First Nations Summit Elects New Executive

The First Nations Summit Chiefs in Assembly have elected Grand Chief Edward John (Akile Ch'oh), Cheryl Casimer and Robert Phillips to the FNS Political Executive.  Leah George-Wilson and Ray Harris were also re-elected Co-Chairs of the FNS. All terms are from June 2013 - June 2016. Read FNS release...

Pictured left to right: Robert Phillips (FNS Political Executive), Leah George-Wilson (FNS Co-Chair), Ray Harris (FNS Co-Chair), Cheryl Casimer (FNS Political Executive), and Grand Chief Edward John (FNS Political Executive)

Joint Statement: Implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Doctrine of Discovery

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in its entirety is rooted in the principle of racial non-discrimination, a peremptory norm from which no derogation is permitted. Full and effective implementation of the UN Declaration is dependent on ensuring that racial discrimination against Indigenous peoples is eradicated.

Last year... the Permanent Forum... called on all States to repudiate colonial doctrines such as the doctrine of discovery, and associated legal fictions as the doctrine of terra nullius, "as the basis for denying indigenous peoples' human rights."

• Read the full Joint Statement

Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit presents to House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources

Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit political executive presented to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources on May 2, 2013 to provide a First Nations perspective on the committee's current study of the potential importance of market diversification to Canada's energy future and economic growth.

• Read the speaking notes of Grand Chief John's presentation

• Read the written brief tabled with the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources

• Listen to Grand Chief John's May 2, 2013 presentation on the committee (Meeting #79) website

BC Chiefs and leaders sign declaration endorsing the eight action items set out by the AFN Executive

(Jan 25, Coast Salish Territory / Vancouver) - BC Chiefs and leaders gathered for a meeting in Vancouver this week to discuss the recent meetings held in Ottawa, to create dialogue around the AFN Consensus Document "Fundamental Change, Remedies and Actions Required
Immediately" and to create an opportunity for BC Chiefs to continue to strategize on an approach for BC First Nations moving forward. The Chiefs and leaders unanimously passed a resolution in support of the declaration, "DRIVING CHANGE FOR OUR CHILDREN". Read Full Press Release [PDF]

"Driving Change for our Children": A Declaration of the First Nations of British Columbia [PDF, 720 kb]

"Support for Indigenous Citizens' Actions on Sovereignty and Environmental Protections": A Declaration of the First Nations of British Columbia [PDF, 509 kb]

Prime Minister Harper can't afford to idle any longer; urgent action and real outcomes must result from January 11th meeting between First Nations leaders and PM Harper

January 9, 2013 - An Open Letter to PM Harper from the First Nations Summit [pdf, 229 kb]

Prime Minister must commit to the human rights of Indigenous Peoples

Canada must demonstrate a clear commitment to upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples affirmed in Treaties, and articulated in both domestic and international law. Such a commitment must ensure Indigenous peoples' full and effective participation in decisions that could affect those rights.

Prime Minister Harper will be meeting with First Nations leaders this Friday to discuss issues, including those related to economic development and Treaty implementation.

The meeting comes after more than a month of unprecedented public mobilization sparked by a government legislative agenda which has far reaching impacts on the rights of Indigenous peoples, and advanced without meaningful consultation or consent. The mobilization included grassroots demonstrations across Canada under the banner of "Idle No More". The mobilization has also included an ongoing hunger strike by Chief Theresa Spence of Attawapiskat.

Last week, 36 prominent Indigenous peoples', human rights, and environmental organizations issued a public statement outlining very serious concerns with the government's actions with regard to its legislative agenda. Such actions erode democracy, the rule of law and integrity of Parliament.

The statement emphasized, "Cooperative and harmonious relations cannot be achieved by devaluing Treaties or by unilateral government actions." The statement concluded: "It is tragic that a hunger strike and Canada-wide protests are necessary in order for Indigenous peoples to bring attention to violations of their dignity, Treaties and human rights."

Joint Statement [PDF, 50 kb]

Community and Advocacy Groups Respond to Missing Women Commission of Inquiry's Final Report: December 17, 2012

Read the Press Release [pdf, 395 kb]

Read the Commission Report: "The Report of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry | Executive Summary" [pdf, 13 Mb]

First Nations Summit Stand with Ktunaxa Nation in Opposition to Jumbo Glacier Resort Development

Read the FNS Press Release [pdf, 30 kb]

Kathryn Teneese, Chair of the Ktunaxa Nation Council speaks at a rally outside the Vancouver Law Courts after
the Ktunaxa Nation files an application for a Judicial Review of the Jumbo Glacier Resort project.

Photo taken at Qat'muk, traditional territory of the Ktunaxa Nation.

Watch the Ktunaxa Nation documentary entitled 'Qat'muk: where the grizzly bears go to dance'
http://vimeo.com/ktunaxa/qatmuk

For more information on Qat'muk, visit:
http://www.qatmuk.com/

First Nations Summit congratulates all recipients of 2012 BC Aboriginal Business Awards

The First Nations Summit congratulates recipients of this year's BC Aboriginal Business Awards (pictured above), which were presented at a banquet in Vancouver on Monday November 26th. This year's recipients truly embody perseverance, tenacity and success. They are an indicator that Aboriginal businesses are a strong and vital component of BC's economy and will serve as an inspiration for other BC aboriginal businesses. Further information on the 2012 BC Aboriginal Business Awards recipients can be found here.

The First Nations Summit also encourages the submission of nominations for the 2013 Aboriginal Business Awards!
Click here for further information on how to submit a nomination.

2012 FNESC Conference: Reconciliation through Education

Archived webcasts of November 23 and 24, 2012: Opening, Justice Murray Sinclair, Panel on Reconciliation through Education, Grand Chief Edward John...

Grand Chief Edward John Keynote Presentation (PowerPoint) 2012

Ed John Speaks at the 7th International Forum on China's Energy Strategies and the 8th Canada-China Energy and Environment Forum

Ed John's Speech: "Thunderbird Rising-First Nations on the move"

On 20th Anniversary of Treaty Negotiations in BC; First Nations Summit leaders call for renewed commitment from governments

September 21, Coast Salish Territory (Vancouver, BC) - The signing of the BC Treaty Commission Agreement, 20 years ago today, marked a significant moment in the history of the relationship between the Crown and First Nations in BC. This agreement, signed by the Prime Minister of Canada, the Premier of BC and the leaders of the First Nations Summit, was celebrated by a sacred Coast Salish cultural ceremony, which honored the parties' commitments to move beyond their difficult past and build a new relationship based on mutual trust, respect and understanding. Unfortunately, negotiations have been far too slow, far too costly and have not met these commitments.

Read the Press Release

VIDEO: Highlights of the 1992 BCTC Agreement Signing Ceremony

Fifth anniversary of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: protection of Indigenous peoples' rights to lands, territories and resources more urgent than ever

September 12, 2012 - There is urgent need to uphold international human rights standards in response to intensive resource development activities affecting the lands of Indigenous peoples at home and abroad. Read the Joint Statement [pdf, 22 kb]

Senate Standing Committee Report Recommends Immediate Action on BC Treaty Implementation

"A Commitment Worth Preserving: Reviving the British Columbia Treaty Process": Report of the Senate standing Committee on Aboriginal Peoples [PDF, 143 kb]

FNS Press Release, June 28: First Nations Summit welcomes Senate Standing Committee report on BC treaty negotiations, encourages Canada to take urgent action to implement recommendations

First Nations Summit rejects and condemns the BC Court of Appeal (BCAA) decision in the Tsilhqot'in Nation case

FNS Press Release, June 29: First Nations Condemn Turning Back of Legal Clock by BC Court of Appeal in Tsilhqot'in Decision

BC Court of Appeal Decision: William v. British Columbia [PDF, 657 kb]

Tsilhqot'in National Government Press Release

FNS Factum submitted to BCCA in William v. BC

Opinion/Editorial by Grand Chief Edward John: For Whom Do Justice Bells Ring?

First Nations Summit welcomes federal report on treaty negotiations in BC, encourages Canada to take urgent action to implement recommendations

Coast Salish Territory/ Vancouver, BC, May 4 - The First Nations Summit welcomes the long-awaited public release of the report on treaty negotiations in BC by James Lornie, Special Representative to the Hon. John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. Read the Press Release... [PDF, 30 kb]

DOWNLOAD the LORNIE REPORT [PDF, 331 kb]

Ancient Musqueam Marpole village site must be protected from further desecration

Coast Salish Territory/ Vancouver, BC, May 3 - First Nations Summit leaders are speaking out in support of the Musqueam Nation in their continuing fight to protect the remains of their ancestors located on the former Musqueam village site now known as the Marpole Midden.

MORE: FNS Press Release [PDF, 67 kb]

Open Letter: Groups affirm boycott of discriminatory Missing Women Commission

Fifteen organizations issued letters directed to Commissioner Wally Oppal confirming that they will not be participating in the “second phase” of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry, citing concerns about discrimination and the conduct of the Commission to date. Read the Press Release and Letters [PDF, 1 GB]

First Nations Summit withdraws from participation in Missing Women Commission of Inquiry: An Open Letter to Wally Oppal, Q.C., Commissioner

March 6, 2012

The First Nations Summit today released an open letter to Wally Oppal, Commissioner of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry. The letter concluded that given recent developments, including the withdrawal of the Independent Legal Counsel for Aboriginal interests and the overall conduct of the Inquiry, the voices of the families of the missing and murdered Aboriginal women and Aboriginal communities are clearly not being heard or respected. Therefore, given the realization that the Inquiry will clearly not be able to fulfill a critical part of its mandate, the First Nations Summit has indicated it has no choice but to withdraw as an active participant in the Inquiry.

Download and read the Press Release and Open Letter [PDF]

First Nations Summit presents to
Missing Women Commission of Inquiry

October 12, 2011

Coast Salish Territory/ Vancouver, BC – Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit Political Executive appeared before the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday October 12, 2011 to make a presentation on behalf of the First Nations Summit.

Download the full text of the presentation here.

BC First Nations & China: Transforming Relationships

The First Nations Leadership Council and Asia Pacific Foundation Canada have jointly launched “First Nations & China: Transforming Relationships”. The strategy is aimed at cultivating stronger relations with China and responding to growing commercial interest from Asia to British Columbia’s natural resources sector, the respective traditional territories of First Nations. Read Press Release

NEWS ARTICLES:

• Politicians, natives seek common ground on developing Asian markets
  By Justine Hunter, Globe and Mail, August 11, 2011
• B.C. First Nations China strategy applauded - CBC News
  Posted: Aug 10, 2011
• First nations want bigger role in ventures with China
  By Brian Morton, Vancouver Sun August 11, 2011
• B.C.’s first nations seek expanded business ties with China: New strategy emphasizes the need to take aboriginal issues seriously
  By BRIAN MORTON, Vancouver Sun August 10, 2011
• B.C. First Nations develop strategy for trade and relations with China
  The Canadian Press, Posted: Aug 10, 2011
• Canadian natives to increase engagement with China
  China Daily.com

VIDEO (courtesy of CBC): Grand Chief Edward John discusses China trade opportunities for BC First Nations…

Follow FNS on Twitter United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) Ed John Statement: Fifth anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples September 12, 2012: Fifth anniversary of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: protection of Indigenous peoples' rights to lands, territories and resources more urgent than ever. Read the JOINT STATEMENT [pdf] Grand Chief Edward John travels to UN Headquarters for International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples [Aug 2012, Read Interview] Report on the 11th Session [May 2012 PDF, 117 kb] FNS Congratulates Grand Chief Edward John (Akile Ch'oh) appointment as Chair of the UNPFII [May 2012 PDF, 46 kb] Grand Chief Edward John Presents at United Nations Expert Meeting on Indigenous Peoples and Forests [January 2011] Press Release PDF | Ed John Presentation PDF Joint Statement in Response to Canada’s Endorsement of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples [November 2010, PDF] Canada’s endorsement of the UN Declaration must be consistent with human rights [March 2010, PDF] Community to Community (C2C) Program C2C | Community Forums The Union of BC Municipalities and First Nations Summit are pleased to announce that funding for local government and First Nation regional Community to Community Forums is available again this fall with renewed financial support from the provincial and federal governments. 2013/14 C2C FUNDING NOW AVAILABLE FOR SPRING/SUMMER May 9, 2013: C2C Letter to FNs re Available Funding [PDF] 2013/14 Program & Application Guide [PDF] 2013/14 Application Form [WORD DOC] C2C 2013/14 Final Report Form [WORD DOC] Guide to Commumity to Community Forums in BC [PDF, 579 kb]   We Know Who We Are and We Lift Up Our People This report has been prepared as part of the First Nations Summit’s participation in Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s (AANDC) “Exploratory Process” regarding Bill C-3. The Exploratory Process was announced at the time Bill C-3 was tabled in the federal Parliament to address concerns raised by First Nations and others about Bill C-3. The Exploratory Process is intended to examine and explore broader issues related to First Nations citizenship, Band Membership and registration as Status Indians. DOWNLOAD HERE (PDF: March, 2012, 497 Kb) Realizing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Triumph, Hope, and Action Edited by Jackie Hartley, Paul Joffe, and Jennifer Preston “The Declaration is a visionary step towards addressing the human rights of indigenous peoples” proclaimed United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. “[I]t provides a momentous opportunity for States and indigenous peoples to ... promote reconciliation and ensure that the past is not repeated.” Contributors to this collection discuss the realization of the Declaration, and ways and means to implement it. For further information and to order a copy visit Purich Publishing UN DRIP Fact Sheet (PDF: June, 2011) Editorials Vancouver Sun Dark Past. Hopeful Future. A Vancouver Sun series looking at First Nations in BC. Summit Editorial: "Problems plaguing treaty tallks not of First Nations Making" [pdf] The Tyee Summit Editorial: "A New Day for BC Native Claims" Publications Joint Executive Bulletins For Past Leadership Council Updates, go to the PDF Document Library

Guide to Aboriginal Organizations and Services in British Columbia

Treaty Negotiations in BC

First Nations Summit and the Treaty Process The Six-Stage Process to Treaty-Making in BC "Cautious Optimism: The Summit Perspective on Treaty Negotiations" — published in February, 2003 Bartalk, a publication of the Canadian Bar Association [PDF, requires Acrobat Reader]. Treaties in British Columbia: A Timeline