AFN press release (see CBC.ca news story below the press release)

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Welcomes Eyford Report and Calls for Action Recognizing First Nations rights and role in Energy Development

OTTAWA, Dec. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today commented on the report "Forging Partnerships, Building Relationships" prepared by Douglas R. Eyford and presented to the Prime Minister.  The report focuses on First Nations and Energy Development.  

"Mr. Eyford's report reflects some key concerns and perspectives of First Nations as they relate to energy development and resource development and addresses these with some important recommendations," said AFN National Chief Atleo. "As we have said, in order to ensure prosperity for Canada and First Nations, Canada must recognize First Nation rights, support First Nations through capacity support, access to capital, and engage in environmental planning that incorporates First Nations  traditional knowledge and principles and must facilitate shared decision making that is respectful, inclusive and accountable."  

National Chief Atleo added: "The reality is that the federal government and all parties must understand that First Nations are not simply another interest group in this work.  We have constitutionally protected rights and title and there is a legal obligation on the part of government to meaningfully consult and accommodate First Nations.  For too long these realities have been ignored and they are holding all of us back.  Now is the time for action.  First Nations are not anti-development but if any project is going to proceed it must be responsible, sustainable, we must be involved, our rights must be respected and there must be meaningful engagement consistent with the principles of free, prior and informed consent as set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples."  

The report makes recommendations across four broad themes: Building Trust, Fostering Inclusion, Advancing Reconciliation and Taking Action.  Amongst other recommendations, the report calls for a "Crown-First Nations tri-partite energy working group" comprised of the federal and provincial governments and First Nations.  The report places development work in the broader context of reconciliation, noting this activity must not be seen as separate from action on First Nations education, employment, land issues and rights.  

AFN BC Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould stated, "We are pleased Mr. Eyford's report was made public as it provides a welcome insight into the hard work ahead of us to ensure true reconciliation can occur between our Nations and the Crown. Canada must ensure that our Nations are full partners in the decisions that affect our lands and resources including, and where our Nations support development, benefiting in a meaningful and substantive way from energy development. However, resource development for First Nations is a means to an end and not the end in itself.  Accordingly, seeking First Nations support for resource development cannot be divorced from the broader issues of reconciliation to address long standing grievances and where the objective of our Nations is to ensure our peoples have an improved quality of life with practicing and thriving cultures. With so much at stake for not only our peoples but all Canadians, I truly hope that Mr. Eyford's recommendations will be given the serious consideration they deserve and that the Prime Minister will continue to ensure a high level of oversight in the development of a new reconciliation framework for Canada that goes beyond the limitations and restrictions of the existing federal 'comprehensive claims policy.'"  

AFN Alberta Regional Chief Cameron Alexis said: "I welcome this report as action is needed for both the Alberta and BC regions on these issues. I was disappointed when Premier Redford and Premier Clark signed a pipeline agreement and did not consult with First Nations from both our respective regions. I believe that now is the time that all interested parties work together to finally achieve an agreement that can be consistent with the expectations of Treaties 6, 7 and 8."   On March 19, 2013, the Government of Canada appointed the Special Federal Representative, Douglas Eyford, to engage with First Nations communities and governments in British Columbia and Alberta on future energy infrastructure development.  

The National Chief stated: "The AFN has been pressing for action on these matters for some time and it is important that this report help compel immediate action on these fundamental issues."

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates. 

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From CBC.ca

'Never too late to engage' aboriginal groups, says Doug Eyford

Doug Eyford reports on engaging with aboriginal groups on resource development

By Chris Hall, Dec 05, 2013

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper's special envoy on West Coast energy issues says the government must take decisive action to engage aboriginal groups opposed to new oil and gas pipelines. (CBC)

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The prime minister's special envoy on West Coast energy issues says the federal government must take decisive action to engage aboriginal groups opposed to new oil and gas pipelines.

"It's never too late to engage and do so in a process of good faith negotiations,'' Doug Eyford told reporters Thursday after releasing his report "Forging Partnerships, Building Relationships" in Vancouver.

"This won't be an easy process. I hope my report is perceived as providing objective and blunt advice to all the parties engaged in this process.''

Eyford's 53-page report is based on months of consultations with aboriginal organizations in Alberta and British Columbia.

It contains dozens of recommendations, many of them directed at the urgent need to promote what he called a ''principled dialogue'' about resource development with aboriginal communities in the two provinces.

"Canada and aboriginal communities are at a critical juncture in their relationship,'' he wrote.

"The development of west coast energy infrastructure provides an opportunity to forge partnerships and build relationships. There is a strong interest and real opportunity for Canada and aboriginal Canadians to more effectively collaborate to address their respective interests.''

Key for reaching Asian markets

Eyford's report is the second step in helping advance Harper's stated goal of turning Canada into an ''energy superpower.''

Those plans depend on building more pipelines, including the Northern Gateway proposed by Enbridge, and the expansion of Kinder Morgan's existing Trans-Mountain Pipeline.

Energy exports totalled about $110 billion in 2012, but virtually of them go to the United States.

So the Harper government is trying to diversify markets for Canadian energy. Key to that effort is building a half-dozen pipelines in British Columbia to carry oilsands bitumen and liquefied natural gas to port for export to Asian markets.

Addressing concerns of aboriginal communities is critical, since pipelines  will cross their traditional territories in B.C.

Natural Resource Minister Joe Oliver has warned repeatedly that Canada needs to begin the work now to exploit lucrative markets in Asia, or see the window close.

"We have an extraordinary opportunity now to responsibly and safely translate Canada's abundant resource wealth into an era of sustainable prosperity and security,'' Oliver said after receiving Eyford's report.

"Building stronger relationships built on trust is the key to creating momentum and I personally am committed to making this happen.''

Regular meetings critical

Eyford's report says significant hurdles remain to achieving that goal.

He says Canada needs to do more to build relations with aboriginal communities, including a commitment to hold regular meetings and discussions.

Regular engagement is critical, he adds, because people in those communities see the development of resource projects as part of a broader agenda of reconciliation.

And he warned support for resource development will only happen if aboriginal people are convinced the projects will not harm their land or the environment.

Among Eyford's recommendations:

• The federal government should spearhead consultations with aboriginal groups, industry and non-government agencies to advance pipeline and marine safety, and strategies to mitigate potential impacts of oil spills.
• Ottawa should target funding for aboriginal education, pre-employments skills development and training to remove barriers to jobs in the resource industry.
• The government must follow through on the duty to consult aboriginal communities about their concerns.

Pipeline plans encountering resistance

Some of that work is already underway. Earlier this week, Transport Minister Lisa Raitt released the first major review of tanker safety in two decades.

That report recommended removing the current $161-million liability limit for each spill in favour of an unlimited liability for polluters and increased funding for the coast guard and other agencies to improve their response to oil spills.

Still, plans to build more pipelines, including the Northern Gateway proposed by Enbridge, and the expansion of Kinder Morgan's existing Trans-Mountain Pipeline, face considerable resistance particularly among aboriginal groups.​

In his interim report last June, Eyford urged Ottawa to take over the lead in stalled discussions with aboriginal groups. Ottawa responded by dispatching senior cabinet minister and bureaucrats to meet with affected groups.

Eyford said those "engagement meetings" were positive but must continue.

"I think it's a risk not just to the companies but to Canadians as a whole. These projects obviously will have a significant impact on the Canadian economy and if they don't go ahead, then I think it's something that will impact all Canadians," he said.

"Aboriginal communities remain cautious and require Canada to continue to demonstrate its commitment to improving the relationship."

One group opposed to the pipelines is holding a press conference shortly after Eyford presents his report.

The organizers behind the Save the Fraser Declaration say they're adding another signatory to a group that includes representatives from 130 First Nations groups, including the Yinka Dene Alliance. The groups oppose the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline, as well as oil tanker expansion in B.C.'s coastal waters.