Athabasca Chipewyan Gain Support
OTTAWA – Aboriginal News – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today expressed support to Chief Allan Adam and the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) as they assert their inherent Indigenous rights and Treaty rights regarding resource development, and work to raise awareness and support through the “Honour the Treaties Tour” with Neil Young and Diana Krall.
“The fundamental issues here is the respect and recognition of First Nations rights, Treaties and title,” said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo.
“Honouring the Treaties is an important, essential message for government, industry and all Canadians. First Nations rights must be honoured and upheld, including the duty to consult and the principle of free, prior and informed consent by First Nations on any activities that affect their lands, lives or rights as articulated in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The recent Eyford report sets out recommendations in this area and makes the fundamental point that First Nations are not simply another interest group in resource development. First Nations have constitutionally recognized inherent rights to determine what happens in their traditional territories. Acknowledging these fundamental rights and engaging with First Nations upfront is the way forward.”
Rock singer and activist Neil Young has been hosting a concert series across Canada to raise funds and support the ACFN.
Honour the Treaties – Neil Young
The First Nation has just filed a law suit against Shell Canada and the company’s plans to expand their operations in the Oil Sands.
The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation is actively engaged in a multi-pronged legal strategy to challenge a number of developments in their region. The “Honour the Treaties Tour” is aimed at supporting the ACFN legal challenges and raising awareness of the issues and concerns.
For more information about the “Honour the Treaties Tour”, the issues and supporting the legal challenges, visit http://www.honourtheacfn.ca/
