Assembly of First Nations' National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo Communiqué
A Communiqué from National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo
August 2009
The Assembly of First Nations is embarking on a strategic and forward-looking agenda. The past months have been a tremendous opportunity for all of us to speak to one another and listen to one another - First Nations Chiefs, leaders, women, youth and Elders. We now have the opportunity to act on this wisdom and guidance. I believe this is our time, a time for Indigenous peoples to come together in recognition and respect to lead the change that is required for our people. In that spirit, I am pleased to provide the following update on recent activities.
Council of the Federation Meeting – August 5th in Regina, Saskatchewan Working Towards a First Ministers Meeting in 2010
As National Chief, I had the opportunity to meet with the Provincial and Territorial Leaders – the “Council of the Federation” – on August 5 in Regina. This was the sixth consecutive time that the AFN participated in these meetings and we used this opportunity to push for stronger and more direct outcomes. While clearly our primary relationship as First Nations is with the federal government, the Premiers and Territorial Leaders can and must play an important role in working with us, respecting our jurisdiction and investing in critical needs to generate hope and opportunity in the future. As well, we know that certain issues, such as establishing an effective response to a potential return of the H1N1 (“swine flu”) virus, require a coordinated response and planning with the provinces and territories.
The AFN presentation to the First Ministers was called “It’s Our Time: A Discussion Paper for the Council of the Federation”. It is available online on the AFN website. It covers a number of the priority issues facing First Nations and Canada, including H1N1 preparedness, education and skills training and economic development.
Previous meetings which have largely been discussions of best practices or designed to just share ideas may have been useful but the time has come to expect far more from our engagement with other jurisdictions. We need a clear process to continue work between meetings so that when the Council of the Federation gathers we can report on actual progress and results.
One of the key components is to get the federal government onboard and committed to progress, to hold the federal government to account for its role and responsibilities to us and to target areas where progress is not being made.
With this in mind, the AFN called for a new, more robust process between our leadership, the Federal and Provincial-Territorial Governments with distinct First Nations, Métis and Inuit streams. The first recommendation by the AFN was “that the Parties agree to form an Aboriginal Affairs Ministers Working Group (AAMWG) to pursue collaborative projects between meetings of the Council of the Federation, reporting on an annual basis.” The AAMWG would be tasked to work with AFN to carry out projects and research in key areas, and report back to the Council annually.
I am very pleased to report that this recommendation was endorsed by all parties and the AAMWG has been formed. Further, the work will begin immediately to develop an agenda and approach for a possible First Ministers Meeting late in 2010.
Our task now, as leaders, is to fully engage all of our people and all of our communities in this important opportunity. We must and we will lead this effort to ensure that our Treaties and agreements are fully implemented and our governments respected and supported. We should be optimistic about the potential of a full First Ministers Meeting, but achieving our goals means we must be vigilant and diligent in ensuring that we present a solid, comprehensive and coordinated plan.
I urge you to review the full AFN discussion paper presented to the Council of the Federation. You can find it on the AFN website at: http://www.afn.ca/misc/CoF%20Paper_eng.pdf
The National Chief - Travel and Transition: Visits to Saskatchewan, Nishnawbe Aski Nation Assembly and More
As National Chief I will be making the transition from my home territory on the west coast to Ottawa, Ontario, over the coming weeks. This will be balanced with an ambitious travel schedule through which I am hoping to meet with Chiefs and First Nations citizens in a number of communities and territories. Above all else, it is my priority to meet with First Nations leadership in your territories as much as possible.
My first visit after being elected as National Chief was to Saskatchewan on July 26 to participate in the pow wow at Carry the Kettle First Nation (just east of Regina). It was an excellent opportunity to meet with the leadership and people of Carry the Kettle, as well as the many, many people that came from across the country to take part in this wonderful celebration. I had the opportunity to speak to the leaders and people in attendance, with the main message being that “It’s Our Time” - time to come together across all of our territories and support one another, Treaty and non-Treaty, Elder and youth, men and women, on-reserve and off-reserve. I also encouraged all the young people to listen to their Elders as a way to learn about themselves and their traditions. This was a wonderful experience and I want to thank Chief Barry Kennedy and the people of Carry the Kettle for inviting me as their guest of honour.
While also in Saskatchewan, I had the opportunity to meet with other Chiefs whom brought forward a strong interest in working collectively on Treaty implementation, on enforcing a jointly developed resource revenue sharing approach with the Government of Saskatchewan and underscoring the importance of investment in education especially now. These issues are critical right across the country. I share these Chiefs’ commitment to Treaty implementation as the path forward and look forward to supporting these important efforts in the very near future.
On August 11, I accepted an invitation to attend the annual gathering of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) – the XXVIII Keewaywin Conference, centred in Chapleau Cree First Nation. As many of you know, NAN represents 49 First Nations and their territory covers two-thirds of Ontario. I had the privilege of speaking to the delegates and to witness the exciting elections that were the highlight of the gathering. I want to congratulate Grand Chief Stan Beardy on being re-elected to an unprecedented fourth term as NAN Grand Chief and congratulate the successful candidates for Deputy Grand Chief. NAN is a strong organization with tremendous support from its citizens and I look forward to working with their leadership.
Shortly after this, I joined Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Hall, and the other leaders, youth and Elders to raise awareness through a traffic slow-down on Highway 11 to bring forward the concerns and dire needs of Attawapiskat First Nation in Northern Ontario. Nine years after their school was shut down due to contamination, there is still no school for the youth to learn and fulfill their potential. This is completely unacceptable and the reason why I stood shoulder to shoulder with these community leaders to demand attention, understanding and action. The health and safety of this community has been further impacted by recent sewage problems forcing many residents to evacuate their homes. The community has a clear and strong vision regarding their infrastructure needs and their demands for respectful dialogue with the governments as well as industry that is currently operating diamond mining within their territory. This should be a community flourishing with potential and opportunity and I will continue to offer whatever support I can to bring forward their voices and demand for attention and action.
I have also had the opportunity to accept the invitation of Chief Wallace Fox of the Onion Lake Cree Nation to witness their very successful hosting of the of the Saskatchewan First Nation Summer Games as well as to participate in their meeting with INAC Minister Strahl. This was an important discussion and one that many First Nations will appreciate as Onion Lake takes steps to advance their interests and jurisdiction in controlling trust monies as part of their vision to implement and fulfill their Treaty relationship. I look forward to working with this leadership and Treaty Nations across the country in supporting your efforts to advance your Treaty relationship through implementation.
I will continue my travels and keep you updated on my schedule. Be sure to check the AFN website for regular updates and information.
Donald Marshall Jr. – Warrior, Brother, Proud Mi’kmaq Leaves Us
On August 6th, First Nations across the country mourned the loss of Donald Marshall Jr. Donald Marshall, a Mi’kmaq from Nova Scotia, made enormous contributions to advance First Nations rights. His achievements are all the more impressive given his personal background: he spent many years in prison for a crime he did not commit. A subsequent Royal Commission found he was an innocent victim of racism, and his wrongful conviction led to massive changes in the justice system.
Such an ordeal may have led many to pursue a quieter life, but Donald Marshall continued to fight for his people. He was charged with fishing out of season in his traditional territory and took the legal battle all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada. In 1999, the Supreme Court ruled in his favour, recognizing that the Treaties of 1760-1761 affirmed the Mi’kmaq right to sell fish and earn a moderate livelihood. His actions forever changed the legal landscape in terms of how Canada must deal fairly and justly with Aboriginal rights, First Nations rights, Treaty rights and human rights. This landmark ruling is often cited in cases involving our rights.
I was honoured to speak at Donald Marshall’s funeral. He was an inspiration to me and many of our people. The love, respect and, sadly, the deep loss felt for him was evident in the more than one thousand people that attended the funeral and the hundreds more listening outside the St. Anthony Daniel Church in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
I want to conclude on a note of respect for Donald Marshall Jr. and offer prayers and condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him.
I look forward to seeing many of you in the coming weeks and hearing your ideas, your interests and joining in supporting your efforts. There are important opportunities on the horizon and urgent needs that require our attention now. Please contact the AFN at any time to be in touch with me.