First Nations leaders slammed a bill, introduced on Wednesday, that would subject tribal government decisions to Canada's Human Rights Act.

Phil Fontaine, the chief of the Assembly of First Nations, said Native leaders weren't consulted before the bill was introduced. He said it would undermine sovereignty and cultural practices.

Proponents, however, say it will protect the rights of individual Natives who have been unable to challenge decisions made by their councils. In particular, they say it will help Native women, who have lost property and other rights.

The Human Rights Act was passed in 1977. It exempts First Nations governments that were created under the Indian Act.

Get the Story:
Ottawa, native chiefs square off (The Daily Globe and Mail 12/14)
Native groups warn of 'disaster' over rights act changes (CBC 12/13)

Relevant Links:
Assembly of First Nations - http://www.afn.ca
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ch/rcap

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