Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples: Presentation by Larry Derrickson, Micha Menczer and Gary Swite, Westbank Indian Band

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Westbank Indian Band by Larry Derrickson, Micha Menczer, and Gary Swite. Derrickson, a Band Councillor, gives a demographic overview and brief history of the First Nation, its three reserves, economic activities, by-laws, motions towards self-governance, justice issues, B.C. treaty making, resources and funding concerns. Micha Menczer, Legal Advisor to the Band, discusses self-government and land issues, jurisdictional confusion in social services, the Constitution, and the B.C. treaty making process. Gary Swite, Council member, discusses the need for a clear delineation of inherent First Nations jurisdiction over "their peoples, institutions of governance, lands, waters and resources," and the need for the B.C. treaty process to continue towards a fair settlement of outstanding issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with the presenters.