Press Release
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) responds to the recent statement from the Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of Canada’s Common Sense Conservatives, regarding the proposed First Nations Resource Charge (FNRC). While the AMC remains hopeful that the Conservative Party will champion the advancement of First Nations inherent and treaty rights, we approach this initiative with caution, considering historical policies and laws from the Harper era.
Grand Chief Cathy Merrick states, “Our member First Nations have not been consulted on this initiative. It is crucial to acknowledge that First Nations are rights-holders, and any policy or law affecting them must involve meaningful consultation. Any party that forms government is legally obligated to engage in a collaborative and respectful dialogue with First Nations to ensure their perspectives, concerns, and objectives are considered.”
We firmly believe that laws and policies concerning First Nations rights should always be First Nations-driven. The AMC is committed to upholding the principles outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which includes the fundamental concept of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC). Any proposal that impacts First Nations must align with these principles to uphold justice, fairness, and respect for First Nations rights.
Moreover, the AMC hopes that the Conservative Party will be open to discussions regarding the detrimental impacts of the Natural Resources Transfer Act (NRTA) and its potential breach of First Nations inherent and treaty rights. It is essential to address these concerns to build a path forward that genuinely respects and upholds the rights, well-being, and prosperity of First Nations citizens in this province.
The AMC looks forward to engaging in constructive dialogue with the Conservative Party to ensure that any proposed initiatives genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of First Nations while upholding the principles of reconciliation, self-determination, and respect for First Nations rights.
For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
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