Topic: Today’s News

ANISHINABEK NATION HEAD OFFICE (March 25, 2021) –  The Anishinabek Nation appeared at the Supreme Court of Canada to stand up for First Nation rights and jurisdiction in the fight against climate change. 

The Anishinabek Nation recently intervened before the Supreme Court of Canada in the Reference re: Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act appeal, jointly and in support of the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising. The key issue in this case was whether the matters addressed in the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act are of sufficient national concern that they fall within federal jurisdiction.

The Anishinabek Nation intervened to specifically advocate for the voices of its member First Nations and citizens. Representatives argued that climate change disproportionately affects Anishinabek communities, traditional ways of life, and the ability to assert and exercise jurisdiction in relation to environmental issues that directly impact lands and peoples. As the quality and quantity of natural resources and medicines continue to diminish with the effects of climate change, it is vital that First Nation voices are heard and that their rights are respected.

Without taking any position on the current federal regulatory carbon pricing scheme, the Anishinabek Nation asserted that where provinces are unable to effectively apply standards to address the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, the federal government must be permitted to step in and establish minimum national standards that operate as a backstop. There is no time to waste. First Nations should not be left without effective redress as a result of federal-provincial jurisdictional disputes. First Nation concerns must be heard and addressed.

The Anishinabek Nation is pleased to share that its arguments were heard and a majority of the Supreme Court of Canada has sided with the First Nation positions and upheld the federal Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. The Court acknowledged that climate change requires immediate collective national and international action. The decision acknowledges the particularly serious effects that climate change has had on Indigenous peoples, as well as the “heightened impacts” of climate change in the Canadian Arctic, coastal regions and Indigenous territories. It is especially significant that the court recognized that climate change has the effect of “threatening the ability of Indigenous communities in Canada to sustain themselves and maintain their traditional ways of life”.   

Relevant Links:          

·       Factum of the Interveners

·       Supreme Court Judgments re Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act

Additional Resources:

·       Reference re Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, 2021 SCC 11

·       Factum of the Joint Intervenors, Anishinabek Nation and UCCMM

The Anishinabek Nation is a political advocate for 39 member First Nations across Ontario, representing approximately 65,000 citizens.  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. 

INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS 
ON VIOLENCE AGAINST INDIGENOUS WOMEN

VIOLENCE AGAINST INDIGENOUS WOMEN, GIRLS AND GENDER-DIVERSE PEOPLE IS A CRISIS ACROSS THE AMERICAS. IN CANADA, AFTER A NATIONAL INQUIRY INTO MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND GIRLS WAS HELD, THE INQUIRY MADE A DECLARATION OF GENOCIDE.

The International Summit of the Americas on Violence Against Indigenous Women, hosted by the Native Women’s Association of Canada, will:

1. Address the violent impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people, including on their direct physical and mental well-being;

2. Examine the intersectionality of violence and explore best practices to address the violence; and

3. Highlight the crucial importance of traditional healing and resiliency.

With no end to the pandemic yet in sight, the need for urgent and effective remedies for this shadow pandemic of violence is all the more pressing. The International Summit of the Americas on Violence Against Indigenous Women will aim to identify international, national and regional solutions that will enable decision-makers to take action.

This Summit will bring together visionaries and thought leaders including grassroots Indigenous women, and representatives of governments, industry and media from across the hemisphere, to discuss what is inarguably one of our most pressing human rights concerns.

The Mohawk Nation of Kanesatake and the Micmac Nation of Gespeg are pleased to announce that the first phase of their joint vaccination agreement has been a success. 

Over the next few days, more than 250 Gespeg members living in the greater Montreal area will be able to receive a first dose of the COVID‐19 vaccine at the Kanesatake Mass Vaccination Clinic infrastructure, thanks to an exceptional collaboration. 

“We are extremely grateful for Grand Chief Simon’s openness in these difficult times. With all the current health restrictions, they have offered us a safe and effective way to protect the health of our members by taking them in charge for vaccination. We thank him for this gesture of inter‐nation solidarity and we are proud of this historic agreement. Thank you also to the Kanesatake Council, the Kanesatake Emergency 

Response Unit as well as to our Montreal Councilor, Nadia Robertson, who facilitated the agreement between our two communities. This exceptional collaboration could not have taken place without the support of our health team, led with professionalism by our coordinator Marlène Jeannotte, supported by counselor Samuelle Boulet. To all of you, We’lalin.” stated the Chief of the Micmac Nation of Gespeg, Terry Shaw. 

Grand Chief Simon for his part declared “We are happy that we are in a position of being able to provide assistance to members of the nations of Gespeg and are conscious of the difficulties indigenous people sometimes face when trying to access culturally sensitive health services in an urban setting. It is important for us to stress that this collaboration is possible in part thanks to the efforts of the Trudeau Government for the resources allocated to Kanesatake, thus allowing us to face the pandemic, to the Legault Government for their understanding and compassion when Kanesatake had to take the measures necessary to protect our people, and to Dr. Éric Goyer, Director of Public Health for the Laurentians and his team for their support and active participation throughout the past year. Kanesatake was also able to count on a stable and strong team of professionals, headed by Incident Commander and Vice Chief Patricia Meilleur. This historic partnership between Nations fits perfectly into a process of healing and reconciliation, while creating inter‐cultural links and respecting the self‐determination of Indigenous Nations“. 

“I want to congratulate the Mohawks of Kanesatake and the Micmac Nation of Gespeg on their vaccination partnership. Throughout the pandemic Indigenous leadership and health officials have been at the forefront of the response to COVID‐19 and the Government of Canada will continue to work in partnership with them, the

province of Québec and local health authorities. This is an excellent example of how by working in partnership we will get through this.” ‐ Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services 

The media are invited to the press briefing which will be situated at Kanesatake’s Mass Vaccination site (Rotiwennakehte elementary school ‐ 407 Rue Saint Michel, Kanesatake) this Sunday, March 28 at 1:30 p.m. Please wear a mask and respect social distancing. 

On site : 

‐ Grand Chief Serge Otsi Simon IMohawk Council of Kanesatake) 
‐ ERU Incident Commander and Vice‐Chief Patricia Meilleur (Mohawk Council of Kanesatake) ‐ Regional Chief Ghislain Picard (AFNQL) 
‐ Indigenous Affairs Minister the Honourable Ian Lafrenière (Quebec) 
‐ Councilor Nadia Robertson (Gespeg) 
‐ Ex‐Chief Manon Jeannotte (Gespeg) 

Pending confirmations : 

– Chief Terry Shaw (Gespeg) 
– Chief John Martin (Gesgapegiag)

Les nations Mohawk de Kanesatake et Micmaque de Gespeg sont heureuses d’annoncer que la première phase de leur entente de vaccination conjointe a été couronnée de succès.   

Au cours des prochains jours, plus de 250 membres de Gespeg habitant la grande région de Montréal pourront recevoir une première dose de vaccin contre la Covid‐19 à même les infrastructures de Vaccination de Masse de Kanesatake, grâce à une collaboration exceptionnelle. 

« Nous sommes extrêmement reconnaissants de l’ouverture du Grand Chef Simon en cette période difficile. Avec toutes les restrictions sanitaires actuelles, il nous a offert un moyen sûr et efficace de protéger la santé de nos membres en les prenant en charge pour la vaccination. Nous le remercions de ce geste de solidarité inter‐ nations et nous sommes fiers de cette entente historique. Merci également au Conseil Mohawk de Kanesatake à l’unité d’Intervention d’Urgence de Kanesatake ainsi qu’à notre conseillère de Montréal, Nadia Robertson, qui a facilité l’entente entre nos deux communautés. Cette collaboration exceptionnelle n’aurait pu avoir lieu sans le support de notre équipe de santé, menée avec professionalisme par notre coordonnatrice Marlène Jeannotte, appuyée par la conseillère Samuelle Boulet. À tous et à toutes, We’lalin. » a déclaré le Chef de la Nation Micmac de Gespeg, Terry Shaw. 

Le Grand Chef Simon a pour sa part déclaré « Nous sommes heureux d’être en position de fournir une assistance aux membres de la nation de Gespeg et sommes conscients des difficultés que peuvent parfois rencontrer les membres des Premières Nations lorsqu’ils tentent d’accéder à des services de santé culturellement sensibles en milieu urbain. Il est important pour nous de souligner que cette collaboration est possible en partie grâce aux efforts du Gouvernement Trudeau pour les ressources allouées à Kanesatake, nous permettant ainsi de faire face à la pandémie, au Gouvernement Legault pour leur compréhension et compassion  lorsque Kanesatake a dû prendre les mesures nécessaires pour protéger notre peuple, et à Dr Éric Goyer, Directeur de la Santé Publique des Laurentides et son équipe pour leur soutien et participation active tout au long de la dernière année. Kanesatake a également pu compter sur une équipe stable et solide de professionnels, avec à sa tête la Commandante d’Incident et Vice Cheffe Patricia Meilleur. Ce partenariat historique entre Nations se cadre parfaitement dans un processus de guérison et de réconciliation, tout en créant des liens inter‐culturels, et ce, dans le respect de l’auto‐détermination des Nations autochtones. »

« Je tiens à féliciter les nations Mohawk de Kanesatake et Micmaque de Gespeg pour leur partenariat en matière de vaccination. Tout au long de la pandémie, les leaders et responsables de la santé autochtones ont été à l’avant‐garde de la réponse à la COVID‐19. Le gouvernement du Canada continuera de travailler en partenariat avec les partenaires autochtones, la province du Québec et les autorités sanitaires locales. Il s’agit là d’un excellent exemple de la manière dont nous vaincrons cette pandémie, soit en travaillant ensemble. » ‐  Marc Miller, Ministre des Services aux Autochtones. 

Les médias sont invités à la conférence de presse qui se fera sur le site de la Clinique de Vaccination de Masse de Kanesatake (école primaire Rotiwennakehte ‐ 407 rue Saint Michel, Kanesatake) ce dimanche 28 mars à 13h30. Veuillez porter un masque et respecter la distanciation sociale. 

Sur place : 

‐ Grand Chef Serge Otsi Simon (Conseil Mohawk de Kanesatake) 
‐ Commandante d’Incident de l’ERU et Vice‐Chef Patricial Meilleur (Conseil Mohawk de Kanesatake) ‐ Chef régional Ghislain Picard (APNQL) 
‐ Ministre des Affaires Autochtones l’Honorable Ian Lafrenière (Québec) 
‐ Conseillère Nadia Robertson (Gespeg) 
‐ Ex‐Cheffe Manon Jeannotte (Gespeg) 

En attente de confirmations: 
‐ Chef Terry Shaw (Gespeg) 
‐ Chef John Martin (Gesgapegiag)

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde welcomes yesterday’s Supreme Court of Canada decision on the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, urging all levels of government to respect First Nations rights, title, and jurisdiction and responsibilities to traditional territories in its implementation. 

“Environmentalists and economists agree that putting a price on pollution is the most effective way to address climate change, and I welcome this decision as a way to help curb the impacts of climate change in our territories and across the country,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde. “The recognition by the Supreme Court’s in its decision that climate change causes significant harm in the Canadian Arctic, on coastal communities and on Indigenous peoples is important. First Nations are often the first to feel the harmful effects of climate change. I reiterate the need for provincial and territorial governments to work together with First Nations as leaders in climate action to identify meaningful and effective solutions to address the impacts of climate change on our communities, infrastructure, ways of life and well-being.” 

The Supreme Court of Canada ruled March 25 that the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GGPPA) is constitutional. The decision comes after Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta challenged the GGPPA legislation since it was first implemented in 2019 (ON and SK) and 2020 (AB). The provinces argued that the Act’s two-tiered carbon pricing was unconstitutional and undermined provincial authority over natural resources.  

The AFN, based on direction from the Chiefs-in-Assembly, intervened in this case, as well as court cases in Saskatchewan, Ontario and Alberta, arguing the Government of Canada has a direct legal obligation to recognize Aboriginal and Treaty rights in any legislative efforts to address climate change. 

“The impact of Climate Change is felt everywhere, especially in the north,” said AFN Yukon Regional Chief Kluane Adamek, Chair of the AFN Advisory Committee on Climate 

Action and the Environment. “First Nations require immediate actions and rights based approaches. While we embrace these efforts to mitigate the damage of greenhouse gas emissions, we stand firm that First Nations rights, title, and jurisdiction over their traditional territories is paramount when considering carbon pricing, and by extension climate solutions. First Nations have been leaders in proposing transformative strategies for environmental protection. We must ensure that following this Supreme Court ruling, implementation and enforcement of the GGPPA will respect First Nations jurisdiction, title and rights as stewards of the land.” 

AFN Chiefs-in-Assembly, through Resolution 103/2017: Carbon Pricing Regimes mandates AFN to develop innovative solutions to the unique circumstances of First Nations, including the possibility of revenue recycling mechanisms that minimize the disproportionate effects of carbon pricing on First Nations. In Resolution 09/2018: Develop First Nations-Specific Solutions for the Green House Gas Pollution Pricing Act, Chiefs – in – Assembly reaffirmed these calls, in addition to the need for financial support for First Nations to explore the implications and opportunities of carbon pricing on their territories, including their participation in the clean energy economy. 

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nation peoples in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter at @AFN_Updates. 

If you have been the victim of, or were witness to a hate crime, discrimination, or a racist incident, please take a few minutes complete this brief survey: https://humbercollege.forms.fm/surviving-hate/forms/8443

The Criminal Code of Canada defines a hate crime as a criminal act targeting a person or property based on their affiliation to an identifiable group. This includes everything from verbal harassment through to vandalism and physical assault.

Surviving Hate is collaborative project coordinated by Humber College’s StoryLab and the University of Toronto’s Investigative Journalism Bureau seeking to fill the data gap on hate crimes in Canada. Academic partners include Trent University and the Centre for Human Rights Research at the University of Manitoba. Our media partners are the National Observer and the Toronto Star.

Please visit the Surviving Hate project website for additional information: https://humberstorylab.ca/projects/surviving-hate/

InstaGram: surviving_hate

#SurvivingHate

Lakehead University’s Bora Laskin Faculty of Law will receive up to $437,139 to launch an Indigenous Law and Justice Institute, the Maamawi Bimosewag – They Walk Together, and expand the law program, thanks to the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program offered by Canada’s Department of Justice. 

Starting April 1, the Indigenous Law and Justice Institute will advance community collaboration and curriculum innovation in Indigenous law at the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law. 

Bora Laskin Faculty of Law Dean Jula Hughes said she is excited to oversee the project with guidance from the Anishinawbe Omaa Minowaywin, the law school’s Indigenous advisory council. She is pleased to announce Professor Nancy Sandy as Director of the Indigenous Law and Justice Institute.  

“The Indigenous Law and Justice Institute is an expression of the commitment of the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law to be a partner in the revitalization of Indigenous laws,” Dean Hughes said. 

“We are so grateful to the Indigenous communities and organizations who are working with us.  We want to also thank the federal Department of Justice for making the Institute possible,” she said.

Robin Sutherland, the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law’s Director of Indigenous Relations, said this is an exceptional opportunity for the Faculty to engage even more with Indigenous communities and organizations, to revitalize laws, develop curriculum and broaden research. 

“It is also a recognition of our unique position in the legal education landscape as a northern law school committed to Indigenous peoples, lands and interests, and we thank the Department of Justice, Lakehead University and the Indigenous partners that continue to support us,” he said. 

This funding allows Lakehead University to meet call to action #50 in the Truth and Reconciliation report, collaborating with the federal government to establish an Indigenous law institute for the development, use, and understanding of Indigenous laws and access to justice in accordance with the unique cultures of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. 

The first pillar of the Institute’s work will be building and sustaining relationships. It will work with current and future Indigenous partner communities and organizations to build capacity within the Indigenous Law and Justice Institute as well as in Indigenous communities towards the revitalization of Anishinaabe and Métis law.

Land-based learning forms the second pillar of the Institute’s work. The Institute will lead curriculum development and delivery of a law camp that will engage faculty and community in Indigenous land law. 

This camp will include Indigenous law revitalization, restatement and codification methodologies, awareness of Indigenous political and service organizations and cultural competencies for effective and ethical lawyering on behalf of Indigenous people, communities and organizations. 

The third pillar of the Institute will foster a lively research environment for students, community-based researchers and faculty in the area of Indigenous law. The Institute will build on the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law’s existing Indigenous law conference to bring together community leaders and members, knowledge keepers, scholars and students. 

The Institute will train students to conduct interviews with Elders and knowledge keepers. By developing and applying grounded methodologies, the Institute will investigate treaty history and practice, conduct community-based workshops, and document Anishinaabe and Métis law, legal principles and processes in culturally-appropriate and community-accessible ways.

The Bora Laskin Faculty of Law is committed to making a difference by providing access to justice, and leading the way for northern communities. 

By offering legal education with a triple mandate in Aboriginal and Indigenous Law, Natural Resources and Environmental Law, and Sole/Small Town Practice with the Integrated Practice Curriculum (IPC), its curriculum provides students with a legal education that will prepare them to practice law in Northern Ontario and Canada while understanding the issues pertinent to the land and peoples of this region.

A big thank you (miigwech) to the existing Indigenous partner communities and organizations, without whose support this project would not be possible: Anishinabek Nation, Fort William First Nation, Grand Council Treaty #3, the Métis Nation of Ontario, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation and the Chiefs of Ontario.

For media inquiries, please contact Dean Jula Hughes at dean.law@lakeheadu.ca or Robin Sutherland, Director of Indigenous Relations, at directorir.law@lakeheadu.ca.

(Takwa Tagamou Nation, ON – March 22, 2021) – Today, on World Water Day, Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald welcomes the recent announcement of investment into clean water, wastewater and storm water projects in 37 First Nations in Ontario.

“I have been a strong advocate for the Ontario Chiefs’ calls for safe drinking water, and am pleased that 37 First Nation leaders were successful in advancing their water and wastewater infrastructure projects,” said Ontario Regional Chief Archibald, who noted that 49 per cent of the announcements that were made were directed at First Nations.

“As part of my advocacy work, I wrote to Infrastructure and Communities Minister Catherine McKenna after meeting with her and Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller on the need for funding for First Nation infrastructure projects in Ontario, and followed up with a letter to ensure that the dire need for safe clean drinking water was met for Ontario First Nations.

Further in October 2020, I made a pre-budget submission to the Ontario government calling on them to invest funding for clean drinking water and modern, efficient and reliable infrastructure for First Nations.”

ORC Archibald is pleased to see federal and provincial government partners working cooperatively to respond to the urgent need to upgrade those water, wastewater and storm water projects as part of their work to fulfill their commitments.

“I am happy to see that both levels of government overcame their jurisdictional wrangling where clean drinking water is concerned,” Archibald said. “It is also an important milestone that Ontario recognizes that it has obligations to ensure First Nations have clean drinking water within the bounds of its province.”

This year’s theme for World Water Day is Valuing Water.

“It is fitting that this year’s theme for World Water Day is ‘Valuing Water’ as Indigenous peoples are increasingly sounding the alarm that water must be protected and that we as First Nations have a sacred relationship with it,” Archibald said.

Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald

Governments and stakeholders agree that we must urgently work together to build our net zero carbon future. The cost of inaction is simply far too great. The sooner we act, the more effectively we can reduce the risks and protect the health and safety of Canadians.

It is therefore fitting that the UN is promoting this year’s International Day of Forests around the theme “Forest Restoration as a Path to Recovery and Well-Being”. In Canada and around the world, sustainable forest management, renewable forest products, and committed forest sector workers are uniquely suited to drive a climate smart economic recovery and a net zero future. I would go so far as to say that the quickest and most effective path to meeting Canada’s net zero targets will be one that recognizes the powerful potential of Canada’s forest sector — and the people working in it.

The federal government’s recent Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, and A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy plan released before Christmas, provide us with important roadmaps for Canada’s move to a net zero carbon economy. While the federal government recognizes the value of tree planting, with its commitment to two billion trees, this is just one important chapter in a larger forestry story about the path to net zero carbon.

We all know that forests contribute to the quality of life of all Canadians by providing significant economic, environmental, recreational and cultural benefits. What’s less well understood is the role that Canada’s forest sector plays in sustainably managing these resources.

The United Nations and forested countries around the world recognize forestry as one of the few industries that have the potential to meet and go beyond net-zero emission targets. This is due to a number of factors, including forestry’s ability to: store carbon in wood-based products; renew forests while mitigating pest and fire risks; further decarbonize operations; help other sectors access lower carbon fuel options from wood waste; make wood-based bioproducts and recyclable products; and reduce land-based emissions through climate smart forestry.

With over 90 per cent of managed forest areas on public land, Canada’s forests are governed by robust provincial laws and regulations. Our foresters work closely with governments, Indigenous and local communities to maintain carbon-rich peatlands and wetlands, support plant and wildlife biodiversity and protect communities from worsening wildfire patterns.

Today, forestry contributes $80 billion in revenue to 180 countries around the world, and directly employs more than 230,000 Canadians in over 600 communities. In Canada, forestry is a key driver of job creation and economic growth, especially for families and Indigenous communities of the North.

As world leaders in sustainable forest management, Canada’s forest sector is committed to working with federal and provincial governments to ensure made-in-Canada forestry, and forest products, are central to building a greener economy, getting more people back to work and jumpstarting economic recovery. As we do this, Canada can learn from other forestry-leading jurisdictions like Sweden and Finland. Our Scandinavian counterparts are leading the way by leveraging their natural advantages.

Sweden has collaboratively developed strategies for all major economic sectors, including forestry. Its National Forest Program promotes sector growth, sustainable forest management and a bioeconomy strategy rooted in net-zero carbon goals and job growth. Similarly, in Finland, forestry is among key sectors aiming for a 10 per cent increase in bioenergy, mainly from forest residues and agricultural waste.

As part of its approach, Finland’s National Forest Strategy 2025 is linked to other central government strategies, including those on bioeconomy, energy, climate and biodiversity. Sweden and Finland have adopted sector-specific strategies with a full value chain approach with success anchored in both economic growth and net zero carbon goals. A similar strategy is needed in Canada if we are to truly capitalize on the economic and carbon reduction opportunities in the recovery.

Closer to home, Quebec is a model for some smart forest climate policy. The Government of Quebec’s Green Economy Plan uses the fight against climate change as a source for economic growth, jobs, and innovation. For new building construction, Quebec also promotes use of materials that have a lower carbon footprint, including wood. It recognizes the value of sustainable forest management by placing the forest sector at the centre of the province’s National Wood Production Strategy, to spur economic recovery and help lead the way on climate change.

There are also important lessons for the forestry sector in the federal government’s Blue Economy Strategy for Canada’s fisheries; the strategy importantly recognizes the industry’s importance to both sustainability and economic growth.

Over the long term, sustainably managing forests and the wood products harvested from them is critical to supporting Canada’s achievement of a net-zero carbon economy by 2050. Governments face immense challenges as they look to rebuild, grow, and reinvent our post-pandemic economy. We are here to help. Canada’s forest sector and its workers stand ready and willing to work with our public sector partners and lead the way to recovery, job creation and our net-zero future.

Derek Nighbor is President and CEO of Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC)

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. — March 16, 2021 — The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) acknowledges the City of Vancouver’s unanimous decision to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (“UN Declaration”) at the local government level last week on March 11, 2021.

The FNLC recognizes the historical significance of a major municipality committing to embark on the critical work of implementing the UN Declaration. The FNLC also acknowledges the leadership involved in bringing Motion B.2 forward, particularly from the xʷməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations and Vancouver City Councillor Christine Boyle.

It must be recognized that ongoing colonization continues to create harm for Indigenous Peoples within the City of Vancouver, and in broader society. This is sadly apparent in the recent violent arrest of Indigenous Youth showing solidarity with water protectors opposed to Line 3 by the Vancouver Police Department. At the heart of this issue is the Free, Prior and Informed consent of Indigenous Peoples regarding resource projects affecting their Lands and stewardship obligations.

We urge the City of Vancouver, in this and other issues affecting Indigenous Peoples in the City, to act in accordance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“In the era of reconciliation, it only makes sense for municipal governments to adopt the UN Declaration both in policy and in their conduct,” said Regional Chief Terry Teegee. “I am very pleased to see the City of Vancouver build on its long-term commitments to advance Indigenous rights by adopting this motion. This is a distinct opportunity for Vancouver to lead the way, provincially and nationally, as a progressive city.”

“The City of Vancouver has worked diligently to build positive and constructive relationships with the xʷməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations as well as the urban Indigenous population. We commend Mayor Stewart and Vancouver Council for taking the next step towards reconciliation by implementing UNDRIP at the municipal level. In doing so, they have become a model for other municipal governments in BC and across Canada,” said Robert Phillips of the First Nations Summit.

“We are encouraged that the City of Vancouver is taking steps from merely adoption of the UN Declaration to implementation,” stated Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. “We hope that the recommendations produced by the committee proposed in this motion will be heeded by City leadership, and we call on all other municipalities in B.C. to pass a similar motion.”