ISSUE: Strategies to Protect the Environment
Background:
Aboriginal meaningful participation in the management of land use in Canada is largely absent. Jurisdictional and legislative issues bar the majority of communities from participating in land use planning processes.
Many Aboriginal people remain ‘connected’ to their traditional territories, but many have lost those linkages, particularly those who are not registered under the Indian Act. This growing sector of the Canadian Aboriginal population has no ‘legal’ linkage to the lands of their ancestors.
CAP supports Nationhood as a solution to off reserve Aboriginal peoples issues around accessing traditional lands and territories. Indian Nations defining their membership would do so through community-driven, inclusive, transparent approaches consistent with traditional governance mechanisms.
Indian Act requirements around leadership, membership and governance are neither appropriate nor representative of the needs and concerns of the majority of Aboriginal peoples; the majority of which reside away from reserves and traditional territory.
Fast Facts:
- Aboriginal peoples have had a unique connection to the land since time immemorial. The seven generations approach has been the premise from which traditional lands were used prior to contact.
- Legislation and policy governing rights to land use including hunting and fishing rights should be representative of ALL Aboriginal peoples.
Recommendations:
A. Strategies to protect the environment be developed inclusive of ALL Aboriginal peoples regardless of status or residency, in partnership with all levels of government.
B. That Nationhood is considered as a viable option to addressing environmental issues around jurisdiction and ownership.
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For further information, please contact:
Al Fleming
Director
Public Affairs
613-747-6022 (office)
613-867-8696 (mobile)
al@abo-peoples.org
