Indian Affairs Accused Of Slowing Reserve Creation

Indian Affairs Accused Of Slowing Reserve Creation

Monday, May 12, 2008 at 15:08

Some First Nations are hoping Indian and Northern Affairs Canada speeds up reserve creation in this province.

Around 30 chiefs and band councillors met with the Auditor General’s department on Friday in Saskatoon to discuss suggestions on how INAC can speed up the process.

One of those attending the meeting was Carl Kennedy, a band councillor at the Little Pine First Nation.

He says the longer it takes to give land reserve status, the more money it is costing in consulting fees and economic opportunities lost.

The FSIN says the process should take around one year, but estimates it often takes about five years.

The group recommended Indian Affairs follow the timelines given, and have less turnover in its land management branch.