Media.Knet.Ca

Click here for the Text of Speech from the Throne http://www.thestar.com/News/article/267546  

Anishinabek Nation press release ...

First Nations Concerned over Throne Speech Politics

LONGLAC, ONTARIO, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--(Oct. 16, 2007) - As the temperature drops across the north, First Nations felt luke-warm following the throne speech delivered today by Governor General Michaele Jean.

Speaking from the Northern Superior region of Anishinabek Nation territory, Grand Council Chief John Beaucage expressed concern that the Speech from the Throne is being used as a vehicle for political posturing by the federal parties in anticipation of an upcoming election.

"I am somewhat encouraged that there were sections in the speech specific to First Nation issues," said Grand Council Chief John Beaucage, who represents the largest First Nation organization in Ontario. "However, these positive elements may be totally thrown out if the political posturing carries forward with enough vehemence to force a general election."

"I'm pleased that the Prime Minister is going to officially apologize to the victims of residential schools. This apology is long overdue," said Grand Council Chief Beaucage. "I look forward to the start of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that will finally bring to light one of the saddest chapters in Canadian history."

The Anishinabek Nation is also looking forward to working with The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada on new Specific Claims legislation to address over 80 land claims still outstanding among the 42 member First Nations of the Anishinabek Nation.

"I am encouraged the Government sees this as an credible issue and is prepared to take steps to resolve the hundreds of outstanding land claims across Canada," said Beaucage. "These outstanding claims are an impediment to economic growth and stability throughout First Nations communities across the country."

However, Grand Council Chief Beaucage expressed concern that the most vulnerable citizens, First Nations children, are being lost in Harper's agenda.

"Canada has a long way to overcome First Nations social issues. It is a national tragedy that one in four First Nations children live in poverty. Unfortunately, very little in the government's agenda will improve the conditions for our people," said Grand Council Chief John Beaucage.

"Instead of focusing on Afghanistan, First Nations poverty ought to be a significant priority for the Government of Canada," said Beaucage.

Further, Grand Council Chief Beaucage supports the spirit and intent of the government's proposed repeal of Section 67 of the Indian Act - which exempts First Nations from aspects of the Canadian Human Rights Act. However, he feels changes need to phased in by adopting an 18-24 month implementation period.

"The Anishinabek Nation supports the whole concept behind equality for all of us under the Canadian Human Rights Act," said Beaucage. "However, because of the systemic issues that all First Nations have to face, this approach should be phased in at an appropriate pace to ensure success."

The Anishinabek Nation incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 42 member First Nations across Ontario. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

For more information, please contact

Bob Goulais, Executive Assistant to the Grand Council Chief
Primary Phone: 705-498-5250
Secondary Phone: 705-497-9127 ext. 2249
E-mail: goubob@anishinabek.ca.

+++++++++++

Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador press release ...

Speech from the Throne: Another vote against First Nations

WENDAKE, QC, Oct. 17 - "Once again the federal government missed out on the opportunity to honor its obligations towards the First Nations of the country, and to finally get out of the colonialism era. After the refusal of Canada to vote in favor of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Speech from the Throne is another example of the lack of will on the part of the Canadian government, to assume its responsibilities and to really tackle all the abuses that the First Nations of Canada have to suffer, day after day", stated the Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador, Ghislain Picard.

The Government of Canada has sent a message to the whole world that it has no intention of honoring the new international standards pertaining to Indigenous Peoples, as adopted by the United Nations. From now on, it will endure the judgment of the international authorities which the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador will be addressing.

"It is disappointing to see that, once again, the First Nations are largely ignored, in spite of a Canadian economy that is flourishing, a strong Canadian dollar and a 14 billion $ of budgetary surplus. It is paramount that the federal government abandons the status quo, that it recognizes our legal authorities and assumes its responsibilities in the funding of our infrastructures, stated Chief Picard. The elements in last night's Speech of the Throne, which concern us, are not adequate in relation to the real needs."

It should be noted that, last Friday, the AFNQL put the federal government on notice that from now on, the Department of Indian Affairs would be under external monitoring. Tired of seeing the issues drag on and on, the AFNQL decided to turn towards international organizations, such as the UNESCO, the International Amnesty and the UN, in order to pay a special attention to the special problems faced by the First Nations and the irrationalities caused by a system which is still influenced by the colonialist ideology.

The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the regional organization which represents the Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador.

Did you know that

Education

• The 20-year federal funding formula of First Nations' schools has not been reviewed for 20 years;
• $0 for the funding of vocational education;
• $0 for the funding of technologies in our schools;
• $0 for the funding of sports and recreational activities in our schools.

Housing

• There is a housing crisis among First Nations and there is certainly a connection between this situation and the social problems that prevail locally;
• Mould can be found in over 1,500 dwellings, which represents 13% of the 12,200 units that constitute the First Nations' housing inventory;
• The First Nations' population has increased at three times the rate than Quebec's population over the last ten years;
• Dwellings are crowded: each housing unit accommodates on average 4 persons, which represents twice as much as a Quebec household;
• About 8,500 housing units would have to be built over the next five years to meet First Nations' needs.

Youth protection

• Four times more reported cases (8% compared to 2%) are retained among First Nations children than among Quebec children;
• Seven times more children are placed among First Nations than among Quebeckers. By 2008-09, there will be nine times more;
• Since 2002, on average, 12% of First Nation children have been placed each year;
• Over the past five years, First Nation children have spent 9.5 months in placement resource, among which 189,036 bed-nights during the last year.

For further information: Alain Garon, Communication Officer, AFNQL, (418) 842-5020, Cell: (418) 956-5720