Wendake, August 17, 2020 – In recent interviews about, among other things, his government’sreluctance to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, PremierFrançois Legault indicated that, on the one hand, the Indigenous Nations must be recognized, buton the other hand, there is a risk of “giving” them a veto over Québec’s development.
The AFNQL appreciates the fact that, for a rare occasion, the Premier is speaking out clearly onthese crucial issues for all of Quebec society. Moreover, now that the cards are clearly on the tableand that the Prime Minister’s position is finally known, the AFNQL sees possible solutions andproposes to begin discussions between the provincial government and First Nations right now onthe recognition of Nations as well as on the scope of the Aboriginal and treaty rights of all FirstNations.
“Premier Legault must first realize that this is not about “giving” rights, but about recognizingrights. The colonial regime has left its mark. The Premier of Quebec must also admit that anyrecognition of Nations without specifying the rights it implies would be meaningless.
There are words that are frightening, that can even hurt the pride of Quebecers: colonialism, structural and systemic racism, discrimination.
The AFNQL believes that now is the time for allpeoples who share the territory to get rid of these words, this colonial heritage that blocks ourcollective future.
In a recent survey, the Quebec population shows an openness, a willingness to better understandFirst Nations issues.
Is the Legault government ready to follow the path indicated by thepopulation?Above all, before agreeing to enter discussions with First Nations, is the Legault government readyto undertake a deep and sincere reflection on the relationship it wants to develop with FirstNations? Will it instead continue to be inspired by principles dating back to the colonial era? It isup to the Premier to answer this question.
For its part, the AFNQL is ready to accompany him inthis process that could be crucial for the future of Quebec,” declared Ghislain Picard, Chief of theAFNQL.
About the AFNQL The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the political organization regrouping43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. Follow us on Twitter @APNQL
