Topic: Today’s News

HALIFAX, NS, Sept. 8, 2020 /CNW/ – Clearwater Seafoods and Membertou First Nation are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement for the sale of two of Clearwater’s eight offshore lobster licences to Membertou First Nation.    Membertou is investing $25 Million to purchase the licences, significantly increasing their presence in the commercial fishery in Atlantic Canada.  

Chief Terry Paul said “Membertou is pleased to make this historic strategic investment in the sustainable and well-managed offshore lobster fishery.  It further strengthens our relationship with Clearwater, leverages their expertise in offshore fisheries, and builds value for our community and provides additional employment and growth opportunities for our people.” 

This voluntary commercial transaction is the culmination of a collaborative project that began in mid-2019 and brings a new Mi’kmaq participant into the offshore lobster fishery.  This transaction builds on and strengthens the business relationship between Clearwater and Membertou, which already includes operating agreements in other Clearwater species, Indigenous employment, and procurement commitments. Clearwater and Membertou First Nation will work collaboratively on our mutual objectives for the offshore lobster fishery:  sustainable science based management of the resource, positive economic growth and increasing the value of the resource, continued research and development, benefits to local communities, and quality employment.  

Ian Smith, CEO for Clearwater Seafoods said “Clearwater is proud to work with Membertou to create First Nation access to this important offshore fishery.  This transaction serves as a model of cooperation, with the commercial fishing industry and First Nations working together as equal partners to build value and opportunity for local communities.”   

The transaction is subject to standard closing provisions and regulatory approval.   

About Clearwater 

Clearwater is one of North America’s largest vertically integrated seafood companies and the largest holder of shellfish licenses and quotas in Canada. It is recognized globally for its superior quality, food safety, diversity of species and reliable worldwide delivery of premium wild, eco-certified seafood, including scallops, lobster, clam, coldwater shrimp, langoustine, whelk, crab and groundfish. 

Since its founding in 1976, Clearwater has invested in science, people and technological innovation as well as resource ownership and management to sustain and grow its seafood resource. This commitment has allowed it to remain a leader in the global seafood market and in sustainable seafood excellence. 

About Membertou 

Membertou is an urban and progressive Mi’kmaq community located on Unama’ki – Cape Breton Island.  With a strong focus on community growth through economic development, the spirit of Membertou is driven by its close-knit and vibrant people.

Membertou Development Corporation is the business arm of Membertou’s operations, and includes twelve corporate entities across various sectors, including fisheries, hospitality and tourism, and commercial gaming. Since its incorporation in 1989, the Membertou Development Corporation has aimed to serve the needs of the Membertou community and create strong partnerships for the future of business in Nova Scotia.

September 3, 2020 – Calgary, AB – Canada Energy Regulator

The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) is recommending that Federal cabinet approve NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd.’s (NGTL) North Corridor Expansion Project (Project). The Project seeks to construct and operate approximately 81 km of looped pipeline, in three different sections, and associated facilities in northwestern Alberta. The expansion of the NGTL system is to transport gas from the Peace River Project Area to growing intra-basin markets located in the North of Bens Area.

After considering the evidence and submissions presented by all Parties, the Commission found that the Project is in the Canadian public interest. As a part of its recommendation, the Commission included 34 conditions related to, among others, construction activities, safety measures and standards, environmental monitoring, caribou habitat protection and matters related to Indigenous peoples. 

A total of 26 Indigenous peoples were identified as being potentially affected or having an interest in the Project and were invited to participate in the hearing process. The Commission is of the view that any potential Project impacts on the rights and interests of affected Indigenous peoples can be effectively addressed by the mitigation measures, accommodations, and commitments made by NGTL, and the conditions recommended and imposed by the Commission.

Approximately 76 km (95 per cent) of the pipeline route parallels the existing NGTL Right of Way (ROW) or other existing linear disturbances (pipelines, roads, power lines). The Commission notes that NGTL took into consideration input from landowners, occupants, land users, Indigenous peoples and environmental studies in determining the proposed route.

If Federal cabinet approves this project, the Commission will monitor and enforce compliance with all conditions using audits, inspections and other compliance and enforcement tools.

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde congratulates AFN Regional Chief Paul Prosper who was elected by the First Nation Chiefs in the provinces of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland today.

“Regional Chief Prosper is a welcome addition to the AFN Executive Committee and I congratulate him on his new role,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde. “As he was the Chief of the Paqtnkek First Nation in Nova Scotia for many years, I have known Regional Chief Prosper for a long time, and I know he is strong voice, with the dedication to his people that is the hallmark of an effective advocate. I look forward to working together with Regional Chief Prosper to pursue the priorities of First Nations in the East as well as First Nations across the country.”

Regional Chief Prosper is Mi’kmaq and has served his people as Chief of the Paqtnkek First Nation since 2013. A lawyer by trade, the Regional Chief has extensive experience working with Canadian and Mi’kmaq law. He has taught Mi’kmaq Governance and Aboriginal and Treaty Rights for Cape Breton University.

Over the years, Regional Chief Prosper has worked with or for numerous First Nations organizations including the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, the Nova Scotia Aboriginal Title Project, the Mi’kmaq Legal Support Network, the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI, and as a Legal Advisor for the Treaty & Aboriginal Rights Research Centre of Nova Scotia.

Wendake, September 1, 2020 – It is with enthusiasm, but without forgetting the tragedies of the past, that the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) and the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC) welcomed the federal government’s initiative regarding the Residential School System. Indeed, earlier today, Ministers Wilkinson and Bennett announced the designation of national historic sites for residential schools, starting with Manitoba and Nova Scotia. This was one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. The government and the people of Canada have a duty to remember this greatly tragic episode, and this gesture is a step in the right direction. 

For more than a century, the Government of Canada subsidized the education of 150,000 Indigenous youth who were sent to nearly 130 institutions. The losses suffered in terms of identity, language and culture are incalculable, as are the psychological and sociological impacts of the Residential Schools. 

“Unfortunately, despite the progress made over the past few years, it is obvious that a lot of work remains to be done to ensure the wellness of our children and families. For instance, the rate of First Nations children placed in foster families by the Director of Youth Protection (DYP) is close to eight times higher than that of non-Indigenous children. Clearly, something remains wrong with the system.” said Derek Montour, President of the FNLQHSSC Board of Directors. 

“Today, we salute the actions of the Government of Canada, which has admitted that its colonial policies have caused enormous suffering among our people. Now, what we want is for Quebec to finally recognize the jurisdiction of our authorities in matters of child and family services. This is the only way to guarantee culturally appropriate services, which take into account the specific realities and characteristics of our nations”, added Lance Haymond, Acting Chief of the AFNQL. 

The two organizations are therefore taking this opportunity following today’s announcement to call on the provincial government to stop challenging by reference to the Court of Appeal the constitutionality of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (C-92), which came into force on January 1, 2020. They are suggesting that Quebec should instead focus on working with First Nations 

governments. History shows that Indigenous children have suffered enough. Now is the time to take concrete actions to ensure a promising future for them. 

About the AFNQL The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador is the political organization that brings together 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. About the FNQLHSSC The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission is a non- profit organization that assists Quebec First Nations in achieving their health, wellness, culture and self-determination goals.

Wendake, le 1^er septembre 2020 – C’est avec enthousiasme, mais non sans oublier les tragédies du passé, que l’Assemblée des Premières Nations Québec-Labrador (APNQL) et la Commission de la santé et des services sociaux des Premières Nations du Québec et du Labrador (CSSSPNQL) ont accueilli l’initiative du gouvernement fédéral à propos des pensionnats autochtones. En effet, plus tôt dans la journée, les ministres Wilkinson et Bennett ont annoncé la désignation de lieux historiques nationaux pour les pensionnats, en commençant par le Manitoba et la Nouvelle-Écosse. Rappelons qu’il s’agissait d’un des 94 appels à l’action de la Commission de vérité et réconciliation. Le gouvernement et la population canadienne ont un devoir de mémoire envers cet épisode grandement tragique, et ce geste en est un dans la bonne direction. 

Pendant plus d’un siècle, le gouvernement du Canada a subventionné l’éducation de 150 000 jeunes autochtones envoyés dans près de 130 établissements. La perte d’identité, de la langue et de la culture est inestimable, tout comme les séquelles psychologiques et sociologiques occasionnées par les pensionnats. 

« Malheureusement, bien que des progrès aient été réalisés au cours des dernières années, force est de constater qu’il reste encore du travail à faire pour assurer le mieux- être de nos enfants et de nos familles. À titre d’exemple, le taux d’enfants des Premières Nations placés par le Directeur de la protection de la jeunesse (DPJ) est près de huit fois plus élevé que celui des enfants non autochtones. Visiblement, quelque chose ne va pas dans ce système », indique le président du conseil d’administration de la CSSSPNQL, Derek Montour. 

« Nous saluons aujourd’hui les actions posées par le gouvernement du Canada, qui admet que ses politiques coloniales ont causé énormément de souffrance à nos populations. Maintenant, ce que l’on veut, c’est que le Québec reconnaisse enfin la compétence de nos autorités en matière de services à l’enfance et à la famille. C’est le seul moyen de garantir des services culturellement adaptés, qui prennent en compte la réalité et les particularités propres à nos nations », renchérit Lance Haymond, chef par intérim de l’APNQL. 

Les deux organisations profitent donc de l’annonce d’aujourd’hui pour inviter le gouvernement provincial à cesser de contester par renvoi à la Cour d’appel la constitutionnalité de la Loi concernant les enfants, les jeunes et les familles des Premières 

Nations, des Inuits et des Métis (C-92), entrée en vigueur le 1^er janvier 2020. Elles proposent plutôt au Québec de travailler de pair avec les gouvernements des Premières Nations. L’histoire le démontre; les enfants autochtones ont assez souffert. Maintenant, il est temps de poser des actions concrètes pour leur assurer un avenir prometteur. 

À propos de l’APNQL L’Assemblée des Premières Nations Québec-Labrador est l’organisme politique qui regroupe 43 chefs des Premières Nations au Québec et au Labrador. 

À propos de la CSSSPNQL La Commission de la santé et des services sociaux des Premières Nations du Québec et du Labrador est un organisme à but non lucratif qui accompagne les Premières Nations au Québec dans l’atteinte de leurs objectifs en matière de santé, de mieux-être, de culture et d’autodétermination. 

Vuntut Gwitchin Government and Gwich’in Tribal Council Respond to the Record of Decision for the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

(Old Crow, Yukon, Canada – August 18, 2020)

On August 17th 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) published the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program. This is the final step of the environmental review process which is required to be completed before implementing the oil and gas lease sales in the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge mandated in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed by the Trump Administration.

The Record of Decision identifies that the BLM will be proceeding with Alternative B which is the most destructive drilling alternative identified and offers the opportunity to lease the entire Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

This decision is a result of a rushed and inadequate environmental review process. The aggressive timeline followed by BLM to complete this process resulted in an inability to compile adequate baseline information or to undertake the full impact analysis necessary to determine potential implications for the Porcupine caribou herd, climate change, our sacred lands, and our inherent rights.

Throughout the process, the BLM failed to adequately acknowledge, consult, or provide reasonable opportunities for participation by Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and Gwich’in Tribal Council. Despite this purposeful exclusion, our governments and our citizens have worked tirelessly to participate as best we could and to voice our concerns about the impacts of oil and gas development in “Iizhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit” (The Sacred Place Where Life Begins). BLM has continuously disregarded these concerns.

Vuntut Gwitchin Government and Gwich’in Tribal Council feel confident that the work we have done to ensure our concerns on our record will play an important role in demonstrating the failure of BLM in undertaking a robust and inclusive environmental review process.

What happens next?

Now that the Environmental Impact Statement process is complete, the BLM can begin working through the lease sale process by releasing a Call for Nominations. The Call for Nominations is the process to identify areas to be offered in the first lease sale. It expect that it will include a public comment period which can be used as an opportunity to identify specific areas that should not be offered because of their value, use, and importance. There has been no indication when this process will begin.

Vuntut Gwitchin Government and Gwich’in Tribal Council will be calling upon our partners, allies, and friends to stand with us, the entire Gwich’in Nation and the Porcupine caribou herd to use the Call for Nominations as another opportunity to tell the BLM that drilling in the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is not sustainable and threatens the human rights of the Gwich’in.

Following a Call for Nominations, we expect BLM to release a Detailed Statement of Sale before holding a lease sale, which could occur as early as this fall.

Quotes
“In identifying Alternative B as the preferred leasing scenario, which offers the most land for leasing with the fewest restrictions and protections, BLM completely disregards the critical importance of “Iizhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit” to the Gwich’in Nations inherent and human rights. No amount of money can ever justify what is taking place here and anyone who says different is merely using their office or systems to craft complex excuses on a simple matter. It is time the world took notice that this is a human rights crisis.” Chief Dana Tizya-Tramm, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation

“It is extremely disheartening to think a lease sale could occur this year based on the findings of BLM’s rushed and inadequate environmental review process that failed to identify these lands as the life blood of the Gwich’in Nation. The Gwich’in will continue to stand united with all of our allies to do whatever we can to delay a lease sale from occurring and we will not stop in this work until the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is permanently protected from oil and gas exploration and development. In 1988 the Gwich’in were directed by the Elders to work in a good way until this sacred place is protected and we will listen to our Elders and not give up.” Grand Chief Bobbie Jo Greenland- Morgan, Gwich’in Tribal Council

(Ottawa, ON) – National Chief Perry Bellegarde of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is encouraged by today’s designation of the Long Plain and Shubenacadie Residential Schools as National Historical Sites. This ensures the tragic history of residential schools and survivors will not be forgotten by future generations.

“I lift up and honour those we lost in the Indian Residential School System, the Survivors of these schools, and their families,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “First Nations and all Canadians must know the truth about what happened in these institutions and why. This designation is another step toward Canada fully recognizing the human rights violations that took place in Residential Schools. We all must understand the devastating impacts the Residential Schools had, and continue to have, on our First Nations cultures, languages, and families here and throughout this country.”

The AFN would also like to recognize and honour all the people who worked so hard to make this happen, including Parks Canada, all those who participated in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the leadership of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

Two candidates have been nominated for the position of President of Nunatsiavut. Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement will choose from either incumbent Johannes Lampe of Nain or Andrea Webb/Tuglavina of Happy Valley-Goose Bay when they go to the polls on October 6. Nominations closed today at 12 noon (Atlantic Standard Time). 

The election was originally scheduled to take place on May 5, but was postponed amid growing concerns over the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, and to ensure the process is properly conducted in accordance with the spirit, intent and requirements of the Labrador Inuit Constitution and the Nunatsiavut Elections Act. 

The election will take place in the five Labrador Inuit communities, as well as North West River and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. (Residents of Mud Lake can vote in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.) Beneficiaries residing in the Constituency of Canada will vote by mail-in ballot. A mail ballot kit will be forwarded to each Beneficiary at his or her last known address. Beneficiaries are reminded to ensure their correct address is updated with the Registrar’s office in Nain. 

The advance poll will take place on September 29. 

Any inquiries regarding the election should be directed to Nunatsiavut Elections Officer, Nannette Blake. She can be reached at (709) 896-5222, or by email at nannette.blake@nunatsiavut.com 

Media Contact: Bert Pomeroy Director of Communications (709) 896-8582 

Port Alberni, BC – As the world grapples with fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, our most vulnerable population is facing, what appears to be, an uphill battle against the tainted and powerful street drug supply that, throughout the month of July alone, has claimed over five lives per day in B.C. July was the third month in a row where we saw over 170 deaths, in B.C. alone, caused from suspected illicit drug overdose. 

On behalf of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, we send our deepest condolences to all of our extended families that have had to grieve the losses of loved ones to the horrifying overdose crisis. We send our strength and love to all families who have had to grieve in a new way, as a result of the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. 

As First Nations peoples, we know first hand the devastating impacts that drug use has had on our peoples. When we see the numbers skyrocketing as they have, alarm bells go off and we demand an action plan, including sustained funds, resources, and assistance to combat this deadly crisis. 

President Judith Sayers says, “We have seen the ability of our governments to roll out billions of dollars in response to the deadly disease Covid-19, we ask for a similar response in finding solutions to the opioid crisis that is taking away far too many of our people.” 

Vice-President Mariah Charleson states, “We cannot sit silent any longer. Too many of our people are dying at the hands of addiction. We call upon the federal and provincial governments to act now to address this humanitarian crisis.” 

Generations of explicit racism, systemic racism, and outright genocide towards our peoples has resulted in our First Nations peoples being grossly overrepresented in homelessness, incarceration rates, children in care, and overdoses. Deep rooted trauma will not end in a day. It will take long-term solutions and resources to allow our people to heal. Access to culture and ways of knowing and being will be critical in the healing of our people. We ask that the governments acknowledge this and take deep rooted action immediately to respond to this lethal crisis. 

VANCOUVER/ (Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) territories, August 27, 2020 – BC Civil Liberties Association and Union of BC Indian Chiefs are calling on the Chairperson of the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP (CRCC) to immediately take charge of the investigation of a Wet’suwet’en land defender’s police complaint.

According to Mr. Cody Merriman (Wedlidi), “I made a police complaint to the CRCC because I was expecting an independent and civilian investigation into the illegal RCMP exclusion zone on Wet’suwet’en territories as part of the militarized raids on the yintah in January 2020. Instead, I have had the very same RCMP officers who were involved in leading the police operations show up unannounced to my home, claim they are the ones ‘informally resolving’ my police complaint against other officers, and try to intimidate me to drop the complaint.”

“Indigenous peoples have always asserted our laws and presence on our territories, but I was denied access to my wife and family’s territories, Gidimt’en yintah, which was subjected to militarized police operations and an exclusion zone earlier this year. Now, we can’t even get a proper and independent investigation into the illegal police misconduct and criminalization of Indigenous people. This is outrageous,” further states Mr. Merriman.

On January 15 2020, Mr. Cody Merriman filed a police complaint with the CRCC. Mr. Merriman was bringing food and emergency supplies to the Gidimt’en Checkpoint on Wet’suwet’en territories but was denied entry and access at the RCMP exclusion zone, in contravention of the RCMP’s own statements and Merriman’s inherent Indigenous and Charter-protected rights. 

In May 2020, two RCMP officers arrived unannounced at Mr. Merriman’s home. The officers were unclear about the nature of their visit, and proceeded to interrogate and intimidate Mr. Merriman about his police complaint. In a subsequent letter in June 2020, the RCMP argued that two of the officers in Mr. Merriman’s complaint were Reserve Constables and would not be included in the complaint investigation, even though Reservists are appointed under the RCMP Act and fall under the jurisdiction of the CRCC. 

On August 26, 2020, Mr. Merriman filed a second complaint with the CRCC, highlighting the fundamental flaws in the RCMP investigation into his initial police complaint. 

According to Carly Teillet, BCCLA Community Lawyer, “Individual RCMP officers and the Smithers RCMP Detachment involved in leading RCMP militarized actions on Wet’suwet’en territories and subject to a policy complaint to the CRCC should not be investigating Mr. Merriman’s complaint. This is a clear conflict of interest. We call on the CRCC Chairperson to immediately take conduct of the complaint investigation from the RCMP. We further call on the CRCC to include the conduct of the two reserve constables in the complaint investigation.”

“At a time of increased public scrutiny about police violence and lack of police accountability, it is reprehensible that Indigenous people who were subjected to one of the largest police operations in this province are being informed that they have to undergo an ‘informal dispute resolution’ with the RCMP and that certain officers are magically immune from investigation. This is not accountability and this is not justice for illegal and colonial police violence on unceded lands,” says Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.