Advertise:   ads@blueearthmarketing.com   712.224.5420

Canada
Bill subjects First Nations to human rights law


First Nations leaders slammed a bill, introduced on Wednesday, that would subject tribal government decisions to Canada's Human Rights Act.

Phil Fontaine, the chief of the Assembly of First Nations, said Native leaders weren't consulted before the bill was introduced. He said it would undermine sovereignty and cultural practices.

Proponents, however, say it will protect the rights of individual Natives who have been unable to challenge decisions made by their councils. In particular, they say it will help Native women, who have lost property and other rights.

The Human Rights Act was passed in 1977. It exempts First Nations governments that were created under the Indian Act.

Get the Story:
Ottawa, native chiefs square off (The Daily Globe and Mail 12/14)
Native groups warn of 'disaster' over rights act changes (CBC 12/13)

Relevant Links:
Assembly of First Nations - http://www.afn.ca
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ch/rcap

Related Stories:
Another 'nation' recognized within Canada (11/28)
Canada given 'F' for treatment of First Nations (11/22)
Critic of First Nations never visited a reserve (11/17)
AFN works to restore $5B funding commitment (07/26)
Assembly of First Nations re-elects Fontaine (7/13)
Assembly of First Nations meets to elect leader (7/12)
Assembly of First Nations chief faces challenger (06/09)
First Nations leaders seek high-level commitment (05/31)
Residential school abuse deal moves forward (05/11)
First Nations leaders angry over latest budget (5/4)
Canadian party won't honor deal with First Nations (01/12)
First Nations leaders prepare for high-level meeting (11/02)
First Nations finally invited to top-level meeting (10/24)
AFN presents plan to address First Nations issues (08/10)
AFN to file $12B residential school abuse lawsuit (08/04)
Signs of progress reported for Natives across Canada (07/22)
Natives in Canada see highest rates of domestic violence (07/15)
Assembly of First Nations meets for annual session (07/06)
Report looks at urban Native population in Canada (06/24)
Natives in Canada suffer from high unemployment (06/14)
Canada won't remove asbestos from Native homes (04/27)
More asbestos risks found in First Nation homes (03/18)
Native man can't get help for asbestos in home (3/17)
Report cites increase in Native gang activity (03/15)
First Nation homes at high risk of asbestos exposure (3/15)
Native leaders say Canada's budget falls short (02/25)
Canada won't remove asbestos from Native homes (01/28)
Another First Nation sues over inadequate housing (12/17)
First Nation says every home contaminated by mold (11/17)
Study finds high infant mortality rate among Natives (11/10)
Canadian Natives report few hate crimes to police (06/02)
Controversial First Nations legislation dropped (01/23)
First Nations leaders meet with new Indian minister (01/15)
Canada's PM chooses new Indian affairs minister (12/15)
Old pick promises new era in First Nations relations (07/17)
Federal officials monitored tribal protest (7/7)
First Nations protest changes in federal policy (04/29)
Aboriginals protest lack of consultation (4/28)
Canadian tribal leaders to meet (07/15)
Indian policy changes opposed (06/18)
Indian affairs overhaul faces delays (6/14)
Consultations halted on Indian policy changes (8/1)