OTTAWA — The Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde says inherent and treaty rights must be front and centre in the federal government’s review of environmental protection legislation.
Ottawa announced it will be reviewing the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, the National Energy Board regulatory process and other federal legislation.
Bellegarde said First Nations were not involved in the review process and said the AFN is insisting the review include indigenous leadership and respect indigenous rights.
The AFN National Chief said any environmental assessment and protection must respect First Nations title and jurisdiction – and recognize First Nations responsibilities to their traditional territories.