AAND planning to halt claim negotiations by presenting "final offers" to First Nations
AFN Press Release
AFN seeks clarification on Reports of Changes to Specific Land Claims Process
OTTAWA, July 26, 2011 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo commented today following clarification provided by the federal government on its process and position to deal with specific land claims. A July 25 media report stated that the federal government is planning to halt claim negotiations by presenting "final offers" to First Nations, who would then have access to the Specific Claims Tribunal if the offer was deemed unacceptable. A statement released by the Minister's office today claims the reports contain "inaccuracies".
"Timely and effective resolution of First Nations claims is in the best interest of First Nations and all Canadians," said National Chief Atleo. "Just as we worked with the federal government on the Specific Claims Tribunal Act, we must continue to work together to address matters as raised through the 'Justice at Last' report. We need to immediately advance work on improving negotiations processes and implementation as envisioned in the Joint Action Plan between the AFN and Canada."
At the recent AFN Annual General Assembly in Moncton, New Brunswick, Chiefs passed a resolution on "Specific Claims Tribunal Act Timelines", calling on the Assembly to:
- Urge Canada to not arbitrarily cut-off negotiations.
- Affirm that a decision to terminate negotiations ought to be based on the principles of good faith, respect and mutuality.
- Call on Canada to stop the de facto rejection of specific claims through letters of partial acceptance and the requirement for sign-off on more issues than those identified by the partial acceptance.
The National Chief stated: "First Nations are naturally concerned about any apparent attempt that may diminish or deny our lawful claims. Claims must be dealt with through a process that is respectful of the legal obligations of all parties, including the federal government. We will continue to press forward on an approach with the government that reinforces the responsibility to work in good faith on all matters that affect our lands, our rights and our peoples. Nothing less will do."
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
For further information:
Don Kelly, Assembly of First Nations A/Communications Director
613-241-6789 ext. 334 or cell: 613-292-2787 or email dkelly@afn.ca
Jenna Young, Assembly of First Nations Communications Officer
613-241-6789, ext 401 or cell: 613-314-8157 or email jyoung@afn.ca
Alain Garon, Assembly of First Nations Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382 or cell: 613-2920857 or email agaron@afn.ca
+++++++
AFN wants clarity from Ottawa on land claims negotiations
Ottawa— The Canadian Press - Jul. 26, 2011
The Assembly of First Nations wants an immediate clarification from the federal government about reports that Ottawa is moving to cut off specific land claims negotiations.
The group says that if the reports are accurate, many first nations will be beside themselves with anger, since the move would violate the spirit of previous arrangements.
The Aboriginal People's Television Network quotes a lawyer for several Indian bands, who warns of the October deadline and a rescinding of outstanding offers.
APTN also says it has learned that if a final federal offer is rejected, First Nations will only be permitted to appeal to the Specific Claims Tribunal — a panel that can't award more than a total of 250 million dollars each year for all the claims it hears, and is also due to be phased out in 10 years.
APTN quotes negotiators for first nations, who did not want to speak on record, as saying they have been informed of the move by negotiators for the federal government, and that it will come into effect in October.