Miscellaneous

There have been many efforts at finding support amongst First Nations to amend the Indian Act, with strong push back from Canada. It is an antiquated federal Act which demands a whole new approach to self- government rather than trying to amend it. It is like trying to tweak a crumbling house. If the foundation and the walls are failing, it is better to tear it down and rebuild, on a new foundation.

All three governments have a vested interest in ensuring the success of KFN’s treaty, therefore, the treaty commitment needs to be clear, fair and implemented within the spirit and interest of treaty. There will also be a 15 year review period and a dispute resolution chapter. If governments do not honour the treaties, the treaties provide the legal remedies.

To start with it was under the current system that the residential schools were allowed to happen. This all happened under the Indian Act and under the “protection” of the Minister of Indian Affairs. The potlatch system was also banned under the Indian Act. Also, we do not own our lands. We are “allowed” to live on Indian Reserves, as long as Canada will allow, in the way Canada requires. We do not make our own laws, and are always subject to the whim of the Minister of Indian Affairs. For example, the entire residential school process was because of the Indian Act. And because we do not own our lands, economic development is difficult. Most Indian Reserves become Islands of poverty and abuse surrounded by an ocean of wealth. We need to change this. But some people like the way things are, because they are used of it.

This is a good question, and it is something that only the K’ómoks people can answer. To some extent we discussed this in the Comprehensive Community Plan, you might want to look at the provisions that deal with culture. We are trying to revive the culture through the dancers as well as hunter programs. There are programs for our youth like the Junior Hunters Program, and others that embrace our cultures. It would also be beneficial to get youth and elders together and ask for guidance on this issue.

This is an extremely hypothetical question, based on a worst-case scenario. The treaty does not contemplate failure, and it does not contemplate returning to the Indian Act. A failure of this magnitude would be something that governments and financial institutions would want to avoid. Any remedies for such a situation would depend on the specific circumstances at that time. The International Monetary Fund is not applicable to First Nations, but there will likely be other remedies available if this happens. There is currently no fund to “bail out” Indian Bands if they go bankrupt.