THUNDER BAY – August 13, 2002 – Plans continue for Grand Council Treaty #3 and Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s “Gathering of Drums”, a National Rally and March to protest the First Nations Governance Initiative (FNGI) – Bill C-61. The event is scheduled for August 19, 2002 at 1:00 p.m. in the home riding of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Robert Nault.

The significance of the National Rally and the site is in response to Minister Nault’s claim that the 51 First Nations within his home riding support the FNGI initiative; therefore, Treaty #3 and Nishnawbe Aski Nation member First Nations will ensure that their voices are heard in opposition to the Bill. In a letter to Minister Nault, the Assembly of First Nation’s Ontario Regional Chief Charles Fox stated, “We do not support Bill C-61 and want to correct the misconception to the contrary in the government circles and to the public”.

A formal invitation was extended to Minister Nault on August 2, 2002, and it included an invitation to address the participants of the Rally. Other dignitaries to speak include National Chief Matthew Coon Come, Acting Regional Chief and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy and Grand Council Treaty #3 Grand Chief Leon Jourdain. As of last Friday, over 400 people have confirmed the attendance including many First Nation and regional Chiefs. Parents and their children have confirmed attendance. Busloads of people are expected.

The Rally and March will begin from Kenora’s Recreation Centre, where welcoming remarks will be made, and proceed to Minister Nault’s office. A brief rally will be staged with some speeches, and the participants will resume the march to Kenora’s Harbourfront. The Harbourfront will be the focal point for the protest and attending dignitaries will be making speeches, and the traditional drums will be heard. Contemporary and Hand Drums will mark the heartbeat of the participants and be their voice in protest of the FNGI during the march.

The First Nations want to ensure the Canadian Government and everyone in Canada hears a number of key messages from First Nations people. First, the process leading up to the reading of the Bill was a direct contradiction to convention and Canada’s Constitution; First Nations are calling for Nation-to-Nation talks as recognized by Canada’s courts and recommendations within the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Second, while First Nations support democracy, transparency and accountability, First Nations oppose unilateral changes to the Indian Act by the government. The unilateral imposition of regulations is in stark contrast to the legitimate expressions of self-government required in democratic states such as Canada – it is a requirement expected and trumpeted in the global community. Transparency and accountability are issues fully supported and acted upon by First Nations who can point to a 97% audit compliance record!

Attached are a draft agenda and route map for the “Gathering of Drums” National Rally and March of First Nations.