I know I'm a white guy, but here's what think we need to do.
I think that all elected Chiefs should be appointed as MP's under the party of their choosing and sit as a representative of their constituents in the House of Commons. This would foster cooperation, promote transparency and give FN People a stronger voice in this country.
Thoughts.
First Peoples National Party of Canada
They have a good idea too:
"The Vision of the FPNP is to:
- Promote the implementing of compulsory Indigenous Studies courses for Graduation in High School and University. Without education reforms we can not move forward as a nation.
- Abolish the Senate and replaced with an equal but second house, the First Nations House / Gimaa-gamig (First Nations elected representatives for First Nations Peoples of Canada) in the House of Commons equal to that of the present parliament."
I don't know if I agree with the ideas above, but they have some merit.
Well, it has. There are native MPs and Senators. Not many though.
But native canadian voters are so outnumbered it risks becoming tyranny of the ethnic majority. Just look to Official Bilingualism for proof of that.
No option for no.
A Chief sitting as an MP, in my opinion, would be giving up sovereignty.
giving up sovereignty is not always a bad option if it's fair. After Indonesian independance, the former dutch colonies chose, instead of going back to their separate little nations, to form a united Indonesia. However, they ensured all were treated fairly. If giving up sovereignty meant a more equitable Canada, many First Nations might go for it. Question is, would English and French Canadians be willing to give up their privileges for this to happen?
We all want to take away their sovereignty on condition that they assimilate, that they become apples so to speak. What kind of a deal is that?