[PEN-L:4456] Attn. Jim Craven

[Ajit Sinha <sinha@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have just received a letter from Minister of Indian Affair,
Canada about Helen Mitchell's letter about violation of human
rights. The letter is dated November 27, 1998. It has come to me
via Cambridge to Newcastle, Australia to Delhi, India. The letter
in full follows:
Dear Dr. Sinha:

I am writing in response to your correspondence of July 30, 1998, a
copy of which was forwarded to me by the Office of the Prime
Minister, concerning human rights.

Your kind words about Canada's reputation as a humanitarian country
are much appreciated. Unfortunately, it is not possible for me to
respond to the specific allegations that you forwared from Ms.
Helen Mitchell, since many of them refer to police actions and
dealings with social workers. I share your concerns, however, about
these allegations. While Ms. Mitchell talks about "a faudulent
treaty process," the particular reference is not clear. I would
note that the Nisga's Nation recently approved their landmark
treaty by a wide margin. The governments of British Columbia and
Canada are planning to introduce legislation to bring the treaty
into effect in the near future. We expect that, through the British
Columbia Treaty Commission, other agreements will be reached in the
near future.

Canada has recognized that it needs to establish a new relationship
with Aboriginal people in Canada. In January 1998, the federal
government delivered a Statement of Reconciliation, which expressed
regret for the many past policies and actions that have eroded the
political, economic and social systems of Aboriginal people. The
government also announced Gathering Strength- Canada's Aboriginal
Action Plan. It is structured around several key objectives,
including renewing paterships, strengthening Aboriginal
governance,
developing  a new fiscal relationship and supporting strong
communities, people and economies. The objectives reflect a sincere
commitment to deal with injustices involving Aboriginal people. I
am enclosing a copy of these documents for you information.

Thank you for sharing your comments with the government.

Your sincerely,
Jane Stewart, P.C., M.P.

Cheers, ajit sinha