In this paper we propose new and expanded programs and services for our people, and more delegation of authority to the local level to enable Questions on page 4 us to achieve optimum development of our human and our land resources at a pace consistent with our own plans. We need major increases in F Q social and economic programs to help us in our adjustment to a rapidly Y changing society and increasing provincial services without prejudice Think about sources we've read in the past few weeks. Can you draw any similarities between what's to continued federal commitments. It is necessary for the Federal gov- being said here, and what was said in some other sources we've encountered in HIST 102? ernment to provide certain services for Indians but it is not necessary Explain. less for the government to administer these services. There is no need for us to be deprived of self-determination merely because we receive federal monetary support, nor should we lose federal support because we reject What do you think of this idea? What do you think might be an example of what Indigenous people federal control. We now want to make decisions, in the administration are thinking of here? of our affairs, to select and control programs in a voluntary manner with the right of retrocession. We need a new and continued Federal government commitment for our people and for our lands. How does this document so far contrast with the federal government's failed White Paper of 1969? Separately, how does it contrast with the Dene Declaration of 1975? less SELF-DETERMINATION Cultural pluralism is a source of national strength. Canada has a cosmo- How would you define this term? What does this mean, to you? politan population and we are proud of our part in it. We are proud of our cultural heritage, of our unique status and confident of the significant cultural contribution our people can contribute to the growth of this There is a debate about this source. The debate is about whether or not this Declaration by the nation. Our record is one of enormous contribution to this country, to UBCIC is a radical document, or a conservative and patriotic document. What do you think? Looking its art and culture, to its strength and spirit, to its history and to its sense at this paragraph here (in tandem with other parts of the source), do you think this source is radical of purpose. Would this Federal government deny us the opportunity to and forward-thinking, or do you instead see more 'patriotic' & 'conservative' appeals? less 1 participate in Canadian cultural pluralism, to determine by our acts and our decisions what part we want to play in Canada's future? The Federal government seems intent on raping our culture and unique status, on Consider the language in this part of the document. How does the UBCIC declaration contrast with wanting to destroy our identity as Indians. We reject this philosophy other documents we've looked at in this course so far? For instance, Chaput, from last week? Or the and demand our rightful place in society as INDIANS. We demand the views of Joey Smallwood in Week 7? (Or others?). less right to determine our own destiny without jeopardizing our aboriginal rights and our special relationship with the Federal government. Various policies are required to safeguard our unique Indian status and to preserve our valuable contribution to the multicultural ethnic structure of our nation. We demand that the two senior governments assume their rightful obligations and take appropriate urgent measures in their respective areas of jurisdiction to improve our economic and social conditions to permit us to survive and to grow with pride and a full stomach. We urge a greater allocation of resources to us to enable us18 BC STUDIES Questions on page 6 Q 6. Complete and continued consultation with us during revision of pertinent legislation, and in setting policy on These are a really interesting list of Indigenous grievances against the federal government, but it is all matters affecting Indians by both senior governments not an exhaustive list. They've left some very important issues off the table. Can you think of any other issues the UBCIC might have included to drive home the point about Indigenous including revision and alteration of existing programs. suffering? less Do 7. Assumption of government administration at the local level. Consider Point #7 here and Point # 8 as well. Would you say this is a document that wants more autonomy (independence) for Indigenous people? Or is it one that wants more government 8. A continued Federal government commitment to our people. involvement? Which, on balance, is the UBCIC mainly arguing for in your opinion? less 9. Equal rights and opportunities in all spheres of public Consider this last paragraph here. Would you say this Declaration by the UBCIC is more of a liberal- activity; economic, educational, health, social, cultural, civic, individualist document, or more of a collectivist/socialist document? What is its overall political bent? less and political. 10. Improved services and programs. Above all, we as responsible individual citizens, as responsible band councils, as responsible representatives on the Chief's Council want to contribute to our own personal and co-operative group improvements, and want to co-operate with governments in determining how best to solve our many problems ...to develop our lands and our people, to enable us to better participate in the "Good Life" of British Columbia and in the "Just Society" of Canada. Questions on page 5 It is evident that legislation for Indians is necessary and that the present Indian Act is unsuitable. New legislation and/or constitutional F Q changes must provide us with educational and economical opportunity, and must provide more power and authority at the local level. The real This line here is a dig at Pierre Trudeau, the Prime Minister at the time, who gave a speech declaring issue is not revision of the Indian Act but recognition of the rights that that Canada should be a "Just" society (a society with justice). You can see a short clip of Trudeau have been denied us since Confederation and to enact constitutional saying this term here: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1797431608. Meanwhile Trudeau was also the legislation to guarantee these rights. We wish to pursue these rights in honourable negotiations and to have them provided to us without the main author of the much hated White Paper. So, how is this comment here a subtle "dig" at Trudeau? Explain. less need for harried confrontations. We need legislation that will reverse the present paternalistic attitude of the Federal government, but the new arrangements entered into with This line is really important. Consider what the Indian Chiefs of Alberta said in the Citizens Plus (Red the Federal government must not jeopardize in any way settlement of Paper) document that we learned about in the lecture. How does the UBCIC here differ with the the aboriginal rights issue, and all rights due us as original citizens. Indian Chiefs of Alberta in their assessment of the Indian Act? Explain. less New legislation must reflect the real intent of past government obligations. It must guarantee Government commitments to its treaties, to its legislative commitments, and to verbal promises. It must provide Here's a term we've encountered before in this course on one or two occasions. Paternalism. What the basis for equality and opportunity and reflect mutual trust and does it mean? And why does the UBCIC use it here to describe the federal government? Explain. less understanding. It must provide consideration for all people of Indian ancestry regardless of bureaucratic classification, and we must play a major role in defining these new commitments. What sorts of claims do you think they are talking about? (Feel free to use a bit of Googling to help Areas of concern to which governments must now address themselves are: you out). 1. Settlement of claims for the province of British Columbia. Y 2. Recognition of the various Indian nations. 3. Recognition of all rights due Indians such as: land title, foreshore, water and riparian rights, forest and timber, hunting and fishing on a year-round basis, mineral and petroleum, and all other rights basic to Indian life that are acquired hereditary, historical; usufructuary, moral, human or of legal obligation. 4. Establishment of an unbiased claims commission which will recognize these native rights and prepare just compensation awards for settlement of all land and other native claims. 5. Reconciliation of injustices done by the imposition of restrictions by all forms of Federal/Provincial legislation.November 17, 1970 Questions on page 1 F Q PREAMBLE T HAT INDIANS HAVE SURVIVED the first one hundred years of What does the Declaration mean by this last part? How is the federal government doing this with the Canada's history is miraculous indeed. This struggle has been "stroke of a pen"? What does this mean? less handicapped by an apathetic, intolerant, and now intolerable Federal government and by totally incapable and ruthless Provincial Discuss the meaning of "special relationships" here. What does it mean? What does it connote? governments. Governments generally have been disinterested in our problems and now the Federal government proposes to absolve themselves of any responsibility for our people by one stroke of the pen: the final On the one hand, the UBCIC is saying Indigenous people have a "historic relationship" with the Canadian government; on the other hand, they are saying they are and want to be treated as citizens. stroke to cover all sins of omission and commission. We Indians in British Columbia reject the Federal government white Which of the following models of cross-cultural encounter best represent this idea: assimilation, integration, or segregation? Explain. less paper policy on Indians released in June, 1969. We disagree with any unilateral attempt by government to extricate itself from its obligations for our people. The special relationships that have developed through Indians and the Federal government carries immense moral and legal force. To terminate this relationship would be no more appropriate than to terminate the citizenship rights of any other Canadian. This historic relationship cannot be abridged without our consent. Instead, we propose a renewed constitutional commitment in light of modern conditions and we expect these and prior commitments to be honoured as any honourable sovereign nation should do for its citizens. The principles and policies outlined herein are a record upon which our people believe overall legislation affecting Indians should be based without prejudice to our claims generally. These principles are suggested in good faith to avoid the kind of mistakes frequently made in the past by the Federal government for decisions and policies made without our direct involvement. These principles will benefit our people and are intended to improve Canadian unity, to bring the Indian and non-Indian peoples closer together