For Immediate Release
Mikisew Cree First Nation Challenges Bill C-45
Fort Chipewyan, Alberta (December 14, 2012) – Chief Steve Courtoreille and the Council of
Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) are proud to announce their unwavering opposition
to Bill C-45 (Jobs and Growth Act 2012). “We will never recognize any law
which is passed by the Government of Canada which does not have our consent and
any such law will not apply on our reserve lands and traditional territories”, says
Chief Courtoreille. “We have not been consulted and have no option but to reject
this arbitrary action on the part of Prime Minister Harper and his government.”
“Bill C-45 will trample on the rights that accrue to us as members of our First Nation.”
The leadership of MCFN, like other First Nations across Canada are concerned
that the Government’s omnibus budget bill includes new legislation regarding the
leasing of reserve lands, First Nations education, on-reserve voting rights, and the
abolishment of the Navigable Waters Protection Act, among others. “We will not sit
idly by while the Prime Minister Harper and his government run rough shod over
our rights” says Chief Courtoreille.
In 2005, Mikisew Cree First Nation successfully argued in front of the Supreme
Court of Canada that the Canadian Government had failed to consult with MCFN
when it attempted to take up lands in Wood Buffalo National Park. That case, one of
an important trilogy of First Nations consultation cases in Canadian jurisprudence,
firmly established that the Government must consult with First Nations when it
contemplates any action, which may impact on unproven or established First Nations
rights.
MCFN expects that the Government of Canada will consult the First Nation
regarding any proposed changes to the Indian Act or associated legislation. “We
would welcome the opportunity to meet with the Government of Canada through an
open, transparent, and mutually respectful process” says the Chief. Chief Coutorielle
will be attending the protest against Bill C-45 in Edmonton, Alberta on December
21. He encourages every citizen of MCFN to join him, “Bring the flags. We want
every Mikisew member there.”
Contact
Steve Courtoreille
Chief
(780) 838-0893
chief@mikisewcree.ca
George Poitras
Chief Executive Officer
(587) 985-4954
ceo@mikisewcree.ca
Where will the protests be? And I belong to a different first nations but I can still come?
ReplyDeleteSay it loud, say it bold. Be strong and do not bow down to the visitors on your land. Your ancestors saw them come and your descendants will see them leave. Only the visitors who will respect and stand by you'll will remain.
ReplyDelete