AFN Talks of Scrapping Indian Act

AFN Talks of Scrapping Indian Act

Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 14:04

 

 

The Assembly of First Nations National Chief says the work the AFN is doing is reflective of what’s happening at the grassroots level.

 

Chief Shawn Atleo addressed the AFN today at its Annual General Assembly happening in Winnipeg this week.

 

He says direction is coming from chiefs and their 200 First Nations who are negotiating comprehensive claims and seeking to get out of the Indian Act.

 

Some chiefs have cautioned that while there may come a time in the near future to get out of the Indian Act,

it also provides rights for First Nations people, and say there needs to be a clear exit strategy.

 

Meantime the chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations says he’s in favour of scrapping the Indian Act within 5 years time.

 

At the same time Guy Lonechild says he realizes the federal government could take the opportunity to ramp up tax-collection efforts from bands.

 

He says First Nations must be ready either way.

 

Lonechild says fiscal transfers like the ones enjoyed by the provinces should be looked at when the act is phased out.