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Vancouver, Coast Salish Territory/February 18, 2002 - Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, responded today to the Government of Canada’s latest proposal for the Independent Claims Body (ICB) by stating “It is not a proposal. It is a deliberate attempt to sabotage the work of the Chiefs Committee on Claims of the Assembly of First Nations.”

The Chiefs Committee worked with the Government of Canada to devise a process of reform for the existing specific claims process known as the Indian Claims Commission. In 1998 the Report of the Joint First Nations-Canada Task Force on Specific Claims Policy Reform was presented to then Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, Ron Irwin. A great deal of concession and creative input from First Nations went into the Joint Task Force. Chiefs from across the country met in Vancouver February 13th and 14th. They expressed overwhelming disappointment and deepening concern that the government is stepping away from the Joint Task Force on reforming the specific claims process.

In addition, a delegation of chiefs from the UBCIC met with Stephen Owen, Secretary of State for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, on February 15th to communicate their deep concerns regarding the unilateral approach of the federal government. The delegation informed the Minister that Canada’s approach to claims is based on an illegal policy, which continues to contribute to the further degradation of First Nation communities.

“Oka, Ipperwash and now Sun Peaks are instances where the specific claims process totally failed to address the specific claims and Aboriginal Title interests. The draconian approach of government is unacceptable and represents a step backwards in finding a just solution to the problems inherent in the current claims process. This is yet another refusal on the part of the government to take responsibility for their outstanding legal obligations to First Nations”, said Chief Phillip.

The proposed ICB breaches the promises of the Government’s 1993 Red Book, is in contravention of recent decisions by the Supreme Court of Canada that insist that claims be settled with the utmost of fairness, and asks First Nations to extinguish their Canadian Charter of Rights to a fair trial. The ICB model proposed by the government threatens to make the specific claims process even more cumbersome, leaving bands with no alternatives except legal action and protest. This position will be felt in BC, where over 50% of claims originate.

Chief Phillip is extremely troubled: “No reasonable person or community would accept waiting more than a decade to have their legitimate grievances heard. Our people are tired of waiting for justice to be served. In choosing to ignore key components of the Joint Task Force recommendations the government is electing to further fan the flames of resentment and frustration within our communities.”