Once again the top dog of the Indian industry has attacked an individual who offers an alternative approach to Indian affairs in Canada.

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) recent press release referred to Tom Flanagan's statements in his book, First Nations Second Thoughts, as "antiquated, ill-informed, regressive and offensive".

In his book, Flanagan encourages serious public debate on the issue of Indian affairs. In fact, if this does not happen Flanagan states, "Canada will be redefined as a multinational state embracing an archipelago of aboriginal nations that own a third of Canada's land mass, are immune from federal and provincial taxation, are supported by transfer payments from citizens who do pay taxes, are able to opt out of federal and provincial legislation, and engage in 'nation to nation' diplomacy with whatever is left of Canada."

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation's two studies, The Lost Century - Moving Aboriginal Policy from the 19th to the 21st Century, and Apartheid - Canada's Ugly Secret, have similar recommendations as Flanagan discusses in his book. Not surprising, the CTF's studies have received similar reviews from the AFN.

Each study argues that in order for native communities to become economically self-sustaining, the reserve land which is now held by the Crown must be transferred to individual Indian band members. It will be up to natives themselves to decide if they want to transfer the land into a communal arrangement or allow for the property to be owned and managed individually.

There are individuals who choose to hold property in a communal manner. For example, Hutterites choose to hold property in a communal manner. But, this is their choice, not an imposition. Shouldn't native Canadians be entitled to the same choice

Why would the AFN and other organizations of the Indian industry dismiss recommendations to help Indians prosper

The Indian industry is composed of a multitude of consultants, program analysts, researchers, administrators and managers who deliver the myriad of programs and services which make up Indian affairs. In addition, Indian lobby groups are funded by the federal government to lobby for more money and special rights for Indian communities. For example; in 2002-03 the AFN received over $6.8 million from the Department of Indian Affairs.

If the federal government through the Department of Indian Affairs abolished the reserve system and Indian Act, the entire Indian industry - complete with all who work in it - would no longer exist.

Therefore, the very nature of the Indian industry requires the continuation of a system that segregates Indians from Canadian society by placing them on reserves and providing them with special status. If Indians become self-sufficient and prosperous, the Indian industry would cease to exist.

Rather than begin the process of ending the perverse system, the government's response - as indicated through their actions - has been to increase funding and incentives for Indians to remain on reserves and continue the status quo.

The status quo isn't working. The federal government spends more than $7.5 billion annually on Indian affairs and many status Indians live in Third World conditions.

As a moral issue facing Canada, Canadians must engage in the debate regarding Indian affairs. To date during this federal election, the federal political parties have been all but silent on the issue. Let's hope the leaders will decide to engage in the debate and lead by example.

Moreover, the AFN should encourage individuals like Flanagan and organizations such as the CTF to continue to look at new and innovative ways to ensure that all Canadians - native and non-native - have the opportunity prosper.