CAP CALLS FOR AN END TO DISCRIMINATION OF FIRST NATIONS PEOPLES GOVERNED BY INDIAN ACT
NATIONAL CHIEF CALLS ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO RE-INTRODUCE RIGHTS PROTECTION
(Ottawa ON, October 12, 2007) Canada’s youngest national Aboriginal leader today called on the federal government to reintroduce legislation that aims to ensure that First Nations peoples living on Indian Act reserves have access to the same measures for protection of human rights as all other Canadians.
Patrick Brazeau, National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) issued the challenge today in Ottawa at a joint news conference with former Canadian Human Rights Chief Commissioner, Maxwell Yalden. Mr. Yalden was also a former member of the United Nations Human Rights Committee.
Section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act shields Indian Act matters from the application of the provisions of the Act, including things such as who is eligible for registration under the Indian Act. It is the only exception in the Act that affects any individual mainly on the basis of race.
“At every turn, the continued imposition of the Indian Act blots out any ray of hope for rights protection for our brothers and sisters living on Indian Act reserves. To see this occurring in Canada in the 21st century is wrong for so many reasons”, said the National Chief.
The National Chief was clear in his call for reinstatement of the proposed legislation that sought to repeal Section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act: “We were pleased when the federal government took the step to put an end to the discriminatory measures currently in place which prevented First Nations citizens from receiving the same degree of human rights protection as all other Canadians.
Human rights, and measures taken by the state to ensure their protection, are fundamental to a free, democratic and accountable society,” said Chief Brazeau.
“There can be no cause for delay, no reason to wait. Canada and all national Aboriginal leaders have a moral duty, and an obligation to First Nations people to put aside partisan views and to act with clarity and conviction. First Nations people have been waiting thirty years for the protection of their rights to be dealt with,” affirmed Chief Brazeau.
“How can it be that Canada’s First Peoples are not entitled to protection of their human rights? Our people have placed their trust in us to deal with this matter. What legitimate reason can there be to continue to deny them this essential right and threaten their freedom?” asked the National Chief.
Mr. Yalden was quick to affirm Chief Brazeau’s position. "From the very beginnings, over thirty years ago, of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, we have been calling for the repeal of Section 67. It’s time to get on with the job".
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Al Fleming
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al@abo-peoples.org
