Some native chiefs earning more than PM

Colin Craig of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and Grand Chief Ron Evans of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs discuss the salaries of Native band leaders. They say they would like greater transparency after data shows some chiefs and council members make more money than the PM.

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Colin Craig of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and Grand Chief Ron Evans of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs appears on Canada AM from CTV studios in Winnipeg, Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010.

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Tue. Nov. 23 2010 8:29 AM ET

Some native leaders are earning 'exorbitant' amounts that outpace the country's top politician, says Colin Craig of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, and Canadians deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent.

The salary information was compiled from documents obtained from the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs through a federal access to information request filed last year.

Highlights from the data released by the CTF include:

82 aboriginal-reserve politicians were paid a tax-free equivalent higher than Prime Minister Stephen Harper's $315,462 salary last year
222 First Nations politicians earned more than the premiers of their provinces
more than 700 chiefs and councillors from across Canada took home an income equivalent to more than $100,000 off-reserve
One band member for an Atlantic Canada community of about 300 people took home $216,130 in salary, $34,000 in per diem travel expenses and "other remuneration" for a total take-home of $978,468

In an interview from Washington Tuesday, the federation's prairie director Colin Craig said the data paints a surprising picture.

"What was shocking was just how many different politicians seem to be making exorbitant amounts of money considering they were only managing small communities of a few hundred people," Craig told CTV's Canada AM.

While some reserve politicians were paid considerable sums, the documents obtained by the CTF show take-home pay varies widely among reserves and regions.

In many cases, salaries were non-existent or quite modest, with the average earning less than $60,000.

From his perspective, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Ron Evans fears the numbers will unfairly, "paint all the First Nations leaders that are doing good work out there.

"It's pretty hard to defend that. It's up to the communities of those leaders who are making those amounts to correct the situation and put measures in place," he said.

According to Evans, Canadians should bear in mind the fact aboriginal reserve politicians operate outside the political "mainstream."

"One must remember that the prime minister gets a house, gets a chauffeur (and) will get a healthy pension at the end of his term when he's no longer in office," Evans said, suggesting chiefs that earn $60,000 or less should have access to, "the same things that are in place for the mainstream politicians."

The data released by the CTF does not include the identities of any of the chiefs or councillors. Instead, the data identifies communities by population only.

The federation says, in the interest of transparency, details of all federal and band-owned enterprise income earned by First Nations leaders should be posted online.

On Monday, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs John Duncan said the government would support Conservative MP Kelly Block's private member's bill that would force First Nations leaders to disclose their income online.

Bill C-575 will be debated in the House for the first time on Thursday.

Comments are now closed for this story

Sue
said

I must say it is still like it was 50+ years ago between the indian and white man. Only now children aren't ripped from their families, cultures and beliefs (residential schools). When you have walked a mile in indian's shoes, then you can make your ignorant comments and views on how we self govern ourselves. Yes chiefs are corrupt politicians, but which politicians are not corrupt in this society today? And besides today's native people are still re-building themselves from the ridicule, self destruction, and addictions that became upon us. We did hot have these problems when we lived with the earth in harmony...until the ships came along, then all the diasease came with it.
Thank you.

Rez worker
said

I work in a band office on reserve and we all get paid what our brothers and sisters get working for the provincial or federal governments. Our chief only takes home 78k a year but she works 14-16 hours a day including weekends without benefits. Our chief gets no wages paid from Federal money..Zero! We chose to put that money to work with our children's programs. Sensationalism of this matter is totally American. If blame is to be sought out, than look to the government who has always ensured that division of First Nations people is to be done by favouring the few and letting the rest fight it out. The Fed�s have been doing this since I was a child. It is the method/tactic that governments use to take resources and rights away. I have seen ministers flying in on a private jet and shuttled around in a stretch limo for a one hour meeting. When you are talking about misuse of public funds you should take care of your own backyard first. As for the First Nation�s in our area, we don�t scam our people with outrageous wages. Chief and council�s who do are bottom line, greedy politicians. My nohkom used to say, live with no honour, die with no honour!

Kelly
said

As a status First Nations woman (who works full time and pays taxes) I fully agree that the current system needs an overhaul. Clearly the programs put in place by the government have done little to help integrate first nations into mainstream society and obtain self-sufficiency. They put money into quick fixes and dont think long term. Shame on the chiefs and others who use government money to benefit themselves and do little for their community.

To the woman who said she is surprised there is even one poor native in Canada, go educate yourself instead of making comments like that. You have no idea how isolating reserves are and the unimaginable level of poverty that many face. Do you think every first nation's pockets are loaded with government money? You can only receive many treaty benefits if you live on reserve, but many people leave because of the zero opportunity. If you dont live on a reserve, you have to pay taxes, just like any other Canadian.

Dont make ignorant comments because of a few chiefs who obviously are misappriating funds (and should be investigated and penalized) There are many other people who have used public funds for their own personal use; rarely when I read these articles do I hear such comments about their ethinicity.

Doug # BC
said

I agree with Chief Evans in that we must not tar all First Nations leaders with the same brush.It is clear by t just reading the article that many of those leaders are working hard,for extremely reasonable pay,and doing a lot to help their local governments. HOWEVER,it is incumbent on First Nations people to root out those leaders who take advantage of their positions.If non First Nations people have to do it,there will be charges of racism flying all over the place. I am one non Forst Nations person who truly believes we must alleviate poverty and improve the lives of First Nations people.They should have the same opportunity to succeed as every other Canadian.But I will not continue to support leaders who support what ammounts to fraud and theft.As a taxpayer,I am not looking to get this money back.I am looking to have it spent the way it was meant to be spent.To improve the futures of First Nations people.NOT to make a select few wealthy. I urge governments to ensure these salaries are made public in the communities in which these leaders work.And I urge First Nations people in those communities to hold their leaders accountable.Not doing so puts future funding,and support from non First Nations communities in great peril.Very few people will support excesses from any identifiable group. This IS NOT a race issue.It is about honesty and accountability.First Nations people need it just as much as the rest of us.

Doris Ironstar
said

Don't forget there are more Chiefs who have modest incomes & show that they care for their communtiies! These Chiefs are never in the news. Remember it is not you that knows what is like to be ruled by the crown & given a number. It justs another way of the government to use their own people like Colin Craig of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation to to focus on the negative & use it as bait for those who bite! You can't paint all the Chiefs with the same brush! After all we are all treaty people watch your words, tongue & thoughts!

RiverMan
said

You can't simply repeal the Indian Act. It has to be replaced with something. That's what you get for gradually stripping Canada's natives of their culture through residential schools and orphanages and sticking them on remove and disconnected reserves with few opportunities for jobs or an education.

Robert Dufaure
said

I would like for the individual's who want to talk negatively about native's too think about this??Why does the federal government pay these native leaders this astonomical amounts of money??Where do you think natives learned about hush money in the first place?? Who pays these native leaders all this money. I think you have to look at who is alocating this money in the first place, and why???

Russ
said

@anne...you bought into the propaganda and were educated in the canadian system which is one-sided and flawed to say the least. Your version of history and the arrival of the indigenous population is narrow-minded and has never been taught from an Aboriginal point of view. This argument you so tightly hold onto that we came from another continent is that of a non-indigenous point of view. Perhaps you might want to engage your government and ask them to teach relevant history. The comments posted here are tiring and repetetive. Come up with something we haven't heard before.

GHW
said

What really burns me is I work two jobs to raise my family and as a reward for my hard work and sacrificed time I pay huge taxes that gets spent on things like this. A person is better off finding ways to scam the system rather than work hard. Come on government, give me a break.

Citizen
said

I agree with a majority of the sentiments that say it is time to end the reservation system, which is very much an aparteid way of thinking. It should be one nation and one people. Canada has demonstrated conclusively that our society welcomes peoples from all backgrounds and encourages them to maintain their historic culture, without all the extra advantages claimed by the first nations. In my view though this is not something that can OR should be done overnight either. What the government has to do is state publicly that all special benefits will cease to any first nations child born after a certain date. All those currently receiving it would continue to do so. This would allow a clear transition from one system to another. Children born after that date would never have received or expect to receive those benefits, while those who currently do would not be forced to fundamentally alter their current life style or be burdened unexpectedly. Yes, it could take over 80 years for the complete transition to be accomplished, but to me it seems like the fairest way to proceed.

Phyllis Swan
said

It's not enough that we have to overcome all kinds of adversity (hope it's the right word) while trying to maintain our Indianism. Now everyone knows that Indian politicians are the same as anywhere else. Wasn't it not too long ago that there was a big stink about politicians giving themselves big hefty raises? And during our "economic difficulties"? All I can say is SHAME ON YOU CHIEFS, and while crying shortfunding. People like these "Chiefs" we don't need. We need genuine LEADERS to represent us. Leader who really do CARE! But it's the same the world over I suppose. So sad.

Lz in Edmonton
said

Wow. Sign me up. I was born in Canada so I am a native too right? I am sure all the natives are paid as well in their respective communities for the fine work they are doing. If you had one or two chiefs making that kind of money, you could over look it, but this is almost systemic. Political correctness aside, WTH are we gonna do about this?

kmatwick
said

This is old news is it not?
And why is the pot being stirred right now.
Steve will cook his own goose in time.But I won't be having any of it.
We need newer, younger people running all levels of government today.
Goodbye to the old guard, bring on the new.

STAN
said

Why am I not surprized?I am amazed that there is any room left at the trough.That poor camels back(and mine)is about to break.

Terry
said

There must be an end point to this ridiculous and intolerable situation. Here's what we do. Get rid of the Indian Act. Set a date 20 years from now when all reserves become an equivalent to a municipality and all band members become equal citizens of Canada and their Province with all rights and responsibilities inherent therein. Problem solved. No racism, direct or reverse. We all become 100% equal in every sense of the word.

Rolly Bettse
said

Let's correct of few things.
First the amounts paid out annually to the "native" population, thanks to the "Indian Act", exceeds $14 Billion.

Mr Chretien should be heartily commended for his fine work in helping the "native" population.

As one poster pointed out there are not that many people who are of pure native blood, but "status" Indians gain many tax advantages,

The "Indian Act" should be repealed NOW!
The people who need help are NOT getting it.

Raj
said

And they let their peolpe live in poverty. We have paid( over the years) billions to aboriginals, where does it all go.Stop that gravy train!!!

Chuck
said

This is not new news, what would be news is if the Gov actually did something about it. Like Will I am also a Status Indian. I have always lived off reserve like more than half of the status indians in the country. I pay property taxes, served in the CF (i'm a veteran), and am self employed. I have earned any pension i will recieve. I do vote on my home reserve. But I too am sick of thinking where more than 11 billion goes when half of the 3 mill status indians recieve no or next to no benefits. Off Reserve Indians recieve little or no support from INAC or thier bands.How big is INAC? I too call for the repeal of the existing Indian Act and accountability. Some of you should note that on reserve natives, who have no jobs,no hope, and no property, still will not be contributing to the tax base of thier municpality. A Tax free income does not exist for many of them, so going by this article, only a thousand or so would face taxation. Just a thought.

VIBrad
said

Most charities are honorable organizations where you know your donations are going to directly help the cause. This is a charity that I HAVE to donate to (First Nations) and I know my money is just going to waste. In a country that prides itself on multiculturalism and equal opportunity, lets level the playing field and bring some actual success for the First Nations people everywhere. Not just the chiefs and politicians.

BigD Out West
said

And is it anyu wonder why there i no money left for the Reserves to make improvements for a better life for all!High time the cheifs saleries are legislated!

Bob
said

Native people in Canada will never secure a respected place in this society if they are given handouts from the time of their birth..The government should phase out these handouts so that Native people can proudly stand on their own 2 feet !The only ones that would likely complain are the greedy ones who are of no help to their own people.

Robert Sheehy
said

Maybe some of the chiefs are worth more money than the control freak that we're currently saddled with?

Intelligent Liberal
said

Maybe if Harper was Aboriginal Native then he would deserve more money too, but Harper didn''t have to go to residential school and be told you have to live in a house that the government built plus white people taking all the fish and charging for smokes when they should be free.

Rob AB
said

And now you know why there is poverty , the chiefs take all the money and their people suffer. Kind of like our federal government. Nothing changes. Great to be a Canadian working tax payer.

charlie
said

Hmmmmm - perhaps we should study how matters were handled in Bell, California, while we debate how to approach these matters.

George in Calgary
said

James you are quite right when aboriginal groups at the local level can hold up development. Blocked roads or threats of blocked roads only amout to extortion. I have seen it. And what does the government do? Nothing, absolutely nothing (maybe they get some kickbacks?). It is time for Canadians to stand up and take the bull by the horns and say enough is enough. The treaties should be framed and hung on the wall afterall if the wording in Tom Sawyer can be changed then so can the treaties.

Jeremy
said

Yes, if Native's wish to have a pension, start paying taxes. Like it was mentioned above by someone else, Pensions are tax deferral programs. I would love to give every native politician a pension, just agree to pay income tax, provincial tax, property tax, and on and on and on.

Karen
said

Thank you, Will. A voice of reason. What is shameful is that these "leaders" are screwing THEIR OWN PEOPLE by being so corrupt. I was raised around the rez (although I am considered Caucasian), and so many people are wanting to improve conditions for ALL, that is is embarrassing that a select FEW can ruin it for everyone. I believe that it is time the Indian Act be repealed, and the benefits of being a CANADIAN be given to all, and the responsibilities of being a CANADIAN be taken on by all.

George in Calgary
said

Right on Will!!!! I remember an elder being interviewed in Yellowknife back in the 1990's and the topic was basically about this topic. When asked what can be done he merely stated "take the silver spoon out of our mouths". He understood that the worst thing that is happening to aboriginal youth is the ready access to unlimited amounts of cash which is a disincentive to lead productive lives. However we can see that even the elders are no longer listened to so that traditional form of leadership has already disappeared.Will you are not a racist; you are a person with common sense, something that is terribly lacking when it comes to politics in this country.

Robert B
said

I wonder what the drinking water Situation is, On those reserves, where the So Called Chiefs make more than the Prime Minister, who by the way, is elected by all the people of Canada, and who answers to all the people not just a personal little segment of the Population!!

Buckanear
said

It's the nature of the beast. Human beings are greedy and will step on every head necessary to get to the top. Cpt. Jame T. Kirk summarized the human condition as this: "Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely". And in my opinion there are no excepts to this rule that I've ever witnessed.So what are the politicians doing about this? Out of sight out of mind? Or, the blind leading the blind? Why does it take the media to expose this gross abuse of public funds? No wonder nobody trusts politicians.

CraigW
said

Stands to reason, most native chiefs are more competent than Harper. Really, how hard can your job be when all you do is what the U.S. tells you to?

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

With "friends" like non-native Canadians, do First Nations people really need enemies? (Gee, I thought that the grand gift of "gaming" and allowing aboriginal people to benefit from casino operations was going to enrich them, right across the board.) Isolation, poverty, alcoholism, land claims purposely unsettled by our federal and provincial governments, and the continuing warm embrace of "special status" renders our contribution to First Nations people staggering in its damaging worthlessness. That native folks at the top are doing nicely should shock only a fool. Sure; let's not change a thing. It all works lovely.

Curt
said

Listen this ain't supporting any of the comments listed However, I must add a few lines to clarify that not all FIRST NATIONS are involved with that. Everyone's the same they look at all the bad instances and turn it around to make other people look bad. People you have to remember we were here before you and we never made these rule your people did. I am 100% First Nations and I really think that those Chiefs that are stealing their peoples money is their fault because their people elect them into office. Also, I think they are only copying from previous leaders in our Country! I don't think we abuse the system look at all the good things casinos do for the cities they are in and the sports teams they support and other community programs! Let's look at the good rather than dwell on these stupid stories. Put those in the paper's! Just a thought if their people don't see that then they are to blame too. I'm sorry if I sound straight out but that's Cree in me! Have a good day!

Cameron
said

I agree with Will. The repeal the Act is very long overdue, and we need to put together something more palatable for the general public and taxpayer. It's been such a mishmash of ideas which haven't any real transparency nor logic, and, too fraught with a poor philosophy respecting their endless chant that we owe them forever. The deviousness and corruption which goes on amongst, and against their own, is nothing less than criminal-crimes which would have us in prison for the rest of our lives!!!Stop the insanity, now! Create intelligent responsible programmes which have equality, fairness, and shared by the many, not just by the inner circle few! And quit shirking our responsibilities by handing over control to the bloody bandits; goons; and bullies... don't forget, the others have no where to run, and they have to kowtow to these tyrannic mobsters. Its a no wonder the First Nation peoples have the highest per capita of substance abuse, rape, incest, infant mortality, and low morals regards to themselves and of any others; and their survival tactics is paramount to the exploitations of the jungle, and their values can be less than how spittle is regarded. We can't simply walk away, we have to fix what might have been considered morally correct, but we need to have the intestinal fortitude to stand up and be counted, and put our foot down on any absurdities and stand up to their negotiating bullies who attempt to best us by intimidation.Cameron

Kevin Fleming
said

I do believe it is past time we overhaul the relationship between Canada and our native populace. Corruption appears to be rising in some areas where the leaders take advantage of many avenues to increase their take home pay. There should be a standard pay scale and adjustments to it for larger or smaller communities, and a cap on how much the government will pay for travel and such. It is truly sad to watch some of the news related to the bands and how some clearly rip off the system, while the rest suffer with horrible conditions in what basically amounts to a prison-like environment. I guess they have caught the bug from the white man of greed.

Josey Wales
said

I really cannot imagine anyone being surprised at this finding?Our elitists have had a blank cheque in their hands since Liberals got involved in this quagmire of racial segregation...and that is EXACTLY what it is!CBC is sooooooooooooooooooooo biased with stories pertain to the delusional elitists whom actually believe they own this "Turtle Island" and whitey.....we rent from them....OK whatever.Darwin is at work here in this scene called first peoples....you can adapt to your world which surrounds you....or in time you will be a blip in history.the same can be said for all humans and animals too.

shannon girard
said

I recently went through a reserve in Manitoba and was angry at how impoverished the aboriginal people were. We would not tolerate this any other culture in Canada, why is it so easy to put aboriginals in the back forty. Now we discover that not only do we discard there value, but we allow the wolves in their own communities to further take away from the people in these communities. Thats an outrage!!!! If the politicians are receiving there pay from the canadian goverment just as the mainstream politicians do, then they should be kept in check, just as a mainstream politicians are. And, for anyone to say that its up to the communities to take care of it, is even more of an outrage.

Darren
said

I agree with you mr. Dene, However, you have to agree that there has to be a transition period. We need to get our people into life skills, learning how to act in a city. They need to learn how to cross streets, They need to learn how to stay our of the crime areas, they need to learn how to get a job and budgetting. take the money away from the Chief's and Concellors and give it to the tribal councils with a mandate to train and create programs for their people, maybe have a welcome program where a worker goes to meet the First Nation people that are migrating to the city. Show them a list of services that are free and available to help them in this BIG transition, let's face it, some of our people are institutionalized by the Rez.That's all I have to say in the matter.`

Randy, London
said

Where is the oversight on those paying this much money. This is absolutely unacceptable. Time for the Indian Act to be abolished. Are all Canadians not equal?

Conservative Greed
said

Harper's response? Pay himself more.

We're dealing with birds of a feather here.

kyle p
said

agreed!

Lorne
said

ABSOLUTELY RIDICULUS!!!!!!We wonder why there is such a feeling by Canadians towards aboriginal people. This is one reason why racism exists in today's society.By the way, the PM makes too much for what he does as well.

Bryn
said

Well said Will. I also have native roots, and feel that we need to quit making aboriginals "special". The principles of making the reserves separate from the rest of the country was so that they could maintain their way of life. It sounds good, but what they're doing now is nowhere near what the traditional ways were. The buffalo have changed from being an animal with four legs to becoming a job. You can't tell me that the people of the reserves have pride in themselves. What goals do they have? What pride in accomplishment do they have? When you have nothing to achieve, how can you have pride? We're killing off the pride of all of these nations. It's time to change that.

Lila
said

To Commenter "Will"I commend you for your comment. It is utterly ridiculous that we have two separate rules for Canadian citizens based on race/ethnicity. If Indian citizens enjoy using our roads, our hospitals, our schools, then they should be contributing to our government taxes.Continuing to marginalize them, by apparently giving them advantages, is only serving to further maintain a divided nation. We are one nation of Canadians, who celebrates all heritages as CANADIANS. Use of Canadian services requires paying Canadian taxes.

James
said

The treaties in this country have created a situation of mob (mafia) rule with aboriginals and contain toatlly antiquated tax laws. Public services like health care and many infrastructures are extremely burdened and yet the aboriginal community still gets away with not paying their fair share of taxes trhough one treaty or another that gives them exemption or re-imbursement. The feds need to start a full audit on bands to expose what amounts to full blown abuse.Many bands hold development companys at ransom for cash in order to obtain their support as stackholders without any actual involvement other than cash collection. That amounts to no more than extortion and needs to end.

Anne
said

And who is surprised? Close the reservations and become a productive part of Canada, I simply do not understand why this continues. We do not owe them any more, I'm as much a native of Canada as they are, and by the way, their ancesters came here from another continent as well so enough already.

RJ in Halifax
said

I think that Will may well represent a large proportion of Aboriginal people who are also fed up with the abuses of their elecetd leaders. While there is also abuse by non-Aboriginal politicians, at least those are held more accountable, with stringent audits of their salaries and expenses. It seems ludicrous that the mayor of Halifax, NS, who represents 400,000 people, makes only one-sixth of what a Nova Scotia chief who represents 300 people - less then 1% of the Halifax population. It's time to hold aborignal reservations accountable for the funds they receive from all levels of government, in the same way public politicians are held accountable.

chel in the Peg
said

@ Will - you're not racist, you're just making sense.

Tom
said

What makes this especially worrisome is in most cases the people making these funds have limited education and social skills, and would have a hard time managing a 7-11.Where are the checks and balances. It seems the native people have an open checkbook to spend and steal from the .public coffers. Lets put a stop to it. One Canada, One people

Niagara George
said

In the world of today, we glorify those who make vast amounts of money. The incomes of business leaders, athletes and entertainers fill the media and set a tone that is impossbile to achieve, but too many seek their undeserved incomes. It is little wonder that people who have the opportunity, put their hands in the cookie jar.

Troy Gould
said

No, let us choose our fate the real Treaty Beneficiaries, many of the Mi'kmaq Chiefs are not L'nuk in genealogy they are non L'nuk/Indian. A large group of us went under ground several years ago with information, damning information we collected and stole out of every band office, of fraud, money laundering, corruption, there is HARDCORE evidence against these corrupt people! Our oldest elders know all our family trees, and they set out a challenge, Name one L'nuk in the 13 Chiefs?! "There are no L'nu in the 13 Chiefs of the KMK Mi'kmaq Rights initiative" They explained. We couldn't because she and many elders know our entire family trees. You cannot wave away our Treaties like that, just prosecute these over fed PIGS.

Not Pc Anymore
said

Time to end the apartheid in Canada and abolish the Indian Act all together. One nation, One people. ALL equal before the eyes of the law. The people of Canada, of all types of DNA, have had the �traditional belief of the First Nation�s People�s� is that nothing can be individually owned shoved down our throats for the last 30 years, I fully expect the First Nations to come back assuring us that the MILLIONS of TAX DOLLER�S being paid to these people are shared 100% on the reservations to the benefit of the whole tribe. Yeah right. Again time to make sure there is one rule for all. Set standard wages based on amount of people in the community the politicians (Native and every other DNA in Canada) are serving and the level of responsibility (ie local, provincial, federal). Make it universal across Canada.

Darkoak
said

I agree with Will 100%. If bands want the perks of society for their band chiefs then they need to become part of society as a whole.

Pat
said

I assume these huge salaries come from the tax payers of Canada. The gov't spends about 11 billion a year on Natives...this should stop. The Natives rake in millions from casinos, illegal cigatette sales and billions in land claim settlements. With all this money one has to wonder why there is even one "poor" Native in Canada. Where is all this money going?

Jason in Edmonton
said

The call for pensions for aboriginal leaders is an odd one. The pension system, as it exists today, is a tax deferral measure. It provides a means for employers to compensate employees on a tax-deferred basis. Fundamental to all this is the idea that taxes are paid in the first place. So, a call for pensions is also a call for integration into the same Income Tax system other Canadians are subject to. Be careful what you wish for.

Brian In Sarnia
said

Certainly there are issues with anyone of any culture when given a chance for corruption. Why are we surprised that some human beings take advantage of the system? My fear is that it not only paints a negative light on other native leaders who live fairly, but it also casts a negative light on natives in general. There are many children who do without in hundreds of communities. By doing without, I mean basic food, shelter, heat, shoes, etc. The perception will be that they or their parents have a choice, when in fact they are being taken advantage of and lied to by their own leaders. It kind of sounds like any city or town in mainstream Canada.

Will
said

Just another example of the corruption found on the Res. Time to repeal the Indian Act, bring our citizens of aboriginal ancestory fully into mainstream society, meaning: no more special status, full responsibilities of citizenship-the same as every other Canadian (taxes, public service, criminal, civil & conservation laws) - EVERYTHING. There will be some that will scream racist at me but I AM a Canadian who is also Aboriginal (Dene) !

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It is about time - as a grandparent I have watched our kids (who were allowed to fail although I do remember some nagging on our part) learn, I have watched our children now micro-manage their children. A big part of it is the fact that there are predators out there and an extreme reluctance on the parents part to alllow freedom that might result in the children becoming victims.

Harvey

Parents must learn to stop meddling, author urges

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