News from around the Nations

McGuinty Government and Marten Falls First Nation Support Responsible Development in the Ring of Fire

September 7, 2012 - Ontario and Marten Falls First Nation have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together to realize the benefits of responsible mineral development in the Ring of Fire.

The memorandum of understanding, signed by Marten Falls First Nation Chief Eli Moonias, Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci and Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle in Marten Falls, represents a significant step toward a cooperative approach to mineral and resource development and related economic opportunities. Under the terms of the memorandum Marten Falls First Nation and the province will work together to address employment, economic development and environmental impacts.

On May 9, 2012 the province committed to work together with Far North First Nations to ensure First Nations’ participation in proposed Ring of Fire developments. The Ring of Fire, located approximately 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, represents one of the most significant mineral deposits Ontario has seen in over a century, with multi-generational mineral production opportunities on a scale similar to historic world-class mining areas, such as Timmins, Sudbury, Kirkland Lake and Red Lake.

Laverdure Issues a Final Determination Regarding Brothertown Indian Nation Petition for Federal Acknowledgment

September 7, 2012 - WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Donald E. “Del” Laverdure today issued a final determination on a petition for federal acknowledgment, declining to acknowledge the Brothertown Indian Nation (Brothertown) as an Indian tribe under federal law. Brothertown is located in Wisconsin and first submitted its petition in 1980.

In the final determination on the Brothertown petition, the acting Assistant Secretary determined that the group previously had a relationship with the United States, but had its tribal status terminated by an 1839 Act of Congress. The Department’s regulations prohibit the Assistant Secretary from acknowledging a petitioning group where Congress previously terminated the tribal status of that group. Only Congress may restore the tribal status of Brothertown and its government-to-government relationship with the United States.

On Tuesday September 4, 2012 Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada Minister John Duncan announced that First Nation organizations either have or will be receiving letters detailing specific funding cuts. In the AANDC press release the cuts were described as “focuses funding” and “changing the funding model.” Below is the press release, and after that is the response from several First Nation Organizations and Chiefs.

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA FOCUSES FUNDING ON ESSENTIAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR ABORIGINAL PEOPLES

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (September 4, 2012) –The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, announced today changes to funding for Aboriginal Representative Organizations (AROs) and Tribal Councils.

“The Government of Canada is taking concrete steps to create the conditions for healthier, more self-sufficient Aboriginal communities,” said Minister Duncan. “To sustain that progress we are changing the funding model for Aboriginal Organizations and Tribal Councils, to make funding more equitable among organizations across the country, and ensure funding is focused on our shared priorities: education, economic development, on-reserve infrastructure, land management and governance programs.”

The new model will make core funding for AROs more equitable and cap it for regional AROs, while project funding will be directed primarily at initiatives that address priorities such as education and economic development, and that promote healthier, more self-sufficient Aboriginal communities.

Tribal Councils will be funded based on several considerations, including the size of the populations they serve, the number of First Nations in their membership, and the range of major programs they deliver. This is the first significant change to the Tribal Council funding program since its launch nearly 30 years ago.

The new approach includes a simplified application and reporting process for Tribal Councils, which will reduce the reporting burden on organizations. These changes will be introduced over the next two years, allowing organizations time to adapt their operations and, should they desire to, seek out new sources of funding.

THE NATIVE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF CANADA DENOUNCES AANDC FUNDING CUTS

(OTTAWA, ON) On September 6, 2012 – The Native Women’s Association of Canada’s new President, Michelle Audette, denounces Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s (AANDC) funding cuts and pledges to ensure that Canadian society understands how these cuts will impact everyone.

The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is one of five National Aboriginal Organizations that represents the interests of Aboriginal women. NWAC recently experienced severe cuts to its health portfolio with the Conservative Government’s 2012 budget, and will now have to deal with cuts to its core funding that has not been increased since 2005. “We receive a relatively small contribution from AANDC that supports core functions like administration and payroll that are necessary to maintain the organization’s basic infrastructure,” says Audette.

ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF STAN BEARDY RESPONDS TO FUNDING CUTS

September 7, 2012 - Toronto, ON — Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy clearly sees federal funding cuts to First Nations organizations as an attempt to dismantle the strong collective voices coming from First Nations Regional Organizations.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Article 19 clearly states: States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the Indigenous Peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent before adopting and implementing legislative or administrative measures that may affect them. The cold calculated 10 per cent funding cuts to First Nations organizations completely lacks in good faith and any free, prior and informed consent and will continue to destabilize countless First Nations organizations.

Regional Chief Beardy stated, “How can we move forward in a positive nation to nation relationship when our rights are being undermined and the federal government’s constitutional obligations are ignored. Where is the government’s fiduciary obligation to uphold adherence to the Treaties when ignoring their spirit and intent is allowed to persist?” We want a better life for our children. How do we tell them that 10 per cent more poverty equates into a better tomorrow?. An across the board 10 per cent funding cut to First Nations organizations represents a 10 per cent reduction in our capacity to address vital issues within our communities.

IN LIGHT OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S FUNDING CUTS TO FIRST NATION ORGANIZATIONS, FIRST NATION’S RESOLVE FOR SELF-DETERMINATION REMAINS UNCHANGED

September 6, 2012- London, ON – The Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians opposes the Federal government’s funding cuts to First Nation Organizations.

The AIAI member nation chiefs have continuously opposed any funding cutbacks to their First Nation advocacy organizations. The reduction in funding will have direct impacts on First Nation communities on and off reserve, and will require the organization to implement changes to the advocacy and support that it provides for its member First Nation communities.

Grand Chief Gordon Peters stated, “We cannot let the Federal government continue to make unilateral decisions that attempt to impair First Nations ability to build capacity towards self-reliance and self governance.” Peters went on to say, “Even with the use of economic sanctions, the Harper government cannot stop First Nations’ from advancing and implementing their inherent rights.”

Over the last two years the Association has received significant reductions in funding, most recently a 35% reduction from Health Canada.

ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS OPPOSES JOB LOSSES AND CUTS TO FIRST NATION ORGANIZATIONS

September 6, 2012 (Ottawa, ON) - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today expressed strong opposition to federal funding cuts to First Nation organizations, urging the federal government to commit to working with First Nations on positive, long-term steps toward reconciliation.

“Severe cuts to First Nation organizations are the wrong move, particularly in light of key commitments across the country and specifically by this federal government to work toward reconciliation,” said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo, adding that AFN will be coordinating a full analysis of the impact of these cuts together with all First Nation organizations.

Through Chiefs’ resolution and dedicated action, First Nation leadership have been very clear that critical services to First Nation peoples must not be impacted by budget cuts. First Nations strongly oppose any cuts that will further harm the safety and security of their communities, and insist on working together respectful of rights, to advance economic, education and other opportunities for First Nations.

Over the past five years, AFN has received significant cut-backs, including a total of 42 per cent reduction to core funding and reductions to overall funding by 50 per cent.