The man who brought down Meech Lake Accord to look forward during York University address: An Aboriginal Perspective into the next Millennium;
Indian Claims Commissioner/former MP Elijah Harper to deliver annual lecture

TORONTO, March 12, 1999 -- Since the passage of the Indian Act, a plethora of changes and challenges has been presented to Canada's Aboriginal communities: the birth of Nunavut; the growth of native land claims negotiations; the dearth of adequate native housing; the tragedy of Davis Inlet; the controversy over native fishing and logging rights; the possibility of guaranteed legislative representation; the search for self-government.

Recently appointed Indian Claims Commissioner Elijah Harper will put those issues into context for the future during his address entitled An Aboriginal Perspective into the Next Millennium at York University, Monday, March 15, 1999, 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

A former Manitoba MLA and MP, Harper first captured national headlines in 1990 with his efforts to block ratification of the Meech Lake Accord. Winner of numerous humanitarian awards, including the Aboriginal achievement award in 1996 and the Stanley Knowles Humanitarian Award in 1990, Harper continues to be a strong advocate for indigenous peoples and human rights world-wide.

Harper's address, which is part of York University's McLaughlin College Annual Public Policy Address series, is free and open the public. It is co-sponsored by the First Nations and Aboriginal Students Association, The Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies, the McLaughlin College Student Council and the Faculty of Environmental Studies.

WHO:
Elijah Harper, Commissioner to the Indian Claims Commission (former MP, MLA)

WHAT:
The Annual McLaughlin College Public Policy Address - An Aboriginal Perspective into the Next Millennium

WHEN:
Monday, March 15, 1999, 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

WHERE:
McLaughlin Junior Common Room (014 McLaughlin College)
York University, 4700 Keele Street

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Marilyn Lambert-Drache
McLaughlin College
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 77082

Sine MacKinnon
Senior Advisor Media Relations
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22087

Ken Turriff
Media Relations Officer
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22086
YU/021/99