AFNQL: A New Basis for Reconciliation Needed

GATINEAU, QC, Sept. 12, 2018 – The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) had these comments following the two-day AFN National forum: Affirming First Nations Rights, Title and Jurisdiction. This Forum included discussions of the Framework that will be ensuring that the Government of Canada recognizes, respects and implements Indigenous rights, including inherent and treaty rights, and provides mechanisms to support self-determination.

“In light of the positions of our sister nations across the land on the New Framework proposed by Canada, we are in support of the need to reset the process so that it is based on our most fundamental principles for engagement”, stated the Chief of the AFNQL, Ghislain Picard. “The Canadian State has no choice but to review its approach in order for it to be more respectful of our vision instead of imposing its own.”

Although some nations and communities may be at exploratory stages with the federal government, most feel there is a need to address an all too familiar situation where the federal government seems to be advancing its own conditions, rather than agree on a framework that would be acceptable to us.

“The federal government will have to accept that the failure of this process is a direct result of their unilateral approach rather than engaging our leadership at the outset”, added the Chief of the AFNQL. “Another aspect that is deeply troubling is the fact that very little, if anything, is said about the role of the province in this process. Who is talking to them? Certainly not us. All of the concerns are more than justified”, concluded Ghislain Picard.

About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations Quebec and Labrador is the political organization regrouping 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. Follow us on Twitter @APNQL

For further information: Alain Garon, agaron@apnql.com, Communications Officer, Cell.: (418) 254-4620

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