News from around the Nations

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! ADOLESCENT-FRIENDLY UNDRIP IS LAUNCHED IN NEW YORK

NEW YORK, United States of America, 4 June 2013 – The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is the most advanced Declaration on indigenous peoples’ rights, and its adoption in 2007 was the result of many years of work. In order to help indigenous young people become more acquainted with the Declaration’s provisions, UNICEF – in collaboration with the Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) and the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus – developed an adolescent-friendly version of UNDRIP. This new publication was launched in New York on 22 May 2013 in collaboration with the International Indigenous Women’s Forum, the Permanent Mission of Norway to the United Nations and Plan International.

The launch event marks just the beginning of increased efforts to help indigenous young people become more knowledgeable on the Declaration, so that they are better equipped to secure their rights. For more information visit unicef.org.

AFN NATIONAL CHIEF NOTES 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF PARLIAMENT APOLOGY FOR RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS: “ACTIONS MUST MATCH WORDS”

OTTAWA, June 11, 2013 - On the fifth anniversary of Parliament’s Apology for Indian Residential Schools, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo called attention to the outstanding requirement for all governments and all Canadians to commit to reconciliation.

“There is a growing frustration among First Nations across the country with lack of action and lack of commitment on the part of the Government of Canada to work in real partnership with our peoples and governments,” said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo.

The historic apology offered to residential school survivors took place in the House of Commons June 11, 2008.  It included a commitment by Parliament and all of Canada to join First Nations on a shared journey toward healing and reconciliation, including ensuring continuity with healing efforts initiated through the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.

In a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper dated June 10, 2013, National Chief Atleo and the AFN national executive committee outlined key areas for action based on shared commitments toward reconciliation. A similar letter was also sent by all parties to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement of 2007.

“On this important anniversary, we honour the many survivors of Indian residential schools and their families,” said National Chief Atleo.  “Without their strength and courage to share their stories and push for reconciliation, we would not be in a position to address the challenges we face today.”

AFN AND YUKON REGION LAUNCH PLANS FOR 34TH NATIONAL ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY

(Whitehorse, YK) June 7, 2013 – Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, together with Kwanlin Dün First Nation Acting Chief Jessie Dawson, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Chief Kristina Kane and AFN Yukon Regional Chief Mike Smith, announced plans for the 34th Annual General Assembly taking place July 16-18, 2013 in Whitehorse, Yukon. The theme of the AFN’s 34th Annual General Assembly, “Our Nations, Our Rights, Our Future: Empowering Our Citizens to Drive Change”, reflects the growing movement among First Nations across the country acting for change based on inherent and Aboriginal rights and title and the Treaties. 

Key areas of discussion and strategy at the July AFN AGA will include: implementing laws and building capacity, driving a sustainable economic future by applying standards and realizing rights, and First Nations leading approaches to First Nations education.  First Nation leaders and technicians will engage in strategy sessions in priority areas, including comprehensive claims, Treaty implementation, health and mental wellness, justice and community safety, community infrastructure, water and housing, and ongoing environmental implications of Bill C-45 and C-38. For more information and a draft agenda please visit http://www.afn.ca or http://www.kwanlindun.com or www.taan.ca. 

MI’KMAQ, MALISEET CONTINUE ANTI-FRACKING PROTESTS IN NEW BRUNSWICK

Protests continue in New Brunswick as Mi’kmaq, Maliseet and their supporters voiced their opposition to shale gas exploration in Kent County. About 100 people have gathered near the town of Birch Ridge, NB, where SWN Resources Canada and their subcontractors have equipment and vehicles used for shale gas exploration stored.

Many Mi’kmaq and Maliseet are opposed to the exploration, saying that it will eventually lead to ‘fracking’ and cause serious harm to the environment, especially water.

First Nations also say there was insufficient consultation done by the province.

Protests have gone on for several days in New Brunswick, sparked when members of the Elsipogtog First Nation seized a vehicle belonging to Stantec, which is a Fredericton-based company subcontracted to SWN Resources Canada.

According to APTN News, one of the protesters is Susan Levi-Peters, once Chief of Elsipogtog and former candidate for the provincial NDP. She says frustration is building with shale gas exploration and with the RCMP. Levi-Peters says with tensions running so high, the province’s Premier David Alward should halt further shale gas exploration until all sides can come together and discuss the path forward. But she and others warn that with opposition against shale gas exploration so high, it’s unlikely First Nations will agree to allow the industry to develop.