"Indian Act Keeping Native Peoples from Equality in Canada: Leader"

EDMONTON (CP) - Canada's outdated and "discriminatory" Indian Act is keeping natives from becoming free and equal players in Canada, says a native leader.

Roy Louis is a self-described "strong treaty Indian, a strong Albertan and a strong Canadian" and former president of the Indian Association of Alberta.

He told a provincial committee looking into national unity and constitutional reform Tuesday that the paternalistic attitude toward natives must end.

"As a Cree Albertan, I feel true unity for our country cannot be accomplished until there is a real, tangible equality for native Canadian."

Larry Werner, a resident of Camrose, Alta., said native Canadians' concerns should be as high on the agenda as Quebec's desires when the Constitution is reopened.

Louis said despite Alberta's efforts to promote relevant initiatives for native people, "Indian people are angry, frustrated and growing very impatient."

They can't do things other Canadians take for granted, such as buy and sell land, start a business, or spend their resource income without going to Ottawa for permission, he said.

And the issues which erupted into last year's military stand off at Oka, Que., continue to threaten Canadian harmony. The panel was told by several presenters that native land claim promises must be fulfilled.