Kenora, ON — Francis Kavanaugh was re-elected for a four-year term in a traditional selection process today in Wauzhushk Onigum Nation defeating Kathy Kishiqueb of Onigaming First Nation who was the only other candidate.
The traditional selection process is guided by the Anishinaabe cultural protocols and this selection was the first year that each First Nation was given four votes. This process was used to acknowledge Anishinaabe traditional selection protocols independent from the Indian Act rules of procedure.
This is the first time a Grand Chief was elected for a third term to serve the citizens of Grand Council Treaty #3. Kavanaugh from Naotkamegwanning First Nation will serve his second consecutive term and his third term all together.
There are 28 First Nation communities located in Grand Council Treaty #3.
“I look forward to working with all the chiefs and the people of Treaty #3 serving another four years as Ogichidaa. We have a lot of work to do with a lot of work we’ve started and can now complete,” said Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, Grand Chief of Treaty #3. “I am very serious about this commitment I made.”
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Janine Seymour, B.A., J.D., LL.M, Political Advisor to Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh 807.464.1261 (cell)
Photos:
1. Chief Chris Skead of Wauzhushk Onigum Nation welcomes leaders and citizens to his community longhouse Tuesday for the traditional selection process and Grand Council Treaty #3 Fall Assembly.2. Newly re-elected Grand Chief Francis Kavanaugh accepts congratulations from citizens of Treaty #3. 3. Kathy Kishiqueb of Onigaming First Nation after the election. https://gct3.ca/francis-kavanaugh-re-elected-to-serve-third-term-as-ogichidaa-grand-council-treaty-3-grand-chief/
imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival Announces Full Programming for 20th Anniversary Festival October 22-27, 2019
The 20th imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival is proud to announce the full programming of works by Indigenous screen-content creators for the Festival, running October 22-27, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario.
imagineNATIVE‘s previously announced opening night gala on Tuesday, October 22 will be One Day in the Life of Noah Piugattuk by Zacharias Kunukat the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema. On Sunday, October 27, the closing night gala will be The Sun Above Me Never Sets by first time feature film director Lyubov Borisova at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.
The 20th imagineNATIVE will screen a dynamic selection offeature films including The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open, directed by Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers and Kathleen Hepburn;Red Snow, an Indigenous military drama directed by Marie Clements;the world premiere of FUKRY, directed by Blackhorse Lowe; the Toronto premiere of Top End Wedding by Wayne Blair; The Incredible 25th Year of Mitzi Bearclaw, directed by Shelley Niro; the world premiere of Ruthless Souls directed by Madison Thomas; and the Toronto premiere of Rustic Oracle, by Sonia Boileau.
imagineNATIVE will screen the Toronto premiere of Vai, a highly anticipated film written and directed by a sisterhood of Pacific filmmakers, and shot on location in seven Pacific countries. From the producers of Waru (2017), Vaiexplores themes of womanhood, tradition, and empowerment through the story Vai, who is portrayed at various stages in her life from the age of seven to eighty by eight different actresses.
Dark Place, a collection of shorts films from five Indigneous filmmakers from Australia, will have its Canadian premiere at imagineNATIVE.Dark Placeis a horror program full of revenge, insomnia, supernatural forces, water zombies, land zombies and of course, comedy!
Documentary features screening at imagineNATIVE will include: the Canadian premiere of Haka Puai te Kainga (Eating Up Easter), directed by Sergio Mata’u Rapu; the Canadian premiere of For My Father’s Kingdom, directed by Vea Mafile`o and Jeremiah Tauamiti; the International premiere of Ushui, the Moon and the Sun, directed by Nicolás Rojas Sánchez; the Ontario premiere of Sembradoras de vida (Mothers of the Land), directed by Alvaro Sarmientoand Diego Sarmiento; the World premiere of Not Just Numbers, directed by Shirleen Campbell; The Book of the Sea, directed by Aleksei Vakhrushev; N. Scott Momaday: Words from a Bear, directed by Jeffrey Palmer; the International premiere of Wik vs Queensland, directed by Dean Gibson; the world premiere of Hugo Blanco, Río Profundo (Hugo Blanco, Deep River), directed by Malena Martinez Cabrera; and the Canadian premiere of Maui’s Hook, directed by Paora Te Oti Takarangi Joseph.
imagineNATIVE will present 12 shorts programmes including: Tribulations, a collection of dramatic shorts; Imprint, stories about the connection to home from the viewpoint of youth; Indi Love Stories, short films about family, love and LGBT2S+ experiences; Deviations, a series of experimental shorts; Translations, featuring shorts from around the globe; Metamorphosis, with international shorts from the youth point of view; and Fight of Flight, a series of short films about women
imagineNATIVE is proud to honour Michelle Thrush with the 2019 August Schellenberg Award of Excellence. Michelle Thrush has worked professionally in film, television and theatre for more than 25 years with over 40 professional credits in the entertainment industry and numerous awards and special recognitions throughout. The August Schellenberg Award of Excellence was launched in partnership with Joan Karasevich Schellenberg to honour her late husband, the legendary actor August (Augie) Schellenberg, and the spirit of his work. Michelle Thrush will receive the Augie at the imagineNATIVE Awards Presentation on October 27 at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.
imagineNATIVE will feature six Special Presentations including: a screening of MERATA: How Mum Decolonised the Screen, followed by an extended Q&A with Chelsea Winstanley and Alanis Obomsawin; an Artist Spotlight screening and extended Q&A with Elder Hopi filmmaker Victor Masayesva, Jr.; an exclusive preview of Jeff Barnaby’s latest film Blood Quantum, which will be in theatres early 2020 distributed by Elevation Pictures; a screening of nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up, a powerful, game-changing documentary, followed by a moderated conversation with director Tasha Hubbard and members of Colton Bushie’s family; a screening of Jordan River Anderson, The Messenger, the latest documentary from legendary filmmakerAlanis Obomsawin, followed by an extended Q+A; and the Barb Cranmer Tribute screening, in honour of the late Kwakwaka’wakw filmmaker.
The Audio Works at imagineNATIVE will feature 14 radio, podcast, and sound pieces including: Coffee with My Ma, a podcast by Kaniehtiio Horn where her activist mother Kahentinetha Horn tells stories of her very adventurous life; episodes from Warrior Life, a podcast by Mi’kmaw lawyer, professor, author, and social justice activist Dr. Pam Palmater; and Tsi tkaronhya ke – In the Sky, a sound narrative featuring digital compositions by Haida/Cree musician Kristi Lane Sinclair and Inuit DJ Mad Eskimo aka Geronimo Inutiq, produced by Mohawk sound and radio artist Janet Rogers.
Tickets for the 20th Annual imagineNATIVE are on sale now.
imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival October 22-27, 2019 Tickets On Sale Now Call – TIFF Box Office on 416-599-2033 Online – TIFF Festival Partners and Third Party Events In Person – TIFF Box Office at 350 King St W, Toronto, ON
The imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival is the world’s largest Indigenous festival showcasing film, video, audio, and digital & interactive media made by Indigenous screen-content creators. The Festival presents compelling and distinctive works from Canada and around the globe, reflecting the diversity of Indigenous nations and illustrating the vitality and dynamism of Indigenous arts, perspectives, and cultures in contemporary media.
Thanks to the support of our Presenting Partner Bell Media.
Wendake, October 2, 2019 – “The Premier may attempt to make amends for the past, but I especially wish that he would do so for today, when the Government of Quebec, on this very day, stood before the court and continued to affirm that Quebec has never recognized the right to self-determination of First Nations and that it refuses to recognize that First Nations police services are essential services!”, asserted Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL.
The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) recognizes the gesture of reconciliation that Premier Legault made today. “The AFNQL regrets that this first call to action does not insist on the need for the provincial government to first apologize to the women and girls of ations for the harm they have suffered, as demanded by common decency”, added Chief Picard.
The First Nations are looking towards the future while worrying that the Government of Quebec does not understand the urgency of taking immediate action to correct the current situation. The First Nations are therefore directly inviting the Premier to work with them to put an end to the systemic discriminatory practices among all his public services.
Political will can have no real impact without a complete reworking of Quebec’s ways of doing things. Does the Legault government intend to question the existing institutions, which are largely responsible for what has been denounced by Justice Viens?
Justice Viens’ report indicates a direction, a procedure to follow. The AFNQL recognizes this. If the Government of Quebec does not want to have to apologize again in thirty years, Premier Legault must now commit, firmly and publicly, to join with First Nations in respecting the calls to action of Justice Viens. The AFNQL emphasizes that First Nations are in the best position to decide what is good for them and determine their future. Beyond the expressed openness, the Premier of Quebec must formally commit to establishing new foundations by recognizing the right to self-determination.
About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador is the political organization that unites 43 First Nations Chiefs in Quebec and Labrad
Lac La Biche/Edmonton – TODAY the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench granted advanced costs to Beaver Lake Cree Nation to allow it to proceed with its Treaty 6 infringement litigation against Canada and Alberta.
The litigation deals with the cumulative effects of the “taking up” of land in Beaver Lake traditional territory and the damage done to the way of life of members of the Beaver Lake Cree Nation by industrial development, including oil and gas expansion from fracking and in-situ oil sands extraction.
At its core, the case is about whether or not the Numbered Treaties, and in particular Treaty 6, provide constitutional protection for Indigenous culture and way of life.
With the advance cost award, Beaver Lake Cree Nation will have the financial resources to pursue a case which could be a game-changer in terms of how projects approvals are granted in Alberta’s oil sands. As the country in the spirit of reconciliation recognizes and honours Residential School Survivors, the Courts also “provide some important steps along the road to reconciliation” by way of this ruling.
Beaver Lake Brought this Case Out of Necessity to Protect its Culture
Beaver Lake Cree Nation brought this case in 2008 out of its profound concern for the increasing industrial development authorized by the Crown in its traditional lands. Crown consultation and government legislation has not been directed toward, or effective in, protecting Beaver Lake’s way of life and culture. Generations of Indigenous Peoples in the region have seen their treaty rights rendered increasingly meaningless as the land, air and water upon which they depend have been degraded by pollution and development. Beaver Lake brought this action out of necessity to keep its culture alive. It fears irreversible damage to its culture and way of life as a result of unchecked industrial development.
Beaver Lake can No Longer Fund the Litigation
As noted by the Court, Beaver Lake has committed substantial funds to the litigation over the past ten years. But it can no longer fund the litigation at the rate required to bring it to trial.
Chief Anderson stated:We have dedicated our scarce resources to the case because we felt we had no choice. Beaver Lake would rather not have to litigate. It would rather work with the Crown directly to arrive at a mutual understanding of how to properly implement the Treaty promises, and protect its culture and way of life. However, those discussions have not occurred, and Canada and Alberta have continuously denied that our Treaty affords us protection against cumulative effects. The Court noted: “Beaver Lake has funded this litigation for 10 years through its own sources. It cannot fund the litigation at the rate required to bring it to trial. I am satisfied that it would be impossible for this to proceed if the requested order is not made. (…) A resolution of this matter is important and compelling within a reasonable period of time as the cumulative effects continue to worsen over time. (…) It would be manifestly unjust to either compel Beaver Lake to abandon its claim or force it into destitution in order to bring the claim forward.”
Beaver Lake Granted Advanced Costs
In the result, the Court ordered that Beaver Lake must continue to contribute to the lawsuit as before and that Canada and Alberta shall provide an equal amount per year until the trial is concluded or the litigation resolved.
Beaver Lake is thrilled that the Court recognized the importance of the litigation, and that denying Beaver Lake advanced costs would deny them access to justice, and the ability to enforce their inherent and Treaty rights. Beaver Lake welcomes the ability to move the case forward to trial.
(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde says he supports the Listuguj First Nation as they assert their rights and conduct a commercial lobster fishery, this fall, despite Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ (DFO) refusal to issue a commercial license. Listuguj, a Mi’gmaq First Nation in Quebec, has been trying to work with the DFO to exercise their rights to a moderate livelihood fishery – a right recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada within the Marshall Decision of 1999.
“The Supreme Court of Canada, in the Marshall Decision, made it clear, Canada and all its agencies must recognize the Treaty rights of the Listuguj First Nation to fish and to exercise a moderate livelihood through fishing,” said AFN National Chief Bellegarde. “Fishing is a part of the Mi’gmaq people’s culture, identity and economy, and has been for generations. The Listuguj First Nation has been pursuing a peaceful and cooperative way forward. Any path must recognize and respect their Treaty rights, inherent rights and the decision of Canada’s own Supreme Court. I support their right to harvest and make a living off of lobster, and I stand with the citizens and leaders of the Listuguj First Nation.”
In 1999, the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed in the Marshall Decision that the Mi’kmaq have a Treaty right to hunt, fish, harvest and gather in their territory for the purposes of trade, and to earn a moderate livelihood. The Supreme Court of Canada confirmed that the Peace and Friendship Treaties of 1760-61 and the Canadian constitution protect the right of Mi’gmaq communities to fish commercially to provide for themselves. The DFO has the authority to impose limits on Mi’gmaq commercial fishing, but only if these limits are minimally intrusive, follow meaningful consultation, and are aimed at achieving a compelling objective, such as conservation or safety. The DFO has offered no explanation that could justify its refusal to issue a commercial fishing license this fall.
Last November, Canada and the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government signed a Framework Agreement on Reconciliation and the Fisheries. That agreement kicked off formal negotiations on fisheries governance and fishing rights. Those negotiations are ongoing.
“The people of Listuguj rely on fishing to support themselves and their families. It does not make sense that this First Nation would not be given a commercial license,” said AFN Quebec Regional Chief Ghislain Picard. “The community cannot be made to wait for permission to exercise a right they already have. This issue must be resolved to ensure the livelihood and prosperity of the people of Listuguj. They are asking for nothing more than for Canada to honour their rights and the decisions of its own courts.”
The Listuguj First Nation has held a fall lobster fishery for the past two decades for the purposes of feeding its citizens, and has no intention of increasing fishing beyond what is sustainable. However, this year some of the lobster caught in the fall will be sold to offset costs. Since the Marshall decision, Listuguj has also conducted a limited commercial lobster fishery each spring. For the spring fishery, the DFO issues the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government a commercial licence. The Listuguj leadership remains committed to negotiating a long-term arrangement with Canada, but they cannot be made to wait indefinitely.
During its recent Annual General Assembly, the AFN passed Resolution # 65-2019 “Recognition of the Marshall Decision”, which recognizes and affirms the 20th Anniversary of the Marshall Decision by the Supreme Court of Canada. It also affirmed the Nation-to-Nation relationship of the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqey and Peskotomuhkati with the Crown on the unceded traditional territorial lands and waters of these First Nations. It directed the AFN to continue advocacy with the federal government to uphold and honour all Treaty relationships with First Nations in Canada.
Manawan, le 30 septembre 2019 – La communauté atikamekw de Manawan souligne aujourd’hui l’ouverture officielle du nouveau centre de Pédiatrie Sociale, le Centre Mihawoso, qui permet de favoriser le développement optimal des enfants en s’assurant du respect de leurs droits, de leurs intérêts et de la culture Atikamekw Nehirowisiw.
Le tout a débuté à 9 heures ce matin, par un hommage à l’ancien Centre Mère-Enfant dont le Centre de Pédiatrie Sociale Mihawoso prend maintenant la place, ainsi que des fonctions nouvelles et plus complètes. A suivi une cérémonie de transition, au cours de laquelle un enfant a été symboliquement transmis de l’ancien centre vers le nouveau.
Beaucoup de travail et d’efforts ont été nécessaires pour que le Centre Mère-Enfant naisse sous un nouveau jour et sous de nouvelles fonctions, avec un éventail de services très complet, offert ici-même à l’intérieur de la communauté, non seulement pour les enfants, mais pour leur famille et leur entourage », a déclaré Mme Annette Dubé Vollant, Présidente du conseil d’administration, qui en a profité pour souligner le support de la Fondation du Dr. Julien, lui-même présent lors de la cérémonie.
Un modèle pour contrer le racisme systémique
Cette cérémonie ayant lieu le jour même de la publication du rapport de la Commission d’enquête sur les relations entre les Autochtones et certains services publics au Québec (Commission Viens), Mme Dubé Vollant a souligné le caractère unique de ce centre et qu’il constitue un modèle à suivre pour les autres Premières Nations et pour contrer le racisme systémique dont sont victimes les Autochtones au Québec.
Le Centre Mihawoso offre une multitude de services culturellement adaptés aux enfants de 0 à 18 ans ainsi qu’à leur entourage, selon une approche holistique, qui inclut également le cercle familial de l’enfant, selon les valeurs culturelles Atikamekw.
Winneway Aki, September 30, 2019 – On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Long Point First Nation welcomes the long-awaited and highly anticipated final report of the Public Inquiry Commission on relations between Indigenous Peoples and certain public services in Québec (Viens Commission) and demand full implementation of its recommendations. The report was made public earlier today with 142 Calls to Action with regards to six public services administered by the Quebec Government. The public inquiry was announced in December 2016 by the Couillard government following allegations made by Indigenous women against police officers in Val-d’Or. The events sent shock waves throughout the province and country. The government’s intent was to restore trust between the police and the Indigenous communities and thus created the Public Inquiry “on the relations between Aboriginal people and certain public services in Quebec: listening, reconciliation and progress”.
“For Long Point, we are particularly interested in the Calls to Action with regards to public security”, stated Chief Steeve Mathias. “My community was forced to close our own public security services in 2006 when negotiations failed between our Council and both levels of the Provincial and Federal Governments. We have been waiting now 12 years for the governments to step up and work with First Nations in establishing real and concrete commitments where the safety of our People are concerned, namely moving public security out of a program to legislation. We are entitled to safety in our very own communities”.
Long Point urges the government of Quebec to implement the Calls to Action immediately and hopes that the appointment of Le Protecteur du Citoyen (The Québec Ombudsman) to implement the Calls to Action will guarantee that this particular report will not be tabled as other reports and recommendations have been in the past. About Long Point First Nation Long Point First Nation is a community of anicinabek people, located in the heart of unceded traditional anicinabe territory, with a majority of its members residing in Winneway on the south shores of Winneway River.
Winneway Aki, September 30, 2019 – On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Long Point First Nation welcomes the long-awaited and highly anticipated final report of the Public Inquiry Commission on relations between Indigenous Peoples and certain public services in Québec (Viens Commission) and demand full implementation of its recommendations. The report was made public earlier today with 142 Calls to Action with regards to six public services administered by the Quebec Government. The public inquiry was announced in December 2016 by the Couillard government following allegations made by Indigenous women against police officers in Val-d’Or. The events sent shock waves throughout the province and country. The government’s intent was to restore trust between the police and the Indigenous communities and thus created the Public Inquiry “on the relations between Aboriginal people and certain public services in Quebec: listening, reconciliation and progress”.
“For Long Point, we are particularly interested in the Calls to Action with regards to public security”, stated Chief Steeve Mathias. “My community was forced to close our own public security services in 2006 when negotiations failed between our Council and both levels of the Provincial and Federal Governments. We have been waiting now 12 years for the governments to step up and work with First Nations in establishing real and concrete commitments where the safety of our People are concerned, namely moving public security out of a program to legislation. We are entitled to safety in our very own communities”.
Long Point urges the government of Quebec to implement the Calls to Action immediately and hopes that the appointment of Le Protecteur du Citoyen (The Québec Ombudsman) to implement the Calls to Action will guarantee that this particular report will not be tabled as other reports and recommendations have been in the past. About Long Point First Nation Long Point First Nation is a community of anicinabek people, located in the heart of unceded traditional anicinabe territory, with a majority of its members residing in Winneway on the south shores of Winneway River.
Montreal, QC) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Bellegarde, AFN Yukon Regional Chief Adamek, and AFN Regional Chief for Quebec and Labrador, Ghislain Picard, will march today with the AFNQL First Nation Youth Network, climate warrior Greta Thunberg, and hundreds of thousands of young people concerned about the future of the planet. The National Chief demanded Canada and countries across the globe listen to the youth and take immediate action to address the number one crisis facing this generation. The AFN’s National Youth Council hosted a national environmental Youth Summit in April 2019. The Youth Council, with more than 75 other young emerging leaders, gathered together to make recommendations on climate action.
“We must ensure that our lands, waters, non-human beings, medicines and sacred sites are protected and accessible now and for the seven generations to come,” said female Co-Chair of the AFN Youth Council, Rosalie Labillois. “Canada’s governments must support all youth in developing options for implementing a net-zero carbon emission future including green-infrastructure, technology and innovative solutions in First Nations and across the country.
Rollin Baldhead, male Co-Chair of the AFN Youth Council, said we urgently need to implement fundamental changes in the way we go about our daily lives. “It is time for our current generation of leaders and politicians to take real and substantial action to stop the climate crisis. If you care about your children’s future, how can you not take action now? We only have one planet. Everything we depend on for life is here. If we destroy Mother Earth, we destroy ourselves. We need everyone on board together to heal our planet. Governments must support youth in developing education and training for local and land-based solutions,” said Baldhead.
National Chief Bellegarde insists that all federal party leaders commit to working with First Nations on a national plan to address the climate crisis with specific actions and measurable targets.
“The climate crisis – the climate emergency – is our number one priority. Everything hinges on a livable world and a healthy environment for our children. We must act now to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and ensure a healthy and positive future for young people, like Greta Thunberg and the AFN Youth Council,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “First Nations believe we are only borrowing Mother Earth from future generations. It would be unforgivable for our generation to leave the world in a state of extreme uncertainty for those who will inherit it from us. This is an emergency and First Nations, with the incorporation of our traditional knowledge, are the leaders in providing solutions. I was proud to be part of honouring, an amazing Anishinabek youth, Autumn Peltier at our AGA in Fredericton and hearing her powerful message about protecting the water. Every leader of every political party in Canada needs to commit to working with First Nations on a national action plan with specific targets and progress that can be measured and assessed. We need drastic action to avoid global catastrophe.”
National Chief Bellegarde said that First Nations are often the first to feel the disproportionate impacts of climate change and must deal with the serious and devastating effects including forest fires, flooding and food insecurity.
AFN Yukon Regional Chief Kluane Adamek said that the Chiefs in the Yukon, a region among the most significantly impacted by climate change, recently passed a resolution that calls on leadership and Canada to recognize the accelerated impacts of the climate emergency in the north and the need to take immediate action.
“Humanity and our planet cannot wait any longer. Our future cannot be directed by partisanship or politics. We all need to act. The transition to a just future rests in our hands and we are running out of time. First Nations have the solutions and are already implementing them in many communities throughout the country. We need to lift up the work of those advocating for climate action and stand together in this global movement. We are ready to work with all governments in Canada and beyond,” Regional Chief Adamek said. “Meeting our targets under the Paris Agreement requires a focused and sustained effort but those targets must not be seen as optional or aspirational goals. The Paris Agreement sets out a positive and progressive plan of action. It is the first climate change agreement that commits countries to ambitious climate action, while respecting the rights of Indigenous peoples. The future depends on us. Canada and countries across the globe must act now to stop our world from drastically changing for the worse.”
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.”
