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“It’s an indication to us colonialism and paternalism are alive and well in the Harper government,” said Nepinak.

Nepinak also warned the requirements in the bill to publicize the financial information and salaries from band-owned entities in addition to finances from government transfers might be illegal.

Nepinak said the legal relationship with Ottawa through the Indian Act is only for government transfers. Money made by the band — through casinos, gas bars, convenience stores, and any other businesses run and owned by the First Nation — are clearly not government transfers, he said.

Nepinak said the government also appears to have failed thoroughly on its legal requirement to consult with First Nations on legislation. He said the only information the AMC has received on the bill has been from the media.

“Having a majority government doesn’t allow (Prime Minister Harper) to bypass the duty to consult,” said Nepinak.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan’s office did not directly respond to Nepinak’s allegation the bill might be illegal. A department spokeswoman reiterated the legislation does in fact apply to band-owned entities.

On Wednesday, when the bill was introduced, Duncan said he had not had direct conversations with the Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Shawn Atleo. He said there were discussions about a private members’ bill introduced in 2010 that would have required the public disclosure of chiefs’ and councillors’ salaries.

He also said the AFN discussed the issue at its December 2010 annual meeting where chiefs unanimously endorsed a proposal to be more open about band finances.

Nepinak said he is meeting with his executive Friday and the legislation will be on the agenda.

“I’m going to talk to Manitoba chiefs and we will determine if we will take any type of action on it,” he said.

He would not elaborate on what that action might include.

mia.rabson@freepress.mb.ca