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"Banishing the Indian Agent" - Choices for Change:
Restoring First Nation Governments

National Gathering to be Convened for the
AFN - INAC Joint Initiative in Lands and Trust Services

Historic Opportunity for First Nation Leaders
Time to go Back to the Future
News and Comment by Tehaliwaskénhas - Bob Kennedy

©Turtle Island Native Network
"Banishing the Indian Agent" - Choices for Change: Restoring First Nation Governments - National Gathering to be Convened for the AFN/INAC Joint Initiative in Lands and Trust Services - It is a provocative title for what is sure to be an interesting gathering. Ontario Vice Chief Tom Bressette has announced a national gathering for all First Nations to examine the work of the AFN/INAC Joint Initiative for Policy Development (Lands and Trust Services). The conference will be held June 6-9, 2000 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba."When First Nations take more control over the activities that affect our daily lives, we are working to banish that ‘Indian Agent’ mentality – the notion that we have to wait for the government to tell us what to do, when to do it, and how to do it.We know what is best for our people, our communities and our nations," said Vice Chief Bressette. "The Joint Initiative is about First Nations taking the opportunity to identify priorities and issues and finding the best ways to address their basic governing needs. It is about creating a First Nations driven approach to doing business with the Department of Indian Affairs." Delegates at the conference will have an opportunity to review and evaluate the work of the Joint Initiative. Discussion papers for the major areas in the Lands and Trust Services sector will be available – areas like Membership, Elections, Indian Monies, Additions to Reserves and the Environment. More importantly, there will be information and discussion about the fiduciary relationship implications – examining the relationship and protecting the positive elements – and issues related to costing and capacity.First Nations delegates will discuss "choices for change" and ideas for improving the way that lands and governance issues should be dealt with locally."The discussion papers will bring together all the input from our focus groups, research and the regional involvement process," said Vice Chief Bressette. "The Initiative has been active to some degree in every region of the country. Bringing all this information together is a major challenge, but we are on track and ready for June. It promises to be a unique, interesting and exciting time."Winnipeg was chosen because it is a central location on Turtle Island, and has long served as a meeting place for First Nations. A delegate from each First Nation will be invited to attend the gathering. This is Turtle Island Native Network ...Your Aboriginal News and Information Network.
News and Information

Click on photo for the announcement
or on the Agenda headline below
for more details on the gathering

AFN Ontario Vice Chief Tom Bressette
announced a national gathering for all First Nations

AGENDA - Banishing the Indian Agent - Choices for Change:
Restoring First Nation Governments

AFN's Background on the Joint Initiative

INAC's Background on the Joint Initiative

Gatherings