The subvention to the NTC is grossly inadequate

Dec 05, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
The National Toshaos Council Executive recent press conference has opened the doors to an expansive debate on the proposed $16 million subvention that is supposed to “self-sufficient” fund the representative body of Indigenous Peoples for the Year 2018.
The atmosphere under which the sum has been considered, speaks volumes of how the present administration, like its predecessor, is trying to financially stifle and control the NTC. The NTC is a constitutional body and must not fall prey to those who wish to control it for their own political purposes.
It is with compassion and support for the NTC that I raise these concerns to the persons responsible for this prejudiced situation. One can fully tell that the proposed allocation was pre-meditated and cleverly manipulated by those responsible. The main purpose was for the NTC to be dependent on the Government. Over the years, numerous calls have been made for the NTC to exercise its independence.
How can $16 million be sufficient to fund a body that represents over 200 Indigenous communities with a combined population of over 70,000 Indigenous peoples in the hinterland regions and on the coastlands? The Chair of the NTC had made it quite clear that it costs almost $4 million to hold a quarterly Executive meeting. Funding is limited to cater for four quarters and outreaches to communities that continues to face turbulent situations.
The government is well aware of these many aching situations including the Tasserene community that is still waiting on a Ministerial visit, but when? I would strongly advice the NTC to visit the community and get a firsthand look at what is happening there. However, I am sure that due to budgetary constraints, they will never be able to step foot on Tasserene’s soil.
Apart from this questionable proposal, we have also been calling on successive Governments to revise the Amerindian Act. This process seems like it will also be dependent on the directions of those at the helm of the administration and the advice of a very controversial figure. This process needs to be fair and transparent and not misguided by those with their own political agendas.
One can only hope that the persons responsible for the budget, are guided by their conscience and do the honorable thing by correcting this adverse proposed subvention for the NTC and in the mantra of the present administration “a good life for all”.
After all, $16 million is petty cash for some Ministers.
Dwight Larson
Indigenous Rights Advocate
Isseneru.

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