Nisga’a People Celebrate 10th Anniversary of the Nisga’a Treaty

Posted May 12, 2010 By tansi

May 11, 2010 marks the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Nisga’a Treaty. From the website set up to recognize this celebration:

Nisga'a Elders

The Nisga’a people have lived in the Nass River Valley since time immemorial. In the late 1800s, when much of Nisga’a traditional territory was declared Crown land, the Nisga’a people began petitioning government to recognize our connection to and ownership of Nisga’a territory. In 1998, a signing ceremony at New Aiyansh signalled the completion of a quarter century of negotiations and the birth of the Nisga’a Final Agreement, British Columbia’s first modern treaty.

A Nation Renewed

May 11, 2000, the Effective Date of the treaty, was a historic and triumphant day for the Nisga’a people. It marked the end of a 113-year journey-and the first steps in a new direction. On that day, the Indian Act ceased to apply to the Nisga’a people (except for the purpose of Indian registration) and, for the first time in modern history, the Nisga’a people had the legal authority to conduct our own affairs. The treaty ended the uncertainty regarding land ownership and opened the door for joint economic initiatives in the development of the Nisga’a Nation’s natural resources. It benefits all Canadians. News of the Nisga’a Final Agreement has traveled far beyond the Nass Valley-across British Columbia, Canada, and around the world. Governments and Aboriginal peoples are all watching the implementation of the treaty with keen interest.

The Nisga’a Final Agreement serves as an example. It demonstrates that governments and First Nations can, in good faith, work together to forge a more secure future for everyone.

The Minister of Norther Affairs issued the following press release to recognize this event:

Ottawa, Ontario (May 11, 2010) — The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians issued the following statement today: “I want to extend my congratulations to the President of the Nisga’a Lisims Government, Mr. Mitchell Stevens, and the Nisga’a people on the 10th anniversary of the effective date of the Nisga’a Final Agreement. 

This landmark agreement demonstrates the benefits that modern treaties can bring to First Nation people and their neighbours – building a solid foundation for renewed and lasting relationships and brighter futures for all concerned.

Under the treaty, the Nisga’a Lisims Government has been able to take advantage of new opportunities in the Nass Valley in areas such as forestry, eco-tourism, pine mushroom harvesting and the service sector. Since the treaty was signed, there have also been significant improvements in unemployment rates and high school graduation rates.  Canada shares in the pride of the Nisga’a Lisims Government and the Nisga’a Nation for the progress they have made and the strong relationship we have built together along the way.

The Nisga’a Final Agreement marked a new beginning for the Nisga’a people and the Nass Valley as a whole.  As the work to implement this groundbreaking treaty continues, Canada remains committed to working with the Nisga’a and the Province of British Columbia to advance our shared goals.” 

Categories: History, Land Claims, Land Rights, Treaty
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Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo Speaks: Canada Falls Short of Standards in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People

Posted April 23, 2010 By tansi

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo presented today at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the UN Headquarters in New York.  The National Chief spoke to key areas that require action by First Nations and the Government of Canada, including First Nations Treaties, citizenship, comprehensive land claims, border rights, water rights and highlighted the issue of missing and murdered women. The National Chief setout an approach to resolve these issues based on the principles of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“The UN Declaration is the way to move forward on the issues that continue to hold back First Nations and Canada in achieving our full potential,” said National Chief Atleo. “The Declaration sets out principles and processes based on mutual respect and partnership. Adhering to these principles will ensure we get results that will work in everyone’s best interests.”

The presentation, part of the North American Panel, was delivered by the National Chief with representatives from the Governments of Canada and the United States, an Indigenous representative from the United States and UNPFII member Ms. Tonya Gonella-Frichner.

“There are many pressing issues facing Canada and First Nations and, while there is movement in some areas, we are focusing our presentation on those areas that require action either because there is no movement or because current approaches threaten or breach our inherent Aboriginal and Treaty rights,” said National Chief Atleo.

The National Chief stated that proposed federal legislation on First Nations membership and water are two examples of federal approaches that are inconsistent with First Nations rights and fall short of the standards in the UN Declaration.  The National Chief also called on the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Indigenous Peoples to visit Canada to specifically monitor the critical issue of violence against women.

The National Chief identified relevant standards from the UN Declaration that would act as shared objectives and a process to achieve those objectives.

The National Chief stated: “Our goal is to be constructive and to that end we are putting forward initiatives, plans and approaches that set us on the right course using the guiding principles of the UN Declaration. Canada is now joining the international community by adopting the Declaration and we are seeking a positive and substantive response to our presentation.”

The Assembly of First Nations presentation is available on the AFN website at www.afn.ca or upon request.

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Editor’s note: Canada is one of only four nations in the world who voted against the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.

Categories: Justice, Land Claims, Rights, Treaty
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Grand Chief Reacts To Federal Throne Speech

Posted March 4, 2010 By móniyáw

WINNIPEG, MB March 3, 2010: GRAND CHIEF-Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief David Harper believes the 2010 Federal Throne Speech should have had more emphasis on the First Peoples of this land. MKO also wants a stronger Canada and stronger economy now and for the future, but it should ensure full involvement and participation by the First Nations that signed treaties with Canada.

Grand Chief David Harper, “We were expecting measures to close the social and economic gaps between our people and the rest of Canada.  We want natural resources sharing and economic opportunities, as well as sharing of revenues relating to our lands and resources. The MKO First Nations invested our waters, lands and resources in Manitoba Hydro.  Canada must introduce measures to ensure that First Nations affected by clean energy projects benefit from an equitable share of the opportunities and revenues.”

MKO is encouraged by the Government of Canada’s commitment to address further Residential School claims however, healing programs must continue. Grand Chief Harper adds“We are extremely pleased that Canada now recognizes the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and we challenge Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government to openly endorse the declaration and sign it during this session of Parliament”.

 MKO expects full participation and consultation on the new proposed legislative regime on drinking water treatment and wastewater systems. MKO looks forward to investments in water and wastewater systems in First Nation communities that will be comparable to systems serving other Canadians. Grand Chief Harper says, “We call on the government to fully consult with First Nations and to allocate appropriate resources to address all systemic barriers in relation to the Indian Act. Any new federal fisheries legislation must be consistent with the top priority for First Nation fisheries that is recognized through our Aboriginal and Treaty rights and confirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada”.

The Grand Chief said MKO First Nations expected the throne speech to include:

  1. Enhancement of fiscal transfers and funding arrangements for First Nation Governments;
  2. Strengthened investments in community infrastructure and operation and maintenance;
  3. Continuation of funding for healing and reconciliation as it relates to the Prime Minister’s apology to Residential School survivors;
  4. Renewed commitment to the transfer of new reserve lands under the Manitoba Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement; and resolution of other landclaims;
  5. Strengthened investments in child welfare and education including a lifting of the federal 2% cap on education funding.

 Grand Chief David Harper will be available until 5pm today and from 10am-3pm CST Thursday March 4th.

Categories: Culture, Rights, Treaty
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Settling land claims is an economic boon for all

Posted February 7, 2010 By móniyáw

In order for a group or population to prosper they need means and opportunity. Prosperity is something that I consider contagious; when a successful company opens a new factory in a city the residents in that city can be employed and share in the prosperity brought by the company. It is not always that simple, but for Aboriginal people it seems there is a common thread that settling land claims will lead to prosperity — perhaps that prosperity will be spiritual, cultural, or economical. The various levels of government are hiding behind the courts, and instead of negotiating land claims and bringing outstanding claims to closure, the process is allowed to drag on freezing development, opportunity, and finally prosperity.

Settling land claims will cost Canada a lot of money but those funds will prove to be an economic boon to the country one day, a national chief said Friday during a visit to Six Nations.

Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo met with local elected councillors from the territory to hear their concerns and answer questions about many of the critical issues facing Six Nations and some of Canada’s other 633 bands.

At the end of the three-hour discussion, Coun. Claudine Vanevery-Albert asked Atleo to help with what she said was Six Nations’ most pressing issue.

“The federal and provincial government refuse to recognize our traditional lands,” said Vanevery-Albert.

“We’re always going to be under their thumbs until our land rights are recognized. All the issues we’re speaking of today go back to our need to have our land base. If the AFN can do anything, I would say work toward moving, forcing, cajoling the Crown to move forward in land issues.”

Atleo agreed, saying that mainstream thinkers are beginning to understand the tremendous economic potential that’s being lost in keeping native municipalities poor.

“By keeping us tied up in over 100 current court decisions, they are withholding an incredible human potential.”

Later, Atleo said Canadians worry about the large amounts that are owed to natives without looking at the buying power that will go into the Canadian economy when those funds are released.

[...]

You can read the full article here.

Categories: First Nation, Land Claims, Negotiations, Treaty
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Sun Peaks municipality established on First Nations land?

Posted February 2, 2010 By móniyáw

I nearly skipped this news article with a brief glance.

Fewer than 300 people cast ballots, but those who did want to see Sun Peaks Resort become a municipality.

Residents voted 209 to 79 in favour of incorporation on Saturday. Developer Al Raine said the mandate was certainly strong enough — about 73 per cent — but he is disappointed by the low turnout.

…

The sentence that caught my attention is this one.

“To date, we’ve had no vehicle to do that,” he said. Local First Nations have been asserting aboriginal title to traditional hunting and gathering at Sun Peaks since resort development began in the 1990s.

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Some research led me here and here. The original article mentions forming, “an advisory committee”, that will address, “First Nations issues”. Who will sit on the committee and what is the specific nature of “First Nations issues”.

Categories: First Nation, Land Claims, Negotiations, Treaty
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Deh Cho First Nations defies North Slave caribou hunt ban

Posted January 29, 2010 By móniyáw

The Dehcho First Nations has joined other Denedeh aboriginal groups in opposition of the territorial government’s ban on caribou hunting in the North Slave region.The ban, which came into effect on Jan. 1, created a no-hunting zone twice the size of New Brunswick, encompassing part of the Bathurst caribou herd’s wintering grounds. Discussions about the ban dominated the Dene Nation leadership meeting in Fort Simpson from Jan. 19 to 21.

After two days of talks the leadership delegates, including those from the Deh Cho, voted unanimously to pass a resolution stating the ban on hunting barren-ground caribou should not apply to Akaitcho First Nations’ members because.

During the meeting, delegates said their opposition to the ban is based on the fact it infringes on treaty rights.

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Who is in the right? Protect rights at the cost of the livestock, or is there more to this story that is not reported here? Every hunter I have met is also an environmentalist, just as every fisherman wants to protect his fishing grounds so he can pass it to his children. You can read the full article here.

Categories: Environment, Treaty
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Sophie Pierre feels Treaty Talks is bigger than the Olympics

Posted January 15, 2010 By móniyáw

Ms. Pierre is a smart person who is leveraging the Olympics and some guerrilla marketing to raise the profile of an important issue. It is good to see someone thinking outside of the box.

It’s bigger than the Olympics: That message will be featured in an ad barrage to be launched next week.

The campaign is meant to draw attention to an issue that generates no hoopla, pulls no cheering crowds. If Sophie Pierre can get politicians and the public excited about the economic benefits of settling treaties in British Columbia, she’ll deserve a medal.

When Ms. Pierre took over as head of the BC Treaty Commission nine months ago, she had already concluded that the process of treaty talks is being smothered by complacency. As one of the architects of the present system, she’s watched in frustration over two decades as treaty-making has become just another program.

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You can read the full story here.

Categories: Land Claims, Land Rights, Negotiations
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