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Alberta Treaty First Nations chiefs say they weren’t properly consulted on Ottawa’s new plan to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The declaration, commonly called UNDRIP, was officially adopted by Canada in 2016, and 2021 legislation promised to bring Canadian laws in line with the global standards recognizing and protecting Indigenous rights within two years.
“It’s not a perfect document. There’s more work to be done, more consultation to be done,” he said.
Tsuut’ina Nation Minor Chief Regena Crowchild told Postmedia Canadian laws should be aligned with UNDRIP, but the Liberal government aims to turn First Nations into local governments equivalent to municipalities, reflecting a lack of consultation with and consent from treaty holders.
“They talk to organizations, and we have some of our chiefs there, but there was no direct consultation with us to address the unfinished business of our treaties, and they’re moving away from the treaties,” said Crowchild.
“They need to come to us and address how we’re going to work forward to implement UNDRIP. They have yet to do that,” said Crowchild, adding the government continues to delegate authority, undermining the sovereignty and right to self-determination of First Nations.
Treaty Chiefs from nations in Alberta and Saskatchewan spoke out in a joint news release against the plan, including Onion Lake Cree Nation, O’Chiese First Nation, Kehewin Cree Nation, Saddle Lake First Nation, Tsuut’ina Nation, James Smith Cree Nation, Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Beaver First Nation, Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, Cold Lake First Nation, Alexander First Nation, Frog Lake First Nation, Louis Bull Tribe, Montana First Nation, Ermineskin Cree Nation and Ochapowace Nation.
“To make this announcement on the summer solstice, one of the most sacred days for our peoples is deceptive — while our people are celebrating our culture, language and existence,” the release said.
Part of the five-year action plan includes measures to transition away from the Indian Act, the law that has long defined Indian status and how First Nations and reserve lands are governed.
Tsuut’ina Nation Chief Roy Whitney said the treaties were signed by sovereign nations.
“Abolishing the Indian Act without returning to the path of treaty continues to violate our right to free prior and informed consent. Repeal of the act puts our land at risk and moves us into a municipal structure of land governance — in violation of our treaty.”
The Liberals’ action plan, which includes 181 measures, comes after a draft was released for feedback in April. The government said it was developed in consultation and cooperation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP), including the Indigenous Congress of Alberta Association, wrote to Lametti, saying the action plan was “devoid” of their voices.
“The exclusion of CAP and its recommendations are just another way to attempt to further colonize and assimilate our communities, who represent all Aboriginal distinctions, including off-reserve status and non-status Indians, Métis, and southern Inuit Indigenous peoples.”
Assembly of First Nations national Chief RoseAnne Archibald said while not all First Nations are in agreement, a majority have supported the process.
Terry Teegee, Assembly of First Nations British Columbia regional chief, acknowledged calls for more consultation, but said the action plan is the first step in working to undo 200 years of genocidal policies imposed on Indigenous Peoples.
“We want to make this better. But let’s take this step all together,” said Teegee.
