When it comes to first Nations and Metis issue it is quite clear that those parties have a legal and formal relationship with the Federal as opposed to Provincial government. We cannot forget however that aboriginal individuals, at same time are also residents of the Province as well. For First Nations in particular, the status quo is really unacceptable. Although change may be needed, from a Provincial or Civic point of view, there is virtually no power to regulate, or legislate but non federal governments can and should facilitate it.
Manitoba United’s position is that we need to do more to educate and illustrate to individual band members what governance changes might be productive and possible. People need to see what best practices have worked elsewhere, what processes have been successful to capture benefit from resource development, what things can be done within the communities control to help themselves.
In order to facilitate change Manitoba United will work with any and all First Nations parties to develop a number of diverse models. Those models either academic and theoretical or grassroots pilot could be evaluated and eventually chosen or adopted by willing communities to improve the situation. We know that some locations are more ready for this exercise than others. Manitoba United believes that with the example set by the engagement and understanding of early adopters probably will offer progress. For those who choose to try something new of course there is some element of risk but after all, almost any change should be better than being stuck in the mud where we are today.
Similar to the stance Manitoba United has taken on electoral reform for Provincial and Civic matters, we are, more so than other group, ready to embrace and encourage change in governance.
In conjunction with governance change by groups of communities we would be prepared to consider representative and relationship change with the Province and its municipalities. Two examples could be offered.
1) With the size and nature of our demographics a seat should be designated both as an MLA and as a Council member for a non geographic aboriginally elected representative. 2) The moves towards urban reserves could be encouraged
Governance is important but practical delivery of services is also important. There is no good reason that we cannot support communities with illustrations of what standards rural non-aboriginal communities expect and demand. This illustration should be helpful in the process of dedicating Federal funding to address some of the worst problem areas like water and sewer or health care.
Generally the Province has sat more or less quietly on the side waiting for the Federal /First nations discussions to bring change. There is no reason that a more active role could not be undertaken.
When it comes to first Nations and Metis issue it is quite clear that those parties have a legal and formal relationship with the Federal as opposed to Provincial government. We cannot forget however that aboriginal individuals, at same time are also residents of the Province as well. For First Nations in particular, the status quo is really unacceptable. Although change may be needed, from a Provincial or Civic point of view, there is virtually no power to regulate, or legislate but non federal governments can and should facilitate it.
ReplyDeleteManitoba United’s position is that we need to do more to educate and illustrate to individual band members what governance changes might be productive and possible. People need to see what best practices have worked elsewhere, what processes have been successful to capture benefit from resource development, what things can be done within the communities control to help themselves.
In order to facilitate change Manitoba United will work with any and all First Nations parties to develop a number of diverse models. Those models either academic and theoretical or grassroots pilot could be evaluated and eventually chosen or adopted by willing communities to improve the situation. We know that some locations are more ready for this exercise than others. Manitoba United believes that with the example set by the engagement and understanding of early adopters probably will offer progress. For those who choose to try something new of course there is some element of risk but after all, almost any change should be better than being stuck in the mud where we are today.
Similar to the stance Manitoba United has taken on electoral reform for Provincial and Civic matters, we are, more so than other group, ready to embrace and encourage change in governance.
In conjunction with governance change by groups of communities we would be prepared to consider representative and relationship change with the Province and its municipalities. Two examples could be offered.
1) With the size and nature of our demographics a seat should be designated both as an MLA and as a Council member for a non geographic aboriginally elected representative.
2) The moves towards urban reserves could be encouraged
Governance is important but practical delivery of services is also important. There is no good reason that we cannot support communities with illustrations of what standards rural non-aboriginal communities expect and demand. This illustration should be helpful in the process of dedicating Federal funding to address some of the worst problem areas like water and sewer or health care.
Generally the Province has sat more or less quietly on the side waiting for the Federal /First nations discussions to bring change. There is no reason that a more active role could not be undertaken.