Hay River (Jun 12/06) - Karen Felker believes treaty benefits should be adjusted for inflation.

And to emphasize that point, the chief of West Point First Nation (WPFN) in Hay River is returning this year's $216 sent from the federal government for hunting and fishing supplies as per Treaty 11, signed in 1921.

Chief Karen Felker of West Point First Nation is returning $216 in treaty payments to the federal government. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

"What the hell can you do with $216?" Felker wonders.

The money from the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development is based on the treaty's stipulation that hunting, fishing and trapping supplies be distributed annually to the value of $3 per band member.

WPFN has 72 members. Felker says the current payment doesn't take into account inflation or the high price of living in the NWT.

"The Crown must approach our treaties as living documents," she argues. "The amount of funds to support our traditional economy today is higher now as a result of changes to our land and community. Realistically, the $3 per person today would be a few thousand dollars each."

Felker notes, for example, that a fully-dressed net costs roughly $500. The chief says there are about 25 band members hunting or fishing, and WPFN has to use other funding to help support them.

She hopes sending back the payment will get some attention so the treaty can be renegotiated or more funding provided.

"Something has to be done because it's pathetic," Felker says. "It's an insult."