Ottawa, Canada – 97 Chiefs and representatives from BC First Nations are registered along with approximately 400 Chiefs from across Canada to attend the Crown-First Nations Gathering to be held in the Old City Hall in Ottawa, January 24th 2012. The Crown-Fist Nations Gathering is a meeting between First Nations Leadership and the Crown as represented by the Governor General, Prime Minister and senior government ministers.
“Our peoples are experiencing a period of profound transition rebuilding our Nations and taking back control of our lives” stated Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould. “The Gathering provides the Prime Minister with an opportunity to demonstrate that he is a true Canadian and committed to undertaking all the necessary steps to support our on-going efforts to ensure our Nations have fair access to lands and resources, strong and appropriate governance, quality education and improved health. The world is watching and Canada’s reputation as a Nation of caring and compassionate peoples is at stake,” added Wilson-Raybould.
“The Prime Minister must commit to follow-up and to ongoing communications,” says Chief Doug White. “First Nations need concrete outcomes and a commitment from the Prime Minister to reset the relationship through practical and results-based initiatives, and the achievement of significant transformative agreements within the next year.”