All-Party Support for Treaty Implementation and Respect for Aboriginal Title and Rights
AFN press release
Assembly of First Nations Welcomes All-Party Support for Treaty Implementation and Respect for Aboriginal Title and Rights
February 7, 2013
(Ottawa, ON) - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today welcomed all-party support for concrete action on Treaty implementation and respect for Aboriginal title and rights, including the full and meaningful consultation of First Nations on legislation, and making improved economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples a central focus of the next federal budget.
"The Assembly of First Nations welcomes the focus and attention that Parliamentarians are showing in regard to the concerns expressed by First Nations in this country," said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo. "We particularly welcome parliamentary support as First Nations continue to seek fundamental and transformative change in our relationship with Canada and Canadians, to fulfill the Treaties and respect title and inherent rights as a basis for ensuring a better today and future for our children, our families and our economies."
An opposition motion moved by NDP Member of Parliament and Opposition Critic for Aboriginal Affairs Jean Crowder passed with all party support February 5, 2013. The motion stated "That the House, recognizing the broad-based demand for action, call on the government to make the improvement of economic outcomes of First Nations, Inuit and Métis a central focus of Budget 2013, and to commit to action on treaty implementation and full and meaningful consultation on legislation that affects the rights of Aboriginal Canadians, as required by domestic and international law".
"First Nations have clearly demonstrated that the Government of Canada cannot continue to make decisions and pass legislation without full and meaningful consultation regarding its impact on Treaties and Aboriginal rights. This approach only furthers unilateralism that contributes to the broken system we must swiftly act now to move away from," said National Chief Atleo. "Through this motion, the House of Commons acknowledges and affirms the need for government commitment to improve the way we work together, and based on the agreements made in Treaty, the recognition of Aboriginal rights in the Canadian Constitution and the standards affirmed in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples endorsed by Canada in November 2010. I urge the Government of Canada provide tangible investments and movement on its commitments to First Nations in Budget 2013."
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow us on Twitter @AFN_Updates, @AFN_Comms
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For more information please contact:
Jenna Young AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401; 613-314-8157 or jyoung@afn.ca
Alain Garon AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382; 613-292-0857 or agaron@afn.ca