INAC Responds To Case Of Cashing In Treaty Status

INAC Responds To Case Of Cashing In Treaty Status

Friday, August 19, 2005 at 17:17

An official with Indian Affairs says a recent request by a First Nations man to cash in his treaty status is much more complex than he apparently thinks.

A report in the Regina Leader-Post this week said Dennis Pratt of the Gordon First Nation was trying to give up his Indian status because he did not believe he was receiving adequate benefits.

The report also indicated he was seeking a cash settlement.

INAC’s Ray Hatfield says there was a time when First Nations people could become disenfranchised and give up their status.

However, he says Bill C-31 effectively ended that and the process Pratt is asking for currently does not exist.

He adds they also do not have any plans or framework to accommodate any bands seeking to make the same kind of deal.