CAP Applauds Introduction of Claims Resolution Legislation
Consultation with off-reserve membership and commitment to accountability are required, insists National Chief
(November 27, 2007 - Ottawa, ON) The National Chief who speaks for Canada’s off-reserve Aboriginal community applauded the federal government’s introduction in the House of Commons today of legislation to create an independent tribunal to help resolve specific claims of First Nations.
Patrick Brazeau, National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, called the move another progressive step in improving the lives of Canada’s First Nations peoples. “We’re pleased to see this progress on a very fundamental matter. First Nations peoples have always had a connection to the land, and today’s announcement brings about a cooperative, fair and pragmatic approach that can only help to improve relations between Canada and its First Nations,” said the National Chief.
Brazeau was also quick to endorse the other measures announced today. “We’re particularly pleased to see measures announced around improving transparency through dedicated settlement funding, speeding up processing, and improving access to mediation. This speaks to the broader agenda of a need for increased accountability in Aboriginal affairs – something I remain resolutely committed to,” affirmed the National Chief.
National Chief Brazeau called on the federal government to take appropriate steps to ensure that the leadership in the off-reserve First Nations community and across the Congress’ regional affiliates gains full benefit from technical briefings on the political agreement and companion legislation.
The National Chief was clear in his call for the engagement of the broader First Nations community. “We believe it is Canada’s fiduciary and moral responsibility to undertake purposeful steps to ensure that all treaty beneficiaries and off-reserve First Nations peoples are granted their entitlement to full and effective participation in all stages of negotiation and settlement of such claims,” said Chief Brazeau.
National Chief Brazeau also affirmed that such a position is not without legal precedent. “In the 1999 Corbiere v. Canada decision, rendered by the Supreme Court of Canada, it was affirmed that the principles of democracy, equality and respect for human rights are the grounds for ensuring that future land rights agreements are inclusive of all Aboriginal peoples,” asserted Chief Brazeau.
“The settlement of claims affects First Nations people both on- and off-reserve. We must ensure that the rights of those living off-reserve are respected, and that their voices are directly heard in any consultations which occur in the process of the legislation’s passage through Parliament. We’ll be asking Minister Strahl and his departmental officials to ensure that this occurs,” emphasised the National Chief.
“Off-reserve grassroots First Nations peoples’ are entitled to engage in this process. We’re here to ensure that this is the case. We’ll be holding the government’s feet to the fire on this matter. Off-reserve First Nations citizens need to be certain that their interests are respected and protected. We intend on doing just that,” affirmed Chief Brazeau.
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