First Nations say omnibus bill violates treaty rights

CALGARY — Joining a growing number of demonstrations taking place across the country, about 200 members and supporters of the Tsuu T’ina and Stoney nations gathered outside Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s constituency office on Monday to protest the federal government’s omnibus budget implementation bill.

Bill C-45, also titled the Jobs and Growth Act, 2012, is the second budget implementation act and includes extensive amendments to more than 60 laws.

First Nations groups throughout Canada have raised their concerns about the amendments to the Fisheries Act, the Navigable Waters Protection Act and the Indian Act, as they affect reserve land management and designation processes.

Opponents also say it significantly reduces environmental protection for rivers and lakes.

Singing, clapping and playing drums, the group of protesters gathered at 19th Street and 90th Avenue S.W. and marched to the plaza where Harper’s office is located.

They handed out letters addressed to the prime minister, demanding that the Conservatives “cease and desist” from passing the legislation.

“Our Treaties are the foundation of the state of Canada,” the letter read.

“Without the treaties, Canada would not exist.

“All this legislation is violation of the Treaties and the Constitution of Canada.”

The signed letters were given to security personnel outside Harper’s office.

Chantal Chagnon, an aboriginal singer and drummer originally from the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, said the omnibus bill violates First Nations’ treaty rights as well as human rights.

“We’re fed up,” Chagnon said. “This new bill coming in, it’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

Regena Crowchild, a treaty consultant with the Tsuu T’ina nation, said the government hasn’t consulted with First Nations groups on the legislation that affects them.

“They’re not giving us proper opportunity to address our concerns or talk to them about it,” Crowchild said. “They want to amend the Indian Act without consulting us. All this legislation is just moving towards making us ordinary Canadians with no treaty rights.”

There have been protests against Bill C-45 in Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Kenora, Ont., and Ottawa as part of a nationwide campaign against the legislation.

Asked for comment on the recent rallies, a spokesman for the department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development said the government “respects its duty to consult.”

“We will continue to work in partnership with First Nations to support strong, self-sufficient and more prosperous Aboriginal communities,” said Jan O’Driscoll.

Back in Calgary, Chagnon said she hopes the government acknowledges the First Nations’ concerns.

“There’s not a lot we can do about it other than raise our voices, raise our drums,” Chagnon said.

Original Article
Source: calgary herald
Author: Erika Stark