Topic: Today’s News

Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs, B.C. Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Scott Fraser and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett have issued the following statement:

“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to work together under the memorandum of understanding (MOU) we signed earlier this year to implement Wet’suwet’en rights and title in the Yintah. We are engaged in important dialogue on matters of Wet’suwet’en rights and title that have remained unresolved since the Delgamuukw-Gisday-wa decision more than 20 years ago. This is complex and important work, and it will take time. Doing this work in the midst of the COVID pandemic created additional challenges but we are having important conversations that continue to move us forward.

“At this point, we are still engaged in negotiations on the agreement initially targeted for completion in mid-August, and we continue to work in good faith in an agreed-upon accelerated process. We will take the time necessary to get this right, and to do it in a good way.

“Our aim is to reach a negotiators’ understanding by mid-October 2020 on an affirmation agreement for Wet’suwet’en rights and title that will also set the stage for further implementation negotiations. The draft agreement will then require approval and ratification by Wet’suwet’en clan members and the provincial and federal governments, which we will seek to conclude before the end of the year. During this time, internal engagement within Wet’suwet’en will continue, as will external community engagement with other interested parties on the negotiations and draft agreement.

“The internal work toward reunification within Wet’suwet’en Nation is a very important element of the MOU, and that work is ongoing. Wet’suwet’en Hereditary leadership remains committed to ongoing engagement with clan members and elected councils to further strengthen families, communities and build a strong and united Nation.

“We are also launching today a jointly developed external community engagement process that will help ensure our success in implementing Wet’suwet’en rights and title. As a first step, today we will send out invitations to potential participants from local governments, industry, business and recreation groups to join a regional engagement group, and to suggest participants for a core advisory council. As our work progresses, we will also be consulting with neighbouring Nations.

“We are pleased that the Lake Kathlyn School property transfer was completed last month to create a Wet’suwet’en seat of government for the entire Yintah. Purchased by the Wet’suwet’en through $1.2 million in funding from the Province of B.C, Wet’suwet’en is working with the school district and daycare operator to ensure a smooth transition next year.

Our commitment to continue our negotiations to implement Wet’suwet’en rights and title is strong. We know it is critical that together we keep moving ahead with this work, which will benefit all people who live in the Yintah.”

Treaty1 Territory & Homeland of the Métis Nation—At a meeting held virtually, the (MM)IWG – MANITOBA COALITION confirmed its incoming Co-chairs. The selection of the leadership is based on a traditional matriarchal model that was upheld and honored for millennia, priorto the requirement of patriarchal, colonial processes. It is a way of governing based on a shared leadership model centred on heart-based wisdom.

ABOUT THE CO-CHAIRS:

 Angie Hutchinson (she/her) is a First Nation woman from a long line of matriarchs and is a proud member of the Misipawistik Cree Nation. Currently living in Winnipeg, Angie’s work has focused on gender equality; addressing exploitation and violence against women; and improving the economic, legal, social and health status of Indigenous women and their families. As a helper in many different roles, Angie approaches her work through relationship-building and with a culturally appropriate and trauma-informed understanding — creating space for both Indigenous and Western knowledge. Working from the heart, Angie creates a space of inclusion and trust to foster natural connections 

 Renée Kastrukoff is a Métis woman with a rich First Nations heritage from the North, and is the Executive Director of The Pas Family Resource Centre. She has worked extensively with her community to build capacity and supports for women, children and youth with emphasis on the marginalized, at-risk population, as well as early child development and prevention. Renee has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Norman Regional Parent Child Coalition, The Pas Community Renewal Corporation, Michif Child and Family Services Authority Board, Crime Prevention Action Fund Joint Management Committee – Manitoba Region (Public Safety Canada), Manitoba Metis Federation, as well as several other boards. She is actively involved in initiatives that support the well-being and socio -economic development of the people of Northern Manitoba. 

Angela Lavallee is a First Nations women, mother, grandmother, post secondary student and active community member currently residing in Winnipeg. She is a certified Focus therapist and provides free focus sessions to women and men who are in need of healing support. She is also the founder of Soles on Fire: an annual run to bring awareness, prevention and intervention on violence on women and girls and most importantly to celebrate and honour life. 

In 2015, Angela’s nine month old granddaughter, Zaylynn Emerald Rain, was murdered. Like so many of our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited, the loss of Zaylynn came with many forms of injustices and unanswered questions. 

She is the Chairperson for the board of Wahbung Abinoonjiiag (“the children of tomorrow”), which was established to empower children and their families to break the cycle of violence. 

She is a member of Collective of Voices who is a currently working on the Redress Warming Hut “Rainbow Butterfly”. She does her volunteer work with the support and love from her community. 

For further information, or to arrange interviews, please contact (MM)IWG – MB Coalition Co-chairs as follows: 

ANGIE HUTCHINSON: 204.232.0720 | mmiwgmbcoalition@gmail.com RENÉE KASTRUKOFF: 204.623.0451 | mbmmiwg2scoalition@gmail.com ANGELA LAVALLEE: 204.797.8141 | mmiwg2smbcoalition@gmail.com On Facebook: Manitoba MMIWG Coalition 

The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) announces that it is developing its own action plan to address discrimination and racism. The results of the Léger survey motivate the AFNQL to create a space for dialogue with the Quebec population and to invite allies to implement concrete solutions. 

The survey, conducted by the firm Léger between July 17 and 23, 2020, confirms the progress made in recent years in terms of Quebecers’ opinion of First Nations. Almost all Quebecers recognize the reality of racism or discrimination experienced by First Nations and a very large majority of them support the positions of First Nations in this regard. 

Given the strength of these results, the AFNQL wishes to give an important place to allies in its plan to fight racism and discrimination currently under development. This action plan will be made public by the end of September 2020. 

“We see that the days when First Nations were considered as privileged are clearly over. The opinion of Quebecers has greatly evolved, and the survey confirms that they are much more sensitive to the racism experienced by First Nations than their political representatives. Quebecers are also more open to dialogue and the search for real solutions,” said Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL. 

Little inspired by the action group 

If the AFNQL has decided to adopt its own plan, it is also because it is little inspired by the action group against racism created by the Legault government. Composed solely of members of the party in power, this committee has little credibility in the eyes of First Nations leaders. 

The fact that Premier Legault has publicly stated that he does not believe in “systemic racism” reinforces the AFNQL’s position. “Systemic racism, structural discrimination, whatever you want to call it, this is a reality, and we must face it with the necessary means. 

This is what we are going to tackle right now by inviting the people of Quebec to lead a real fight against racism experienced by our populations,” said Chief Picard. 

Already known solutions 

Moreover, the creation of a new committee and yet another consultation are proofs of the Quebec government’s lack of will to act. The AFNQL recalls that the issue has been the subject of many consultations over the past few years and that several avenues for solutions have been presented, notably in the context of the Public Inquiry Commission on relations between Indigenous Peoples and certain public services in Québec (Viens Commission), whose report was made public on September 30, 2019. 

In addition to the Viens Commission, actions to counter racism and discrimination against First Nations are also presented in the reports of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG, 2019), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC, 2015), and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007). 

“The AFNQL believes that it will be impossible for Premier Legault’s government to turn a blind eye to our initiative. It must commit to correcting the situations of systemic and structural racism and discrimination, which it is often the source of, and which remain major obstacles to the social justice to which everyone is entitled,” concluded Chief Picard. 

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS 

Among non-Indigenous Quebecers who have an opinion of First Nations in Quebec, this opinion is good in eight out of ten cases (81%). However, most Quebecers : 

• Admit that they have little or no knowledge of the issues and realities of First Nations in Quebec (58%). 

• Consider that the relations that non-Indigenous Quebecers have with First Nations in Quebec are poor (53%). 

• Almost all non-Indigenous Quebecers (92%) think that First Nations are subject to racism or discrimination in Quebec. 

• 80% of respondents consider that First Nations people face additional obstacles in the different facets of their lives. 

• 70% of those who have an opinion are of the opinion that, currently in Quebec, First Nations are not treated on the same footing as non-Indigenous Quebecers in social structures. 

• 91% of respondents believe that the Quebec government has an important role to play in achieving and maintaining equality between First Nations and non- Indigenous Quebecers. 

L’Assemblée des Premières Nations Québec-Labrador (APNQL) annonce qu’elle développe son propre plan d’action afin de s’attaquer à la discrimination et au racisme. Les résultats du sondage Léger la motivent à créer un espace de dialogue avec la population québécoise et à inviter des alliés à mettre en place de réelles solutions. 

Le sondage, réalisé par la firme Léger entre le 17 et le 23 juillet 2020, confirme notamment les progrès réalisés au cours des dernières années quant à l’opinion des Québécois sur les Premières Nations. Une grande majorité de Québécois reconnaît la réalité du racisme ou de la discrimination vécue par les Premières Nations et une très grande majorité d’entre eux appuie les positions des Premières Nations à cet égard. 

Forte de ces résultats, l’APNQL souhaite accorder une place importante à des alliés dans le plan de lutte au racisme et à la discrimination qu’elle s’affaire à élaborer. Ce plan de lutte sera rendu public d’ici la fin septembre 2020. 

« Nous constatons que l’époque où les Premières Nations étaient perçues comme des privilégiés est clairement révolue. L’opinion des Québécois a grandement évolué et le sondage confirme qu’ils sont beaucoup plus sensibles au racisme vécu par les Premières Nations que leurs représentants politiques. Les Québécois sont aussi plus ouverts au dialogue et à la recherche de réelles solutions », a déclaré le Chef de l’APNQL, Ghislain Picard. 

Peu inspirée par le groupe d’action 

Si l’APNQL a décidé d’adopter son propre plan, c’est aussi parce qu’elle est peu inspirée par le groupe d’action contre le racisme créé par le gouvernement Legault. Composé uniquement de membres du parti au pouvoir, ce comité a peu de crédibilité aux yeux des leaders des Premières Nations. 

Le fait que le premier ministre Legault ait publiquement affirmé ne pas croire au « racisme systémique » renforce la position de l’APNQL. « Racisme systémique, discrimination structurelle, peu importe comment vous voulez l’appeler, la réalité est là et nous devons y faire face avec les moyens nécessaires. C’est ce à quoi nous allons nous attaquer dès maintenant en invitant la population québécoise à mener un véritable combat contre le racisme vécu par nos populations », a précisé le Chef Picard. 

Des solutions déjà connues 

La création d’un nouveau comité et d’une énième consultation est d’ailleurs une preuve en soi du manque de volonté du gouvernement québécois d’agir. L’APNQL rappelle que la question a fait l’objet de maintes consultations au cours des dernières années et que plusieurs avenues de solutions ont été présentées, notamment dans le cadre de la Commission d’enquête sur les relations entre les Autochtones et certains services publics au Québec (Commission Viens), dont le rapport a été rendu public le 30 septembre 2019. 

En plus de la Commission Viens, des actions pour contrer le racisme et la discrimination envers les Premières Nations sont aussi présentées dans le rapport de l’Enquête nationale sur les femmes et les filles autochtones disparues et assassinées (ENFFADA, 2019), celui de la Commission Vérité et Réconciliation (CVR, 2015), ainsi que dans la Déclaration de l’ONU sur les droits des peuples autochtones (2007). 

« L’APNQL croit qu’il sera impossible pour le gouvernement du premier ministre Legault de fermer les yeux à notre initiative. Il doit s’engager à corriger les situations de racisme et de discrimination systémiques et structurelles, dont il est souvent lui-même la source, et qui demeurent des obstacles importants à la justice sociale à laquelle toutes et tous ont droit », de conclure le Chef Picard. 

FAITS SAILLANTS DU SONDAGE 

Parmi les Québécois non autochtones qui ont une opinion des Premières Nations au Québec, celle-ci est bonne dans huit cas sur dix (81%). Toutefois, la majorité des Québécois : 

• Admettent qu’ils ont peu ou pas de connaissances des enjeux et réalités des Premières Nations au Québec (58%). 

• Considèrent que les relations qu’entretiennent les Québécois non autochtones avec les Premières Nations au Québec sont mauvaises (53%). 

• La quasi-totalité des Québécois non autochtones (92%) pensent que les Premières Nations font l’objet de racisme ou de discrimination au Québec. 

• 80% des répondants considèrent que les personnes des Premières Nations font face à des obstacles supplémentaires dans les différentes facettes de leur vie. 

• 70% de ceux qui ont une opinion sont d’avis que, actuellement au Québec, les Premières Nations ne sont pas traitées sur le même pied d’égalité que les Québécois non autochtones dans les structures sociales. 

• 91% des répondants pensent que l’État québécois a un rôle important à jouer dans l’atteinte et le maintien de l’égalité entre les Premières Nations et les Québécois non autochtones. 

La conférence de presse sera diffusée en direct sur la page Facebook APNQL-AFNQL https://www.facebook.com/APNQL/live/ 

Le rapport complet du sondage peut être consulté à : www.apnql.com À propos de l’APNQL L’Assemblée des Premières Nations Québec-Labrador est l’organisme régional politique qui regroupe 43 chefs des Premières Nations au Québec et au Labrador. Suivez l’APNQL sur Twitter @APNQL.

ʔEsdilagh Tŝilhqot’in Territory: The ʔEsdilagh First Nation (Alexandria First Nation) enacts an internal permitting system for their members to exercise their Aboriginal right to sustenance hunt for bull moose only within parts of their traditional territory. 

The community of ʔEsdilagh had shut down moose hunting to their members since 2017. The community of ʔEsdilagh and its members restrained from hunting moose during that time due to concerns of low moose numbers and the unknown negative effects that the 2017 wildfires may have had on the moose population. Through numerous community meetings the tough decision to halt all moose hunting was put in place. 

During the temporary halt on moose hunting, the ʔEsdilagh community also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the BC Conservation Officer Service (COS) in 2018. The MOU was an immediate tool to assist in the enforcement of any community member that went against the communal decision to temporarily ban hunting moose. A newly agreed upon MOU will be re-signed within the next couple of weeks, and it will include the internal permitting system in place by ʔEsdilagh. 

Although the moose populations and densities are not at historic levels, the recent population estimates completed indicate that the moose population is now at a place where limited bull moose harvest for sustenance can occur, and ʔEsdilagh feels there are enough moose for their community to authorize a set number of internal permits. Parts of Management Units 5-02D, 5-13B, and 5-14 (see map) will be included in the permitted area for the ʔEsdilagh members to hunt for bull moose from August 1 – December 30, 2020. 

Quotes: 

Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Roy Stump, ʔEsdilagh First Nation: “Food security has been and remains a challenge for our people. We have had to sacrifice our aboriginal rights to hunt for the last few years to preserve and protect the moose populations. We are optimistic that the bull moose population is stabilizing and that there exists the opportunity to have limited and sustainable bull moose harvesting once again for our community. We remain cautious, and will continue to make decisions for the benefit of mother earth and for our people, both those here now and the generations to come.” 

Nits’ilʔin Yaz (Councillor) Chad Stump, ʔEsdilagh First Nation: “3 years ago, our community was faced with the difficult decision to cease bull moose hunting in our territory since the moose population was struggling. The situation became ever direr after the 2017 wildfires wiped out significant portions of moose habitat. With the moose population indicating stabilization, we feel comfortable to permit a limited and sustainable bull moose harvest for the purpose of sustenance. At the community level, we will continue to monitor moose recovery and ensure that we are implementing measures that will continue to benefit the moose population and ensure that their population remains healthy.” 

United Way of the Lower Mainland supports youth health, wellness and employability through trail-building initiative designed to create resilience during COVID-19.

From repairing trails to biking them, Indigenous youth from the Mémiyelhtel program in Stó:lō are combating the effects of social isolation due to COVID-19. 

“We have had to be creative in finding ways to engage with our youth in-person, while respecting physical distancing,” says Breanna Miller, Youth Services Manager, Stó:lō Service Agency. “We added an enhancement to our program last year by purchasing two mountain bikes, which have been an important addition, especially during the pandemic. Now, having the opportunity to collaborate with United Way and the Chilliwack Park Society, we are able to have yet another opportunity to safely spend time together, give back to our community, and further the biking component for youth in our program. We hope there will also be opportunities to incorporate cultural and land-based teachings.” 

Thanks to peer mentors, including other Indigenous young people, youth will be taking part in a trail-building day Wednesday, August 12, in the Chilliwack Community Forest. It is the third of five builds this summer. 

United Way, with the support of the Canada Summer Jobs Program and an Overdose Prevention Grant administered by Chilliwack Community Services and other partners, hired five youth as a full-time paid summer trail-building crew to be mentored by more than a dozen local leaders, including Dr. Marc Greidanus, a local ER physician. The trail crew, which includes Indigenous youth, are mentoring small groups of local Indigenous youth from Mémiyelhtel, which means “to help others be well” in Halq’eméylem. 

After the last trail-building day, Dr. Greidanus (better known as “Dr. Marc” to the trail-builders) hosted a mountain bike clinic so the teens could ride the same trails they restore. It’s a way they can be together safely during the COVID-19 crisis. 

United Way identified isolation as a concern impacting youth prior to the pandemic, and now it has become a critical issue. The trail-building initiative encourages better outcomes for youth health and wellness by placing participants with mentors who provide positive role modeling. In addition, youth learn transferable skills to enhance employability along with building a sense of pride and ownership relating to natural spaces. 

“The COVID-19 crisis has increased stress for everyone – especially young people,” explains Andrea Dykshoorn, United Way Community Engagement Specialist, Fraser Valley. “Schools and community centres are closed. Parent and caregiver employment has been diminished or 

lost. Strict social distancing measures have led to isolation and uncertainty about the future. These factors affect health and wellness. Our United Way community partners reported an urgent need to support mental health and this program responds to those needs.” 

Project partners include Stó:lō Nation, Fraser Health, Chilliwack Community Services, the City of Chilliwack, Trans Canada Trail, Fraser Valley Mountain Biking Association, BC Parks and Canada Summer Jobs Grant. 

The trails built and maintained by the Chilliwack Park Society are on unceded Stó:lō territory, and by involving Indigenous leaders and youth in this work, project leaders hope to work toward reconciliation. 

After this week’s build, the road to improved health and wellness continues with two more trail- building days: Wednesday, August 19 on Vedder Mountain, and Saturday, August 22 on the Trans Canada Trail in the Chilliwack River Valley. Physical distancing safety protocols will be in place during all builds to protect participants from COVID-19 while they work together to create a healthy, caring, inclusive community.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) has been working closely with the federal government to help shape policies and programs to keep our businesses operating, our workers working safely, and  our essential supply chain moving. 
 
On Friday, FPAC submitted some perspectives and recommendations to the federal government’s 2021 Pre-Budget Consultations to outline how Canada can leverage the power of sustainable forest management and innovation to kick start economic recovery in Canada’s rural and northern communities. FPAC’s submission can be found here.
 
 “Our commitment to sustainable forest management and  keeping our forests as forests forever combined with our innovative workforce and products puts Canadian forestry in the driver’s seat of being able to help drive economic recovery in some 600 northern and rural Canadian communities,” said FPAC President and CEO Derek Nighbor.  “From sustainably-sourced Canadian pulp for PPE to using wood waste to make biomaterials and biofuels to beautiful and carbon-storing wood buildings that architects and engineers the world over are turning to – we have a huge opportunity to unlock the potential of Canadian forestry and forest products to help Canada build back better and spur much needed economic recovery,” Nighbor added. 

The call for nominations is open for the Province’s Medal of Good Citizenship for 2020. This prestigious medal recognizes people who have made outstanding contributions to their communities without expectation of remuneration or reward. The medal reflects people’s generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to community life.

Please nominate people you feel meet the criteria and forward this information to others in your organization and/or community. You can also download or share a promotional poster by clicking here.

Nominations are due by Friday, September 4, 2020. Submissions received after this date will be considered for 2021.

For nomination forms and additional information on this honour, please visit our website.

Thank you in advance for your time and support in nominating exceptional citizens in your community.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (August 9, 2020) – The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Carolyn Bennett, issued the following statement today:

“The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services; the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs; and the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, issued the following statement to commemorate International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples:

“Today marks the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This day is celebrated around the world as people are encouraged to reflect on and support the protection and promotion of Indigenous rights.

In partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Canada has been working to affirm their rights and support their visions of self-determination. The Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Recognition Tables are making significant progress as communities articulate their priorities and assert jurisdiction. This year we are also working to co-develop the legislation that will implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

In partnership with Indigenous peoples, we are working to undo federally imposed systems of governance and administration in favour of Indigenous design and delivery of programs and services. Indigenous peoples are working hard to rebuild and reconstitute their nations, advance self-determination and, for First Nations, facilitate the transition away from the Indian Act towards self-government.

Canada is acting upon the shared vision of supporting and empowering Indigenous people to address the socio-economic conditions in their communities by exercising their jurisdiction and control of the design and delivery of services.

This year’s theme for International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is COVID-19 and Indigenous peoples’ resilience. We continue to learn from the innovative ways Indigenous peoples demonstrate resiliency and strength during this pandemic.  Communities have taken a lead role in designing and delivering a highly effective pandemic response that responds to the distinct needs and circumstances in their communities that is grounded in their culture, language and traditions.

We know that around the world and in Canada, Indigenous peoples face challenges caused by colonization. COVID-19 has further highlighted inequality and the systemic issues that must be addressed. We recognize that Indigenous peoples in Canada face systemic racism and discrimination. The Government of Canada is committed to addressing these issues to ensure everyone in Canada can live with dignity and feel safe in their communities.

Today marks an opportunity to reiterate our commitment to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis, based on affirmation of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. We wish all of you a memorable International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.”

Ninety-seven years ago, Deskaheh Levi General, Cayuga Chief, and speaker of the Six Nations Hereditary Council, visited Geneva. He came to the League of Nations, the forerunner of the United Nations (UN), to gain international recognition for the sovereignty of his nation. He wanted to denounce a Canada that was preparing to impose a political system that was completely foreign to the system of governance of the hereditary council. The Chief thus marked the beginning of a long history of attempts by First Nations to have their right to self- determination recognized. Like many similar attempts undertaken by multiple Indigenous leaders later, Deskaheh’s attempt was unsuccessful.

Each year on August 9, the world celebrates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Did you know that this day was established by the UN? Did you know that its purpose is to raise awareness around the world about the rights of Indigenous peoples? Isn’t it ironic that the UN established this day when it previously refused to hear Deskaheh defend the rights of his nation nearly a century ago?

This date also reminds us that work on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) began on August 9, 1982 with the first working meeting that would one day lead us to this document of fundamental importance for Indigenous peoples.

While recognition of the rights of Indigenous peoples was finally endorsed on the international stage, Canada resisted opening to it for a few years before taking a new position in 2010 under Harper. However, the openness of the country’s governments to recognize the legitimacy of First Nations’ rights is still discretionary in 2020. We are still facing inequalities, and, like Deskaheh, First Nations are facing incomprehensible mutism on the part of governments.

The government’s attempts to eradicate First Nations having failed, more than ever we are here, and we are reaching out to our fellow citizens to improve our life together. In the coming days, the AFNQL will share the results of an important survey conducted among the Quebec population in relation to the perception they have of First Nations. We hope that this will be the beginning of a new era. In the meantime, August 9 is a great opportunity to reflect on how each of us wishes to participate in this essential review of our nation-to-nation relationship. The AFNQL wishes you a wonderful International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.