Posts By: Karen

Premier Joe Savikataaq today released the following statement:

“After a long, painful journey to an apology, today we begin to heal. The forced relocation of the Ahiarmiut has been a shared trauma for many families, and has impacted generations in our communities.

I thank Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett for being here to deliver this apology on behalf of the federal government. I also want to recognize David Serkoak, president of the Ahiarmiut Relocation Society, for his tireless work and dedication over the last 25 years. It’s been a long road to finally receive the recognition and expression of regret you deserve.

Being from Arviat, I have seen firsthand the pain and intergenerational impacts of this forced relocation. Now, after 70 years, it feels like the path to recovery can finally start.”

Coast Salish Traditional Territory/Vancouver: The First Nations Leadership Council is deeply concerned that the recent shuffle in the federal Liberal cabinet signals a wavering commitment to addressing Canada’s colonial history and to realizing a true nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous peoples. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced adjustments to the government cabinet on January 14, 2019 with the appointment of Minister Seamus O’Reagan to the Department of Indigenous Services Canada, reassigning MP Jane Philpott to a Treasury Board appointment and the replacement of MP Jody Wilson-Raybould, now of Minister of Veteran Affairs, with Minister David Lametti, as Attorney General and Minister of Justice.

While BC Regional Chief Terry Teegee looks forward to working with the ministers in their new roles, the sweeping First Nations issues across this country require dedicated and consistent attention to ensure progress. “Advances made on the Nation-to-Nation relationship through reconciliation efforts and the work of Jody Wilson-Raybould and others has been positive and I hold up my hands to these ministers and the good work they have done.  However, continued momentum is required on these important efforts and I call on the new Ministers to ensure that this work continues and that the relationship between the Federal Crown and Indigenous Peoples continue to be a priority for this government.”

Cheryl Casimer, First Nations Summit political executive member said “The Prime Minister has said on numerous occasions that there was no relationship more important to him than that between himself and Indigenous Peoples of his country. Important work is underway or near completion to advance policy reform to provide for the recognition and implementation of Aboriginal title and self-determination and introduce federal child welfare legislation that will clear the way for Indigenous jurisdiction over the delivery of child welfare services. The departures of Wilson-Raybould and Philpott from their previous ministries at this critical juncture when this important work is underway or nearing fruition signals that the Prime Minister is no longer committed to reconciliation and reforging Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples, as a priority.”

“Prime Minister Trudeau committed to a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous Peoples, based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership,” stated Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the UBCIC. “The removal of these critical and well-respected Ministers, during a period of significant conflict and tension, demonstrates Trudeau’s lack of resolve to address Canada’s deplorable relationship with Indigenous peoples. The Prime Minister has made a very clear decision to completely abandon the reconciliation agenda in favour of supporting business and industry in terms of oil and gas infrastructure development and similar projects.  We would like to thank both Minister Wilson-Raybould and Minister Philpott for their dedication and care in their efforts to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to come to mutually agreed upon solutions. We call on the Prime Minister to clarify how the reassignment of these critical Ministers during such a crucial time in their work will be for the benefit of Indigenous peoples.”

Prime Minister Trudueu appointed MP Seamus O’Regan (St. John’s South – Mount Pearl) as the Minister of Indigenous Services, a newly created department since 2017. He moves from his former role as the Minister of Veterans Affairs. O’Regan was a correspondent with CTV National News, and a former host of Canada AM which he co-hosted. New cabinet members include MP David Lametti (Quebec) as the justice minister and attorney general and who had been serving as a parliamentary secretary for innovation. MP Bernadette Jordan (Nova Scotia) joins the cabinet as minister of rural economic development. She previously served as a parliamentary secretary for democratic institutions.

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde and AFN Yukon Regional Chief Kluane Adamek congratulate the Teslin Tlingit Council (TTC) on the recent Yukon Supreme Court decision that affirms Canada’s constitutional obligation to meaningfully and appropriately implement the terms of Modern Treaties, particularly the TTC Final and Self-Government Agreement.

“Self-government agreements have the potential to create a modern, effective relationship between First Nations and Canada, but Canada has to fulfill its promises once the agreements are made,” said AFN National Chief Bellegarde. “Otherwise, First Nations will not sign these documents. TTC signed their Final and Self-Government agreements on the understanding that their self-governing authority would be supported with fair funding from Canada. That isn’t happening and Canada is eroding its credibility. I lift up TTC for fighting for their people and their rights.”

Yukon Supreme Court Justice Ron Veale found that Canada has failed its obligations to the TTC Self-Government agreements by not providing funding for all its citizens. The court found that Canada has only been funding TTC and other Yukon First Nations on the number of “status” citizens. However, TTC’s self-government agreement does distinguish between citizens that hold Indian status and those that don’t.

For several years, TTC has noted the importance of properly funding all their citizens, according to the terms of their self-government agreements. Regional Chief Adamek says the court decision reaffirms TTC’s view and interpretation of their agreements.

“Justice Vaele’s decision sets a positive precedent and important recognition that Modern Treaties, particularly TTC’s self-government agreement, are paramount to federal policies. This ruling signals to Canada that meaningful realization of self-government requires the federal government to uphold its constitutional obligations to the terms of Final and Self-Government Agreements. Federal officials cannot continue to interpret our agreements through the lens of the Indian Act,” the Regional Chief said.

“Yukon First Nation children and families deserve proper programs and services supported by adequate funding based on the total population of citizens as determined by each respective First Nation. TTC, and other Yukon First Nations, entered into modern treaties, after decades of negotiation, to reach an agreement that would enable Canada and TTC to further their common priorities. At its core, the agreement is about ensuring Teslin Tlingit citizens, regardless of federally-imposed categories of status or non-status, can realize self-determinations in accordance with their principles and values.”

TTC signed their Final Land Claims and Self-Government Agreement in 1995, in good faith. Their preference, as has been their history, is to negotiate with governments to realize their interests. TTC is disappointed they had to turn to the courts to confirm what they’ve consistently stated since 2010. However, they see this decision as a turning point to get on with the work of finalizing a financial transfer agreement with Canada that will provide resources to meaningfully support the needs of their citizens.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

Ottawa, ON— On January 14, 2019 the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) released a decision on Sharon McIvor’s petition claiming registration provisions in the Indian Actdiscriminate against First Nations women, and their descendants, on the basis of sex.

The Committee found Canada failed to adequately protect First Nations women from discrimination. They stated Canada is obligated to remove existing sex-based discrimination from the Indian Act. Canada must ensure all First Nations women and their descendants are eligible for Indian Status on equal footing as First Nations men.

For decades, grassroots Indigenous women, and organizations like NWAC have advocated for the removal of sex-based discrimination in the Indian Act. Sex-based discriminationmeans First Nations women are more likely to be disenfranchised and face barriers in accessing services like healthcare and housing.

Since 1985, numerous amendments try to remove sex-based discrimination from the Indian Act, but none achieved full equality for First Nations women and their descendants.

If implemented, the second phase of provisions under Bill S-3 would remove all of the sex-based discrimination McIvor, and people in her circumstances, face. UNHRC cautioned Canada to ensure similar violations do not occur again.

Canada has180 days to report back on measures taken to fix the issue. The federal government can easily take the necessary actions and set a specific date to implement the second phase of provisions under Bill S-3.

NWAC calls on the federal government to take immediate action. A more expansive approach is required to account for all discriminatory provisions, including the second generation cut-off rule and the burden of proof to establish “Indian parentage”.

This ruling is historic for many First Nations women and their descendants. Indigenous women deserve nothing less than full equality. Canada must act now. Canada must stop discriminating.

Nunavut Commissioner Nellie Kusugak is seeking nominations for the Nunavut Commissioner’s Arts Award.

The award, a cash prize of $10,000, will be presented to a visual artist who has made a major contribution to the arts.

Candidates must be Nunavut residents and/or Nunavut Inuit who have been working in the arts for more than two years. Candidates must be nominated, receiving the support of three individuals or organizations.

A selection committee will review all nominations. Nominees will be judged on their artistic achievements and the quality and impact of their work.

Nomination guidelines and nomination forms are available from the Commissioner’s office.

Deadline for nominations is February 28, 2019.

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde responded to today’s federal cabinet shuffle stating continued commitment and progress on First Nations priorities is critical to moving forward and closing the gap between First Nations and the rest of Canada.

“Cabinet positions will change, but First Nations peoples and issues must remain a top priority,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde. “We will work to ensure the entire cabinet understands that the First Nations agenda is Canada’s agenda. Progress moves us all forward. We’ll be delivering this message to the Prime Minister and his cabinet at our meeting today on First Nations priorities.”

National Chief Bellegarde and AFN Regional Chiefs are meeting with the Prime Minister and senior cabinet ministers this afternoon consistent with commitments under the AFNCanada Memorandum of Understanding on Joint Priorities. The meeting was scheduled prior to the announcement of today’s cabinet shuffle.

National Chief Bellegarde noted some changes to key portfolios dealing with the First Nations agenda.

“I look forward to meeting with the new Minister of Indigenous Services Seamus O’Regan and the new Attorney General David Lametti as soon as possible,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “We lift up the work of former Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould as the first Indigenous Justice Minister and her efforts to bring a First Nations perspective to Canada’s legal system. I look forward to our continued work together in her new role as Minister of Veterans Affairs. Justice for First Nations veterans has been a long-standing priority for me and for the AFN. I’m honoured to have worked with the new Treasury Board President Jane Philpott and acknowledge all her efforts as Minister of Indigenous Services. Her openness and commitment to working together is a positive example for all governments.”

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates

ANISHINABEK NATION HEAD OFFICE (January 10, 2018)— Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare issued the following statement regarding the peaceful protest against the TransCanada pipeline project occurring in Wet’suwet’en traditional territory in British Columbia and the law enforcement executed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

“I believe that the decision on how to proceed rests solely with all leadership and the citizens of Wet’suwet’en Nation,” stated Grand Council Chief Hare. “It is a decision that will have ramifications that could echo in eternity, so it is not one that can be made lightly and with external influences, interferences, or pressures. The forceful interference, assumed jurisdiction, and mishandling of the situation by the government of Canada and its agents harken to a time all too familiar to us and moves usfurther away from meaningfulreconciliation. True reconciliation requires more than the actions outlined by the recommendations in the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – it requires efforts to reform the specific and comprehensive land claims processes in partnership with Indigenous peoples. This is a diversionary tactic that shifts the focus from addressing the underlying land title issues. I am confident that consensus will be achieved between all citizens of Wet’suwet’en Nation and will only unify and strengthen their nation.”

The $40 billion liquefied natural gas project planned will see a pipeline by TransCanada subsidiary Coastal GasLink span across northern British Columbia, including the traditional territory of Wet’suwet’en Nation. The 670- kilometre pipeline will be carrying natural gas from Dawson Creek in northeastern British Columbia to a new processing plant on the coast in Kitimat where the gas would be liquefied for overseas export.

Those from the Wet’suwet’en Nation that oppose the pipeline have been peacefully protesting against the pipeline and set up two camps with fortified checkpoints to prevent TransCanada from gaining access to the road to commence work. The protestors assert that the proposed pipeline project infringes on Aboriginal title, an assertion that can be supported by the 1997 Delgamuukw Supreme Court of Canada ruling as the Wet’suwet’en Nation has unfettered title to the land.

The RCMP waslooking to enforce a court injunction, which was granted in December by the Supreme Court of British Columbia, ordering protestors to stop preventing workers from gaining access to a road and bridge. On January 7, RCMP entered the fortified checkpoint at one of the camps where 14 people were arrested in violation of the injunction.

“Canada and its agents have been in violation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as ‘Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and strengthen their distinctive spiritual relationship with their traditionally owned or otherwise occupied and used lands, territories, waters and coastal seas’ – and that is exactly what the people of Wet’suwet’en Nation are striving for,” added Grand Council Chief Hare. “Yesterday, they de-escalated the enforcement issue — it gives me hope for a peaceful resolve as the safety and well-being of all citizens, regardless of where they stand on the issue, is of the utmost importance.”

The Anishinabek Nation is the political advocate for 40 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 60,000 people. The Anishinabek Nation is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde issued the following statement today on the RCMP’s action against the Gidimt’en camp and checkpoint yesterday in northern B.C., set up in support of the Unist’ot’en, both of which are houses of the Wet’suwet’en Nation:

“This use of force against peaceful people is a violation of human rights and First Nations’ rights. Building consensus under duress will make the resolution of the situation in Northern British Columbia very difficult.  Real consensus will be built when the parties, with very different views, come together in meaningful and productive dialogue.  And I am confident that they can do this.

Canada and the B.C. government have both pledged to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, but are trying to impose their laws over Wet’suwet’en laws. If this was really about the ‘rule of law’ then governments would be honouring the rights and title of First Nations in their traditional territories, which are recognized by Canada’s own courts. The AFN supports the governance and decision-making process of the Wet’suwet’en leaders. Canada and B.C. should do the same. There is no reconciliation in the actions that unfolded yesterday.”

National Chief Bellegarde has been in contact with the BC AFN office and AFN BC Regional Chief Terry Teegee to stay fully informed of all developments. Reports indicate 14 people were arrested during the RCMP action

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

AFN Special Chiefs Assembly

The Assembly of First Nations issues regular updates on work underway at the national office.
More information is available at www.afn.ca.

SUMMARY:

• The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) held its Special Chiefs Assembly from December 4 – 6, 2018, on unceded Algonquin territory in Ottawa, Ontario. Fifty-two resolutions were passed and will be posted on the AFN website very soon.
• The AFN participated in the First Ministers Meeting focused on trade and the economy on December 10, 2018, and brought a strong message on the need for First Nations involvement in this work and full respect for First Nations rights.

AFN Special Chiefs Assembly, December 4-6, 2018

Over 1,700 Chiefs, Elders, youth and other delegates attended the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) from December 4 – 6 on unceded Algonquin territory in Ottawa, Ontario. The theme was “Acknowledging our Challenges, Successes and Opportunities”, and it was a chance to assess progress, set priorities, and strategic direction for the coming year.

We began by acknowledging the absence of long-serving AFN Elder Elmer Courchene, of the Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation, who could not join us due to illness. On day one of the Assembly, a chair and blanket were placed with the Elders to honour him and remind us of his presence. We were all shocked and saddened to learn the next day of his passing, so we held a special ceremony. During the SCA, we also acknowledged the passing of Chief St Denis, who was Chief of the Wolf Lake First Nation for over 30 years, and the late Wendall Nicholas, who had worked with the AFN Elders. The Chiefs also honoured Veteran Louis Levi Oakes, the last surviving Mohawk code talker, with a blanket ceremony.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the Chiefs-in-Assembly on the first day. This is the fourth time he has been to our Assemblies since his election. Prime Minister Trudeau pledged to continue working with Indigenous peoples. He anticipates passing Indigenous child welfare legislation and an Indigenous Languages Act before the House of Commons rises in June 2019. Several Cabinet Ministers addressed the SCA, including Minister Hajdu, Minister Bennett and Minister Philpott. Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, and Green Party leader Elizabeth May all addressed the delegates and took questions.

The Chiefs passed 52 resolutions at the SCA. These resolutions provide the mandate for the work of the AFN. All are important, but I can highlight some that deal with new issues. As you may know, 2019 is the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages, and one resolution calls on the AFN and the federal government to propose, advocate and support the United Nations in declaring an international decade of Indigenous languages. There were three resolutions on First Nations child welfare, including support for co-development of legislation with the federal government – supporting First Nations rights and jurisdiction in this critical area. A resolution was passed calling for a national heritage strategy to commemorate all Residential School sites based on First Nations’ direction. There were resolutions approving the National Housing and Related Infrastructure Strategy and research in this area, and a resolution mandating an AFN modern treaty implementation group.

One resolution I want to highlight is the resolution on the “Rejection of the Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework and Associated Processes.” This builds on previous AFN resolutions affirming the position that only First Nations can determine their path out of decolonization and First Nations must direct their own approaches to Nation rebuilding. We heard some inspiring words by youth from the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians, who held a rally on Day 1 and spoke to the Assembly about rights, title and jurisdiction.

There is much more detail available on all of the resolutions passed at the December SCA. The resolutions will be posted shortly on the AFN website along with the SCA 2018 report. A full webcast of the SCA is also available at www.afn.ca

First Ministers Meeting

On December 10, 2018, the day after the SCA, I attended the First Ministers Meeting focused on trade and the economy in Montreal with Quebec Regional Chief Ghislain Picard, BC Regional Chief Terry Teegee, Northwest Territories Regional Chief Norman Yakeleya and Federation of Saskatchewan Indigenous Nations Vice-Chief Morley Watson. The meeting, called by the Prime Minister, included all provincial and territorial leaders.

The AFN stated clearly that attempts to deny or ignore the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the lack of recognition of free, prior and informed consent are barriers to trade and development. We reminded the First Ministers that the enormous wealth of this country is primarily generated from First Nations lands. Any decision-making processes for natural resource development projects must involve First Nations from the very outset.

We told the Prime Minister and Premiers that permits and licenses should not be given out by governments until companies can prove that they have developed a positive relationship with the local First Nations, a strategy for First Nations engagement, and opportunities for procurement, employment and revenue sharing.

I outlined a number of ways the First Ministers can improve opportunities for First Nations, including recruiting and retaining First Nations as part of advisory councils, corporate boards, and any decision-making bodies; finding more ways to share in revenue and ownership; consideration of legislation that would require a percentage of procurement be set aside for First Nations businesses and service providers; and improving access to equity.