NEW CREDIT — Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations was in New Credit to sign a consultation protocol between Canada and the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, Thursday.
In a media release the Government of Canada conceded it has a duty to consult and, where appropriate, accommodate Indigenous groups when it considers conduct that might adversely impact potential or established Aboriginal or treaty rights.
It is with this in mind, the protocol was reached with sitting Chief of the Mississaugas of the New Credit, Stacey Laforme.
The protocol sets out a clear process for fulfilling Canada’s duty to consult the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation and establishes the parties’ respective obligations. The protocol, which evolved from the parties’ broader Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, is designed to promote more effective and efficient engagement and improve the nation-to-nation relationship.
“This is an important step in our journey to advance reconciliation and work collaboratively with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation,” said Minister Bennett, “This protocol provides for early and meaningful engagement so Canada can ensure we are properly consulting with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation. It is also an example of the good work and real progress that is being made at Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables.”
Chief Laforme was also pleased with the progress made in openly recognizing the duty to consult .
“We are pleased to see the Government of Canada taking its duty to consult with Indigenous people seriously,” he said.”This historic agreement between the Government of Canada and Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation gives our people encouragement that reconciliation is not just a phrase, but an action that the Government of Canada is committed to fulfilling. We at the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation look forward to continuing on the path of truth and reconciliation with all governments in Canada.”
The parties established a Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination and signed a Memorandum of Understanding on June 9, 2017.
The protocol provides for collaborative development on accommodation and opportunities for Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation in decision-making that take into account their history and rights, claims and interests.
The protocol sets out a clear process for fulfilling Canada’s duty to consult the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation and establishes the parties’ respective obligations. The protocol, which evolved from the parties’ broader Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, is designed to promote more effective and efficient engagement and improve the nation-to-nation relationship.
