Posts By: Assembly of First Nations

A delegation comprised of representatives of the Nunatsiavut Government and the five Labrador Inuit Community Governments will travel to St. John’s next week with the intent of demanding solutions from Premier Dwight Ball over ongoing concerns with the provision of marine services to Labrador’s north coast. 

“The concerns of our communities are real,” says Nunatsiavut President Johannes Lampe. “There is a lot of fear that many of the goods people depend on for the winter won’t make it to the communities in time. The Kamutik W, which services our communities, is frequently delayed because it is unable to operate during adverse weather and sea conditions. Many are questioning whether or not the vessel is suitable to operate in our region, as we have not experienced the same level of concerns in the past.” 

A resolution passed unanimously during a sitting of the Nunatsiavut Assembly last week called on First Minister Kate Mitchell to convene an emergency meeting with the Premier, who is also the Minister responsible for Labrador and Indigenous Affairs, and Transportation and Works Minister Steve Crocker. Despite repeated requests, the Nunatsiavut Government was informed that the Premier is unavailable to meet with the delegation. 

“We are extremely disappointed that, once again, the Premier is turning a blind eye to the real and legitimate concerns of Labrador Inuit and our communities,” says President Lampe. “We had asked for a meeting, and were told that it was ‘not doable’. We were not offered any reason, or given any indication when the Premier would be available. The fact that he is unable to find time to meet with us on such an important issue speaks volumes about his commitment and willingness to reconciling differences between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the province’s Indigenous population.” 

The Premier was quick to interrupt his schedule earlier this month to travel to Labrador to deal with a matter involving comments made by MHA Perry Trimper, notes President Lampe. 

“When there are other issues that are concerning and troubling to an entire region, he is not as eager to accommodate. Surely, an issue as serious as the state of marine services to our communities is no less important to the Premier than doing damage control to protect a member of his caucus.” 

Wendake, September 24, 2019 – A few days before the long-awaited Global Climate Strike in Montreal, the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) is concerned about the interest generated by the event among certain groups who see it as an opportunity to have a voice that could potentially stifle that of the youth. “Our children want to talk to us and I think it is high time for us, parents and grandparents, to listen,” said Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL. 

A delegation of Indigenous youth, supported by the First Nations of Quebec-Labrador Youth Network, is actively participating in the organization of this unprecedented event. They will lead the march alongside the young Swedish activist Greta Thunberg at her request. This historic mobilization is essential for young people, both indigenous and non-indigenous, who have long since raised the red flag to create awareness among decision-makers and the population of the effects of climate change. 

“The Global Climate Strike is a resounding success around the world. We must remain attentive to those who will inherit the actions we take and the decisions we make, today. As groups engaged in the fight against climate change, we have a responsibility to carry the message of our youth,” adds Chief Picard. 

“This gathering must be a space of freedom and solidarity for our youth. LET’S GIVE THEM THAT SPACE AND LISTEN TO WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY “, concluded the Chief of the AFNQL. 

Kenora, ON — Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, Grand Chief of Treaty #3 met with municipal leaders from across Treaty #3 territory today in Naotkamegwanning First Nation to renew relationships and collaboratively address challenges with the mounting substance abuse and homelessness issues within the region.

“This is the inaugural meeting so it’s historic and my hope is that additional municipalities within the Anishinaabe Nation of Treaty #3 undertake similar agreements with First Nations,” said Ogichidaa Kavanaugh. “The well-being of our communities and our citizens rely on our ability to work collaboratively and holistically. We share this land we call home and we share in the responsibility of providing for our citizens safety and well-being.”

The meeting between Ogichidaa Kavanaugh and the mayors and representatives from communities in Treaty #3 is historic and is based on the principles of the Common Land, Common Ground Friendship Accord, which provides a framework for First Nations and municipal leaders to discuss issues of mutual concern.

“For the sake of our families and future generations we need collaborative action – action that results in people working together and taking responsibility to seek long lasting strategic solutions,” said Dryden Mayor Greg Wilson.

Similar agreements exist with the Sioux Lookout Friendship Accord and the Declaration of Intent and Friendship between Fort Frances and Agency One First Nation. The agreements are the first steps in renewing relationships between the First Nations and municipalities and outline the importance of collaborative development.

Treaty #3 leadership identified substance addiction as a health crisis within their First Nations and has worked to develop strategies to address the issue. Grand Council Treaty #3 has created a Drug Task Force and Drug Strategy in an effort to address drug addiction in the First Nation communities. Meeting with municipal leaders is the next step in supporting the communities.

First Nations have a disproportionately higher rate of drug addiction therefore it is vital that First Nations have the ability to determine, develop, access, implement, and evaluate their own solutions to address the needs of their people.

KENORA, ON — Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, Grand Chief of Treaty #3 says it’s about time that Canada owned up to its responsibilities and compensate First Nations children and their families impacted by the on-reserve child welfare system.

“For the longest time the federal government fought us on this knowing full well that they were not putting the rights and safety of our children at the forefront,” said Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh. “There are many of our people affected by this broken child welfare system and though there is no amount of money to that will fix it, I am glad that the families will be compensated for their grief and loss. Our children need to be with their families, in their own communities surrounded by their culture, teachings and ceremony.”

Canada must pay billions of dollars in compensation to First Nations children harmed by the on-reserve child welfare system, following a ruling Sept 6 by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal that also called for payments to some of their parents and grandparents. 

The Tribunal ordered the federal government to pay $40,000 to each child — the maximum allowed under the Canadian Human Rights Act — who was apprehended or taken from their homes on reserve, no matter what the reason. The ruling covers all children in the care of the on-reserve child welfare system at any point from Jan.1, 2006, to a date to be determined by the tribunal. Disappointingly, the Tribunal has had to issue 10 subsequent orders to ensure Canada’s compliance. In 2014, Canada argued that no compensation should be paid. In 2019, they argued the Tribunal was the wrong forum for the compensation issue to be heard and also suggested that there was no evidence of harm to individual children before the Tribunal. The Tribunal rejected both arguments. 

Some estimates place the number of potentially affected children at about 50,000.

The federal government, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) have until Dec. 10 to work out a process to identify, and then distribute the compensation to those who are eligible.

To view a summary on the case and the non-compliance orders from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal please visit the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society page:https://bit.ly/2kMwEJX

Kenora, ON — Grand Council #3 is excited to announce the launch of the Federal Election Vote Campaign that will increase Indigenous voter turnout, which could affect the overall outcome in the regional ridings in the October 21st Federal Election.

“Now more than ever, it is vital that First Nation peoples use their vote to positively affect policy across Turtle Island,” said Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, Grand Chief of Treaty #3.

“The party that forms government are our Treaty partners; we need to collectively work together to fully implement the spirit and intent of the Treaty and ensure our traditional ways are protected,” said Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh. “We are a traditional people, our customs, ceremony and teachings are the foundation of who we are.”

The ‘We are Treaty #3 and We Vote’ campaign will include social media outreach, video testimonials from Treaty #3 leaders and citizens, media releases and a website designed to breakdown traditional barriers to voting. 

Indigenous voter turnout in the 2015 election was 61.5 percent compared with overall voter turnout of 68.3 percent. According to the Assembly of First Nations, the National Indigenous vote influenced 22 ridings in the 2015 federal election.

In 2015 there was a record-breaking 10 Indigenous MP’s elected, some of whom formed Cabinet. Currently, there are 41 Indigenous candidates nominated across the various political parties.

Treaty #3 is also encouraging citizens to check and update their voter registration using the tool from Elections Canada at: https://ereg.elections.ca/CWelcome.aspx?lang=e

The goals of the campaign are simple:

Educate and provide Treaty #3 citizens with easy to follow information on how to vote in the federal election

Educate citizens on why it is important to vote in the federal election

Encourage everyone to pre-register and vote in the 2019 elections

To watch videos and download information on the federal election please visit www.treaty3votes.ca

Wendake, September 12, 2019 – “We have an obligation to ensure the protection of our children and we intend to exercise this responsibility in the way and at the time we deem appropriate. Our children must no longer be at the mercy of a system that denies their reality,” said Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), following the announcement of the start of the Laurent Commission’s work. 

For several years, the First Nations have been raising awareness among the Government of Quebec so that it can ensure that the Youth Protection Act recognizes the specific context of our Nations and allows for greater participation by our families and authorities in the management of cases subjected to it. 

In this spirit, the AFNQL has worked with governments, including those that preceded François Legault’s, to make the necessary legislative changes to ensure that the law reflects the reality of our populations. As a result of these collaborations and the adoption under the Couillard government of the Act to amend the Civil Code and other legislative provisions relating to adoption and disclosure of information, our families can now represent their interests and those of their children in court. More needs to be done. 

“Once again, we are faced with an all too familiar situation: looking from the outside at what is being said inside about our Nations. In any case, we will be extremely vigilant and ready to react to any action or words that could compromise the interests of our children. We also have this responsibility on behalf of our governments,” continues Ghislain Picard, who will submit this issue to the AFNQL chiefs. 

The adoption of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families Act by the Canadian Parliament last June radically changes the current perspective. This Act recognizes the right of First Nations to self-determination and allows them to exercise what they consider to be their jurisdiction in the area of youth protection. 

“The AFNQL obviously wants Quebec to cooperate in the implementation of the federal law that will come into effect on January 1, 2020, but we intend to do everything we can to allow our communities to protect our children. The system has abused them for too long,” concluded Ghislain Picard. 

About the AFNQL 

The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the political organization regrouping 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. Follow us on Twitter @APNQL. 

Iqaluit, Nunavut (September 10, 2019) – The first initiative of the 10-Year Strategic Partnership between Nunavut Arctic College (NAC) and Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is the delivery of a re- focused Nunavut Teacher Education Program (NTEP), beginning last week in several Nunavut communities. 

The re-focused NTEP replaces the previous NTEP and is based on recommendations from the NTEP review that occurred in 2017-18. Learners currently enrolled in the existing program will receive a bachelor of education degree through MUN upon graduation. The re-focused NTEP will incorporate Inuktut language and culture and will ensure graduates are well prepared to enter Nunavut’s unique bilingual educational system. 

After completion of the first year of the re-focused NTEP, learners will receive a Nunavummi Inuktut Uqariuqsatittijiunirmut Ilinniarniq certificate. Learners who complete the second year of the program will be entitled to a language specialist diploma and will be qualified to work in Nunavut schools. Learners who complete the 150 credits of the NTEP will be in the position to obtain a bachelor of education degree. 

The education programs division continues its work to re-focus the program through an NTEP sector advisory committee and an Inuktut language and culture sub-committee with representatives from the departments of Education and Culture and Heritage, MUN and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI). During the 2019-2020 academic year, the education programs division will develop various language streams to continue the work to revitalize and enhance Inuktut language skills across the NTEP. The re-focused NTEP will build on the success of MUN’s Inuit bachelor of education degree in Nunatsiavut. The committee will ensure that learning outcomes from the re-focused program are aligned with Nunavut’s labour market needs. 

“When Inuit changed the face of Canada through the creation of Nunavut, we set out to create an education system that is reflective of our language and culture and ensures that our children and grandchildren are well prepared for post-secondary education and finding employment,” said Patterk Netser, Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College. “To achieve this fundamental goal, the college partnered with Memorial University to create a program that equally values Inuktut and English and prepares Nunavummiut to teach in our unique educational system.”

“I believe this teacher training program will successfully increase the number of Inuktut-speaking educators in our classrooms,” said Education Minister David Joanasie. “Young Nunavummiut and future NTEP graduates on their learning journey have a tremendous opportunity to secure and strengthen Inuit language and culture for generations to come.” 

A record number of learners are enrolled in the first year of the re-focused NTEP, which is being offered in Cambridge Bay, Coral Harbour, Iqaluit and Pangnirtung. Learners who were previously enrolled in Arviat, Baker Lake, Gjoa Haven, Iqaluit, Kugaaruk and Rankin Inlet will graduate with a bachelor of education degree from MUN. 

Through a competitive process held last year, representatives from NAC, the Government of Nunavut Department of Education and NTI selected MUN as the partnering institution.