Edmonton, Alberta – November 12, 2013 – The First Nations of Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7, and Treaty No. 8 and its member organizations, and affiliates will be holding a Peaceful Rally on November 28th, 2013 in Edmonton, Alberta at the Alberta Legislative Building. Members of the Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta will be planning, organizing the rally along with their Treaty 6, and 7 counterparts. The rally is in response to the lack of meaningful consultation on the legislations, policies, and regulatory changes put forth by the Government of Alberta.
HEAD OFFICE
Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation
P.O. Bag #5
Valleyview, Alberta T0H 3N0
Telephone: (780) 524-3307
Fax: (780) 524-2711
SUB OFFICE
c/o Santa Fe Plaza
18178 – 102 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1S7
Telephone: (780) 444-9366
Fax: (780) 484-1465
"Meaningful consultation is a reciprocal process that is based on trust. Consultation signals respect for Treaty and Aboriginal Rights and we have not been engaged in a meaningful consultation process," states Chief Trevor Mercredi, Livelihood Portfolio Chief of Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta. For First Nations, consultation provides the opportunity to defend their constitutionally protected rights. For the Government of Alberta, consultation flows from upholding the ‘Honour of the Crown’ in which they must consult in good faith with the intention of substantially addressing their [First Nations] concerns. Treaty 8 First Nations [Alberta] have consistently stated that meaningful consultation has yet to occur with Alberta Government concerning policies, regulations, and acts. First Nations have largely been ignored in Alberta’s processes. "There have been countless submissions, letters, and position papers from us [Treaty 8 Alberta Chiefs] combined with years of meetings attest to this," says Chief Mercredi.
The purpose of the rally is to unite First Nations, Albertans and Canadians that support environmental and Treaty Rights, and stand as Treaty partners to demand reconciliation and recognition to protect our lands, air, and water. To send the message to the government, that "no longer will any legislative policies, regulations and acts which negatively impact our Inherent, Treaty and Aboriginal Rights be allowed to pass quietly. Destruction to our ecosystem is occurring without our free, prior and informed consent and this has to stop. We will protect our Treaty and Aboriginal Rights, protect our lands, air and water; we will be heard loud and clear," states Chief Mercredi before finishing "the environmental destruction that we are trying to curb does not just affect First Nations; Albertans should be more concerned. Our children are going to have live in this province together and they deserve better."
Contact:
Greg Posein
Communications Coordinator
gposein@treaty8.org
18178 – 102 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1S7
Ph: (780) 444-9366
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