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HOST: Dawna Friesen; Dan Matheson
GUEST: Allen Garr, CKNW Radio; Mike Scott, Aboriginal Affairs Critic, Reform Party of Canada; Gordon Wilson, Progressive Democratic Alliance
FRIESEN: The Nisga'a First Nation will make history today. They will initial the first-ever comprehensive modern-day treaty in British Columbia. But along with all the celebrations there's also fierce debate. For an explanation of the treaty and what all the controversy is I'm joined now from New Aiyansh, the heart of the Nisga'a First Nation, by Allen Garr of Vancouver's CKNW radio.
Good morning, Allen.
GARR: Hi, Dawna. How are you?
FRIESEN: Well. So, many are calling this the most advanced form of aboriginal government in Canada but it's under siege from a number of opponents. What's the atmosphere like there now? Is it one of celebration or a bit of trepidation?
GARR: Oh, I think -- well, in the background there may be some trepidation but today it's definitely one of celebration. People will be coming from all over the country, certainly from all over the province, to see this. Native leaders and non-native political leaders alike will be gathering here to see the first time we've come this close to native self-government. And I think generally this community is filled with joy.
FRIESEN: So, just a thumbnail of the tangible aspects. It's about 200 square kilometres of land, about 500-million dollars in cash and land transfers and other things. But I guess it's the rights that really rile opponents of this treaty. Can you give us a primer on what rights the Nisga'a will get?
GARR: Well, first of all, they will have the right to totally control the 2,000 square kilometres of land. They'll be able to control their own justice system, they'll be able to arrange to control things like adoption, their marriages, they'll have control over education and their own government. And that is what bothers people. They're wondering whether this will mean a loss of jobs for them and jobs for Nisga'a.
But what the Nisga'a are saying is that without self-government, without the control of their resources they really can't break the dependency that's held them captive. And you see that in places like New Aiyansh where the unemployment rate is 60 percent,...