TORONTO (December 18, 2001) – The newly formed Coalition for Inherent Rights is calling on First Nations leaders from coast-to-coast to join in a demonstration of unity against Indian Affairs Minister Robert Nault’s First Nations Governance Act (FNGA) at a news conference today at the Centre for Indigenous Sovereignty, 22 College Street, Toronto.

“It’s time for First Nations to unite as one voice and assert our Rights in a logical, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial manner”, said Charles Fox, Ontario Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations and the Coalition’s spokesperson. “Standing together will convince the Government of Canada that a new direction is necessary and show that Nault’s square peg will not fit in the Aboriginal circle,” noted Fox.

The Coalition for Inherent Rights emerged from the AFN Confederacy of Nations meeting held in Ottawa December 4-6, 2001. The meeting was originally called to approve the most recent draft of a work plan, which was to direct the activity of First Nations representatives and federal officials in implementing the FNGA. The draft plan was overwhelmingly rejected by the Ottawa meeting, 126-49. The Coalition was solidified at the same time.

Since the Confederacy meeting the Coalition for Inherent Rights has seen its membership increase significantly as First Nations responded to the firm stand it took in Ottawa. Coalition leaders maintain that if the Nault Initiative is implemented, it will jeopardize First Nations’ Inherent and Treaty Rights.

Members of the Coalition are also concerned that Nault is unlikely to deliver on the federal government’s commitment in the Throne Speech earlier this year, a commitment calling for recognition of the First Nations’ Rights agenda and increased support for education, health care and unemployment.

The Coalition’s position is reinforced by last week’s budget announcement, which indicated little further contribution by the federal government to First Nations’ needs. The Coalition believes that this failure demonstrates Minister Nault’s inability to generate a Cabinet mandate to follow up on the Throne Speech’s promises.

Grand Chief Dennis White Bird, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, pointed out: “First Nations Communities are suffering poverty, social and economic inadequacies similar to those of third world countries. Yet Canada’s budget announcement indicated a large allocation to third world conditions but failed to funnel similar funding to First Nations who live in third world conditions right here in Canada”.

For more information: Rosie Mosquito Wendy Johnson-Martin
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