Author Preaches To First Nations About Governance

Author Preaches To First Nations About Governance

Thursday, July 05, 2007 at 15:38

The author of a new book questioning the relationship between Ottawa and First Nations says bands can’t wait for government to live up to its treaty obligations.

Calvin Helin, a First Nations man from B.C., says he thinks First Nations are walking a plank by relying on the Federal Government for core funding.

He says the Government has also damaged the governance system for reserves, because Chiefs and Council are forced to report to the INAC Minister for key decisions.

Helin says bands should look to the past practices of their ancestors in order to chart their future. In particular, Helin says past spiritual practices and governance structures must be re-examined.