Editor:
The Indian Act is a detestable law. Yet, the law provides a uniform legal structure for the governance of Canada's native bands with all of the same powers as municipalities (subject to ministerial approval), including the contentious matter of commercial development.
So, I am slightly baffled by Tsawwassen Chief Kim Baird's assertion in the Vancouver Sun that "we couldn't achieve that [the mall proposal] under the Indian Act..."
Canada's natives live in a legal quandary. Whether they operate under the Indian Act or negotiate a treaty, they must engage with the federal government to obtain what they need.
The Tsawwassen band has taken a colossal gamble on an undertaking, whether it fails or succeeds, that will be a blight on the horizon. A more incremental approach to economic development would be more practical.
It is a sad irony that a native community has chosen to desecrate the remnants of their land. When you finally possess power, it can change your attitude completely.
This proves that natives and the majority population are both fallible. No nation can claim a monopoly on wisdom.
Steven Austin
