Some First Nations give us their testimony about the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence vision's for 2035. This testomony have been recorded as part of the 1st Symphony activity in collaboration with the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institut

Evelyne St-Onge Uashat mak Mani-Utenam

David Kistabish, Pikogan

Elizabeth Ashini, Matimekush-Lac-Jonh

Valérie Courtois, Mashteuiatsh

The reindeer is central to the lives and cultures of indigenous peoples across the sub-Arctic
© Joelle Taillon/Survival

The world’s largest reindeer herd has plummeted in size, with local indigenous people blaming the spread of massive industrial projects in the area. The George River herd, which once numbered 8-900,000 animals, stands today at just 74,000 – a drop of up to 92%. The herd roams the vast tundra of Quebec and Labrador in eastern Canada. Known as caribou in North America, the animals are central to the culture of the Cree and Innu people of the region. However, in recent decades large parts of the herd’s range have been disrupted by a series of huge projects. Iron-ore mining, flooding vast areas for hydro-power and road-building have all taken their toll, according to Innu people.

A migrating caribou herd, who are making their journey in declining numbers
© Subhankar Banerjee/Survival

Innu Elder and Chief Georges-Ernest Gregoire told Survival today, ’The caribou (reindeer) is central to our culture, our spiritual beliefs and to our society as hunters that have lived on our homeland, Nitassinan [Quebec-Labrador peninsula], for thousands of years.

‘But all the massive industrial “development” projects that have been imposed on our land in the last forty years have undoubtedly had a cumulative impact on the size of the caribou herd. That is why we need real control over our territories and resources, and why we must be involved as equals in decisions that affect our lands and the animals that live there.’

Another Innu man, Alex Andrew, stated, ‘Our elders say that the animals will be the first to feel the effects of all this damage. The food chain cycle will be broken and many will suffer in the end.

‘And so much development like hydropower, mining, roads, forestry, will be only adding to the dilemma that is facing the animals’ survival.’

Survival International’s Director Stephen Corry said today, ‘If we really do care about the real impact the natural world has on us and vice-versa – rather than just watching it on television – it’s time to start listening to tribal peoples. They know what they’re talking about. For the Innu, reindeer aren’t just for Christmas.’

Notes to Editors:

The results of the most recent survey of the herd’s size were announced here.

Source: Survival, The Movement for Tribal Poeple

Kahnawake, November 4, 2011 – The ADQ Deputy in Shefford, François Bonnardel, has made racist and derogatory remarks in chamber and at a press briefing last Wednesday (November 2, 2011) depicting Aboriginal peoples and especially members of the Innu community of Ekuanitshit (Mingan) as alcoholics and drug addicts. Mr. Bonnardel was disputing the distribution of checks by Hydro-Quebec to the Innu Community of Mingan in 2009 whereas $ 2.4 million, of a total agreement of $ 40 million, was shared between members of the community. This sum has been paid in compensation for the La Romaine hydroelectric project. According to the ADQ deputy, to distribute checks to individuals is "immoral" and "irresponsible" because "if we pay the money directly to Aboriginal individuals, they will take it to get a drink and take drugs." Quebec Native Women (QNW) denounces the prejudices and antagonism conveyed by such words especially coming from an elected representative at the National Assembly of Quebec. While it is true that many social problems exist in our communities, important nuances must be made prior to affirming that we cannot pay moneys directly to communities. Although we believe that funding for community projects should be prioritized and valued, we should not forget the fact that individual compensation can also be used in good faith to provide temporary relief for First Nations citizens who find themselves more often than not in situation of extreme poverty, particularly for Aboriginal women who can now buy food and clothes for their families. Such remarks indicate a very paternalistic attitude from Mr. Bonnardel towards decisions taken and endorsed by the Innu community of Mingan and by the Innu Council in the management of their own financial compensation.

"I think that Mr. Bonnardel’s attitude is extremely paternalistic. This is a community decision and we have no management lessons to learn from him. We also forget that it is not the first time that this kind of financial practice is used by companies to get a community in dire financial need to agree to development projects. And every time they succeed in dividing us ", says Michèle Audette, President of QNW.

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Information :

Émilie Grenier

Legal and Policy Analyst

Tel.:450-632-0088, poste 230

www.faq-qnw.org

analyste@faq-qnw.org

Nicolas Dupont

Actualité - Publié le 3 août 2011 à 11:27

Les Innus de Uashat mak Mani-Utenam dénoncent l’attitude de Cap-Ex Venture qui fait de l’exploration minière à la frontière du Québec et du Labrador, territoire sur lequel les Uashaunnuat détiennent des lots de trappe reconnus par les gouvernements. Selon le porte-parole d’ITUM, Armand McKenzie, l’entreprise aurait renié une entente conclue avec le conseil de bande en juin passé.

Deux rencontres auraient eu lieu ente ITUM et Cap-Ex Venture. Une première en mai, pendant laquelle les Innus ont fait part de leurs préoccupations. M. McKenzie affirme avoir rencontré le président de Cap-Ex, Andrew Bowering, le 24 juin. Une entente verbale a alors été conclue, comprenant des mesures environnementales, des opportunités d’emploi, des mesures financières et sociales. L’entente écrite devait être rédigée et ratifiée plus tard.

«Mais depuis, nous n’avons eu aucune nouvelle. Nous avons appris qu’ils ont commencé l’exploration. Ils explorent au mépris de nos préoccupations. Dès qu’ils ont eu leur permis, ils ont renié l’entente. Cette attitude nous dérange beaucoup. Nous essayons d’établir de bonnes relations avec les minières. Ils se présentent ici, et agissent en cow-boy», a déclaré M. McKenzie.

Le conseil de bande a donc demandé au gouvernement de Terre-Neuve et Labrador de révoquer le permis d’exploration de Cap-Ex Venture. Il compte envoyer un groupe visiter le site pour constater les travaux. M. McKenzie précise que l’endroit est considéré comme sacré par les Innus, pour son environnement particulier et son potentiel extraordinaire pour la chasse, la pêche et la cueillette.

«Le développement du potentiel minier de la Fosse du Labrador doit absolument se faire dans le respect des droits des peuples autochtones, et ce, tel que l’exige le gouvernement de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador. Cap-Ex Ventures agit en complète contravention de ces principes fondamentaux et contrevient même aux ententes conclues. Il faut que ça cesse immédiatement», s’est insurgé le chef Georges-Ernest Grégoire.

L’an passé, des Innus de Sept-Îles et de Schefferville avaient bloqué l’accès aux sites de Labrador Iron Mines et de New Millenium pour ne pas avoir conclu d’entente avec eux avant de commencer à exploiter leurs gisements.

July 22, 2011
(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo commented today on two important decisions by the Supreme Court of Canada - Bastien and Dubé - that deal with the tax immunity or exemption of First Nations regarding interest income from investments deposited in financial institutions on-reserve.

“Today’s decisions by the Supreme Court of Canada are a significant victory for First Nations rights regarding tax exemption, rights which are rooted in our treaties and the pre-existing sovereignty of First Nations,” said National Chief Atleo. “After relentless efforts over many years by the Canada Revenue Agency to erode the First Nations tax exemption, the Supreme Court has upheld the exemption and affirmed its ongoing relevance. The onus is now on the Canada Revenue Agency to work with First Nations to change its approach and policies in a way that promotes reconciliation and respects the nation-to-nation relationship between First Nations and the Crown.”

Both cases dealt with instances where the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) tried to tax investment income generated from deposits in financial institutions located on-reserve.  The Supreme Court rejected an argument by CRA that the tax exemption does not apply to income in the commercial mainstream and that it only applies to income that is connected to a “traditional Indian way of life”.  The Court held that “a purposive interpretation of the exemption does not require that the evolution of that way of life should be impeded”. The Assembly of First Nations, along with other First Nations organizations, intervened in both cases which were heard together by the Court.

“Today’s decision is good for all Canadians because it means First Nations can use their rights to build their economies and strengthen their citizens and communities,” said the National Chief.  “In both cases, the individuals were doing business and generating income that contributed to the local economy.  These decisions foster economic development for all First Nations that will help alleviate the poor conditions and low employment prevalent in too many of our communities.  First Nations will be able to build their communities and contribute significantly to the surrounding communities and the national economy.”

The Supreme Court of Canada has issued many decisions over the years, including Haida and Delgamuukw among others, that upheld First Nations rights and pointed to the need for reconciliation of First Nation rights and Canadian law and policies.  Canada’s endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples further compels Canada to work with First Nations on an approach that respects, recognizes and affirms the rights of First Nations.

National Chief Atleo stated: “I commend the plaintiffs in these cases for vigorously asserting their rights and the rights of all First Nation citizens.  It should be clear to everyone that our people will never surrender or compromise where our rights are concerned. Today’s decisions are strong reminders to Canada that these rights remain alive, relevant and part of the legal landscape.  It is our time to work together as partners to give life to these rights.”


The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

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Contact information:
 
Don Kelly, Assembly of First Nations A/Communications Director
613-241-6789 ext. 334 or cell: 613-292-2787 or email dkelly@afn.ca

Jenna Young, Assembly of First Nations Communications Officer
613-241-6789, ext 401 or cell: 613-314-8157 or email jyoung@afn.ca

Alain Garon, Assembly of First Nations Bilingual Communications Officer
613-241-6789, ext 382 or cell: 613-2920857 or email agaron@afn.ca

July 12, 2011
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today opened the AFN 32nd Annual General Assembly in Moncton, New Brunswick with a plan that builds on the call at the 2010 AGA supporting all First Nations as they set their own paths moving away from the Indian Act towards real self-determination.

"The plan presented today is a reflection and culmination of what First Nation citizens and Chiefs have been consistently expressing to the AFN for many years through many forums," stated the National Chief. "First Nations are all on a journey to self-determination.  There are different approaches, circumstances and realities but it is a journey with a clear destination, a destination that affirms our rightful place in our lands and territories based on our rights, a destination that cherishes our children and creates a better future for them."

A companion paper - "Pursuing First Nation Self-Determination: Realizing Our Rights and Responsibilities" - sets out plans and related options across four key elements:

* The First Nation-Crown Relationship - Forging a new relationship with Canada that respects the spirit and intent of the Treaties with new mechanisms and processes to implement and maintain the relationship.

* New Fiscal Relationships - Recognizing the inequity in funding levels and uncertainty in transfers that negatively impact First Nations, a new approach ensuring sustainability, fairness and accountability is required.

* Implementation of First Nation Governments - Focusing on core capacities for First Nation governments and advancing strategic and comprehensive community planning in areas like citizenship, leadership selection and institutions for public administration and dispute resolution.

* Structural Change - Advancing new structures of government that affirm First Nation control over their affairs as well as potential changes to the federal bureaucracy that support the First Nation-Crown relationship and ensure fair provision of services.

The National Chief stated: "The Prime Minister has already expressed support for a Canada-First Nation Crown Gathering late this year, which could be an appropriate forum to move this discussion to the next level, honouring Treaty relationships and taking forward the work as set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

This is important but what's more important is that First Nations are going to move forward.  The next immediate step is for First Nation leaders to engage directly with their citizens on this work, set their priorities and for us to support one another as we move forward affirming our rights and our responsibilities."

The elements and options in the paper will be discussed, among many other issues and priorities, at the Annual General Assembly taking place July 12-14 at the Moncton Coliseum. The theme of the Assembly reflects the oldest relationships forged by the Mi'kmaq and Maliseet Nations and newcomers hundreds of years ago: "The Spirit of Peace and Friendship".
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

For further information:

Don Kelly, A/Director of Communications, Assembly of First Nations?613-292-2787 or dkelly@afn.ca

Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer?613-292-0857 or agaron@afn.ca

Jenna Young, AFN Communications Officer?613-314-8157 or jyoung@afn.ca

WENDAKE, QC, May 9 /CNW Telbec/ - The Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL), Ghislain Picard, will not participate in the unveiling of the "Plan Nord", today in Lévis. "I refuse to participate in a process which does not yet adequately meet the expectations of all concerned First Nations," he said.

Chief Picard particularly deplores the lack of genuine consultation with some First Nations, which are simply left aside in this process which will nevertheless have major impacts on their rights. "How can the Government launch the Plan Nord without having tried to obtain the consent of all First Nations involved? This process is incomplete and very disappointing", he says.

The AFNQL particularly wishes to recall that under the Canadian Constitution and the Supreme Court decisions, the Government of Quebec has an obligation to consult and accommodate all First Nations affected by the Plan Nord. It must also respect the obligations of the UN Declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples which Canada has recently endorsed. In particular, article 32 of the Declaration stipulates that " States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the indigenous peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to obtain their free and informed consent prior to the approval of any project affecting their lands or territories and other resources, particularly in connection with the development, utilization or exploitation of mineral, water or other resources." "In other words, we do not consult First Nations as we consult a Chamber of commerce or a municipality", states Ghislain Picard.

Breach of the commitments
Chief Picard recalled that Jean Charest has still not fulfilled his commitments taken in his 2003 election for the consideration of the land rights of non-Treaty First Nations. "In 2003, when signing the mutual political agreement, Jean Charest promised to discuss the issues affecting the territory and the development of resources. In 2006, at the First Nations socioeconomic Forum, he reiterated his commitment to establish relations respectful of our territorial rights. However, the Premier never upheld his promises and continues to deny our ancestral rights. How can we believe him today, when he again promises to take into account First Nations in the implementation of the Plan Nord? ", questions Ghislain Picard.

"The Government of Quebec has not only the obligation to take into account the rights of all First Nations affected by the Plan Nord, but it also has the responsibility to engage in true dialogue with all First Nations in Quebec, including subjects like wealth-sharing, co-management and royalties. I am still waiting for a phone call from Jean Charest," concluded Chief Picard.

About the AFNQL
The AFNQL is the regional organization regrouping the 43 Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador. For information: www.apnql-afnql.com.

April 28, 2011 – Four of the five main political parties were represented yesterday within the scope of an electoral debate regarding First Nation issues. The Conservative Party is the only one refusing to participate. “It’s very unfortunate, but not surprising. The Conservative Party has a bad track record with respect to its relations with First Nations. It prefers to hide, rather than provide transparent answers to issues of concern to us”, stated the Chief of the Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL), Ghislain Picard. 

This debate, which took place Wednesday, April 27th, at 7:00 p.m., at the Auditorium of the Tour de Montréal (Olympic Stadium), in Montreal, was broadcasted live on the radio of la Société de communication Atikamekw-Montagnais (SOCAM) and on the Website www.socam.net. It was moderated by Michèle Rouleau, and the questions were asked by a panel of independent journalists, formed of Danielle Rochette (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network), Jean-Philippe Robillard (Radio-Canada) and Caroline Nepton-Hotte (Radio-Canada). A portion of the evening was also reserved for questions from the audience. 

About a hundred people were expected at this debate, of which the following candidates agreed to participate: 

- Stéphane Dion, for the Liberal Party of Canada 

- Hoang Mai, for the New Democratic Party 

- Pierre Paquette, for the Bloc Québécois 

- François Pilon, for the Green Party 

The unabridged version of the evening will be made available as of Friday, on the AFNQL Website: www.apnql-afnql.com. 

About AFNQL 

AFNQL is the regional organization regrouping the 43 Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador. For information: www.apnql-afnql.com.

April 11, 2011

(Ottawa, ON) - During major speech to the Canadian Club of Toronto today, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo delivered a strong message on the need for First Nation priorities to be addressed during the current federal election.

''The 2011 federal election is an opportunity to change the way First Nation issues are addressed in this country,'' said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo. ''This election comes at an important time when our population is young and booming, when Canada is looking at major developments to ensure we remain productive and competitive. We are at a crossroads and this election is an important opportunity to transform the relationship between First Nations and Canada, something that is required to realize the true potential of First Nations in this country.

National Chief Atleo and the AFN recently lauched an initiative to ensure First Nation priorities are part of the election discussions, to seek commitments from all parties based on priorities set by First Nations and, at the same time, engage First Nation citizens in the national discussion on the issues that matter to them.

The initiative is called ''First Nations Count - Our Communities, Our Nations, Our Voice''. It is based on four key areas to address the gap between First Nation citizens and other Canadians. Under the broad theme of ''working together now to build success for the future'', these priorities are education, affirming our relationships, driving partnership and the economy, and community health and safety.

National Chief Atleo set out a very clear plan of what is required. '' We've seen the Liberal and Conservative parties quickly commit to sustainable rates of growth for health and education - rates of 6.6 per cent per year,'' said National Chief Atleo in Monday's speech. ''For the same services, First Nations, despite being the fastest growing population, are capped at 2 per cent. We seek the same and equivalent commitment to sustainable growth. We seek a relationship founded on respect and fairness to unlock the tremendous potential benefit to First Nations and all Canadians.''

On April 1, the AFN submitted a questionnaire to all party leaders, seeking commitments based on the ''First Nations Count'' priorities. AFN is hosting an online virtual summit April 14 to further engage First Nation citizens and interested Canadians to discuss the issues that matter to them. AFN has also invited party candidates to a special town hall event focused on First Nation issues April 27.

For more information on ''First Nations Count'', AFN election priorities and upcoming events please visit www.afn.ca

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. AFN and National Chief Atleo are on twitter. Follow both @AFN_Updates, @AFN_Comms and @NCAtleo.

Contact information:

Don Kelly, AFN A/Communications Director 613-241-6789 ext.334 or cell: 613-292-2787 or e-mail dkelly@afn.ca

Jenna Young, AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext. 401 or cell: 613-314-8157 or e-mail jyoung@afn.ca

Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext. 382 or cell: 613-292-0857 or e-mail agaron@afn.ca

Media inquiries for Canadian Club of Toronto:

Lynn Chou, CCT Program Manager at 416-364-5590 or lchou@canadianclub.org