THUNDER BAY – Nishnawbe Aski Nation chiefs have unanimously rejected Ottawa’s proposed Indigenous rights framework.
At their chiefs’ conference held in Thunder Bay earlier this week, the community leaders voted to oppose the Liberal government’s Federal Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework, as well as demand the government to immediately cease any efforts to advance the framework.
“Our leadership felt that it was rushed, and most of all, that it was flawed in the way it was presented,” Nishnawbe Aski Nation deputy grand chief Derek Fox said. “In the way it was developed, it was a top-down approach.”
Fox said the biggest issue was that it was developed at a place where First Nations and grassroots people were not involved.
CBC on Wednesday reported the federal government had stepped back from its plan to introduce the legislation before Christmas, meaning it likely will not go before the House of Commons ahead of next year’s election.
A number of First Nations had previously voiced concerns about the process and discussion document that was provided earlier this fall, similarly rejecting the government’s efforts to advance any legislation.
Fox pointed to Neskantaga chief Wayne Moonias as one leader who opposed the proposed framework, adding that Moonias called for the process to start at the community level and the people that will be most affected.
“(Neskantaga has) the longest boil water advisory in Canada of 25 years or more now,” Fox said. “They should have the most say in how their rights are affected or how their rights are being discussed.”
Having the new framework, which would enshrine the Constitution's Section 35 recognition of existing Indigenous and treaty rights into federal law, was promised by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier this year.
Given the government being into the final year of their term, Fox wasn’t necessarily surprised to see Ottawa trying to fast track the legislation.
“Everyone knows they’re up for election next year and there is probably some pressure to accomplish some objectives they promised, and this was one of them,” Fox said.
“They’re going for small ones, for big ones and this might have been something they could see as a big accomplishment.”
While Fox admitted to being disappointed with how the Trudeau government approached this process, he was quick to commend them for how they’ve worked with Indigenous partners.
“They’ve done a lot of good work with First Nations and they’ve done a lot of good work with NAN,” Fox said.
“I think in time we’re going to see our governments change their approach. I believe that. I believe it’s a work in progress when it comes to reconciliation and building that relationship. It takes time. I believe this government has worked at it and they’ve done a fairly good job but it could be better.”
