- The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and a native, Harry Daniels, have appealed a decision of the Federal Court of Appeal denying to Metis, and non-Status Indians the right to fiduciary duties on the part of the Crown. They want collective negotiations and Aboriginal rights under section 35 of the Constitution for non-status natives, Metis and Inuit, including rights to harvesting, fish and game and government consultation on resources.
- Boreal Leadership Council and Aboriginal Consultation. This council, which consists of conservation groups, first nations, resource companies and financial institutions has announced a policy of obtaining “free, prior and informed consent” by Aboriginals before resource projects go ahead. Tembec endorsed a native veto for projects, although Suncor’s spokesman would not go this far. The report calls for all levels of government, industry and aboriginal leaders to ensure that communities have the capacity to engage as full partners.
- The Mykwan Tool Kit. This is a recent publication of the CAP designed to share knowledge and raise awareness about the effects of family violence. I expect that Native Friendship Centres will use this as a resource.
- The Kettle and Stony Creek First Nation has accepted by a vote of 5 to 1 an agreement with the Federal Government that returns their land along Lake Huron that was earlier expropriated to become a military training base. The 3,000 residents will receive $90 million for development and compensation to band members and their ancestors.
- Ottawa has recently given first nations increased authority to raise revenue through taxation, build financial capacity and raise capital through changes in the First Nations Fiscal Management Act. They can now fund resource development projects and are eligible to access long term loans at rates below prime (Canada Gazette, May 2015).
- “The Mi’kmaq are the founding people of Nova Scotia and remain the predominant Aboriginal group within the province” (Office of Aboriginal Affairs: Aboriginal People). Across the province there are 13 Mi’kmaq first nations with populations ranging from 283 to 4,314. Altogther there are 16,245 registered in the province and only 5,877 live off-reserve. There is a system of 13 band councils, two tribal councils and two tribal councils, the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq and the Union of Nova Scotia Indians. Collectively the 13 chiefs comprise the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs. The traditional and spiritual government of the Mi’kwaw nation is the Mi’kmaq Grand Council. Sadly a very small percentage speak the language. Residents engage in harvesting the sea, businesses including partnerships with outsiders and government, and tourism. These communities are to be admired for their initiative and combining traditional culture and modern practices.
- First Nations chiefs in Ontario have launched a fund raising campaign called Who is She `to help pay for their own public inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women. Both the Ontario govt. and the OPP have promised to cooperate in the inquiry, according to the Ontario regional chief, Isadore Day.
- The AFN`s voter kit includes a form letter that chiefs or band managers sign to verify residency for eligible voters.