FLYING DUST FIRST NATION,
SK, May
21, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, the Meadow Lake Tribal
Council and the Government of Canada announced that they have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding to help guide their work to promote
lasting reconciliation and strengthen the nation-to-nation
relationship based on Meadow Lake First Nations' priorities.
Under the co-developed Memorandum, the parties will explore new
ways to advance the Meadow Lake First Nations' inherent right to
self-determination. The goal is to work together toward negotiated
agreements focused on restoring First Nation control over matters
affecting their communities in key areas, such as governance, the
management of lands and resources and matters related to the
administration of justice in their communities such as policing and
restorative justice.
The Meadow Lake Tribal Council represents nine First Nations in
these discussions across three treaty areas in northwestern
Saskatchewan with a total
population of over 17,700 members. The Meadow Lake First Nations
who have come together to pursue these discussions with
Canada are: Birch Narrows First
Nation, Buffalo River Dene Nation, Canoe Lake Cree First Nation,
Clearwater River Dene, English River
First Nation, Flying Dust First Nation, Makwa Sahgaiehcan First
Nation, Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation and Waterhen Lake First
Nation.
The Government of Canada is
working with Indigenous partners on shared solutions to address
their unique priorities, recognize and implement their inherent
rights and support their visions of self-determination and a better
future for their communities.
Quotes
"As authorized representatives of the Nations we serve, MLTC is
pleased to be signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Advancing
Reconciliation on two important matters for our First Nations; one
is to affirm and strengthen the Meadow Lake First Nation's
Nation-to-Nation relationship and Government-to-Government
relationship with Canada and
secondly, to advance reconciliation on Justice and Lands and
Resources."
Cree Vice Chief Richard
Derocher
Meadow Lake Tribal Council
"We are fully engaged participants in the Governance
Negotiations and are happy to sign an MOU that will assist in the
areas we need, control of our Lands and resources that will create
thriving economies and healthy people."
Dene Vice Chief Lawrence
McIntryre
Meadow Lake Tribal Council
"This Memorandum of Understanding sets the stage for
collaborative work to advance Meadow Lake First Nations' priorities
for greater autonomy and a renewed First Nation-Crown relationship.
This is an opportunity to work together on practical measures to
implement the First Nations' inherent right to self-government and
support their collective vision of a better future for their
communities."
The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations
Quick facts
- The Memorandum of Understanding announced today outlines steps
in the process and identifies topics for exploratory discussions
between the parties.
- The parties look forward to working together to find shared and
balanced solutions that focus on practical results and enhance
community well-being for the benefit of First Nation members and
future generations.
Associated links
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SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
Canada