January 23, 2013
The final text of the declaration, which CBC News has confirmed has now
been signed
by representatives from the Assembly of First Nations, the New Democrat
caucus and the Liberal caucus:
In
the true spirit of commitment to initiate dialogue to discuss both
Treaty and non-Treaty Indigenous issues on behalf of our First Nations
Peoples of Canada, Chief Theresa Spence of Attawapiskat First Nation and
Mr. Raymond Robinson of Cross Lake, Manitoba will continue their Hunger
Strike, pending outcome of this written Declaration. We also like to
acknowledge Mr. Jean Sock of Elsipogtog, New Brunswick and all other
Fasters who have shown their deep dedication and courage in support of
protecting and honouring both Treaty and non-Treaty obligations as
written, entered into or understood by all Peoples, with the Federal
Government of Canada including each Provincial/Territorial signatory.
Further,
we agree the self-sacrifice and the spiritual courage of Chief Theresa
Spence, along with Elder Raymond Robinson and all other fasters have
made clear the need for fundamental change in the relationship of First
Nations and the Crown. We fully commit to carry forward the urgent and
coordinated action required until concrete and tangible results are
achieved in order to allow First Nations to forge their own destiny.
Therefore,
we solemnly commit to undertake political, spiritual and all other
advocacy efforts to implement a renewed First Nations - Crown
relationship where inherent Treaty and non-Treaty Rights are recognized,
honoured and fully implemented as they should be, within the next five
years.
This Declaration includes ,but is not
limited to, ensuring commitments made by the Prime Minister of Canada on
January 11th, 2013 are followed through and implemented as quickly as
possible as led by First Nation on a high-level priority with open
transparency and trust. Furthermore, immediate steps are taken working
together to achieve the below priorities:
1)
An immediate meeting to be arranged between the Crown, Federal
Governments, Provincial Governments and all First Nations to discuss
outstanding issues regarding the Treaty Relationship, as well as for
non-Treaty area relationships.
2) Clear work-plans that shall
include deliverables and timelines that outline how commitments will be
achieved, including immediate action for short, medium and long-term
goals. Addressing the housing crisis within our First Nation communities
shall be considered as a short-term immediate action.
3)
Frameworks and mandates for the implementation and enforcement of
Treaties between Treaty parties on a Nation-to-Nation basis.
4) Reforming and modifying the comprehensive claims policy based on inherent rights of First Nations.
5)
A commitment towards resource revenue sharing, requiring the
participation and involvement of provinces and territories currently
benefiting from resource development from traditional lands.
6)
Commitment towards ensuring a greater collective oversight and action
towards ensuring the sustainability of the land through a sustained
environmental oversight.
7) A comprehensive review and meaningful
consultation in regards to Bill C-38 and C-45 to ensure it is
consistent with Section 35 of the Constitution Act (1982).
8)
Ensure that all federal legislation has the free, prior and informed
consent of First Nations where inherent and Treaty rights are affected
or impacted.
9) A revised fiscal relationship between First
Nations and Canada that is equitable, sustainable and includes indexing
and the removal of arbitrary funding caps.
10) A National Public Commission of Inquiry on Violence Against Indigenous Women of all ages.
11)
Equity in capital construction of First Nation schools, including
funding parity with Provincial funding formulas with additional funding
support for First Nation languages.
12) A change in how
government operates that would include direct oversight, a dedicated
Cabinet Committee and Secretariat within the Privy Council Office with
specific responsibility for the First Nation-Crown relationship to
ensure implementation.
13) The full implementation of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples - UNDRIP.
As
expressed from time to time by Chief Theresa Spence, "Our Treaty Rights
continue to be violated and ignored". Elder Raymond Robinson says,
"Treaties were entered into on a Nation to Nation basis and we need to
do our best to re-bridge that balance to walk and work together as was
the original intent of the treaties". Far too long, we have been denied
an equitable stature within Canadian Society. The time is ours and no
longer will we be silenced and idle. We will continue to call upon the
insistence of truth, justice, fairness for all our First Nation Peoples.
As endorsed and supported by:
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