Canada | National

NCAI backs AFN as leaders meet with Canada Prime Minister





The National Congress of American Indians issued a statement in support of the Assembly of First Nations as Native leaders in Canada head into a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper today.

NCAI said First Nations in Canada should be consulted on decisions affecting their interests. The statement cites Bill C-45 and Bill C-38, two "budget" bills that make substantive changes to the Indian Act and environmental laws.

“NCAI supports AFN and the rights of Canada’s First Nations to nation-to-nation consultation and calls on the Canadian Government to uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, of which Canada and the United States have both adopted. As stated in the Declaration, and has been proven time and time again, consultations between indigenous peoples including tribal nations and the governments of North America, are essential to crafting a vision for a shared future,” said NCAI President Jefferson Keel.

The statement does not mention Idle No More, the movement that arose in response to the two controversial bills.

Get the Story:
NCAI Statement of Support for Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the Rights of Canada’s First Nations to Consultation (NCAI 1/10)

Related Stories:
Chief Theresa Spence won't meet with Canada Prime Minister (1/10)
Attawapiskat leader dismisses audit as hunger strike continues (1/8)
First Nations challenge bill that spurred Idle No More campaign (1/8)
Opinion: First Nations need more funding -- not 'accountability' (1/8)
Doug George-Kanentiio: Natives are at point of outrage in Canada (1/7)
Delvin Cree: North Dakota event supports Idle No More movement (1/7)
Darren Bonaparte: Chief Theresa Spence should end hunger strike (1/7)
Winona LaDuke: Idle No More Movement sees worldwide support (1/3)
Gyasi Ross: Idle No More Movement will keep growing in power (1/3)
Charles Trimble: A deadly time for our tribal allies in Canada (12/31)

Join the Conversation