The political landscape of First Nations in Canada is a complex tapestry woven with threads of historical treaties, contemporary struggles, and a constant push for self-determination and self-government. This article delves into these political concerns, particularly regarding control over internal affairs and relationships with mainstream societies.
The relationship between First Nations and the Canadian government is largely defined by historical treaties and agreements. The Numbered Treaties, signed between 1871 and 1921, were agreements between the Crown and various First Nations tribes. These treaties were intended to pave the way for peaceful relations, but they have been a source of contention due to differing interpretations and broken promises.
In recent years, movements like Idle No More and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission have emerged as powerful platforms for First Nations to voice their concerns and fight for their rights. Idle No More, started in 2012, is a protest movement advocating for Indigenous sovereignty and protection of land and water. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, established in 2008, aims to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of reconciliation.
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada, which includes more than 900,000 people living in 634 First Nation communities and in cities and towns across the country. The AFN was established in 1982, evolving from the National Indian Brotherhood (NIB), an organization that had been in place since 1968. The AFN's role is to advocate for the rights and interests of First Nations in areas like education, health, culture, and language, among others. It is a political body that operates by the principles of respect, trust, understanding, wisdom, and responsibility, which are all traditional values of the First Nations people.
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), formerly known as the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The FSIN is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago. The FSIN operates on the basis of respect for inherent rights and recognizes the autonomy of each First Nation in Saskatchewan.
The Meech Lake Accord was a series of proposed amendments to the Canadian Constitution that aimed to gain Quebec's consent to the Constitution Act of 1982. However, the Accord faced opposition from various groups, including Indigenous peoples, who felt that their rights and interests were not adequately represented. Harper's stand against the Accord was a pivotal moment in Canadian history, highlighting the ongoing struggle of Indigenous peoples for recognition and rights within the Canadian political landscape.
The actions of Elijah Harper and the subsequent failure of the Meech Lake Accord served as a reminder of the importance of including Indigenous voices in discussions about the future of Canada. It also underscored the need for reconciliation and the recognition of Indigenous rights, which continue to be significant issues in Canadian society today.
The political concerns of First Nations are deeply rooted in their history and continue to shape their present and future. As they strive for control over their internal affairs and relationships with mainstream societies, it's crucial for all Canadians to understand and respect their journey towards self-determination and self-government.
Assembly of First Nations. (n.d.). Assembly of First Nations. Retrieved from https://www.afn.ca/
Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. (n.d.). Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. Retrieved from https://www.fsin.com/
Idle No More. (n.d.). Idle No More. Retrieved from http://www.idlenomore.ca/
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. (n.d.). Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Retrieved from http://www.trc.ca/
Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. (1992). Native Studies 20: A Curriculum Guide for Grade 11. Retrieved from https://www.edonline.sk.ca/bbcswebdav/library/curricula/English/Social_Studies/Native_Studies_20_1992.pdf
Assembly of First Nations. (n.d.). The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved July 17, 2023, from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/assembly-of-first-nations
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN). (n.d.). Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan. Retrieved July 17, 2023, from https://esask.uregina.ca/entry/federation_of_saskatchewan_indian_nations_fsin.jsp
25 years since Elijah Harper said 'no' to the Meech Lake Accord. (2015, June 22). CBC News. Retrieved July 17, 2023, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/25-years-since-elijah-harper-said-no-to-the-meech-lake-accord-1.3110439
#TBT: Elijah Harper and the collapse of the Meech Lake Accord. (n.d.). New Journeys. Retrieved July 17, 2023, from https://newjourneys.ca/en/articles/tbt-elijah-harper-and-the-collapse-of-the-meech-lake-accord