Coast Salish Traditional Territory/Vancouver – Today, on the Assembly of First Nations’ National Day of Action, the First Nations Leadership Council, comprised of the executives of the BC Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Summit and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, will march with supporters from Vanier Park to a 12 Noon rally at the Federal Government Building located at Library Square in downtown Vancouver. The First Nations Leadership Council and supporters will be rallying to call for concerted action to combat First Nations poverty and calling on governments to respect and recognize Aboriginal and treaty rights in B.C. and across Canada.
“The National Day of Action is an opportunity for all Canadians to rally and call out for justice and fairness for First Nations people in this country,” said Shawn Atleo, B.C. Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and a member of the First Nations Leadership Council. “First Nations poverty is the greatest social justice issue facing Canada. Today is about calling for an end to First Nations poverty in this country. Closing the socio-economic gaps faced by our people will be a step towards the restoration and revitalization of First Nations communities thereby leading to a stronger Canada”.
“Resolving outstanding land claims, securing a viable land base and legislated access to resource revenue-sharing agreements for First Nations is the key to unlocking the full potential and prosperity for First Nations” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs and member of the First Nations Leadership Council. “The reconciliation of First Nations title, rights and jurisdictions with the Federal Crown through the recognition and implementation of First Nations’ inherent right to self-government is an important and critical step towards building strong and healthy First Nation communities in BC. There is only so far we can go without the active participation of the federal government. Canada must work with us to resolve these and other key fundamental issues facing our people”.