Topic: Today’s News

Legislation introduced Oct. 24, 2019, creates a path forward to recognize and uphold the human rights of Indigenous peoples in B.C.

“Today’s legislation is a crucial step towards true and lasting reconciliation,” said Premier John Horgan. “With this new law, Indigenous peoples will be part of the decisions that affect them, their families and their territories. Together with Indigenous peoples, we’re going to build a better future with good jobs and opportunities for people, strong environmental protections and healthy communities that include everyone.”

If passed, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act will make British Columbia the first province to bring the internationally recognized standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) into provincial law.

“B.C. has made significant progress on reconciliation together with Indigenous peoples already, and we’ll continue to work together to build an even stronger, more inclusive and more just B.C. that will create a better future for everyone,” said Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “The legislation will create a path forward that upholds the human rights of Indigenous peoples, while creating more transparency and predictability in the work we do together. This is about ending discrimination and conflict in our province, and instead ensuring more economic justice and fairness.”

Developed in collaboration with the First Nations Leadership Council at the direction of First Nations, this legislation creates a framework for reconciliation in B.C., in keeping with the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“First Nations across B.C., Canada and the world are watching the introduction of this historic legislation. We are showing how the maturity and wisdom of our current leadership in this province, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, can be a beacon for hope during these uncertain times,” said Regional Chief Terry Teegee, BC Assembly of First Nations. “I applaud Premier Horgan and his cabinet for their bravery and perseverance in moving this forward. Implementing the UN Declaration is a non-partisan move, and we have been waiting 12 long years for this. Businesses and investors will benefit from this as it creates certainty and predictability for projects in this province – British Columbians will benefit from job creation and First Nations will benefit by having a seat at the table. Mussi Cho to all British Columbians. We are finally moving forward together.”

Cheryl Casimer, First Nations Summit political executive, said, “The provincial government has a long history of denying the very existence and rights of Indigenous peoples. We are pleased that this changes today, and the Province of British Columbia is working with us in turning the page in our collective history and embarking on a new era and path for building a respectful and modern government-to-government relationship – a relationship built on recognition, respect, co-operation and partnership with a goal to improve the lives of our citizens and bring reconciliation to the forefront of society.”

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, said, “Today is a good day. Without a doubt, this unifying bill represents an incredible step forward in Crown-Indigenous relations in the Province of British Columbia. We are incredibly proud of how far we’ve come together, and we eagerly anticipate next steps. This landmark bill is not only aspirational but includes tangible and practical tools for implementation. We hold up our hands to our ancestors and past leaders for paving the way for this critical work, and we look to our grandchildren, who will enjoy a more certain future.”

Over time as laws are modified or built, they will be aligned with the UN Declaration. Additional elements of the bill include:

• a requirement to develop an action plan to meet the objectives of the UN Declaration, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples;
• annual public reporting to monitor progress;
• discretion for new decision-making agreements between the Province and Indigenous governments where decisions directly affect Indigenous peoples and mechanisms exist in applicable legislation – with clear processes, administrative fairness and transparency; and
• recognition for additional forms of Indigenous governments in agreement-making, such as multiple Nations working together as a collective, or hereditary governments – as determined and recognized by the citizens of the Nation.

To support self-determination and self-government, the act will enable the Province to recognize other forms of Indigenous governments in addition to federal Indian Act bands, treaty Nations and incorporated bodies and societies. This also provides more clarity for businesses and communities about who to engage when working with Indigenous partners.

In 2017, every cabinet minister in the provincial government was tasked with a mandate to implement the UN Declaration and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. A commitment to adopting the UN Declaration in B.C. is a component of the Confidence and Supply Agreement with the BC Green Party caucus.

Quick Facts:

• The First Nations Leadership Council is comprised of leadership from the BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit and Union of BC Indian Chiefs.
• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission called on all governments in Canada to fully adopt and implement the UN Declaration as a framework for reconciliation.
• The UN Declaration is a universal human rights instrument that includes 46 articles outlining the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples throughout the world. It has the support of 148 countries.
• Actions taken since 2017 in B.C. to implement the UN Declaration include:
  • sharing $100 million annually in stable, long-term new revenues to support self-government and services that make life better for families in First Nations communities;
  • committing $550 million over 10 years to support the construction of 1,750 affordable housing units for Indigenous peoples on- and off-reserve;
  • dedicating $50 million to revitalize Indigenous languages;
  • modernizing the environmental assessment process;
  • amending child welfare laws to help keep Indigenous children with their families and communities;
  • implementing a new K-12 curriculum that integrates Indigenous culture and history; and
  • modernizing the treaty process to recognize the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples and align with the UN Declaration.

Wendake, October 25, 2019 – The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) welcomes the action taken by the Government of British Columbia, which has just introduced a bill to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. More specifically, the AFNQL would like to congratulate the province’s Indigenous organizations that were closely involved in drafting the legislation that, if passed, would make the province the first to have gone this far. 

“I am extremely proud of what our sisters and brothers have been able to accomplish with the Government of British Columbia. I would like to convey to their leaders and to Prime Minister Horgan our congratulations on this major achievement,” said AFNQL Chief Ghislain Picard, who recalled that all governments are called upon to implement the Declaration, which constitutes a minimum threshold for the respect of human and Indigenous rights. 

The AFNQL would like to take this opportunity to remind the Government of Quebec that it still has a lot of work to do to match what the Government of British Columbia has just accomplished. The AFNQL welcomed the motion submitted by Québec Solidaire, unanimously supported by the National Assembly on October 3, which states that the government must “commit to negotiating the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples with First Nations and Inuit”. 

“We are waiting for concrete action from the Legault government to prevent the motion from turning to dust. Now, the Government of Quebec can draw on British Columbia to take action” says Chief Picard. 

Remembering that the National Assembly voted in favour of a resolution in 1985, which recognizes the Indigenous Nations and recognizes certain rights for them within Quebec. “The AFNQL believes that it is now time for Quebec to be at the forefront of the evolution of Indigenous law at the international level and replace this resolution with an implementation of the Declaration. This is the fundamental and legitimate goal that we are pursuing,” concluded the Chief of the AFNQL.

(Ottawa, ON): Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde and British Columbia AFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee welcome legislation tabled today in the BC legislature to harmonize provincial laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (the UN Declaration).

“British Columbia is leading the way and we urge the Government of Canada to do the same,” said AFN National Chief Bellegarde. “Implementing the UN Declaration through legislation is a positive step for peace, progress and prosperity. This will ensure First Nations rights are respected and implemented. This will create greater economic stability and prosperity, because it’s clear that ignoring First Nations rights is the cause of instability and uncertainty. I congratulate Premier Horgan for showing leadership and honouring his commitment to embrace the UN Declaration, and I congratulate Regional Chief Teegee, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, the First Nations Summit and First Nations leaders throughout BC for their hard work and advocacy in making this new Bill a reality. This is the start of new movement forward and we urge other governments to follow the leadership shown by BC.”

The UN Declaration is the road map to reconciliation. The AFN’s agenda for the next four years and beyond, Honouring Promises: 2019 Federal Election Priorities for First Nations and Canada, released September 9, calls on the federal government to commit to implementing the UN Declaration through legislation that is at least as strong as private member’s Bill C-262, which did not pass in the last session of Parliament. The Liberal Party, New Democratic Party and Green Party all committed in their 2019 election platforms to enact federal legislation on the UN Declaration.

AFN BC Regional Chief Terry Teegee stated: “Today is a historic moment in BC, Canada, and around the world. The maturity and wisdom of our current leadership in BC, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, is a beacon of hope during these uncertain times. I applaud Premier Horgan and his cabinet for moving this legislation forward. Implementing the UN Declaration is a non-partisan move, one we have been working towards for twelve long years. Businesses and investors will benefit as it creates certainty and predictability for projects in this province, British Columbians will benefit from job creation, and First Nations will benefit by having a seat at the table. We are finally moving forward together.”

Honouring Promises is available on the AFN website at: https://www.afn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Honouring-Promises_ENG_Rev.pdf

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.

Legislation introduced Oct. 24, 2019, creates a path forward to recognize and uphold the human rights of Indigenous peoples in B.C.

“Today’s legislation is a crucial step towards true and lasting reconciliation,” said Premier John Horgan. “With this new law, Indigenous peoples will be part of the decisions that affect them, their families and their territories. Together with Indigenous peoples, we’re going to build a better future with good jobs and opportunities for people, strong environmental protections and healthy communities that include everyone.”

If passed, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act will make British Columbia the first province to bring the internationally recognized standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) into provincial law.

“B.C. has made significant progress on reconciliation together with Indigenous peoples already, and we’ll continue to work together to build an even stronger, more inclusive and more just B.C. that will create a better future for everyone,” said Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “The legislation will create a path forward that upholds the human rights of Indigenous peoples, while creating more transparency and predictability in the work we do together. This is about ending discrimination and conflict in our province, and instead ensuring more economic justice and fairness.”

Developed in collaboration with the First Nations Leadership Council at the direction of First Nations, this legislation creates a framework for reconciliation in B.C., in keeping with the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“First Nations across B.C., Canada and the world are watching the introduction of this historic legislation. We are showing how the maturity and wisdom of our current leadership in this province, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, can be a beacon for hope during these uncertain times,” said Regional Chief Terry Teegee, BC Assembly of First Nations. “I applaud Premier Horgan and his cabinet for their bravery and perseverance in moving this forward. Implementing the UN Declaration is a non-partisan move, and we have been waiting 12 long years for this. Businesses and investors will benefit from this as it creates certainty and predictability for projects in this province – British Columbians will benefit from job creation and First Nations will benefit by having a seat at the table. Mussi Cho to all British Columbians. We are finally moving forward together.”

Cheryl Casimer, First Nations Summit political executive, said, “The provincial government has a long history of denying the very existence and rights of Indigenous peoples. We are pleased that this changes today, and the Province of British Columbia is working with us in turning the page in our collective history and embarking on a new era and path for building a respectful and modern government-to-government relationship – a relationship built on recognition, respect, co-operation and partnership with a goal to improve the lives of our citizens and bring reconciliation to the forefront of society.”

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, said, “Today is a good day. Without a doubt, this unifying bill represents an incredible step forward in Crown-Indigenous relations in the Province of British Columbia. We are incredibly proud of how far we’ve come together, and we eagerly anticipate next steps. This landmark bill is not only aspirational but includes tangible and practical tools for implementation. We hold up our hands to our ancestors and past leaders for paving the way for this critical work, and we look to our grandchildren, who will enjoy a more certain future.”

Over time as laws are modified or built, they will be aligned with the UN Declaration. Additional elements of the bill include:

• a requirement to develop an action plan to meet the objectives of the UN Declaration, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples;
• annual public reporting to monitor progress;
• discretion for new decision-making agreements between the Province and Indigenous governments where decisions directly affect Indigenous peoples and mechanisms exist in applicable legislation – with clear processes, administrative fairness and transparency; and
• recognition for additional forms of Indigenous governments in agreement-making, such as multiple Nations working together as a collective, or hereditary governments – as determined and recognized by the citizens of the Nation.

To support self-determination and self-government, the act will enable the Province to recognize other forms of Indigenous governments in addition to federal Indian Act bands, treaty Nations and incorporated bodies and societies. This also provides more clarity for businesses and communities about who to engage when working with Indigenous partners.

In 2017, every cabinet minister in the provincial government was tasked with a mandate to implement the UN Declaration and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. A commitment to adopting the UN Declaration in B.C. is a component of the Confidence and Supply Agreement with the BC Green Party caucus.

Quick Facts:

• The First Nations Leadership Council is comprised of leadership from the BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit and Union of BC Indian Chiefs.
• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission called on all governments in Canada to fully adopt and implement the UN Declaration as a framework for reconciliation.
• The UN Declaration is a universal human rights instrument that includes 46 articles outlining the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples throughout the world. It has the support of 148 countries.
• Actions taken since 2017 in B.C. to implement the UN Declaration include:
  • sharing $100 million annually in stable, long-term new revenues to support self-government and services that make life better for families in First Nations communities;
  • committing $550 million over 10 years to support the construction of 1,750 affordable housing units for Indigenous peoples on- and off-reserve;
  • dedicating $50 million to revitalize Indigenous languages;
  • modernizing the environmental assessment process;
  • amending child welfare laws to help keep Indigenous children with their families and communities;
  • implementing a new K-12 curriculum that integrates Indigenous culture and history; and
  • modernizing the treaty process to recognize the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples and align with the UN Declaration.

Learn More:

For a factsheet on the B.C. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/FS_Declaration-Legislation_24Oct19_FINAL.pdf

The legislation: https://declaration.gov.bc.ca

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf

Presentation from media briefing: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/PPT_Media-Tech-Briefing.pdf

Wendake, October 25, 2019 – The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) welcomes the action taken by the Government of British Columbia, which has just introduced a bill to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. More specifically, the AFNQL would like to congratulate the province’s Indigenous organizations that were closely involved in drafting the legislation that, if passed, would make the province the first to have gone this far.

“I am extremely proud of what our sisters and brothers have been able to accomplish with the Government of British Columbia. I would like to convey to their leaders and to Prime Minister Horgan our congratulations on this major achievement,” said AFNQL Chief Ghislain Picard, who recalled that all governments are called upon to implement the Declaration, which constitutes a minimum threshold for the respect of human and Indigenous rights.

The AFNQL would like to take this opportunity to remind the Government of Quebec that it still has a lot of work to do to match what the Government of British Columbia has just accomplished. The AFNQL welcomed the motion submitted by Québec Solidaire, unanimously supported by the National Assembly on October 3, which states that the government must “commit to negotiating the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples with First Nations and Inuit”.

“We are waiting for concrete action from the Legault government to prevent the motion from turning to dust. Now, the Government of Quebec can draw on British Columbia to take action” says Chief Picard.

Remembering that the National Assembly voted in favour of a resolution in 1985, which recognizes the Indigenous Nations and recognizes certain rights for them within Quebec. “The AFNQL believes that it is now time for Quebec to be at the forefront of the evolution of Indigenous law at the international level and replace this resolution with an implementation of the Declaration. This is the fundamental and legitimate goal that we are pursuing,” concluded the Chief of the AFNQL.

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.

SUMMARY: University will begin offering the Professional Indigenous Lands Management Certificate program in summer 2020.

VIU MEDIA RELEASE: Tuesday, October 22, 2019

NANAIMO, BC: Behind every sustainable, thriving community is the guiding hand of a land manager tasked with balancing the needs of the people who live there with what needs to be done to ensure resources are protected for future generations.

Thanks to the expertise of Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Master of Community Planning (MCP) program and the University’s extensive relationships with First Nations communities, Indigenous land managers will have access to professional training that was previously only available in Saskatchewan and Ontario.

The National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA) has chosen VIU to deliver the first level of the Professional Lands Management Certification Program (PLMCP). The program ensures Indigenous land managers gain knowledge, stay current in the field and adhere to a professional code of ethics. VIU is the third institution to offer this training: the University of Saskatchewan and Algoma University in Ontario also deliver Level One training. Level Two is delivered by NALMA.

“We are honoured to be selected to offer this training for Indigenous land managers in Western Canada,” says Dr. Pam Shaw, Director of the MCP program. “This will allow planners from Indigenous communities to study locally and work with organizations in the region that may be facing similar land use and planning challenges.”

The program is administered through NALMA and funded by Indigenous Services Canada.

“NALMA is very excited to be partnering with VIU and to offer another option for students in our Professional Lands Management Certification Program,” says Amanda Simon, NALMA Board Chair. “VIU has strong existing relationships with Indigenous nations on Vancouver Island, which we will build upon in the development of our shared programming by reaching out to First Nations across Canada. We look forward to welcoming the first cohort of learners next year!”

Starting in summer 2020, VIU will deliver the basics of Indigenous land management over six courses – five in-person courses taken at the Nanaimo campus and one online major project class. Each on-campus course has a field trip/day component to a local First Nation on Vancouver Island, where students will meet the community and their planning teams to learn, discuss and help resolve real-life lands issues. Local Indigenous planners and land-use managers will also be invited to contribute to the program as instructors and guest speakers. 

“This program will open up new possibilities for collaborations between students and employees and communities,” says Dr. Deb Saucier, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor. “This will give us a chance to deepen current relationships and explore new partnerships.” 

The program will cover basics in resource management, community design, sustainable practices and Indigenous lands planning.

“Indigenous land managers face a complex array of issues in their day-to-day jobs, ranging from land-use conflicts, to navigating environmental regulations,” says Graham Sakaki, Research and Community Engagement Coordinator with VIU’s Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Reserve Research Institute. “They also play a larger role in land stewardship and resource management than planners working for a municipality might, and often take a more holistic view of land use.”

Hegus (Chief) Nicole Rempel of the K’omoks First Nation, finished her certification in 2018. She says the program not only broadened her knowledge base on the technical parts of being a land manager, but it also helped her build connections with other communities. 

“The people who get this training at VIU are going to build more local connections, which allows for more sharing of policies and collaborations to solve problems,” she says. “And with it being offered here, it will be easier for BC communities to come and do the training.”

After completing the VIU courses, students receive a stand-alone certificate in Professional Indigenous Lands Management and can apply to complete Level Two and receive their full PLMCP certification. Shaw says students can also apply any credits earned to an undergraduate degree. 

Permalink: https://news.viu.ca/viu-chosen-offer-national-land-management-training-first-nations

Photo Caption: Indigenous land managers will have access to professional training that was previously only available at institutions in Saskatchewan and Ontario. Dr. Deb Saucier, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor, and Amanda Simon, Chair of the National Aboriginal Lands Management Association Board, sign a memorandum of understanding. Photo Credit: Vancouver Island University

(Ottawa, ON): Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde congratulates re-elected Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on winning a minority government in the 2019 federal election.  The National Chief looks forward to working with the new government and all parties to advance First Nations priorities as set out in the HonouringPromises agenda to build a stronger, better Canada for everyone.

“I congratulate Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal party on their victory,” said AFN National Chief Bellegarde. “I look forward to meeting in the near future to advance a positive agenda for all Canadians. Over the last four years we have seen remarkable progress on First Nations issues, but progress does not equal parity.”

“We will work with all parties to address the climate crisis, safety and security for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, to lift up First Nations children and families, and to strengthen the country as a whole. First Nation priorities are Canadian priorities. I look forward to working with every Member of Parliament.”

In Honouring Promises: 2019 Federal Election Priorities for First Nations and Canada the AFN sets out a forward looking agenda beginning with a call for action on the global priority of climate change and preserving the natural world. It shows how to build a stronger Canada through healthy and educated First Nations citizens living in safe and secure communities, and fully participating in the economy in ways that strengthen the national economy and sustain the environment.

“There is agreement among a majority of Parliamentarians to move forward on some key priorities, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, a First Ministers Meeting on First Nations Priorities, and fully implementing legislation to strengthen Indigenous languages and protect First Nations children,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “I lift up all First Nations citizens who voted in this election and congratulate all the Indigenous candidates. We will keep pushing forward for action, for reconciliation and for results.”

For more information on First Nation priorities and Honouring Promises, please visit: https://www.afn.ca/2019-federal-election/

Indigenous Insights

Friday, November 1, 2019
Indigenous Insights

Saturday, November 2 – Sunday, November 3, 2019
Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering

• The Chanie Wenjack School and the First Peoples House of Learning present three days of memories from the past 50 years and looking ahead for the next 50
• Keynote address by Tanya Talaga, author of Seven Fallen Feathers and CBC Massey Lecturer
• Indigenous performances including: 
  • The Mush Hole, KAHA:WI DANCE THEATRE, Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in Market Hall, 140 Charlotte Street
  • Michele Thrush, Find Your Inner Elder, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 in Nozhem Theatre: First Peoples Performance Space
  • Round Dance Social Friday evening in Champlain College’s Great Hall 

For more details please visit our website or email indigenousstudies@trentu.ca.

Following the federal election, Ghislain Picard, Chief of the
Assembly of First Nations of Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), would like to highlight the victory of Justin Trudeau and his party, as well as the members of Parliament who now form a new minority government. The one who says that the most important relationship is with Indigenous peoples must continue to reduce the socio-economic gaps and inequities faced by First Nations in Quebec- Labrador and across the country.

“I call on all elected officials to address head-on the aberrations and unacceptable situations that no Canadian would accept, such as having access to clean drinking water or providing services to our children and families without discrimination. It is time to stop these violations once and for all without having to fight in court to ensure respect for basic human rights,” said the Chief of the AFNQL.

The AFNQL also insists on full recognition of the inherent Aboriginal and treaty rights and titles of all First Nations. In addition, the adoption of legislation to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples remains at the forefront of expectations, considering Justin Trudeau’s commitment to co-development, by the end of 2020.

“Time will tell, but the question remains: did it take a minority government to bring about true reconciliation and viable solutions based on respect for our rights and basic needs? The story is to follow and the AFNQL will monitor this government closely,” 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.