tell their
stones. These women can also pass the new acquired knowledge in their community
so that other native woman don't have to die needlessiy due to the lack of education.

The video "Echoes of the Sisters" won an award for the most public service in
the American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco in November 1996. It is presently
entered in the Dreamspeaker Film Festival in Edmonton, Alberta.

Helping native women become more aware of breast cancer, and to teach them
how to do breast exams and why it is important to practice a good breast health
program. By arming Native women with education and knowledge of this devastating
disease they can help prevent the cancer from growing before it has a chance to.

The Society also offers support to newly diagnosed women and to women living
with the disease. Please contact the FNBCS for more information about breast cancer
or to receive the video.

"Early Detection Is Your Best Prevention"

12

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

MAP OF THE SOVEREIGN INDIGENOUS NATIONS
TERRITORIAL BOUNDARIES: JUNE, 1993

The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs’ map of the Sovereign Indigenous Nations Territorial Boundaries is the only contemporary
map that accurately shows the traditional tribal territories of the 23 Indian Nations in Bntish Columbia. The six colour map measures
28" x 36".

The tribal territories are the homelands of distinct Nations, within which their respective peoples share a common language,
culture and traditional forms of political and social organization. These homelands have been occupied by the Indian Nations since
time immemorial. Up tothe present, the Indian Nations in British Columbia have never surrendered their ownership oftheir homelands
(aboriginal title), nor have they surrendered their original sovereignty as nations to govern their homelands (inherent jurisdiction).

Information on the territorial boundaries was compiled by the Union’s research portfolio and President’s office between July,
1990 and April, 1993 from archival research and information provided by elders, chiefs, and tribal councils. Chief Saul Terry, President
of the Union and a graduate of the Vancouver College of Art (now the Emily Carr College of Art and Design), prepared the working
drafts for the map.

Design and cartography for the June, 1993 map was done by David Sami, chief cartographer of Multi Mapping Ltd. in
Vancouver, B.C., using a 1:2,000,000 scale base-map from the Surveys and Environment Branch of the Bnitish Columbia Ministry
of Environment, Lands and Parks. All territorial boundaries shown on the map are subject to further revision, as additional information
becomes available. Contact the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs at (604) 684-0231 for ordering information, _—... -—_- — ——

28" x 36" / Seale: 1:2 000 000 / Six Colours

MARCH 1997 13

UBCIC NEWS
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14 MARCH 1997; Union ofB.C.Indian Chiefs

NEWSLETTER
MARCH 1997

Chiefs Committee Gives Policy Reform
a One-Year Deadline
Temporary appeals body - Proposal to extend the Indian Specific Claims
Commission for one more year.

T

AFN's Chiefs Committee on Claims will
he federal government and the
be working intensively with government
Assembly of First Nations have
representatives to explore the different
started working together to
overhaul the existing specific claims policy possibilities for the new independent
claims body and policy - the aim is to start
over the course of the next year. The
Chiefs Committee on Claims, an executive from scratch if necessary, rather than
merely "update" the existing policy
sub-committee of the AFN with regional
(outlined in the 1982 publication
representationfromacross the country,
will be working with the Specific Claims Outstanding Business). Models to be
Branch's Special Projects Unit on a newexamined include the "Rolling Draft"
developed last year by the AFN's Land
policy framework for an independent
claims body which is to take effect April Rights Unit and the'' Concorde Report''
(1996), an overview ofthe problems with
1,1998.
the existing process from an alternative
The aim of this exercise is to
dispute resolution perspective. In
eliminate the flaws that Indian
addition, there appears to be
governments have encountered with the
considerable support from Chiefs for some
existing policy - the injustice ofthe federal
type of legislative model.
government judging claims against itself;
The Chiefs Committee on Claims'
the policy's inability to deal with the full
is
considering
a one-year extension of the
range of grievances; the unacceptable
current
Indian
Specific
Claims Commission
length oftimeit has been taking to resolve
(ISCC).
The
ISCC
an
appeals mechanism
claims and the federal government's
for
dealing
with
rejected
specific claims inflexibility with regard to compensation,
was
only
intended
as
a
temporary
body,
among others.
and its mandate has been seriously
The Liberal's 1993 Red Book
undermined because it was not
promised that a Liberal government, in
sufficiently empowered to compel Canada
consultation with Aboriginal peoples,
to respond or act on its recommendations.
would undertake a major overhaul of the
A one year extension would allow Indian
federal claims policy on a national basis.
governments with claims at the ISCC to
It further promised that it would create, by
continue within this process while the
jointly developing a mandate with
Chiefs Committee on Claims focusses its
Aboriginal peoples, an independent
efforts on the creation ofa truly independent
claims commission.
claims body through an overhaul of the
On the basis of these promises, the existing process.

MARCH J997

British Columbia is represented on
the AFN's Chiefs Committee on Claims
by Chief Arthur Manuel on behalf of the
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs and Chief
Ken Malloway, Chairman of the
Aboriginal Council ofB.C. They will also
be participating on a rotating basis in the
Joint Task Force, a smaller technical
working group which will be carrying out
discussions with federal representatives
while remaining accountable to the
Chiefs Committee on Claims which in turn
remains accountable to the AFN's
SPECIFIC CLAIMS (Continued on page 3)

IN THIS ISSUE...
2. President's Message
3. Non Insured Health Benefits
4. Bill C-79- Indian Act II
6. Press Releases - AFN & Treaty 8
7. First Peoples Travel
8. Resource Centre Update
9. Memorial - Bernard D. Charles
10. Institute of Indigenous Government
11. NHS Indians out in the cold
12. First Nations Breast Cancer Society

1

UBCIC NEWS

Message From the

President

felt by Chiefs and Council
Manuel
was
the
and their staff. The level of establishment ofa Provisional
frustration expressed by our
Indigenous Government.
people is evidence of this. It
This would enable First
is important for all of us - no
Nations to break away from
matter where we live - to take an oppressive colonial system
the time to reflect on what we and create a political body
as Nations of people are doing based on our own laws and
on the whole Land Question. beliefs.
Unless we take thetimenow
Only the power of the
to do this, many ofour people people will prevent any

lead towards a maximum
degree ofpolitical, economic,
social, cultural and spiritual
independence. It would mean
getting out from under the
colonial arm of Canada and
strengthening our own
political system. I have no
doubt in my mind that, years
from now, our Indian
At
the C h i e f s
government
system will mean
Council meeting
peace and stabilility for our
on February 19th, 1997 I
people. We as citizens of
stated that I cannot accept
the notion that the Federal
"I know too that our people have Indian nations have to have
and Provincial governments
become more increasingly restless underthe courage to make change
will continue to deny our
the present governmental system but we based upon the international
p r i n c i p l e s o f selfrights. We know we have
must not abandon our mission handed
determination.
The
rights but they deny it. We
down to us by our Elders."
foundation has been laid, now
have real land claims issues
we must consider how we
and it is the governance of
will fulfill the dreams of our
those lands that we are talking will lose their Aboriginal Title further erosion of our rights.
about. The Union of B.C.
and Rights. We are not
The fact is there is a low level past Leaders and Elders to
Indian Chiefs wants to deal
being informed truthfully by war going on in this country establish our own House of
the Peoples.
at thepoliticallevel based on the Federal government on
between Indian peoples and
the principles we laid out.
their policy on land claims
the governments of Canada.
The Era ofProvisional
But, rather than dealing with settlement.
I know too that our people
Indian Government is now.
us nation-to-nation they are
The Union of B.C.
have become increasingly
A constitution has been
trying to deal with us band by Indian Chiefs over the years restless under the present
presented to the nation
band.
has taken many forms of
governmental administrative
representatives and the
In March 1992,1 made
a presentation to the
U . B . C . I . C . Health
Conference titled "Power of
Indian Health". At that time
I spoke to our people who
work in the field of health
services and how we
encounter difficulties with the
Federal and Provincial
Crown on services we try to
provide both on reserve and
off reserve. I asked at that
time, what can we do about
it? I am sure that, by now,
the results of taking over the
devolution of services from
the governments are being

2

action to make sure the
Federal government
understood fully that Indian
land is not for sale. For
example when in 1980, the
Prime Minister and the ten
Premiers attempted to
drop all references to
protection ofaboriginal rights
in t h e
amended
C a n a d i a n Constitution,
the Union of B.C. Indian
Chiefs responded by creating
a major political action in
Canada and in Europe.
Another idea put forward by
the late Grand Chief and
President, George

system but we must not
abandon our mission handed
down to us by our elders.
This brings me to the
questions I asked in 1992
and the vision I shared with
our peoples at that time. I
suggested that we implement
our authority within the
borders of British Columbia
and Canada in order to
protect our lands and our
peoples rights. I suggested
that we go to the communities
to discuss and formulize an
interim political body or what
is called a Provisional
Government - which would

people in their respective
territories. The resistance
must be placed by our moving
forward shoulder to shoulder
in the development of the
Confederacy of Sovereign
Indigenous Nations.

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS
HEALTH

UPDATE

SPECIFIC CLAIMS UPDATE
(Continued from page 1)

N G N - I N S U R E D H E A L T H BENEFITS

with federal representatives while remaining
accountable to the Chiefs Committee on Claims
which in turn remains accountable to the AFN's
membership at large.
The AFN will be soliciting feedback and
communicating developments to Indian governments
as the reform process progresses. To this end, it is
highly likely that some kind of regional forum for
B.C. will be scheduled in the near future. The end
product of the intensive Joint Task Force activities
that have now been launched is hoped to be a
detailed model of the new policy/body which will be
presented for discussion, revision and approval at the
AFN's Annual General Assembly in Vancouver this
summer.
If you wish to have a say in specific claims
reform, please make your views known to:

The last update on the NonInsured Health Benefits cut-backs
was issued in the Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs newsletter in August,
1996. A short report was provided to the
UBCIC 28th Annual General Assembly in
October, 1996.
Update Taken From The First Nations
Health Bulletin, AFN (Dec. 1996)
Medical Services Branch, Health Canada
has started a drug benefit review process to
improve the management of the Non-Insured
Health Benefits. This is so rates of growth
do not exceed the limits allowed under the
current MSB envelope. When Health and
Welfare talk about the ' 'Envelope'' this is what it means:
The envelope represents the maximum resources available to
Chief Arthur Manuel
fund all federal Indian and Inuit health programs. In order to respond
UBCIC Chiefs Committee on Claims Representative
to the Federal Government's orders to pay off the country's deficit, the
Phone: 1-250-679-3295
Department of Health and Welfare, Canada announced that they
Fax: 1-250-679-5306
would live within a growth budget of 3% for 96-97 year; 3% for 97-98
E-mail: [email protected]
year and 1% for 98-99 year. The department figured that this
represented $1,024 billion dollars for 96-97 year and that the NonInsured Health Benefits accounted for 50% of the total envelope
expenditures. The NIHB operating costs include payments for drugs and dental benefits administered under contract to Liberty
Health, as well as regionally (in our case this is known as Pacific-Yukon Region) administered benefits such as medical
transportation (mostly at the reserves level) and vision care. Management also includes governmental administrative costs related to
the program.
If you are confused about payment of certain drugs, it's because Medical Services Branch (MSB) has limited or discontinued
certain drugs but added new ones. Because some drugs have the same active ingredients but sold under different names and prices,
as of December 1, 1996 MSB decided to only pay for the version with the best price - as long as it has the same active ingredients.
On March 1, 1997 an updated drug benefitfistwill be implemented and Non-Insured Health Benefits will stop paying for a
small number of certain drugs that are currently covered. A slight inconvenience is expected as pharmacists and doctors decide
which new drug to prescribe in place of the old drug. As far as the Assembly of First Nations is concerned, thefirstchange is to
insist that pharmacies only provide the best price alternative. It means that the generic drug will be provided even if a physician has
stipulated that there should be no substitutions. If a status Indian client insists upon receiving the drug prescribed, they will have to
either:
a) Pay the cost difference themselves, or
b) Ask the pharmacy to request an exception from MSB
This is a substantive change from the current operating practice. Under the second change, the intention is to eliminate a
number of expensive drugs to save money and to substitute between change number one to two is that under change one, a cheaper
generic drug will be substituted Generic means general quality of drugs - not a specialized drug.
"Real-Time Point of Sale System (RTPOS):
Medical Services will be introducing a "Real-Time Point of Sale System" in 1997-1998 year. The new process will be
similar to a credit card purchase where these cards are electronically zapped and a minute later approval or denial is attained. This
system will work in the same manner when the pharmacist electronically enters a client's claim and the claim is forwarded to
Liberty Health for approval or denial. The problem is if there is an error in data or missing information, the claim will be rejected
and the client will be asked to pay cash or credit up front. Under the current service, the pharmacist dispenses the prescribed
medication and then submits the paper claim for reimbursement. Any delay is between the Health Insurance Company and the
pharmacist but with the new service, claims will probably be rejected at the point of sale. This may be fine for aboriginal people who
live in communities where waiting is not problem but where our people have to travel great distance from isolated areas, this new
development will pose hardships for them.
For further information, please contact Mildred Poplar at (604) 684-0231.

MARCH 1997

3

UBCIC NEWS

Liberal Standing Committee Members Try to Short
Circuit Hearings on Bill C~79 - Indian Act II
Assembly of First Nations, February 20, 1997

Jean Chretien's government is accelerating their plan to ram Indian Act II into law before the upcom
federal election. This week Minister of Indian Affairs Ron Irwin used a special procedure in the House of
commons to rush Bill C-79 to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs (SCAA) before going through
second reading of the draft legislation. This was carried out the same day as the federal budget was introduc
thereby minimizing any attention that it would get.
On December 19, 1996, Irwin
wrote to all of the Chiefs re: C-79 and
stated that "The Committee will hold
extensive hearings on the Bill and is
expected to travel to various parts of the
country. The Committee will publicize
its schedule of hearings and encourage
First Nations to appear."
Today the SCAA had a planning
meeting to decide how to proceed with
these public hearings on the Bill. CoChair Claude Bachand, of the Bloc
Quebecois, recommended that an AFN
representative be appointed to the
Committee as an ex-officio member for
the duration of the hearings. His motion
was defeated by the Liberal members of
the SCAA, including Jack Anawak and
Elijah Harper, the two Aboriginal
members.
At the same time, the Liberals on
the Committee have already tried to limit
the ability of First Nations to appear and
have their voice heard. They intend to

We now have
another example of
what the Minister's
assurances are
actually worth.'
have the national Aboriginal
organizations appear on March 6. Only
five days (March 10-14) have been set
aside for First Nation presentations.
Instead of having hearings across the
country (as the Minister promised), they
intend to arrange testimony by way of
video-conferencing, with each group
getting 40 minutes.
This automatically puts many
barriers in front of First Nations who
want to testify before the Committee.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
The SCAA is waiting to see how many First Nations respond. If they
receive many requests, they will be forced to extend the time for public
hearing and also travel to have hearings in your territory.... I am
therefore requesting all First Nations and organizations to immediately
write to the Clerk of the SCAA, requesting them to hold hearings in your
territory on location, or, as a last resort to appear before the Committee
via teleconferencing at the Committee's expense and extend it's schedule
of hearings to allow First Nations time to prepare their presentations.

What about remote communities? Are
they supposed to pay their way to get a to
a city that has the proper faculties? Will
the proposedfiveday limit on testimony
prevent First Nationsfromappearing if
they don't get their requests in first?
We now have another example of
what the Minster's assurances are
actually worth: clearly he and his
Liberal colleagues have no intention of
letting the voices of the First Nations be
heard. But if we work together we can
force them to let us speak
The SCAA is waiting to see how
many First Nations respond. If they
receive many requests, they will be
forced to extend thetimefor public
hearings and also travel to have hearings
in your territory.
However, we will need to work
quickly to get the SCAA to change
course. I am thereforerequestingall
First Nations and organizations to
immediately write to the Clerk of the
SCAArequestingthem to hold hearings
in your territorry on location, or, as a
last resort to appear before the
Committee via teleconferencing at the
Committee's expense. We are also
asking you torequestthat the SCAA
extend it's schedule of hearings to allow
First Nationstimeto prepare their
presentations.
Please send copies of your letters
to my office, also to SCAA Co-Chair
Claude Bachand (his fax number 613992-9849).
Yours in recognition of Aboriginal and
Treaty Rights.
Ovide Mercredi, National Chief

4

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

Letter from Ron Irwin, Minister of
Indian and Northern Affairs
(January 22, 1997)

Dear Chief Terry:
Thank you for your Chiefs Council Resolution dated November
19, 1996. It is unfortunate that the resolution opposes any
proposed modifications to the Indian Act.

February 21, 1997
Ms. Christine Fisher, Clerk,
Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs
and Northern Development,
180 Wellington St.,
Room 647, Wellington Building
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A6

Dear Ms. Fisher:
I appreciate our overriding desire to resolve the British Columbia Land Question which will take time to negotiate. In the
Members of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs have made
meantime, I would like to do as much as I can to improve the
many presentations to government since its founding in 1969. Our
legislative base that impacts upon the daily lives of First Nation position and principlesremainconsistent. One of the basic
members and how your communities are governed. As you well premises of our position and principles is that Indian people must
know, the Act has for far too long served as an impediment to
be provided the opportunity to effectively speak out on government
the social, economic and political development of First Nations.
initiatives that directly affect our lives. In thisregardthere can be
The approach of the federal government, and my commitment
no question that Bill C-79 will affect thefivesof every Indian
to First Nations, is to deal with them on the basis that they
person in British Columbia.
already have the right to govern their own affairs - a nation to
In recent machinations of Minister Irwin, he indicated that
nation approach. Again, I reiterate that we have every intention he would hold extensive hearings. Based upon this commitment
of meeting our obligations to First Nations. I want to make it
our people expected that the Standing Committee on Aboriginal
very clear to you and allfirstnations that my objective is not to Affairs would travel to British Columbia to hear our deeply felt
propose fundamental changes to the federal government's
views on how Bill C-79 will affect our everyday lives. Obviously
fiduciary relationship or treaty obligations to First Nations.
the Minister has broken his word.
It is quite obvious that the Minister does not believe that the
On December 12, 1996,1 tabled in the House of Commons An
Canadian government is obligated to extend the full democratic
Act to permit certain modifications in the application of the
process to Indian people on legislative matters that affect the lives
Indian Act to bands that desire them (Bill-C79). If enacted,ofthis
Indian people. In order to secure safe passage for his Bill C-79
fully optional Bill would allow First Nations to choose a
the Minister has decided to muzzle the voice of Indian people by
package of potential changes in the application of the Indian
limiting access to the Standing Committee. The Minister is clearly
Act, or remain under the existing provisions of the Indian Act. afraid to hear what the Indian people genuinely think and feel about
I want to emphasize that no First Nation would berequiredto
his Bill C-79.
come under the provisions of the Bill, unless it chooses to do so.
Nevertheless, the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs request time
to make a presentation to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal
I expect the legislative process will provide for extensive public Affairs. Furthermore, we request that the Standing Committee on
hearing and a review conducted by the Standing Committee on
Aboriginal Affairs make itself accessible to the Indian people and
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development As a result,
Indian leadership of British Columbia directly. The human rights
changes to the proposed package will almost certainly be made. record ofCanada depends upon a free and open political process for
It is through this joint sharing of ideas and comments that we
Indian people as well as for other Canadians, especially on matters
can ensure First Nations are involved in the review of the
which will ultimately impact every facet of their lives.
federal Bill.
I would encourage you to submit to the Committee any suggestions or comments you may have on this issue. Our shared goal
is to work towards First Nation governments exercising their
own jurisdiction. However, the proposed Bill can produce some
positive changes in the short term for those First Nations who
opt in.
Thank your for taking thetimeto express your views.

Yours truly,
UNION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA INDIAN CHIEFS
Chief Saul Terry,
President
cc:
National Chief Ovide Mercredi
Nation Representatives
Claude Bachand Bloc Quebecois

Yours truly,
Ronald A. Irwin, P.C., MP.

MARCH 1997

5

UBCIC NEWS

Assembly of First Nations
December 16, 1996
OTTAWA-The Federal Government must accept its
responsibility for the unilaterally imposed assimilation
policy of Residential Schools.
The National Chief and First Nation Leaders call on the
government of Canada, to take responsibility for their role in
the residential school policy and to respond to the Royal
Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommendations relating
to the Residential School experience.
Effects of the Federal Government imposed Residential
School policy can be felt and is encountered in all areas of
First Nations, effects such as the high rate of suicide, alcohol
and drug abuse and how this had in turn affected the loss of our
languages, culture, parenting abilities, and traditions and
ceremonies.
A call for a National Public Inquiry was made by
Ovide Mercredi, National Chief of the Assembly of First
Nations, February 28, 1994. A national committee was
established to document an historicalrecord,which was to look
at how countless human rights violations occurred against First
Nations children, while in the entrusted care of the churches, as
well as how the effects of this assimilation policy resulted in the
many problems that First Nations have encountered. This
process was stymied by government inaction and their lack of
responsibility.
The Commission recommends an apology by those
responsible. The four historic mission Churches have issues
apologies at various forums across the country and have begun
to take responsibility. However, the federal government has
refused to take responsibility.
The Commission recommends: "That the nature and
scope of the injury to Aboriginal people by past policies in
relation toresidentialschools be established and appropriate
remedies devised therefor. Specifically, calling on the
government of Canada to establish a comprehensive Public
Inquiry instructed to investigate and document the origins
and effects of residential school policies and practices
respecting all Aboriginal Peoples.
Secondly, the commissionrecommends:"That the
nature and scope of the injury caused to Aboriginal people by
past policies in relation to the relocation of Aboriginal
communities be established and appropriate remedies
devised therefor." Through a recommendation
acknowledging Violation of Rights, the Commission
recommends that Governments acknowledge that where the
relocation of Aboriginal communities did not conform to the
criteria set out in Recommendation 1.11.2, such relocations
constituted a violation of their member's human rights.
The Federal government adopted this policy of
assimilation, to destroy, Aboriginal languages, traditions and
beliefs and the residential school system was compounded by
mismanagement and underfunding, the provision of inferior
educational services and the mistreatment, neglect and abuse of
6

CONGRATULATIONS
The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs is pleased to announce
that Louise Mandell, long time legal counsel for the
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs has been appointed to
Queens Counsel. On behalf of Chiefs Council and staff,
the UBCIC Congratulates Louise in receiving this
prestigious honour. We thank Louise for her years of
dedication and commitment in defending the aboriginal
rights of Indian Nations in thefieldof law and justice.

AFN (Continued)

any children - facts that were known to the department and the
churches throughout the history of the school system.
The commission further recommends the federal
government fund the establishment of a national documentation
centre to research, collect, preserve and disseminate information
related to residential schools, relocations and other aspects
of Aboriginal historical experience.
For more information contact:
Assembly of First Nations (613) 261-6789

TREATY8 TRIBAL
ASSOCIATION
JUDY MAAS TO SERVE SECOND T E R M AS
TREATY 8 CHIEF
(Press Release January 16, 1997)
At a meeting in Fort St. John today, the assembled
Treaty 8 Chiefs unanimously gave their support to Judy
Maas for a second term as Tribal Chief. Maas will
represent some 2,000 First Nation members in the
Treaty 8 portion of Northeastern British Columbia until at
least 1999.
As head of the Treaty 8 Tribal Association, and
spokesperson for its six member First Nations, Maas is
charged withrepresentingand advocating aboriginal
interests in almost one quarter of the province. "I don't
take the responsibility lightly,'' she said. ''My role is to act
as steward of the treaty which governs ourrelationswith
non-Native society. I am honored the Chiefs entrusted me
with this solemn task."
Chief George Desjarlais of the West Moberly First
Nations said "Herreappointmentshould serve as notice to
government and industry that she has the solid backing of
the Association Chiefs, and that she is full mandated to
speak on behalf of the native people in the
Association's member communities."
"The government of Canada has ignored our treaty
rights too long,'' she concluded. "My job is t to hold the
government to the promises made in the treaty.''
For further information, Please contact: Treaty 8 Tribal
Association (250) 785-0612

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

Presbytery recommends that Annett be
permanently "Delisted"

T H E CREATION OF FIRST
PEOPLES TRAVEL

First Peoples Travel is an aboriginal owned travel
' 'Kevin Annett was dismissedfromSt. Andrews
company that serves the corporate needs of the Native
United Church in Port Alberni in 1995 because of his
community throughout British Columbia. It is also an example
involvement in native issues which was disputedof how individuals can use creative planning to build
by the Comox Nanaimo Presbytery of the United enterprises that help strengthen the native economy, all without
waiting for government assistance.
Church"
Press Release - January 30, 1997
The Chief Judicial Officer of the United Church hearing
to consider "de-listing" Reverend Kevin Annett was asked on
Tuesday to be removed from his position because of an
apprehension of bias on his part.
Reverend Bruce Gunn, advocate for Kevin Annett, made
the request after Reverend Annett's testimony revealed that the
Judicial Officer, Jon Jessiman, appeared to have represented the
church body that not only removed Reverend Annettfromhis
pulpit but recommended that he be permanently expelled from
ministry.
In his testimony given on January 28, Reverend Annett
described a February 9, 1995 meeting with church officials at
which Mr. Jessiman read out the demands of Comox-Nanaimo
Presbytery regarding Reverend Annett, and spoke for both
Conference and Presbytery officials present that day.
Reverend Annett also offered a March 31, 1995 letter
from Conference Personnel officer Art Anderson which, on the
direct advice of Jon Jessiman, rejected a proposal from
Reverend Annett to the Presbytery that would have resolved the
dispute. In evidence already were a series of legal
correspondences between Jessiman and Reverend Annett's
lawyer regarding the position of both Presbytery and Conference
towards Reverend Annett.
"In his comments and correspondence to church
officials and legal counsel, we believe that Mr. Jessiman was
acting for Comox-Nanaimo Presbytery in the early months of
1995 when I was dismissed by the same Presbytery from my
job'" commented Kevin Annett today. 'Mr. Jessiman cannot
therefor continue sitting as the judicial officer of these hearings
and claim that he is an unbiased or neutral party. I have been
informed by legal opinion that the legitimacy of these hearings
is already in serious doubt."
Reverend Annett also stated that he is considering asking
a civil court to conduct a judicial review of the hearing if
Jessiman is allowed to continue as its judicial officer.
The request for Jessiman to step down as Judicial Officer
was made by Reverend Gunn on the seventh day of Kevin
Annett's testimony, which has nearly concluded Gunn's
request was made as a motion to the hearing panel, which will
reconvene on March 3 to consider the motion.
4

Contact: Kevin Annett 224-3102 (messages) or 224-4753

MARCH 1997

The concept of First Peoples Travel originated last fall at
a meeting between George Morrison/Allan Ailo and Ed Wright/
Dave Ellem. This discussion about travel planning started a
chain of events that eventually lead to a business association
that the company a reality. Ed and Dave, together with their
staff, provide the professional skills and advice, gained from
operating a successful commercial travel agency, to ensure
efficient service for their clients. George and Allen provide the
financing, publicrelationsand market identification that makes
First Peoples Travel an Aboriginal agency.
The name First Peoples Travel was chosen to reflect the
Native identity of the company and also as a sign to show the
non-native community the presence of Aboriginal business. For
the Native economy to thrive, a strong and visible presence in
the marketplace must be established. This can be accomplished
by the creation of more Aboriginal businesses that provide
various services to the general public. First Peoples Travel
believes that this type of long term planning is necessary within
the Native community to build for the future.
Specializing in travel arrangements for corporations,
organizations, associations and individuals, First Peoples Travel
can arrange your transportation, accommodation, conferences
or meetings on a group or an individual basis. Furthermore,
through First Peoples Travel's associations with a number of
"specialist" logistics companies, they can ensure the safe and
sure movement of such diverse items as war canoes or totem
poles to dance or theatre groups anywhere in the world.
More importantly, First Peoples Travel has made a
Commitment to the Aboriginal community to provide
opportunities for professional training and job creation. We
have many opportunities in corporate development at present,
and as support from the Aboriginal and non-aboriginal
communities grows, we will be able to create more employment
opportunities in other areas (travel agents, travel consultants,
etc.).
The federal government has an official procurement
policy, developed to support Native business by using their
services. While doing our feasibility study for First Peoples
Travel, the reactionfromthe government departments was very
positive and numerous departments said they would use First
Peoples Travel. If the government departments will actually
follow their promises to support Aboriginal businesses like First
Peoples Travel, therelianceon government grants and other
assistance would be greatly reduced.
If you would like to arrange your travel through
First Peoples Travel or would like more information, we can be
reached at (604) 532-5030 or toll-free at 1-888-801-0333.

7

UBCIC NEWS

RESOURCE CENTRE UPDATE

L A K O T A OYATE -KI
NATIVE BROTHERHOOD

We
have been kept very busy in the Resource Centre
with the IIG students and faculty and several research
groups. Most of the research carried on has been around
traditional land use.
We now have the 1881, 1891 and 1901 Census reels
for B.C. We have also been gathering material on
researching First Nation genealogy.
Although we do not have the manpower to be able to
conduct genealogical research for you, we have many
resources of interest for your use.
If you missed getting a free copy of thefinalRCAP
report summary called "People to people, nation to
nation", these are now out of print. Thefivevolume
RCAP final report is availablefromthe federal government
bookstore for $250.00/set. The number to call for more
information about ordering is 1 (819) 956-4802.
A new 48X lens is being purchased for one of the
reader/printers so that the Colonial Correspondence Index
and the B.C. Archives Newspaper Index is easier to read.
With the existing zoom lens you almost need a magnifying
glass to read the screen or the printed results. I we can
muster up $1010 + tax, we will also purchase another zoom
lens (9.5 X 16) so that the Colonial Correspondence pages
can be printed off one page to a sheet of paper. With the
existing lens, these pages and some of the other filmed
materials have to be printed off in sections. Know any
generous philanthropists?
We are constantly ordering new books. There is a
great deal of material out there on First Nation issues.
Two books which we purchased recently are worth
mentioning: "Shingwauk's Vision: A History of Native
Residential Schools" and Parallel Paths: Fiduciary
Doctrine and the Crown Native Relationship in Canada".
Remember that you can order materials through the UBCIC
Chiefs Mask Bookstore by calling the UBCIC number (604)
684-0231 and ask for the Bookstore.
We will be having a temporary staff change in
early summer when our library technician, Sarah
Torsky, goes on maternity leave to have here baby
daughter. Sarah has the very important job of cataloguing
our materials and maintaining our databases.

8

Oregon State Penitentiary
2605 State Street
Salem, Or. 97310-0505

GREETINGS: To whom it
may concern,

We are the Native Brotherhood of the Oregon State
Penitentiary. Werepresentmany nations throughout the lands,
our consciousness has been brought to you, the Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs. We are seeking any books or copies of videos of
traditional dance, and or current struggles, that may be shared
with our Brotherhood, we are looking for the beauty of the west
coast peoples, and interior, anything that could be offered would
be well appreciated.
Our interest is the struggles of our peoples. If you could help us
contact other Native Foundations that may help our quest it
would be very much appreciated. We were told that the B.C.
Chiefs have a newsletter, and or articles taken out of the
newspapers in the area of Vancouver. We here at the
penitentiary have Cultural Night that is offered to the minority
and we are allowed to show movies on Native Night, and this is
the reasoning to our call of donations from the B.C. Indian
Chiefs. Anything from the voice of ourrelativesfrom the North
Lands would gladden our hearts. In the Spirit of Resistance we
offer our prayers for the people.
Respectfully Submitted
Robert Van Pelt
LAKOTA Oyate-Ki Sub-Chief

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

Known to his family and
friends as 'Wakah', Bernard was
bom on May 31, 1972 at Peach Arch •
District Hospital. He died, by his own
hand, on February 20, 1997 at the age
of twenty four. He will be remembered by his mother Sharon, father
Bernard, brother Shayne and sister
Shannon. Warm memories will be
carried by aunts, uncles and cousins,
far too numerous to name, who were
an important part of Bernard's life.
Bernard lived with a foot in both
cultures, equally comfortable in both. His native name was Stam-Quel-Ton
which was passed to him from his
great grandfather, Jimmy Charles. He
wore the paint and honored his belief '
in 'Si yo wen' as a spirit dancer in the
smoke houses of the lower mainland
and Washington State.

His love of dance extended
beyond his spiritual call, into his daily
life. He loved music and was to be
found at every 'rave' within driving
distance. His friends both native and
non-native were many and he was
always there for them.
Bernard had a special way with
children and young people. He was
adored by his nephews and all children were drawn to his gentle manner,
his tolerance and warm sense of
humour. We will all remember him
for his laughter, affectionate nature
andyouthfulexuberance, but we will
not forget that he struggled in life
with drugs and the depression that
accompanied their use.
We say farewell to our son,
brother and friend. We send our love
and wish him Godspeed in his journey
among the Eagles.

Bernard David Charles
'Stam-Quel-Ton'
May 31, 1972 - February 20, 1997

Country Wide Day of Native
Protest Set for April 17, 1997
(Globe and Mail, Feb. 27, 1997)

O T T A W A - Assembly of First Nations Chiefs
have picked the 15th anniversary of the signing of
Canada's Constitution as the date for a country-wide
day of native protest.
The Chiefs voted yesterday to hold the protest
on April 17 to press the federal government and Prime
Minister Jean Chretien into responding to the 440
recommendations of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.
Chiefs endorsed in principle the report of the
royal commission to assess the recommendations and

MARCH 1997

prepare a medium term and long-term strategy to be
brought back to the A F N by May 17. The royal
commission called for a fundamental restructuring of
the relationship between aboriginal people and
Canada.
Mr. Mercredi said the results of a new poll
indicating that 40 per cent of the respondents believe
natives have no choice but to resort to blockades to
back up demands and show there is more support for
natives than the government acknowledges.

9

UBCIC NEWS

INSTITUTE OF INDIGENOUS GOVERNMENT
EXTENSION PROGRAM
EXTENSION PROGRAMS

For more information on the Saanich Extension program,
contact: Paul Sam, IIG Saanich Extension Co-ordinator
Phone:(250) 652-5784 Fax:(250) 544-0538

The Institute of Indigenous Government is committed
to expanding extension and off-campus programming to
enhance First Nation students access to our unique education
LILLOOET EXTENSION PROGRAM
program in British Columbia, Canada and around the world.
The students at the
Our goal is to deliver up to
Lillooet Extension Program
80% of our courses ' 'off
Indigenous Economic
are working full-time in the
campus" in regional centres
and Social Development
community while attending six
and Indigenous communities
hours of instruction one day per
through the extension
week. For example, IGST 101
program and by innovative
will alternate with IGAD 101
distance learning strategies.
every other Monday. This
Rather than sending
arrangement allows the
students to a post-secondary
Indigenous
Indigenous
students toremainworking in
institution, which is usually
Government
Political
their
community and stay close
located in urban settings, our
Administration
Development
to
family
and friends.
and
instructors can be sent to
Leadership
As
student
enrolment
communities to deliver
increases
the
foundation
credited and non-credited
courses and the four principal
courses offered through our
areas of specialization will be
extension programs. This
offered to meet the demand.
arrangement allows students
International Indigenous
Evening and/or day classes can
to remain in the home
Relations
be
arranged.
community, close to family,
For
more information on
friends and employment.
this
exciting
educational
The AG is also
opportunity
in
the Lillooet area,
committed to provide
contact:
community-based quality
programs to all students wherever their home communities may Marilyn Napolean,
IIG Lillooet Extension Q>-ordinator,
be located. There are presently two extension sites in
Lillooet
Tribal Council
operation to date. Thefirstextension sites are located in
Phone:
(250)
256-7523
Saanich and Lillooet, BC.
Fax:(250)
256-7119
We are anticipating additional sites at Duncan, the
William Head Correctional Centre, Lytton, Mount Currie BC
ELDERS & RESOURCE PEOPLE
and in the Yukon Territory. Anticipated start up is aimed
Eldersfromthe community are providing cultural,
for the Fall semester of 1997.
social and spiritual guidance for the students. Their input into
Indigenous education assures that Indigenous control is being
SAANICH EXTENSION PROGRAM
reflected
in the implementation of instruction, course
This extension site was established in the Spring of
development,
workshops, and student support. Elders also,
1996. This arrangement enables First Nations students from
actively
participate
with the delivery of symposiums, workshops
the Saanich Nation, and the surrounding areas, to access
and
cultural
events
which fully reflect indigenous
instruction, student development workshops, and community
philosophy,
values
and
experience.
support while pursuing their post-secondary studies.
Community
members
are also utilised to enhance
Students at the Saanich site are enrolled part-time and
and
aid
in
the
instruction
of
our courses, symposiums and
full-time in either the Certificate in indigenous Government
workshops.
To
sit
in
on
any
of
the Extension courses, please
Studies (30 credits) or the Associate of Arts Degree in
contact
the
coordinators
for
class
time and schedules.
Indigenous Government Studies (60 credits). The foundation
For
information
on
Extension
Programs in your area,
courses are being offered on an on-going basis to allow for new
contact
Jennie
Blankinship,
Director
of
Extension Programs at
applicants.
(604) 602-9555 or Fax (604) 602-3432.

Education for nationhood

10

SUMMER 1996

UBCIC NEWS
To All Bands and Organizations
My relatives:
We the Lakota, Dakota of the Standing Rock Sovereign
Nation are requesting Emergency Aid for the Winter Disaster of
1996-97. The Standing Rock Lakota and Dakota Tribe is nonIRA therefore does not fall under the federal and state guidelines for disaster relief. We have encountered five times the
snow accumulations with freezing arctic winds below zero.
Indequate installation, in houses no fuel deliveries are able to
get through to the far rural areas of the reservation. Families
are stranded for food as it is many miles to the nearest grocery
store, many are snowed under and have to tunnel out.
NEEDS: fuel, propane, oil and gas, heaters electric and
gas, non perishable foods, medical supplies, blankets, coats,
boots, thermal wear, gloves, liners caps, scarves and socks.
We would like to address the Clinton Administration
with their budgtet cuts have devastated our lives. Also both
state governors of North and South Dakota. We have lost
numerous lives with this severe weather, some have been elders
trying to stay warm in their homes. This last storm took a
mother, who has seven children that were waiting for her to
return from work. The blizzard buried her car, killing her.
We employ this summon for assistance to help the
standing rock Hunkpapa people through this devastation and
loss. Your contributions is greatly appreciated by the Lakota
and Dakota of the Standing Rock Sovereign Nation. May the
Great Spirit keeep you safe and well. We do this is
remeberance of our ancestors
Contact: Joseph A. Walker, Elder Treaty Council. P.O.
Box #49, Fort Yates North Dakota, 58538-0049 (701) 8547165

MYSTERY

PHOTO

Government Cuts leave N.D.'s
Indians out in Cold

Do You Know This Woman?

(New York Times - January 27, 1997)

B . C . FIRST NATIONS AIDS S O C I E T Y

FORT YATES, N.D. - Arctic Winds swirled around Asa Lester's
flimsy house, piling drifts to the roof and making it feel like 60 below.
As his propane heating supply sputtered to an end, Lester, a wiry
Lakota, face days wrapped in blankets, huddled around a glowing hot
plate.
Across the wind-whipped Standing Rock Reserve last week,
propane trucks followed Air Force snowploughs, deliver heating fuel to
families isolated on prairie expanses by the worst winter blizzards in
memory.
For much of the Northern Plains, this has been a cruel winter.
Eight people have died in North Dakota in the past three weeks as a
result of the weather. With 15,000 dead cattle lying frozen around the
state President Bill Clinton last week declared North Dakota a disaster
area.
For the Lakota and other American Indians whose remote
settlements have been buried under snowdrifts, the harsh weather
couldn't have come at a worse time. Across the nation, the federal
government has cut money that helped Indians improve an weatherize
their housing.
More than any other group, the 2 million Indians in the United
States including the 1 million on reservations depend on federal aid.

SUMMER 1996

Second Notice for Health and Healing Together Conference
Hosted by: Healing Our Spirit
March 16,17, 18, 1997
Stanley Park Coast Plaza
Keynote Speakers
DR. TERRY TAFOYA
ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS B.C REGION VICE CHIEF
KO'WAINTCO LINDA SHACKELLY
NATIONAL CHIEFOVIDEMERCREDI
JANE MIDDLETON MOZ
The conference will address all aspects of the medicine wheel physical, emotional, spiritual and mental.
Contact: Michelle George (604) 983-8774 ext. 13

11

UBCIC NEWS

FIRST NATIONS
BREAST CANCER
SOCIETY
Breast Cancer exists and is
growing among Native women due to the
lack of education: Native women are not
getting examined regularly by physicians
because they may not understand the
medical procedures nor know how to go
about an examination. Many Native
women are dying needlessly. The FIRST
NATION BREAST CANCER SOCIETY
is doing something about this.
The First Nations Breast Cancer
Society in conjunction with the Canadian
Breast Cancer Foundation: B.C. Chapter,
with assistance from Health Canada has
successfully completed a national
broadcast documentary. This program
will be played on the Knowledge Network on prime time television throughout B.C. later on in the year. Plans are
under way to get the program broadcast
through Canada and to the North. This
knowledge will reach all Native people
across the country.
This video has been sent to 604
First Nations bands in Canada, the 1st
copy is free of charge. This video will be
used by the professional health care
workers within those communities. It is
available to the general public also.
It is our hope that education and
knowledge may replace feelings of doubt
amongst our women and that we may
start to save lives for generations to
come.
For more information on this
program or to order copies of ECHOES
OF THE SISTERS First Nations
Women: Breast Cancer, please contact
the First Nations Breast Cancer Society
at Rm D-311 B.C.'s Women's Hospital
and Health Centre, 4500 Oak Street,
Vancouver, B.C. V6H 3N1 Telephone
(604) 875-3677 Fax (604) 875-2445.
Any donations to the society are greatly
appreciated (office equipment). Donations over $25.00 will receive a tax
receipt. Charitable registration number:
1075738-11

ECHOES OF THE

SISTERS
First Nations Women:
Breast Cancer
(A Broadcast Documentary)

FIRST NATION BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS:
Lisa Simen-Falvy, Jacqueline Davis, Jean Han use, Nancy Phillips, Margaret Harris
with Spiritual Healer Bev Julien (Centre)
An awareness breast cancer video that targets native women. It is 23:55
minutes and is in closed caption. Breast Cancer survivors tell their stories and is
intertwined with Western and Native traditional medicine. The video is used as a
awareness teaching tool for Aboriginal communities in Canada.
The video was shot on the Peguis Reserve in Manitoba and locally in British
Columbia. The Medical staff of the B.C. Cancer Agency were very supportive and the
Native breast cancer survivors were tremendously brave to go on camera and tell their
stories. These women can also pass the new acquired knowledge in their community
so that other native woman don't have to die needlessly due to the lack of education.
The video "Echoes of the Sisters" won an award for the most public service in
the American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco in November 1996. It is presently
entered in the Dreamspeaker Film Festival in Edmonton, Alberta.
Helping native women become more aware of breast cancer, and to teach them
how to do breast exams and why it is important to practice a good breast health
program. By arming Native women with education and knowledge of this devastating
disease they can help prevent the cancer from growing before it has a chance to.
The Society also offers support to newly diagnosed women and to women living
with the disease. Please contact the FNBCS for more information about breast cancer
or to receive the video.
"Early Detection Is Your Best Prevention"

Jacqueline Davis, President

12

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

MAP OF THE SOVEREIGN INDIGENOUS NATIONS
TERRITORIAL BOUNDARIES: JUNE, 1993
The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs' map of the Sovereign Indigenous Nations Territorial Boundaries is the only contemporary
map that accurately shows the traditional tribal territories of the 23 Indian Nations in British Columbia. The six colour map measures
28"x36".
The tribal territories are the homelands of distinct Nations, within which their respective peoples share a common language,
culture and traditional forms of political and social organization. These homelands have been occupied by the Indian Nations since
time immemorial. Up to the present, the Indian Nations in British Columbia have never surrendered their ownership oftheir homelands
(aboriginaltitle),nor have they surrendered their original sovereignty as nations to govern their homelands (inherent jurisdiction).
Information on the territorial boundaries was compiled by the Union'sresearchportfolioand President's office between July,
1990 and April, 1993 from archivalresearchand information provided by elders, chiefs, and tribal councils. Chief Saul Terry, President
of the Union and a graduate of the Vancouver College of Art (now the Emily Carr College of Art and Design), prepared the working
drafts for the map.
Design and cartography for the June, 1993 map was done by David Sami, chief cartographer of Multi Mapping Ltd. in
Vancouver, B.C., using a 1:2,000,000 scale base-map from the Surveys and Environment Branch of the British Columbia Ministry
ofEnvironment, Lands and Parks. All territorial boundaries shown on the map are subject to furtherrevision,as additional information
becomes available. Contact the Union ofB.C. Indian Chiefs at (604) 684-0231 for ordering information.
28" x36" / Scale: 1:2 000 000 / Six Colours

MARCH 1997

13

UBCIC NEWS

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MARCH 1997

Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs
NEWSLETTER

MARCH 1997

Chiefs Committee Gives Policy Reform
a One-Year Deadline

Temporary appeals body - Proposal to extend the Indian Specific Claims
Commission for one more year.

' he federal government and the
Assembly of First Nations have
started working together to
overhaul the existing specific claims policy
over the course of the next year. The
Chiefs Committee on Claims, an executive
sub-committee of the AFN with regional
representation from across the country,
will be working with the Specific Claims
Branch’s Special Projects Unit on a new
policy framework for an independent
claims body which is to take effect April
1, 1998.

The aim of this exercise 1s to
eliminate the flaws that Indian
governments have encountered with the
existing policy - the injustice of the federal
government judging claims against itself;
the policy’s inablility to deal with the full
range of grievances; the unacceptable
length of time 1t has been taking to resolve
claims and the federal government’s
inflexibility with regard to compensation,
among others.

The Liberal’s 1993 Red Book
promised that a Liberal government, in
consultation with Aboriginal peoples,
would undertake a major overhaul of the
federal claims policy on a national basis.
It further promised that it wouldcreate, by
jointly developing a mandate with
Aboriginal peoples, an independent
claims commission.

On the basis of these promises, the

AFN’s Chiefs Committee on Claims will
be working intensively with government
representatives to explore the different
possiblilities for the new independent
claims body and policy - the aim is to start
from scratch if necessary, rather than
merely “‘update’’ the existing policy
(outlined in the 1982 publication
Outstanding Business). Models to be
examined include the “‘Rolling Draft’’
developed last year by the AFN’s Land
Rights Unit and the ‘‘Concorde Report’’
(1996), an overview of the problems with
the existing process from an aliernative
dispute resolution perspective. In
addition, there appears to be
considerable support from Chiefs for some
type of legislative model.

The Chiefs Committee on Claims’
is considering a one-year extension of the
current Indian Specific Claims Commission
(ISCC). The ISCC- an appeals mechanism
for dealing with rejected specific claims -
was only intended as a temporary body,
and its mandate has been seriously
undermined because it was not
sufficiently empowered tocompel Canada
to respond or act on its recommendations.
A one year extension would allow Indian
governments with claims at the ISCC to
continue within this process while the
Chiefs Commuttee on Claims focusses its
efforts onthe creation of a truly independent
claims body through an overhaul of the
existing process.

British Columbia 1s represented on
the AFN’s Chiefs Committee on Claims
by Chief Arthur Manuel on behaif of the
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs and Chief
Ken Malloway, Chairman of the
Aboriginal Council of B.C. They will also
be participating on a rotating basis in the
Joint Task Force, a smaller technical
working group which will be carrying out
discussions with federal representatives
while remaining accountable to the
Chiefs Committee on Claims which in tum
remains accountable to the AFN’s

SPECIFIC CLAIMS (Continued on page 3)

IN THIS ISSUE...

2. President's Message

3. Non Insured Health Benefits

4. Bill C-79 - Indian Act J]

6. Press Releases - AFN & Treaty 8

7. First Peoples Travel

8. Resource Centre Update

9. Memorial - Bernard D. Charles

10. Institute of Indigenous Government
1]. ND's Indians out in the cold

12. First Nations Breast Cancer Society

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

t the Chiefs
“ ™ Council meeting
on February 19th, 1997 I
stated that I cannot accept
the notion that the Federal
and Provincial governments
will continue to deny our
rights. We know we have
rights but they deny it. We
have real land claims issues
and it is the governance of
those lands that we are talking
about. The Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs wants to deal
at the political level based on
the principles we laid out.
But, rather than dealing with
us nation-to-nation they are
trying to deal with us band by
band.
In March 1992, Imade
a presentation to the
U.B.C.1.C. Health
Conference titled “‘Power of
Indian Health’’. At that time
I spoke to our people who
work in the field of health
services and how we
encounter difficulties with the
Federal and Provincial
Crown on services we try to
provide both on reserve and
off reserve. I asked at that
time, what can we do about
it? I am sure that, by now,
the results of taking over the
devolution of services from
the governments are being

Message Fron the President

felt by Chiefs and Council
and their staff. The level of
fmistration expressed by our
people is evidence of this. ft
is important for all of us - no
matter where we live -to take
the time to reflect on what we
as Nations of peopleare doing
on the whole Land Question.
Unless we take the time now
todo this, many of our people

Manuel was the
establishment of a Provisional
Indigenous Government.
This would enable First
Nations to break away from
an oppressive colonial system
and create a political body
based on our own laws and
beliefs.

Only the power of the
people will prevent any

maT @ "I know too that our people kave —
— become more increasingly restless under =
— the present governmental sysiem but. we —
must not‘abandon our \mission“handed
down to us by our Elders.” 7

ee

will lose their Aboriginal Title
and Rights. We are not
being informed truthfully by
the Federal povernment on
their policy on land claims
settlement.

The Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs over the years
has taken many forms of
action to make sure the
Federal government
understood fully that Indian
land is not for sale. For
example when in 1980, the
Prime Minister and the ten
Premiers attempted to
drop all references to
protection of aboriginal nghts
in the amended
Canadian Constitution,
the Union of B.C. Indian
Chiefs responded by creating
a major political action in
Canada and in Europe.
Another idea put forward by
the late Grand Chief and
President, George

further erosion of our nights.
The fact is there ts a low level
War going on in this country
between Indian peoples and
the governments of Canada.
I know too that our people
have become increasingly
restless under the present
governmental administrative
system but we must not
abandon our mission handed
down to us by our elders.
This brings me to the
questions I asked in 1992
and the vision I shared with
our peoples at that time. I
suggested that we implement
our authority within the
borders of British Columbia
and Canada in order to
protect our lands and our
peoples nghts. I suggested
that we go to the communities
to discuss and formulize an
interim political body or what
is called a Provisional
Government - which would

iead towards a maximum
degree of political, economic,
social, cultural and spiritual
independence. It would mean
getting out from under the
colonial arm of Canada and
strengthening our own
political system. I have no
doubt in my mund that, years
from now, our Indian
goverment system will mean
peace and stabilility for our
people. We as citizens of
indian nations have to have
the courage to make change
based upon the international
principles of self-
determination. The
foundation has been laid, now
we must consider how we
will fulfill the dreams of our
past Leaders and Elders to
establish our own House of
the Peoples.

The Era of Provisional
Indian Government is now.
A constitution has been
presented to the nation
representatives and the
people in their respective
territories. The resistance
must be placed by our moving
forward shoulder to shoulder
in the development of the
Confederacy of Sovereign
Indigenous Nations.

2

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

HEALTH UPDATE
NON - INSURED HEALTH BENEFITS

The last update on the Non-
Insured Health Benefits cut-backs
was issued in the Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs newsletter in August,
1996. A short report was provided to the
UBCIC 28th Annual General Assembly in
October, 1996.

Update Taken From The First Nations
Health Bulletin, AFN (Dec. 1996)

Medical Services Branch, Health Canada
has started a drug benefit review process to
improve the management of the Non-Insured

SPECIFIC CLAIMS UPDATE
(Continued from page 1)

with federal representatives while remaining
accountable to the Chiefs Committee on Claims
which in turn remains accountable to the AFN’s
membership at large.

The AFN will be soliciting feedback and
communicating developments to Indian governments
as the reform process progresses. To this end, it is
highly likely that some kind of regional forum for
B.C. will be scheduled in the near future. The end
product of the intensive Joint Task Force activities
that have now been launched is hoped to be a
detailed model of the new policy/body which will be
presented for discussion, revision and approval at the
AFN’s Annual General Assembly in Vancouver this

Health Benefits. This is so rates of growth
do not exceed the limits allowed under the
current MSB envelope. When Health and
Welfare talk about the “‘Envelope’’ this is what it means:

The envelope represents the maximum resources available to
Jund all federal Indian and Inuit health programs. In order to respond UBCIC Chiefs Committee on Claims Representative
to the Federal Government’s orders to pay off the country’s deficit, the Phone: 1-250-679-3295
Department of Health and Welfare, Canada announced that they Fax: 1-250-679-5306
would live within a growth budget of 3% for 96-97 year; 3% for 97-98 E-mail: [email protected] net

summer.
If you wish to have a say in specific claims
reform, please make your views known to:

Chief Arthur Manuel

year and 1% for 98-99 year. The department figured that this
represented $1,024 billion dollars for 96-97 year and that the Non-
Insured Health Benefits accounted for 50% of the total envelope
expenditures. The NIHB operating costs include payments for drugs and dental benefits administered under contract to Liberty
Health, as well as regionally (in our case this is known as Pacific- Yukon Region) administered benefits such as medical
transportation (mostly at the reserves level) and vision care. Management also includes governmental! administrative costs related to
the program.

If you are confused about payment of certain drugs, it’s because Medical Services Branch (MSB) has limited or discontinued
certain drugs but added new ones. Because some drugs have the same active ingredients but sold under different names and prices,
as of December 1, 1996 MSB decided to only pay for the version with the best price - as long as it has the same active ingredients.

On March 1, 1997 an updated drug benefit list will be implemented and Non-Insured Health Benefits will stop paying for a
small number of certain drugs that are currently covered. A slight inconvenience is expected as pharmacists and doctors decide
which new drug to prescribe in place of the old drug. As far as the Assembly of First Nations is concerned, the first change is to
insist that pharmacies only provide the best price alternative. It means that the generic drug will be provided even if a physician has
stipulated that there should be no substitutions. If a status Indian client insists upon receiving the drug prescribed, they will have to
either:

a) Pay the cost difference themselves, or

b) Ask the pharmacy to request an exception from MSB
This is a substantive change from the current operating practice. Under the second change, the intention is to eliminate a

number of expensive drugs to save money and to substitute between change number one to two is that under change one, a cheaper
generic drug will be substituted. Generic means general quality of drugs - not a specialized drug.
“‘Real-Time Point of Sale System (RTPOS):

Medical Services will be introducing a ‘‘Real-Time Point of Sale System’’ in 1997-1998 year. The new process will be
similar to a credit card purchase where these cards are electronically zapped and a minute later approval or denial is attained. This
system will work in the same manner when the pharmacist electronically enters a client’s claim and the claim is forwarded to
Liberty Health for approval or denial. The problem is if there is an error in data or missing information, the claim will be rejected
and the client will be asked to pay cash or credit up front. Under the current service, the pharmacist dispenses the prescribed
medication and then submits the paper claim for reimbursement. Any delay is between the Health Insurance Company and the
pharmacist but with the new service, claims will probably be rejected at the point of sale. This may be fine for aboriginal people who
live in communities where waiting is not problem but where our people have to travel great distance from isolated areas, this new

development will pose hardships for them. :

For further information, please contact Mildred Poplar at (604) 684-0231.

MARCH 1997 %

UBCIC NEWS

Liberal Standing Committee Members Try to Short
Circuit Hearings on Bill C~79 ~ Indian Act II

Assembly of First Nations, February 20, 1997

Jean Chretien’s government is accelerating their plan to ram Indian Act II into law before the upcoming
federal election. This week Minister of Indian Affairs Ron Irwin used a special procedure in the House of
commons to rush Bill C-79 to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs (SCAA) before going through
second reading of the draft legislation. This was carried out the same day as the federal budget was introduced,
thereby minimizing any attention that it would get.

On December 19, 1996, Irwin
wrote to all of the Chiefs re: C-79 and
stated that ““The Committee will hold
extensive hearings on the Bill and is
expected to travel to various parts of the
country. The Committee will publicize
its schedule of hearings and encourage
First Nations to appear,”’

Today the SCAA had a planning
meeting to decide how to proceed with
these public hearings on the Bill. Co-
Chair Claude Bachand, of the Bloc
Quebecois, recommended that an AFN
representative be appointed to the
Committee as an ex-officio member for
the duration of the hearings. His motion
was defeated by the Liberal members of
the SCAA, tncluding Jack Anawak and
Elijah Harper, the two Aboriginal
members.

At the same time, the Liberals on
the Committee have already tried to limit
the ability of First Nations to appear and
have their voice heard. They intend to

We now have —
another example of
what the Minister's

assurances are
actually worth.’

have the national Aboriginal
organizations appear on March 6. Only
five days (March 10-14) have been set
aside for First Nation presentations.
Instead of having hearings across the
country (as the Minister promised), they
intend to arrange testimony by way of
video-conferencing, with each group
getting 40 minutes.

This automatically puts many
barriers in front of First Nations who
want to testify before the Committee.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

The SCAA is waiting to see how many First Nations respond. If they
receive many requests, they will be forced to extend the time for public
hearing and also travel to have hearings in your termitory.... I am
therefore requesting all First Nations and organizations to immediately
write to the Clerk of the SCAA, requesting them to hold hearings in your
territory on location, or, as a last resort to appear before the Committee
via teleconferencing at the Committee's expense and extend it's schedule
of hearings to allow First Nations time to prepare their presentations.

What about remote communities? Are
they supposed to pay their way to get a to
a city that has the proper facuities? Will
the proposed five day Limit on testimony
prevent First Nations from appearing if
they don’t get their requests in first?

We now have another example of
what the Minster’s assurances are
actualiy worth: clearly he and his
Liberal colleagues have no intention of
letting the voices of the First Nations be
heard. But if we work together we can
force them to let us speak.

The SCAA is waiting to see how
many First Nations respond. If they
receive many requests, they will be
forced to extend the time for public
hearings and also travel to have hearings
in your territory.

However, we will need to work
quickly to get the SCAA to change
course. I am therefore requesting all
First Nations and organizations to
unmiediately write to the Clerk of the
SCAA, requesting them to hold hearings
in your territorry on location, or, as a
last resort to appear before the
Committee via teleconferencing at the
Committee's expense. We are also
asking you to request that the SCAA
extend it’s schedule of hearings to allow
First Nations time to prepare their
presentations.

Please send copies of your letters
to my office, also to SCAA Co-Chair
Claude Bachand (his fax number 613-
992-9849).

Yours in recognition of Aboriginal and
Treaty Rights.

Ovide Mercredi, National Chief

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

Letter from Ron Irwin, Minister of

Indian and Northem Affairs
(January 22, 1997)

Dear Chief Terry:

Thank you for your Chiefs Council Resolution dated November
19, 1996. It is unfortunate that the resolution opposes any
proposed modifications to the indian Act.

I appreciate our overriding desire to resolve the British Colum-
bia Land Question which will take time to negotiate. In the
meantime, I would like to do as much as | can to improve the
legislative base that impacts upon the daily lives of First Nation
members and how your communities are governed. As you well
know, the Act has for far too long served as an impediment to
the social, economic and political development of First Nations.
The approach of the federal government, and my commitment
to First Nations, is to deal with them on the basis that they
already have the right to govern their own affairs - a nation to
nation approach. Again, I reiterate that we have every intention
of meeting our obligations to First Nations. I want to make it
very clear to you and all first nations that my objective is not to
propose fundamental changes to the federal government's
fiduciary relationship or treaty obligations to First Nations.

On December 12, 1996, I tabled in the House of Commons An
Act to permit certain modifications in the application of the
Indian Act to bands that desire them (Bill-C79). If enacted, this
fully optional Bill would allow First Nations to choose a
package of potential changes in the application of the /ndian
Act, or remain under the existing provisions of the /ndian Act.

I want to emphasize that no First Nation would be required to
come under the provisions of the Bill, unless it chooses to do so.

I expect the legislative process will provide for extensive public
hearing and a review conducted by the Standing Committee on
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. As a result,
changes to the proposed package will almost certainly be made.
It is through this joint sharing of ideas and comments that we
can ensure First Nations are involved in the review of the
federal Bill.

I would encourage you to submit to the Committee any sugges-
tions or comments you may have on this issue. Our shared goal
is to work towards First Nation governments exercising their
own jurisdiction. However, the proposed Bill can produce some
positive changes in the short term for those First Nations who
opt in.

Thank your for taking the time to express your views.

Yours truly,

Ronald A. Irwin, P.C., MP.

MARCH 1997

February 21, 1997

Ms. Christine Fisher, Clerk,

Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs
and Northern Development,

180 Wellington St,

Room 647, Wellington Building

Ottawa, ON

KIA 0A6

Dear Ms. Fisher:

Members of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs have made
many presentations to government since its founding in 1969. Our
position and principles remain consistent. One of the basic
premises of our position and principles is that Indian people must
be provided the opportunity to effectively speak out on government
initiatives that directly affect our lives. In this regard, there can be
no question that Bill C-79 will affect the lives of every Indian
person in British Columbia.

{n recent machinations of Minister Irwin, he indicated that
he would hold extensive hearings. Based upon this commitment
our people expected that the Standing Committee on Aboriginal
Affairs would travel to Bntish Columbia to hear our deeply felt
views on how Bill C-79 will affect our everyday lives. Obviously
the Minister has broken his word.

It is quite obvious that the Minister does not believe that the
Canadian government is obligated to extend the full democratic
process to Indian people on legislative matters that affect the lives
of Indian people. In order to secure safe passage for his Bill C-79
the Minister has decided to muzzle the voice of Indian people by
limiting access to the Standing Committee. The Minister is clearly
afraid to hear what the Indian people genuinely think and feel about
his Bill C-79.

Nevertheless, the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs request time
to make a presentation to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal
Affairs. Furthermore, we request that the Standing Committee on
Aboriginal Affairs make itself accessible to the Indian people and
Indian leadership of British Columbia directly. The human rights
record of Canada depends upon a free and open political process for
Indian people as well as for other Canadians, especially on matters
which will ultimately impact every facet of their lives.

Yours truly,

UNION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA INDIAN CHIEFS

Chief Saul Terry,

President

cc: National Chief, Ovide Mercredi
Nation Representatives
Claude Bachand, Bloc Quebecois

UBCIC NEWS
Assembly of First Nations

December 16, 1996

OTTAWA-The Federal Government must accept its
responsibility for the unilaterally imposed assimilation
policy of Residential Schools.

The National Chief and First Nation Leaders call on the
government of Canada, to take responsibility for their role in
the residential school policy and to respond to the Royal
Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommendations relating
to the Residential School experience.

Effects of the Federal Government imposed Residential
School policy can be felt and is encountered in all areas of
First Nations, effects such as the high rate of suicide, alcohol
and drug abuse and how this had in turn affected the loss of our
languages, culture, parenting abilities, and traditions and
ceremonies.

A call for a National Public Inquiry was made by
Ovide Mercredi, National Chief of the Assembly of First
Nations, February 28, 1994. A national committee was
established to document an historical record, which was to look
at how countless human rights violations occurred against First
Nations children, while in the entrusted care of the churches, as
well as how the effects of this assimilation policy resulted in the
many problems that First Nations have encountered. This
process was stymied by government inaction and their lack of
responsibility.

The Commission recommends an apology by those
responsible. The four historic mission Churches have issues
apologies at various forums across the country and have begun
to take responsibility. However, the federal government has
refused to take responsibility.

The Commission recommends: ‘‘That the nature and
scope of the injury to Aboriginal people by past policies in
relation to residential schools be established and appropriate
remedies devised therefor. Specifically, calling on the
government of Canada to establish a comprehensive Public
Inquiry instructed to investigate and document the origins
and effects of residential school policies and practices
respecting all Aboriginal Peoples.

Secondly, the commission recommends: “‘That the
nature and scope of the injury caused to Aboriginal people by
past policies in relation to the relocation of Aboriginal
communities be established and appropriate remedies
devised therefor.’” Through a recommendation
acknowledging Violation of Rights, the Commission
recommends that Governments acknowledge that where the
relocation of Aboriginal communities did not conform to the
criteria set out in Recommendation 1.11.2, such relocations
constituted a violation of their member’s human rights.

The Federal government adopted this policy of
assimilation, to destroy, Aboriginal languages, traditions and
beliefs and the residential school system was compounded by
mismanagement and underfunding, the provision of inferior
educational services and the mistreatment, neglect and abuse of

CONGRATULATIONS

The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs is pleased to announce
that Louise Mandell, long time legal counsel for the
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs has been appointed to
Queens Counsel. On behalf of Chiefs Council and staff,
the UBCIC Congratulates Louise in receiving this
prestigious honour. We thank Louise for her years of
dedication and commitment in defending the aboriginal
rights of Indian Nations in the field of law and justice.

AFN (Continued)
any children - facts that were known to the department and the
churches throughout the history of the school system.

The commission further recommends the federal
government fund the establishment of a national documentation
centre to research, collect, preserve and disseminate information
related to residential schools, relocations and other aspects
of Aboriginal historical experience.

For more information contact:
Assembly of First Nations (613) 261-6789

TREATY 8 TRIBAL
ASSOCIATION

JUDY MAAS TO SERVE SECOND TERM AS
TREATY 8 CHIEF

(Press Release January 16, 1997)

At a meeting in Fort. St. John today, the assembled
Treaty 8 Chiefs unanimously gave their support to Judy
Maas for a second term as Tribal Chief. Maas will
represent some 2,000 First Nation members in the
Treaty 8 portion of Northeastern British Columbia until at
least 1999.

As head of the Treaty 8 Tribal Association, and
spokesperson for its six member First Nations, Maas is
charged with representing and advocating aboriginal
interests in almost one quarter of the province. “‘I don’t
take the responsibility lightly,’’ she said. “‘My role is to act
as steward of the treaty which governs our relations with
non-Native society. I am honored the Chiefs entrusted me
with this solemn task.”’

Chief George Desjarlais of the West Moberly First
Nations said ““Her reappointment should serve as notice to
government and industry that she has the solid backing of
the Association Chiefs, and that she is full mandated to
speak on behalf of the native people in the
Association’s member communities.”’

“The government of Canada has ignored our treaty
rights too long,”’ she concluded. ““My job is t to hold the
government to the promises made in the treaty.”’

For further information, Please contact: Treaty 8 Tribal
Association (250) 785-0612

6

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

Presbytery recommends that Annett be
permanently "Delisted"

‘Kevin Annett was dismissed from St. Andrews
United Church in Port Alberni in 1995 because of his
involvement in native issues which was disputed
by the Comox Nanaimo Presbytery of the United
Church’?

Press Release - January 30, 1997

The Chief Judicial Officer of the United Church hearing
to consider ‘‘de-listing’’ Reverend Kevin Annett was asked on
Tuesday to be removed from his position because of an
apprehension of bias on his part.

Reverend Bruce Gunn, advocate for Kevin Annett, made
the request after Reverend Annett’s testimony revealed that the
Judicial Officer, Jon Jessiman, appeared to have represented the
church body that not only removed Reverend Annett from his
pulpit but recommended that he be permanently expelled from

In his testimony given on January 28, Reverend Annett
described a February 9, 1995 meeting with church officials at
which Mr. Jessiman read out the demands of Comox-Nanaimo
Presbytery regarding Reverend Annett, and spoke for both
Conference and Presbytery officials present that day.

Reverend Annett also offered a March 31, 1995 letter
from Conference Personnel officer Art Anderson which, on the
direct advice of Jon Jessiman, rejected a proposal from
Reverend Annett to the Presbytery that would have resolved the
dispute. In evidence already were a series of legal
correspondences between Jessiman and Reverend Annett’s
lawyer regarding the position of both Presbytery and Conference
towards Reverend Annett.

“In his comments and correspondence to church
officials and legal counsel, we believe that Mr. Jessiman was
acting for Comox-Nanaimo Presbytery in the early months of
1995 when I was dismissed by the same Presbytery from my
job’’ commented Kevin Annett today. ““Mr. Jessiman cannot
therefor continue sitting as the judicial officer of these hearings
and claim that he is an unbiased or neutral party. I have been
informed by legal opinion that the legitimacy of these hearings
is already in serious doubt."

Reverend Annett also stated that he is considering asking
a civil court to conduct a judicial review of the hearing if
Jessiman is allowed to continue as its judicial officer.

The request for Jessiman to step down as Judicial Officer
was made by Reverend Gunn on the seventh day of Kevin
Annett’s testimony, which has nearly concluded. Gunn’s
request was made as a motion to the hearing panel, which will
reconvene on March 3 to consider the motion.

Contact: Kevin Annett 224-3102 (messages) or 224-4753

THE CREATION OF FIRST
PEOPLES TRAVEL

First Peoples Travel is an aboriginal owned travel
company that serves the corporate needs of the Native
community throughout British Columbia. It is also an example
of how individuals can use creative planning to build
enterprises that help strengthen the native economy, all without
waiting for government assistance.

The concept of First Peoples Travel originated last fall at
a meeting between George Morrison/Allan Ailo and Ed Wrght/
Dave Ellem. This discussion about travel planning started a
chain of events that eventually lead to a business association
that the company a reality. Ed and Dave, together with their
staff, provide the professional skilis and advice, gained from
operating a successful commercial travel agency, to ensure
efficient service for their clients. George and Allen provide the
financing, public relations and market identification that makes
First Peoples Travel an Aboriginal agency.

The name First Peoples Travel was chosen to reflect the
Native identity of the company and aiso as a sign to show the
non-native community the presence of Aboriginal business. For
the Native economy to thrive, a strong and visible presence in
the marketplace must be established. This can be accomplished
by the creation of more Aboriginal businesses that provide
various services to the general public. First Peoples Travel
believes that this type of long term planning is necessary within
the Native community to build for the future.

Specializing in travel arrangements for corporations,
organizations, associations and individuals, First Peoples Travel
can arrange your transportation, accommodation, conferences
or meetings on a group or an individual basis. Furthermore,
through First Peoples Travel’s associations with a number of
“specialist” logistics companies, they can ensure the safe and
sure movement of such diverse items as war canoes or totem
poles to dance or theatre groups anywhere in the world.

More importantly, First Peoples Travel has made a
Commitment to the Aboriginal community to provide
opportunities for professional training and job creation. We
have many opportunities in corporate development at present,
and as support from the Aboriginal and non-aboriginal
communities grows, we will be able to create more employment
opportunities in other areas (travel agents, travel consultants,
etc.).

The federal government has an official procurement
policy, developed to support Native business by using their
services. Whiie doing our feasibility study for First Peopies
Travel, the reaction from the government departments was very
positive and numerous departments said they would use First
Peoples Travel. If the government departments will actually
foliow their promises to support Aboriginal businesses like First
Peoples Travel, the reliance on government grants and other
assistance would be greatly reduced.

If you would like to arrange your travel through
First Peoples Travel or would like more information, we can be
reached at (604) 532-5030 or toll-free at 1-888-801-0333.

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

RESOURCE CENTRE UPDATE

e have been kept very busy in the Resource Centre
with the [IG students and faculty and several research
groups. Most of the research carried on has been around
traditional land use.

We now have the 1881, 1891 and 1901 Census reels
for B.C. We have also been gathering material on
researching First Nation genealogy.

Although we do not have the manpower to be able to
conduct genealogical research for you, we have many
resources of interest for your use.

If you missed getting a free copy of the final RCAP
report summary called *‘People to people, nation to
nation’’, these are now out of print. The five volume
RCAP final report is available from the federal government
bookstore for $250.00/set. The number to call for more
information about ordering is 1 (819) 956-4802.

A new 48X jens is being purchased for one of the
reader/printers so that the Colonial Correspondence Index
and the B.C. Archives Newspaper Index is easier to read.
With the existing zoom lens you almost need a magnifying
glass to read the screen or the printed results. I we can
muster up $1010 + tax, we will also purchase another zoom
lens (9.5 X 16) so that the Colonial Correspondence pages
can be printed off one page to a sheet of paper. With the
existing lens, these pages and some of the other filmed
materials have to be printed off in sections. Know any
generous philanthropists?

We are constantly ordering new books. There is a
great deal of maternal out there on First Nation issues.
Two books which we purchased recently are worth
mentioning: ‘‘Shingwauk’s Vision: A History of Native
Residential Schools’’ and Parallel Paths: Fiduciary
Doctrine and the Crown Native Relationship in Canada’’.
Remember that you can order materials through the UBCIC
Chiefs Mask Bookstore by calling the UBCIC number (604)
684-0231 and ask for the Bookstore.

We wiil be having a temporary staff change in
early summer when our library technician, Sarah
Torsky, goes on maternity leave to have here baby
daughter. Sarah has the very important job of cataloguing
our materials and maintaining our databases.

LAKOTA OYATE -KI

NATIVE BROTHERHOOD

Oregon State Penitentiary
2605 State Street
Salem, Or. 97310-0505

GREETINGS: To whom it
may concern,

We are the Native Brotherhood of the Oregon State
Penitentiary. We represent many nations throughout the lands,
our consciousness has been brought to you, the Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs. We are seeking any books or copies of videos of
traditional dance, and or current struggles, that may be shared
with our Brotherhood, we are looking for the beauty of the west
coast peoples, and interior, anything that could be offered would
be well appreciated.

Our interest is the struggles of our peoples. [If you could help us
contact other Native Foundations that may help our quest it
would be very much appreciated. We were told that the B.C.
Chiefs have a newsletter, and or articles taken out of the
newspapers in the area of Vancouver. We here at the
penitentiary have Cultural Night that is offered to the minority
and we are allowed to show movies on Native Night, and this is
the reasoning to our cail of donations from the B.C. Indian
Chiefs. Anything from the voice of our relatives from the North
Lands would gladden our hearts. In the Spirit of Resistance we
offer our prayers for the people.

Respectfully Submitted

Robert Van Pelt
LAKOTA Oyate-Ki Sub-Chief

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

Known to his family and
friends as 'Wakah', Bernard was
born on May 31, 1972 at Peach Arch .§
District Hospital. He died, by his own
hand, on February 20, 1997 at the age
of twenty four. He will be remem-
bered by his mother Sharon, father
Bernard, brother Shayne and sister
Shannon. Warm memories will be
carried by aunts, uncles and cousins,
far too numerous to name, who were
an important part of Bemard’s life.

Bemard lived with a foot in both
cultures, equally comfortable in both. -
His native name was Stam-Quel-Ton
which was passed to him from his
great grandfather, Jimmy Charles. He
wore the paint and honored his belief -
in ‘Si yo wen’ as a spirit dancer in the
smoke houses of the lower mainland
and Washington State.

Bernard David Charles

His love of dance extended
beyond his spiritual call, into his daily
life. He loved music and was to be
found at every 'rave' within driving

, distance. His friends both native and
| non-native were many and he was
always there for them.

Bemard had a special way with
children and young people. He was

+ adored by his nephews and all chil-
24 dren were drawn to his gentle manner,
| | his tolerance and warm sense of
‘humour. We will all remember him
. for his laughter, affectionate nature
and youthful exuberance, but we will
| not forget that he struggled in life
‘se@ | with drugs and the depression that
= accompanied their use.

We say farewell to our son,
brother and fnend. We send our love
and wish him Godspeed in his journey
among the Eagles.

‘Stam-Quel-Ton'
May 31, 1972 - February 20, 1997

Country Wide Day of Native
Protest Set for April 17, 1997

(Globe and Mail, Feb. 27, 1997)

OTTAWA - Assembly of First Nations Chiefs
have picked the 15th anniversary of the signing of
Canada's Constitution as the date for a country-wide
day of native protest.

The Chiefs voted yesterday to hold the protest
on April 17 to press the federal government and Prime
Minister Jean Chretien into responding to the 440
recommendations of the Royal Commission on Abo-
riginal Peoples.

Chiefs endorsed in principle the report of the
royal commission to assess the recommendations and

MARCH 1997

prepare a medium term and long-term strategy to be
brought back to the AFN by May 17. The royal
commission called for a fundamental restructuring of
the relationship between aboriginal people and
Canada.

Mr. Mercredi said the results of a new poll
indicating that 40 per cent of the respondents believe
natives have no choice but to resort to blockades to
back up demands and show there is more support for
natives than the government acknowledges.

UBCIC NEWS

INSTITUTE OF INDIGENOUS GOVERNMENT
EXTENSION PROGRAM

EXTENSION PROGRAMS

The Institute of Indigenous Government is committed
to expanding extension and off-campus programming to
enhance First Nation students access to our unique education
program in British Columbia, Canada and around the world.

For more information on the Saanich Extension program,
contact: Paul Sam, WG Saanich Extension Co-ordinator
Phone:(250) 652-5784 Fax:(250) 544-0538

LILLOOET EXTENSION PROGRAM
The students at the

Our goal is to deliver up to
80% of our courses ‘‘off
campus’’ in regional centres
and Indigenous communities
through the extension
program and by innovative
distance learning strategies.
Rather than sending
students to a post-secondary
institution, which is usually
located in urban settings, our
instructors can be sent to
communities to deliver
credited and non-credited
courses offered through our
extension programs. This
arrangement allows students
to remain in the home
community, close to family,

indigenous
Government
Administration

Indigenous Economic
and Social Development

International indigenous
Relations

Lillooet Extension Program
are working full-time in the
community while attending six
hours of instruction one day per
week. For example, IGST 101
will alternate with IGAD 101
every other Monday. This
arrangement allows the
students to remain working in
their community and stay close
to family and fnends.

As student enrolment
increases the foundation
courses and the four principal
areas of specialization will be
offered to meet the demand.
Evening and/or day classes can
be arranged.

For more information on

friends and employment. F a ea
The HG is also " ; { : = is exciting educatio
committed to provide Edu ca tion oF Hla tionhood opportunity in the Lillooet area,
community-based quality contact:
programs to all students wherever their home communities may | Marilyn Napoican,
be located. There are presently two extension sites in IG Lillooet Extension Co-ordinator,
Lillooet Tribal Council

operation to date, The first extension sites are located in
Saanich and Lillooet, BC.

We are anticipating additional sites at Duncan, the
William Head Correctional Centre, Lytton, Mount Currie BC
and in the Yukon Terntory. Anticipated start up is aimed
for the Fall semester of 1997.

SAANICH EXTENSION PROGRAM

This extension site was established in the Spring of
1996. This arrangement enables First Nations students from
the Saanich Nation, and the surrounding areas, to access
instruction, student development workshops, and community
support while pursuing their post-secondary studies.

Students at the Saanich site are enroiled part-time and
full-time in either the Certificate in indigenous Government
Studies (30 credits) or the Associate of Arts Degree in
Indigenous Government Studies (60 credits). The foundation
courses are being offered on an on-going basis to allow for new
applicants.

Phone: (250) 256-7523
Fax:(250) 256-7119

ELDERS & RESOURCE PEOPLE

Elders from the community are providing cultural,
social and spiritual guidance for the students. Their input into
Indigenous education assures that Indigenous control is being
reflected in the implementation of instruction, course
development, workshops, and student support. Elders also,
actively participate with the delivery of symposiums, workshops
and cultural events which fully reflect indigenous
philosophy, values and experience.

Community members are also utilised to enhance
and aid in the instruction of our courses, symposiums and
workshops. To sit in on any of the Extension courses, please
contact the co-ordinators for class tyme and schedules.

For information on Extension Programs in your area,
contact Jennie Blankinship, Director of Extension Programs at
(604) 602-9555 or Fax (604) 602-3432.

10

SUMMER 1996

UBCIC NEWS

To All Bands and Organizations

My relatives:

We the Lakota, Dakota of the Standing Rock Sovereign
Nation are requesting Emergency Aid for the Winter Disaster of
1996-97. The Standing Rock Lakota and Dakota Tribe is non-
IRA therefore does not fall under the federal and state guide-
lines for disaster relief. We have encountered five times the
snow accumulations with freezing arctic winds below zero.
Indequate instaliation, 1n houses no fuel deliveries are able to
get through to the far mural areas of the reservation. Families
are stranded for food as it is many mules to the nearest grocery
store, many are snowed under and have to tunnel out.

NEEDS: fuel, propane, oil and gas, heaters electric and
gas, non penshable foods, medical supplies, blankets, coats,
boots, thermal wear, gloves, liners caps, scarves and socks. mi ' %

We would like to address the Clinton Administration . 2 her cee
with their budgtet cuts have devastated our lives. Alsoboth fF ~& c ag
state governors of North and South Dakota. We have lost
numerous lives with this severe weather, some have been elders
trying to stay warm in their homes. This last storm took a
mother, who has seven children that were waiting for her to
return from work. The blizzard buried her car, killing her.

We employ this summon for assistance to help the SER
standing rock Hunkpapa peopie through this devastation and MEE Sg
loss. Your contributions is greatly appreciated by the Lakota 0 Sethe eo
and Dakota of the Standing Rock Sovereign Nation. May the
Great Spirit keeep you safe and well. We do this is
remeberance of our ancestors

Contact: Joseph A. Walker, Elder Treaty Council. P.O.

ee Fort Yates North Dakota, 58538-0049 (701) 854- M VS TER Y PHO TO

’ J
Government Cuts leave N.D.'s Da YoulKnow This woman?
Indians out in Cold
(New York Times - January 27, 1997) B.C. FIRST NATIONS AIDS SOCIETY

FORT YATES, N.D. - Arctic Winds swirled around Asa Lester's
flimsy house, piling drifts to the roof and making it feel like 60 below. Second Notice for Health and Healing Together Conference
As his propane heating supply sputtered to an end, Lester, a wiry Hosted by: Healing Our Spirit
Lakota, face days wrapped in blankets, huddled around a glowing hot
plate. . March 16, 17, 18, 1997

Across the wind-whipped Standing Rock Reserve last week, Stanley Park Coast Plaza
propane trucks followed Air Force snowploughs, deliver heating fuel to
families isolated on prairie expanses by the worst winter blizzards in Keynote Speakers
memory. DR. TERRY TAFOYA

For much of the Northern Plains, this has been a cruel winter.
Eight people have died in North Dakota in the past three weeks as a ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS B.C REGION VICE CHIEF
result of the weather. With 15,000 dead cattle lying frozen around the KOWAINTCO LINDA SHACKELLY
state President Bul Clinton last week declared North Dakota a disaster
area. NATIONAL CHIEF OVIDE MERCREDI

For the Lakota and other American Indians whose remote
settlements have been buried under snowdrifts, the harsh weather JANE MIDDLETON MOZ

couldn't have come at a worse time. Across the nation, the federal
government has cut money that helped Indians improve an weatherize The conference will address all aspects of the medicine wheel physi-

their housing. a in cal, emotional, spintual and mental.
More than any other group, the 2 million Indians in the United
States including the | million on reservations depend on federal aid. Contact: Michelle George (604) 983-8774 ext. 13

SUMMER 1996 11

UBCIC NEWS

FIRST NATIONS
BREAST CANCER
SOCIETY

Breast Cancer exists and is
erowing among Native women due to the
lack of education: Native women are not
getting examined regularly by physicians
because they may not understand the
medical procedures nor know how to go
about an examination. Many Native
women are dying needlessly. The FIRST
NATION BREAST CANCER SOCIETY
is doing something about this.

The First Nations Breast Cancer
Society in conjunction with the Canadian
Breast Cancer Foundation: B.C, Chapter,
with assistance from Health Canada has
successhully completed a national
broadcast documentary. This program
will be played on the Knowledge Net-
work on prime time television through-
out B.C. later on in the year. Plans are
under way to get the program broadcast
through Canada and to the North. This
knowledge will reach all Native people
across the country.

This video has been sent to 604
First Nations bands in Canada, the Ist
copy is free of charge. This video will be
used by the professional health care
workers within those communities. It is
available to the general public also.

It is our hope that education and
knowledge may replace feelings of doubt
amongst our women and that we may
Start to save lives for generations to
come.

For more information on this
program or to order copies of ECHOES
OF THE SISTERS First Nations
Women: Breast Cancer, please contact
the First Nations Breast Cancer Society
at Rm D-31] B.C.'s Women's Hospital
and Health Centre, 4500 Oak Street,
Vancouver, B.C. V6H 3N1 Telephone
(604) 875-3677 Fax (604) 875-2445.
Any donations to the society are greatly
appreciated (office equipment). Dona-
tions over $25.00 will receive a tax
receipt. Charitable registration number:
1075738-11

Jacqueline Davis, President

ECHOES OF THE
SISTERS

First Nations Women:
Breast Cancer
fA eee = ocumentaty)

a

rs ire i

rie

oie

aa ae

ae
is

S '

1s

ras

oe

od

i %

tal

Syihs

FIRST NATION BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS:

Lisa Simen-Falvy, Jacqueline Davis, Jean Hanuse, Nancy Phillips, Margaret Harris
with Spiritual Healer Bev Julien (Centre)

An awareness breast cancer video that targets native women. It 1s 23:55
minutes and is in closed caption. Breast Cancer survivors tell their stories and is
intertwined with Western and Native traditional medicine. The video is used as a
awareness teaching tool for Aboriginal communities in Canada.

The video was shot on the Peguis Reserve in Manitoba and locally in Bntish
Columbia. The Medical staff of the B.C. Cancer Agency were very supportive and the
Native breast cancer survivors were tremendously brave to go on camera and tell their
stones. These women can also pass the new acquired knowledge in their community
so that other native woman don't have to die needlessiy due to the lack of education.

The video "Echoes of the Sisters" won an award for the most public service in
the American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco in November 1996. It is presently
entered in the Dreamspeaker Film Festival in Edmonton, Alberta.

Helping native women become more aware of breast cancer, and to teach them
how to do breast exams and why it is important to practice a good breast health
program. By arming Native women with education and knowledge of this devastating
disease they can help prevent the cancer from growing before it has a chance to.

The Society also offers support to newly diagnosed women and to women living
with the disease. Please contact the FNBCS for more information about breast cancer
or to receive the video.

"Early Detection Is Your Best Prevention"

12

MARCH 1997

UBCIC NEWS

MAP OF THE SOVEREIGN INDIGENOUS NATIONS
TERRITORIAL BOUNDARIES: JUNE, 1993

The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs’ map of the Sovereign Indigenous Nations Territorial Boundaries is the only contemporary
map that accurately shows the traditional tribal territories of the 23 Indian Nations in Bntish Columbia. The six colour map measures
28" x 36".

The tribal territories are the homelands of distinct Nations, within which their respective peoples share a common language,
culture and traditional forms of political and social organization. These homelands have been occupied by the Indian Nations since
time immemorial. Up tothe present, the Indian Nations in British Columbia have never surrendered their ownership oftheir homelands
(aboriginal title), nor have they surrendered their original sovereignty as nations to govern their homelands (inherent jurisdiction).

Information on the territorial boundaries was compiled by the Union’s research portfolio and President’s office between July,
1990 and April, 1993 from archival research and information provided by elders, chiefs, and tribal councils. Chief Saul Terry, President
of the Union and a graduate of the Vancouver College of Art (now the Emily Carr College of Art and Design), prepared the working
drafts for the map.

Design and cartography for the June, 1993 map was done by David Sami, chief cartographer of Multi Mapping Ltd. in
Vancouver, B.C., using a 1:2,000,000 scale base-map from the Surveys and Environment Branch of the Bnitish Columbia Ministry
of Environment, Lands and Parks. All territorial boundaries shown on the map are subject to further revision, as additional information
becomes available. Contact the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs at (604) 684-0231 for ordering information, _—... -—_- — ——

28" x 36" / Seale: 1:2 000 000 / Six Colours

MARCH 1997 13

UBCIC NEWS
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14 MARCH 1997

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