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From the Canada East Times and Transcript

First Nations leaders consider band reform - Changes could include extended chiefs' terms, fixed election dates

December 16th, 2008

FREDERICTON - First Nations leaders in Atlantic Canada are considering major reforms to how bands are governed.

The reforms would include extending the term of service for band chiefs from two years to four, and holding elections on a set date across all bands.

John Paul, executive director of the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs, said yesterday the extended terms would allow First Nations governments to develop long strategies in economic development, infrastructure, and education.

"We really want to improve the way we govern ourselves and the election process, because until we're able to establish consistent practices of governance in all the communities then we can start making change," he said.

"That's what we're really trying to do, is find something that will create that momentum of change in our community.

Chuck Strahl, Canada's Minister of Indian Affairs, met with Paul and other First Nations leaders in Fredericton yesterday to discuss the proposed reforms, along with funding demands in advance of the federal budget expected Jan. 27.

Strahl was encouraged by the possible reforms, saying they would help the federal government and its First Nations counterparts work together.

As it stands with the current two-year term system, he said, "you can never get the same group of chiefs with the same agenda long enough to get anything done.

"Under the Indian Act, you're in constant election mode," said Strahl. "As soon as you get elected, you start campaigning for the next re-election."

The reforms being considered in Atlantic Canada, which would require legislative changes to the Indian Act, are modelled after similar reforms under way in Manitoba.

Ron Evans, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs' Grand Chief, said the changes in his province would bring much-need stability and leadership to First Nations communities.

"Two years or less does not give you the efficient time to follow through on your initiatives, and communities suffer because it takes too long to achieve progress," said Evans.

Strahl said he was open to working with First Nations leaders to help institute the changes. "What we've agreed to is to work with the chiefs here on a technical basis to see what would be required," he said.

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From Canada East Daily Gleaner

Federal minister says chiefs need longer terms of office - Two-year mandates are insufficient

By STEPHEN LLEWELLYN - December 16th, 2008

The federal government is ready to look at longer terms of office for First Nations governments, says Chuck Strahl, minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and federal interlocutor for Metis and non-status Indians.

First Nations governments in Canada are elected for two-year terms.

That makes it hard to do long-term planning, said Strahl, who was in Fredericton on Sunday and Monday.

"Under the Indian Act you are in constant election mode," he said.

"As soon as you get elected, you start campaigning for the next re-election ... Nobody can make hard decisions, tough decisions."

Economic planning and reforming the education system take more than two years, said Strahl.

He said the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs on Monday morning raised the issue in a meeting with him as one of the big impediments to making progress on several issues.

It has also been raised in Manitoba, he said.

"Improving governance of First Nations is the key to all other good results," said Strahl.

"This is coming from First Nations themselves."

He said too much time is wasted in new governments learning the ropes and getting to know other government officials.

"No one can sign a long-term contract to do anything," said Strahl.

He said other levels of government such as municipalities had the same problem of irregular terms in office.

Consistent election dates eventually came into effect, he said.

Strahl said longer terms in office would also require more accountability and transparency.

He said the change can't result in a four-year reign at First Nations communities.

He didn't say how long the term of office should be for First Nations communities. But four years is common for municipalities, he said.

"What we have agreed to is to work with the chiefs here on a technical basis see what would be required," said Strahl.

"I think we can move on it pretty quickly ... It is actually very exciting. It is very modern."

He said he has already offered new federal legislation to Manitoba chiefs for longer terms of office if there's a consensus to move ahead and issues of accountability and transparency are settled.

St. Mary's First Nation Chief Candice Paul said she liked the idea of a longer term of office.

"Two years is not long enough for planning and trying to implement things," she said Monday. "I would say it should be around three years."

Paul is in her third term as the chief of the First Nations community in Fredericton and said a two-year term means the council is more reactive than proactive.

"It is costly to have an election," she said. "We don't get funding for it."

Paul said she has no problem with more accountability and transparency but she would like more resources for better communications.

"The problem is trying to get the information out," said Paul.

"We don't have a lot of staff ... I would like to work more on that area."

Strahl also met with Premier Shawn Graham and Rick Brewer, provincial minister responsible for the Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat, on Sunday for several hours.

They talked about the upcoming First Ministers meeting next month that's going to focus primarily on the economy and infrastructure.

But that meeting will also deal with First Nations issues such as education and housing.

"If we don't address some of the issues for First Nations then it affects the entire country," said Strahl.

"It can be an impediment for economic development for large swaths of the country if we don't get it right."