Published on Dec 7, 2012
MOMENTUM BUILDS FOR FIRST NATIONS POLITICAL ACTION
Winnipeg, MB December 7, 2012 -- Derek Nepinak, Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) called on all First Nations and Manitobans to join young leaders to stand with our Women, Elders and Leaders from across the country in opposition to the federal government's legislative agenda.
In addition to some of the issues Manitoba First Nations leaders are working on, many oppose the Government's Omnibus Budget Bill. As part of their opposition, Manitoba chiefs will support events planned across Manitoba and Canada where grassroots members and youth are organizing rallies to express strong oppositions to the bill. On Monday, December 10th, at 12:00 noon, a number of chiefs will attend the Idle No More (Winnipeg event) to be held at the front steps of the Manitoba Legislature Building.
This week in Gatineau, Quebec, leaders from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) attended the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly. Members of the AMC, SCO and MKO introduced a resolution opposing Canada's proposed First Nation Education Act. Manitoba's regional position is that legislating First Nations Education is not in the best interest of First Nation students. The resolution that passed directed the AFN to ensure that the Federal Government does not federally legislate First Nations education in Manitoba, but rather provide for First Nations themselves to make their own education laws.
Grand Chief Derek Nepinak said, "The Manitoba Chiefs stand firm on our resolve to see an education system that reflects our cultures and embodies the teachings of our ancestors. We will not accept legislation being forced on our people that affects all aspects of our lives," Grand Chief added, "Canada must honour its legal obligation on the Treaty Right to Education that recognizes First Nation distinct models, mechanisms, processes and approaches and negotiate a fiscal arrangement with our First Nations that provide equitable and sustainable funding for First Nation Education Law in Manitoba."
Another resolution spearheaded by AMC that was passed at the AFN Assembly dealt with the Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA) and other similar international trade agreements. This sought to challenge the FIPPA based on the lack of the duty to consult First Nations. Related to this resolution, Grand Chief Nepinak led a delegation together with the leadership from the Treaty Land Entitlement Committee and Grand Chief Stanley Beardy of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation of Ontario to meet with the head of the Commercial Section of the Canadian Chinese Consulate to discuss the relationship and future opportunities between First Nations and the Republic of China. "The meeting with Minister Councillor of Economic Affairs Jiang Shan proved to be a promising start of a working relationship with the Peoples Republic of China and we have plans to meet again on how First Nations and the Chinese government can move forward to forge a business relationship," said AMC Grand Chief Nepinak.
During the three-day AFN Assembly, a sense of empowerment was expressed by thousands of people in person and through social media networks like Twitter and Facebook. People from around the world relayed messages of hope especially after a protest by Chiefs and supporters on Parliament Hill.
"We stand affirmed on the successes achieved this past week at the Special Chiefs Assembly in Gatineau, QC," said MKO Grand Chief David Harper. "Our resolve in gaining support on the issues affecting our northern First Nations on areas including Education, Policing and Health and Well being of our citizens remains at the top of our priorities for our nations," concluded Harper.
More plans include events throughout Canada on the Trans Canada on December 18th, 2012 and again on January 28th, 2013 in Ottawa.
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