Indigenous leaders from across Canada are meeting in Niagara Falls this week for the Assembly of First Nations AGM. The three day conference began today with three notable announcements.
The Assembly of First Nations has signed an agreement with the RCMP to tackle racism and discrimination within the force.
“The protocol spells out our intention to work together, to ensure indigenous people in Canada are safe, to address the distinct needs of different communities and strengthen the mutual respect already in place in many areas of our country.” RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson told First Nations Chiefs today
Last December, Paulson openly admitted there were racists inside his police force.
“I’m aware that this protocol is simply words on paper and words alone will not improve things. I’m here today to pledge that we will put action to these words so we can continue the healing, continue the building and improve these relationships in every way possible.”
During the National Chief’s opening remarks, Perry Bellegarde announced a new MOU with the federal government promising a “new fiscal relationship”
“One based on real needs, one based on total population on and off our reserves or territories, one based on long term predictable sustainable funding and one that reflects your nation to nation relationship.”
The MOU will create a working group with the federal government to deal with indigenous funding in Canada.
Lastly, Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett said that they are “very close” to launching the formal national inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women. She added that the provinces will not be responsible for any of the expected $40 million dollar cost of the inquiry.
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