Indigenous Activist Networks Issue Warning to Indigenous Nations

Indigenous Activists Networks

Defenders of the Land, Truth Campaign, Idle No More 

PRESS RELEASE 
Indigenous Activist Networks Issue Warning to Indigenous Nations! The Trudeau Government Plans to Impose a New Termination Policy by June 2019!

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(Turtle Island/March 7, 2019) It’s back. The federal Framework for Indigenous relations, which was to severely reduce Indigenous Nations governance was blocked by Indigenous resistance last fall. But in recent weeks Crown–Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett and her ADM Joe Wild have revived it within the Joint Federal-AFN Planning Committee. This com- mittee is redefining Indigenous self-determination in line with the Framework as domestic law. Attached is this committee’s planning document, with Engagement Milestones and Deliverables.

Neskonlith Chief Judy Wilson states: These contemplated changes are “unprecedented” in both their scope and in their effects on the right of self-determination, the Treaties and Aboriginal Ti- tle and Rights. “They are giving the whole process only four months, just 12 weeks, and with only select people as contacts. For the past several months, they have been using the Recogni- tion & Rights Tables to push this new policy approach.”

The Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework was first announced February 14, 2018, with the goal to remove bands from the Indian Act and turn them into feder- ally recognized “Indigenous Governments” or “Nations” that will have authority delegated to them by the Government of Canada. They will be subject to the Canadian Constitution as a 4th order of government—below not only the federal and provincial governments but also with less power than municipal governments.

Russell Diabo says this new version of the Framework must be stopped at all costs. “Once again, the Indigenous people themselves have to organize to halt this renewed assault on our right to Self Determination. We are calling on our networks to get information out to the people, hold teach-ins and webinars. Our Indigenous Activist Networks are also calling for our Elders, spiritual leaders, youth and people to share information, mobilize and take actions to stop the federal policy process that Minister Bennett and AFN are jointly imposing on us! We only have four months to stop this unilateral Termination Policy of our rights!”

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Communications Contact: Tori Cress at E-Mail: info@IdleNoMore.ca Sylvia McAdam, Idle No More Organizer, Cell: (306) 281-8158 Rachel Snow, Spokesperson, Cell: (403) 703-8464

Russ Diabo, Spokesperson, Cell: (613) 296-0110