Posted by Nathan (198.103.249.251) on August 16, 2001 at 14:15:10:
I know this subject was much talked about a couple of month's ago, but I had the opportunity to listen to the former National Chief Fontaine speak some month's ago (as a guest speaker at a local University)who at the time was suppose to comment on this idea. But unfortunatly had forgotten to comment on it and as usual when certain Chiefs are speaking at public ingagements it was staged so we could not question commments that were made. I think it would be a great idea. Personally I think it move more power to the grassroots people instead of increasing the already power weilding Chief's. This in turn would give more autonomy to the AFN from the rest of the chief's and in turn force more grassroots driven ideas and wishes such as ethical, electoral, and accountability concerns in communities (eg. acting as an ombudsman). At the same time I still respect majority of Chiefs whom I think still deserve to play an important roll nationally and I believe thier has to be a way to make sure they are still actively involved to meet thier concerns if this were to happen. Maybe for example have them set up as a senate committee or something to that effect. I think the current National chief is on the right track on this issue and I really do believe he is trying to address issues from the grass roots people. Another good example how this idea would assist in dealing with issues such as Canada(INAC) and the new proposed Governace Act and so called grass roots consultation going on currently, INAC would not have any more excuse to bypass are leadership and have to deal with the AFN first, as it would be a grass roots elected representative! If you have any comments that would that are positive or negative please post as I beileve this an interesting issue.
thanx Nathan.
P.S. As for all the comments on so called mistakes in using correct grammer when posting messages like this one, when your a regular on the surfing the net you would know that these types of forum's are not formally done using paper written grammer and are done using quick short form writing such as "laughing out loud", would be typed as LOL and so on. If your not aware of some the terminology, talk to your nearest 12 year old kid!