THUNDER BAY – The Anishinabek Nation Chiefs-in-Assembly unanimously oppose and reject the federal government’s Indigenous Rights Framework. The Anishinabek Nation leadership join other organizations advocating on behalf of their leadership and citizens, such as the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI), who reject the framework and all of its associated processes.
“The Anishinabek Nation leadership have unanimously rejected and oppose any future development of Canada’s Indigenous Rights Framework,” says Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare. “Something as crucial as this should not be subject to timelines. We are always dealing with last-minute compliance from Canada.”
On February 14, 2018, the Government of Canada announced their intent to create a federal framework on Indigenous Rights based on their interest to renew the relationship with Indigenous Peoples.
The federal government has recently announced the delay in the implementation of the Indigenous Rights Framework until after the 2019 federal election.
The implementation of the Indigenous Rights Framework will further entrench infringements of First Nation jurisdiction by the federal government through empowerment of Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution.
The Indigenous Rights Framework is separate and apart from the fulfillment of treaty obligations of the federal government.
The Anishinabek Nation notified Canada formally in April 2018 that any discussions on this issue must occur directly with Anishinabek Nation Chiefs. To date, those discussions have not taken place.
“There has been no evidence of a partnership approach and no nation-to-nation discussions,” adds Grand Council Chief Hare. “Once again, we’re being left in the dark and out of conversations that we need to be a part of, especially because it directly impacts us.”
The Anishinabek Nation is the political advocate for 40 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 60,000 people. The Anishinabek Nation is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.
