WNNB Chiefs seek forward-looking relationship with NB government
Press Release
September 16, 2024
WOLASTOQEY TERRITORY – The Chiefs of the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick provided the following statement in response to answers received by political parties on Indigenous priorities:
“Of the responses we received from the Green Party (GP), Liberal Party (LP), and Progressive Conservative Party (PCNB), we wished to see more fulsome commitments from all parties, but were particularly disappointed with the PCNB answers to our priority questions.
“Notably, we find the PCNB position on Wolastoqey treaty rights deeply troublesome and offensive. The PCNB response notes that they ‘respectfully disagree … that land title has been unceded’ and repeats their disinformation narrative about private landholders. This is blatant fearmongering and unconscionable. We are looking for a government that wants to build a forward-looking relationship with First Nations, not a backward, regressive position.
“Moreover, the GP and LP acknowledge the need for policies and initiatives that combat systemic racism in New Brunswick. The PCNB response looks like a departmental list of patchwork past promises (many that have nothing to do with Wolastoqey communities) written by a bureaucrat buried deep in the maze of Chancery Place cubicles. The PCNB missed the opportunity to offer fresh, future-focused ideas.
“Additionally, New Brunswick is among the only provinces in Canada that does not have a clear and robust revenue sharing agreement with First Nations based on the principle of Indigenous self-determination. The Higgs’ government’s cancellation of our tax agreements has hindered our communities to address things like basic social aid and housing themselves. The PCNB is the only party that did not agree to reinstate a revenue sharing agreement. Instead, their response states they prefer to have our communities tied to applying for assistance on a case by case basis, making our communities more reliant on government systems and deepening systemic injustice. This is a regressive and paternalistic approach to Indigenous, nation-to-nation relationships.
“We can do better than this.”
The full report, including the questions that were asked, is available here. Questions were circulated on August 18th. The report includes the full and complete answers from those parties who responded.
WOLASTOQEY TERRITORY -The Wolastoqey Nation of New Brunswick (WNNB) has released a culmination of provincial political parties’ responses to six questions reflecting Wolatoqey priorities leading into the provincial election. The curated questions and responses are being shared to provide information to Indigenous communities and allies as they cast their ballots box this fall.
New Brunswick’s Progressive Conservative Party, Liberal Party and Green Party provided responses to topics surrounding jurisdiction, aboriginal title, aboriginal and treaty rights, systemic racism, consultation process and policing and enforcement.
“Their responses provide insight into how each of the parties would be in relationship with us should they form a government,” said Chief Allan Polichies. “This information is crucial for Indigenous peoples and all New Brunswickers as they consider their choices in the upcoming provincial election.
“The people of New Brunswick deserve to know where those who seek to lead this province stand on these vital issues.”
All of the responses to the questions have been compiled into a publicly available report. WNNB will continue to share individual responses over the coming weeks with members.
Summarizing the main priorities, the Liberals maintained that they want to negotiate new tax agreements, and the Greens stated they will reinstate the province’s tax agreements with the First Nations. Meanwhile, the Progressive Conservatives stand by their decision to dissolve the tax agreements with First Nations in New Brunswick.
On treaty rights, the Liberals and Greens also promise to acknowledge treaty rights, while the Progressive Conservatives maintain their stance “respectfully disagreeing” that the land is unceded, leaning on the ongoing court case.
The Progressive Conservative Party maintain they want to involve First Nations in the development of natural resources and want to make evidence-based decisions on issues of systemic racism, including updating policing standards, updating and including diverse educational resources and curriculum in schools, providing funding for events for Indigenous and racialized groups and providing support for health support programs, such as the Youth Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
The Liberals have committed to meaningful consultation and accountability, especially within issues such as land-use management, while the Greens promise to implement the recommendations from Commissioner on Systemic Racism Manju Varma’s report. The Greens also want to commission an Indigenous-led independent public inquiry into New Brunswick’s justice and policing systems.
The Liberals want to review laws and the law-making process, promote inclusive hiring practices, and work toward representation on boards and commissions, provide cultural competency training and strengthen anti-discrimination policies in institutions.
The full report, including the questions that were asked, is available here. Questions were circulated to the Progressive Conservatives, Liberals, Greens, New Democrats, and Peoples’ Alliance on August 18th. The report includes the full and complete answers from those parties who responded.
Media contact:
media@wolastoqey.ca
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