Statements from Canadian MPs recognizing Indigenous Sovereignty

Recognises and upholds Indigenous Sovereignty

Wayne Stetski

Response received: October 02, 2019 – 9.11 a.m. (PT)

Hi Jeremy.

I personally support my leader, Jagmeet Singh’s, position on this [the recognition and upholding of Indigenous Sovereignty – https://youtu.be/gLu-VgkynB4 ].

I was very disappointed when Conservative Senators killed my colleague Romeo Saganash’s Bill to ensure Canada respects UNDRIP in all that we do.

Wayne Stetski
Incumbent MP for Kootenay Columbia
NDP candidate for the 2019 Federal election.

Paul Manly

Response received: September 28, 2019 – 7.32 p.m. (PT)

Dear Mr. Board,

Thank you for your email.

As a Member of Parliament for the Green Party I wholeheartedly support the Green Party policy to recognize and uphold Indigenous Sovereignty. The Royal Proclamation of 1763 recognized the sovereignty of Indigenous people in North America under British law. The Supreme Court of Canada has reaffirmed Indigenous sovereignty numerous times. I support the implementation of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s Inquiry and I support the implementation of the United Nation Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.

All the best
Paul Manly
Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP for re-election
International Trade and Investment Critic
Green Party Shadow Cabinet
www.PaulManly.ca
paul.manly@greenparty.ca
250-591-2255 office

Right Honourable Jagmeet Singh

May 01, 2018

John Aldag

Response received: April 20, 2017 – 2.58 p.m. (PT)

Hi Mr. Board,

This looks like a terrific, and valuable project. My apologies if I had missed any emails you may have sent earlier requesting a statement on Indigenous sovereignty, but it is an incredibly important tenet of Canadian history and law.

Below you will find my official statement, which you may feel free to use in your project.

Sincerely,

John Aldag

“Indigenous Sovereignty is an incredibly important concept in this country, both legally and in recognizing millenniums of First Nations and Indigenous peoples history in the territory we now call Canada. As a Member of Parliament for a riding that lies on traditional Coast Salish land, and that of the Kwantlen First Nation, respect for Indigenous sovereignty is important to both myself, and the Government of Canada.”

John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City

Omar Alghabra

Response received: Feb 09, 2017 – 6.14 a.m. (PT)

Dear Mr. Board,

Thank you for taking the time to write to me about the relationship between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples.

Our government is committed to restoring our relationship with indigenous peoples, and to that end our Prime Minister has been clear that no relationship is more important for our government and for Canada than the one with Indigenous peoples. We are committed to ensuring that our relationship is based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.

To demonstrate our commitment, within 100 days of taking office, our Government began the launch of the Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We took time to hear from First Nations, Metis and Inuit regarding violence against Indigenous women. We want to take the time to do this right for the survivors, families and loved ones, in order to honor the spirits and memories of those we have lost and to protect future generations.

Working in genuine partnership, we are committed to making progress on the priority areas for Indigenous communities, through Budget 2016 where we made historic investments of $8.4 billion over five years beginning in 2016–17, so together, we can improve the socio-economic conditions of Indigenous peoples and their communities and bring about transformational change.

The Government of Canada also invested $5.4 million from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada’s Strategic Partnerships Initiative for projects that will help unlock economic opportunities for First Nations communities in the clean energy and natural resource sectors. This funding will boost Indigenous communities’ capacity to tap into the vast economic opportunities of our environment and create sustainable prosperity.

Our government believes, and I believe, that the work of reconciliation with indigenous peoples is one of the most critical issues facing Canada today, and we will continue working towards building reconciliation and upholding indigenous sovereignty.

Thank you again for your initiative. I look forward to hearing more form you.

Yours sincerely,

Omar Alghabra

Member of Parliament for Mississauga Centre

Fin Donnelly

Response received: Sept 01, 2016 – 12.23 p.m. (PT)

Dear Jeremy,

Thank you for your email. The NDP is a party that adheres to Canadian Law and to International Law. The Royal Proclamation recognized the legal sovereignty of Indigenous Nations in British law in 1763. Canada as a nation was founded on this principle; since that date, the Supreme Court of Canada has agreed with the recognition of inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples on this land.

In Canadian law sovereignty and self-determination have been defined many times. In the Haida Nation decision of 2004, the Court determined that the government must “reconcile pre-existing Aboriginal sovereignty with assumed Crown sovereignty”. This duty is grounded in the honour of the Crown, and applies even where title has not been proven.

Recently, Senator Murray Sinclair, former Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, has affirmed that “Tsilqhot’in is the law of the land”. This Supreme Court decision clarified that rights conferred by Aboriginal title include the right to decide how the land will be used, to enjoy, occupy and possess the land, and that governments must obtain approval from the title-holder.

Based on these and many other legal decisions, the NDP recognizes Indigenous Sovereignty on traditional territories in this continent.

The NDP has shown its commitment to honouring Indigenous sovereignty and the agreements and obligations Canadian society has to Indigenous nations.

Article 3 and 4 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples affirm the right of Indigenous Peoples to exercise their right to self-determination through economic, social and cultural development and in matters related to programs and policy in their communities. The NDP respects these inherent rights and has consistently worked with Indigenous Peoples in regards to issues like Jordan’s Principle, Shannen’s Dream, language revitalization, education, national inquiry into MMIWG2S, and child welfare.

In 2009, the NDP pushed for a study of Harmonized Sales Tax especially regarding Ontario First Nations which resulted in Indigenous people keeping their tax exemption based on treaty obligations.

In 2015, the NDP committed to implementing the TRC Calls to Action in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples according to their priorities. In particular Action 45, in regards to repudiation of the concepts of Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius, renewed treaty relationships based on mutual recognition and recognition and integration of Indigenous laws and traditions.

The NDP continues this commitment and respect in the 42nd Parliament. For example, The NDP has long believed that the Government of Canada has a duty to engage in true nation-to-nation relations with Indigenous peoples across Canada. The Assembly of First Nations, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and individual First Nations have called on the federal government to suspend approval for the Site C Dam on the Peace River. We have called on the government to suspend approval of any further permits for Site C, and to finally meet with First Nations to hear their concerns before this project goes any further.

My NDP colleague, MP Romeo Saganash, has introduced his private members bill C-262, to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, responding to the TRC Calls to Action 43 and 44. The bill calls for a National Action Plan made in collaboration and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples in regards to concrete measures to achieve the goals of the Declaration. Bill C-262 also contains accountability provisions that will require the federal government report on progress made towards implementing the Declaration. Bill C-262 will also confirm the application of the UN Declaration into Canadian law.

Thank you again for getting in touch,

Fin

Fin Donnelly, MP | Port Moody – Coquitlam

NDP Critic for Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

(TEL) 613-947-4455 | Findonnelly.ca | ndp.ca

Georgina Jolibois

Response received: Aug 31, 2016 – 3.16 p.m. (PT)

Dear Mr. Board,

I apologize for the delay in getting back to you on this question: do you recognize and uphold Indigenous Sovereignty? My sincere and obvious answer is yes.

As an Indigenous woman from Northern Saskatchewan, it matters to me and to many constituents of Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River that Indigenous Sovereignty is recognized and upheld by our governing bodies. As an NDP Member of Parliament, I am proud to say that my party has worked relentlessly throughout the years in Parliament to assert these basic Indigenous Rights.

My colleague NDP MP Romeo Saganash is currently advocating for his bill meant to harmonize Canadian Law with the United National Declaration on the Rights and Indigenous People. Articles 3 and 4 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples affirm the right of Indigenous Peoples to exercise their right to self-determination through economic, social and cultural development and in matters related to programs and policy in their communities. The NDP respects these inherent rights.

The NDP has consistently worked with Indigenous Peoples in regards to issues like Jordan’s Principle, Shannen’s Dream, language revitalization, education, national inquiry into MMIWG2S, and child welfare. For many years, the NDP has maintained pressure on the federal government to insure that Indigenous rights are upheld and that a nation to nation relationship is fostered.

In 2015, the NDP committed to implementing the TRC Calls to Action in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples according to their priorities. In particular Action 45, in regards to repudiation of the concepts of Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius, renewed treaty relationships based on mutual recognition and recognition and integration of Indigenous laws and traditions. Now we will be sure to hold the current Liberal government accountable on their promises and implement the TRC Calls to Action.

The current Liberal government has made many promises to the First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. Along with my NDP colleagues, we will keep holding this government accountable on their promises. This summer, a new and significant step has been taken into the inquiry of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We will be keeping a close eye on the developments of this inquiry.

Thank you for taking the time to write and please do not hesitate to write back anytime.

Georgina Jolibois

MP for Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River

New Democratic Party

(TEL) 613-995-8321 || (FAX) 613-995-7697

georginajolibois.ndp.ca | ndp.ca | Facebook

Elizabeth May

Response received: Aug 31, 2016 – 10.03 a.m. (PT)

Elizabeth’s response was sent as a letter in PDF format which can be viewed by clicking the link below.

Response from Elizabeth May O.C., M.P., Leader of the Green Party of Canada.

The response from Elizabeth also included the correspondence below from Holly Stanczak.

Hi Jeremy,

I’ve attached Ms. May’s letter of support for Indigenous sovereignty. My apologies for the delay, Ms. May has been busy with the electoral reform committee this summer.

All the best,

Holly Stanczak

Outreach Coordinator

Office of Elizabeth May, O.C., M.P.

René Arseneault

Response received: Aug 26, 2016 – 9.33 a.m. (PT)

René’s response was sent as a letter in Docx format which can be viewed by clicking the link below.

Response from René Arseneault, M.P.

The response from René also included the correspondence below from Lucien LeBlanc.

Jeremy ;

My holidays and the failure of our Madawaska Maliceet First Nation to reply (I am not familiar enough with their inner workings as they are 200 kms from here) coupled with my desire to make this a productive exercise have delayed my response. In this riding, we work extremely closely with our First Nations. We schedule meetings at regular intervals and lend support to any projects they bring. And we monitor the progress for each projects. I specifically added the avenues of sovereignty each nations were experimenting. You may find this a welcomed addition.

Lucien LeBlanc

Adjoint de circonscription| Constituency Assistant
Office | Bureau : René Arseneault, député – M.P.
Riding │Circonscription : Madawaska-Restigouche
19 rue Aberdeen Street, Campbellton, NB, E3N 2J6

Office | Bureau: (506) 789-4593

Fax | Télécopieur: (506) 789-4595

E-mail | Courriel : rene.arseneault.C1@parl.gc.ca

De : Arseneault, René – M.P.

Envoyé : mercredi 27 juillet 2016 13:49
À : Arseneault, René – Riding 1
Objet : TR: Do you recognize and uphold Indigenous Sovereignty?

Bonjour Lucien,

Le message dont je t’ai parlé.

JY

Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet

Response received: Aug 22, 2016 – 8.42 a.m. (PT)

Hello Mr. Board,

Ms. Boutin-Sweet (MP for Hochelaga) is pleased to send you her formal response.

I think you’ll appreciate the fact that Ms. Boutin-Sweet supports your approach and recognizes and upholds Indigenous Sovereignty.

Here’s, enclosed and above, her response :

Dear Settlers info project members,

I apologize for taking a while to answer but your question warrants a well thought out response. And I wanted to answer it in both French and English.

First a few words in French, my native tongue.

Reconnaître et faire respecter la souveraineté des peoples autochtones est un principe qui aurait dû être appliqué il y a longtemps. Ma réponse est donc «oui». Mes collègues du NPD et moi y croyons fermement et défendons au quotidien et avec acharnement les droits des peuples autochtones.

Les dirigeants Inuits et Cris que j’ai rencontrés au Nunavik ont besoin d’être écoutés par le gouvernement fédéral et sont prêts à travailler ensemble à des solutions concrètes aux problèmes qui empêchent les populations nordiques de réaliser la souveraineté économique, sociale et culturelle.

Il est plus que temps d’en arriver à une relation respectueuse, de nation à nation, pour atteindre ces objectifs trop longtemps ignorés par les gouvernements canadiens successifs.

And now in English.

Do I recognize and uphold Indigenous Sovereignty? Of course. In fact I find it sad the question must still be asked 482 years after Europeans and native populations first made contact in this part of the world.

I travelled to Nunavik with my colleague Roméo Saganash, met with Inuk and Cree leaders, and listened to what they had to say. Some spoke of innovative solutions to the lack and cost of housing in the North, to the lack of jobs, to the cost of food. They have ideas, but in order to implement those ideas, someone in the federal government has to be listening. The indigenous point of view has to be present for the solutions to be culturally adapted. And culturally adapted they must be, otherwise what’s the point?

That is why a nation-to-nation relationship is essential. Cultural, social, economic sovereignty cannot be achieved by indigenous populations without the full collaboration of the Canadian government and mutual respect. My NDP colleagues and I have long advocated that approach. We have also maintained the pressure on the federal government in several ways: by forcing a debate in the House of Commons on the subject of murdered and missing aboriginal women; with Romeo Saganash’s proposed bill to harmonize Canadian laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; by relentlessly reminding all parliamentarians that Shannen Koostachin’s dream of safe, comfortable and culturally adapted schools for First Nation children must become reality.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action traced the path towards achieving indigenous sovereignty. Let’s continue working together in that direction.

Thank you, merci, migwetch

JULIEN FOURNIER-DORION

Adjoint de circonscription | Constituency Assistant
Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet, députée (Hochelaga) | Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet, MP

Whip en chef de l’opposition | Chief Opposition Whip

Porte-parole en matière de logement | Housing critic

Nouveau Parti démocratique | New Democratic Party

(TEL) 514 283-2915

MarjolaineBoutinSweet.NPD.ca

TUAC 232

Darrell Samson

Response received: Aug 22, 2016 – 6.28 a.m. (PT)

Dear Jeremy,

Yes I believe in the concept of Indigenous Sovereignty. I am currently working with the Indigenous people in my own riding and community. I have established a good working relationship with the First Nations Regional Chief for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Morley Googoo and also helped organize the First Nations Summit in Ottawa on June 20th along with my colleague Andy Fillmore. This Summit saw the 11 Nova Scotian MP`s meeting with the 13 First Nations Chiefs to begin a dialogue on forging nation-to-nation relationships and collaborating on continued reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and communities. This Summit is a first step towards creating real change for First Nations communities in Canada.

Kind Regards,

Darrell Samson

Jenny Kwan

Response received: Aug 19, 2016 – 8.20 a.m. (PT)

Dear Jeremy,

Thank you for taking the time to write to my office and for your initiative on this project. I want to be clear on this important matter, yes I do recognize and uphold Indigenous Sovereignty on the traditional lands of Indigenous Peoples of our vast country.

My party and I have historically shown its commitment to honouring Indigenous Sovereignty and the agreements and obligations Canadian society has to Indigenous nations. Article 3 and 4 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples affirm the right of Indigenous Peoples to exercise self-determination through economic, social and cultural development and in matters related to programs and policy in their communities. The NDP respects these inherent rights and has consistently worked with Indigenous Peoples in regards to issues like Jordan’s Principle, Shannen’s Dream, language revitalization, education, national inquiry into MMIWG2S, and child welfare.

In 2009, the NDP pushed for a study of Harmonized Sales Tax especially regarding Ontario First Nations which resulted in Indigenous people keeping their tax exemption based on treaty obligation. In 2015, the NDP committed to implementing the TRC Calls to Action in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples according to their priorities. In particular Action 45, in regards to repudiation of the concepts of Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius, renewed treaty relationships based on mutual recognition and recognition and integration of Indigenous laws and traditions.

In the current Parliament, we continue to work to uphold our commitment and respect towards Indigenous Sovereignty. The NDP has long believed that the Government of Canada has a duty to engage in true nation-to-nation relations with Indigenous peoples across Canada. The Assembly of First Nations, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and individual First Nations have called on the federal government to suspend approval for the Site C Dam on the Peace River. We have called on the government to suspend approval of any further permits for Site C, and to finally meet with First Nations to hear their concerns before this project goes any further.

My colleague, NDP MP Romeo Saganash, has introduced his private members Bill C-262, to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, responding to the TRC Calls to Action 43 and 44. The bill calls for a National Action Plan made in collaboration and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples in regards to concrete measures to achieve the goals of the Declaration. Bill C-262 also contains accountability provisions that will require the federal government report on progress made towards implementing the Declaration. Bill C-262 will also confirm the application of the UN Declaration into Canadian law.

My riding of Vancouver East has an important urban Indigenous population that I hope to represent to my best abilities. Since its inception 26 years ago in my community, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Coalition (MMIWG) has received my support first municipally, then provincially and now federally. We have high hopes and dreams for the National Inquiry to come forward to address these historical issues. This is why I stood in the House of Commons to bring forward the nine points the MMIWG wanted to see added to the National Inquiry.

Let me assure you that I will continue to work for the urban Indigenous communities in my riding and across Canada, particularly to support and uphold Indigenous Sovereignty.

Sincerely,

Jenny Kwan

Member of Parliament for Vancouver East / Députée de Vancouver-Est
NDP Critic for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship / Porte-parole du NPD en matière d’immigration, de réfugiés et de citoyenneté

Daniel Blaikie

Response received: Aug 19, 2016 – 7.33 a.m. (PT)

Dear Mr. Board,

Thank you for the opportunity to share my views on Indigenous sovereignty in the Canadian context.

Over the course of the last 149 years, Canada has inflicted terrible hurt on the Indigenous peoples of this land. Forced relocations of entire communities, destruction of traditional lands, and the rending of families through the residential school system and the Sixties Scoop are some of the ways that we have failed to treat Indigenous peoples with the dignity and respect they are owed.

I believe, along with many others, that recognizing and upholding Indigenous sovereignty is essential to healing not only Indigenous communities, but the larger Canadian community we all share. I strive to make that a part of my politics, while recognizing that I have more to learn about how best to do that.

Like any relationship where hurt has been inflicted and trust lost, the way forward is not always clear. But I am proud to belong to a party, the NDP, that has been at the forefront, in Parliament and across the country, in the battle for Indigenous rights.

The NDP fought for the recognition of Indigenous rights in the constitution at the time of patriation, supported the Nisga Treaty and called for a Nation to Nation relationship with Indigenous Nations in Canada.

In the current Parliament, my NDP colleague Charlie Angus has been pushing the government to live up to its commitments with respect to health and education for Indigenous people. NDP MP Romeo Saganash has presented a private members bill seeking to give the force of law to Canada’s recent support for the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

I am proud to work with Charlie, Romeo and the rest of the NDP caucus, toward turning all the important words about reconciliation in Canadian politics today into concrete actions that make way for Indigenous people to determine their own future.

Sincerely,

Daniel Blaikie, M.P.
Elmwood-Transcona

Irene Mathyssen

Response received: Aug 18, 2016 – 11.44 a.m. (PT)

Dear Mr. Board,

Thank you for your email. Let me assure you that I, along with New Democrats everywhere, recognize and uphold Indigenous Sovereignty.

I support Canada’s adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and believe we should take immediate action in areas such as education, child welfare and health services, so that we can remedy the injustices of the past.

New Democrats thank and honour the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and everyone who gave individual witness to the effects of the very dark period in Canadian history that came about with the residential school system, and urge the current government to work tirelessly to implement the recommendations of the TRC.

We believe that the only way to achieve real reconciliation is with a recognition of Indigenous Sovereignty and the recreation of a nation-to-nation relationship between Canada’s Indigenous Peoples and the federal government.

We are committed to working with all parties, all groups and all governments who share these objectives.

Sincerely,

Irene Mathyssen

Member of Parliament for London-Fanshawe | Députée pour London-Fanshawe

Veterans Critic / Porte-parole des Anciens combattants

NDP Deputy Whip / NPD whip adjoint

New Democratic Party | Nouveau Parti démocratique

(TEL) 519-685-4745

www.irenemathyssen.ca

Arif Virani

Response received: Aug 16, 2016 – 9.10 a.m. (PT)

Dear Jeremy,

Thank you for taking the time to write to me about the relationship between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples.

The Prime Minister has been clear that no relationship is more important for our government and for Canada than the one with Indigenous peoples. This is reflected in the fact that every Minister`s Mandate Letter made clear that restoring a nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous peoples is a priority for our government. We are committed to renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples, a relationship based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. This renewed relationship will inevitably involve a discussion of all Indigenous rights, including the right to sovereignty.

Working in genuine partnership, we are committed to making progress on the priority areas for Indigenous communities. Budget 2016 makes historic investments with $8.4 billion over five years beginning in 2016–17, so together, we can improve the socio-economic conditions of Indigenous peoples and their communities and bring about transformational change. Our Government believes the work of reconciliation is one of the most vital challenges facing all Canadians today.

Thank you again for writing to me about this very important issue.

Yours sincerely,

Arif Virani, MP
Parkdale-High Park

Carol Hughes

Response received: Aug 15, 2016 – 7.35 a.m. (PT)

Dear Jeremy,

Thank you for your email. I apologize for my delayed response.

My NDP colleagues and I belong to a party that adheres to Canadian and International Law. Based on many historical and contemporary legal decisions, the NDP recognizes Indigenous Sovereignty on traditional territories in this continent.

We have shown our commitment to honouring Indigenous sovereignty and the agreements and obligations Canadian society has to Indigenous nations. For example, we have worked side by side with Indigenous Peoples in regards to issues like Jordan’s Principle, Shannen’s Dream, language revitalization, education, national inquiry into MMIWG2s, and child welfare. In 2009, the NDP pushed for a study of Harmonized Sales Tax especially regarding Ontario First Nations which resulted in Indigenous people keeping their tax exemption based on treaty obligations. In 2015, the NDP committed to implementing the TRC Calls to Action in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples according to their priorities. In particular Action 45, in regards to repudiation of the concepts of Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius, renewed treaty relationships based on mutual recognition and recognition and integration of Indigenous laws and traditions.

Moving forward, my NDP colleagues and I are committed to continuing to respect and uphold Indigenous Sovereignty.

Thank you again for your email.

Sincerely,

Carol Hughes, MP

Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing

Pierre-Luc Dusseault

Response received: Aug 11, 2016 – 11.45 a.m. (PT)

Dear Mr. Board,

Thank you for contacting my office regarding the issue of Indigenous Sovereignty.

The NDP is a party that adheres to Canadian Law and to International Law.

The Royal Proclamation recognized the legal sovereignty of Indigenous Nations in British law in 1763. Canada as a nation was founded on this principle; since that date, the Supreme Court of Canada has agreed with the recognition of inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples on this land.

In Canadian law sovereignty and self-determination have been defined many times. In the Haida Nationdecision of 2004, the Court determined that the government must “reconcile pre-existing Aboriginal sovereignty with assumed Crown sovereignty”. This duty is grounded in the honour of the Crown, and applies even where title has not been proven.

Recently, Senator Murray Sinclair, former Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, has affirmed that “Tsilqhot’in is the law of the land”. This Supreme Court decision clarified that rights conferred by Aboriginal title include the right to decide how the land will be used, to enjoy, occupy and possess the land, and that governments must obtain approval from the title-holder.

Based on these and many other legal decisions, the NDP recognizes Indigenous Sovereignty on traditional territories in this continent.

The NDP has shown its commitment to honouring Indigenous sovereignty and the agreements and obligations Canadian society has to Indigenous nations.

Article 3 and 4 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples affirm the right of Indigenous Peoples to exercise their right to self-determination through economic, social and cultural development and in matters related to programs and policy in their communities. The NDP respects these inherent rights and has consistently worked with Indigenous Peoples in regards to issues like Jordan’s Principle, Shannen’s Dream, language revitalization, education, national inquiry into MMIWG2S, and child welfare.

In 2009, the NDP pushed for a study of Harmonized Sales Tax especially regarding Ontario First Nations which resulted in Indigenous people keeping their tax exemption based on treaty obligations.

In 2015, the NDP committed to implementing the TRC Calls to Action in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples according to their priorities. In particular Action 45, in regards to repudiation of the concepts of Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius, renewed treaty relationships based on mutual recognition and recognition and integration of Indigenous laws and traditions.

The NDP continues this commitment and respect in the 42nd Parliament. For example,

The NDP has long believed that the Government of Canada has a duty to engage in true nation-to-nation relations with Indigenous peoples across Canada. The Assembly of First Nations, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and individual First Nations have called on the federal government to suspend approval for the Site C Dam on the Peace River. We have called on the government to suspend approval of any further permits for Site C, and to finally meet with First Nations to hear their concerns before this project goes any further.

MP Romeo Saganash has introduced his private members bill C-262, to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, responding to the TRC Calls to Action 43 and 44. The bill calls for a National Action Plan made in collaboration and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples in regards to concrete measures to achieve the goals of the Declaration. Bill C-262 also contains accountability provisions that will require the federal government report on progress made towards implementing the Declaration. Bill C-262 will also confirm the application of the UN Declaration into Canadian law.

Once again, I would like to thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding this important issue.

Regards,

Pierre-Luc Dusseault

Député de Sherbrooke | Member of Parliament for Sherbrooke

Nouveau parti démocratique | New democratic party

Tél.: (819) 564-4200/ Fax: (819) 564-3745

http://www.pldusseault.ca

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Majid Jowhari

Response received: Aug 11, 2016 – 9.32 a.m. (PT)

Majid’s response was sent as a letter in PDF format which can be viewed by clicking the link below.

Response from Majid Jowhari, MP.

Don Rusnak

Response received: Aug 10, 2016 – 9.11 a.m. (PT)

Dear Mr. Board,

Thank you for taking the time to write to me about the relationship between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples.

As has been said many times before, no relationship is more important to our government and for our country than the one with Indigenous peoples. Our government is 100 per cent committed to renewing and repairing its relationship with Indigenous peoples, a relationship based on respect and the recognition of Indigenous rights and sovereignty.

Working in genuine partnership, we are committed to making progress on the priority areas for Indigenous communities. Budget 2016 makes historic investments, with $8.4 billion over five years beginning in 2016–17, so together we can improve the socio-economic conditions of Indigenous peoples and communities and bring about long-awaited change. Every small step towards reconciliation is important.

Our Government believes the work of reconciliation is one of the most vital challenges facing all Canadians today.

Thank you again for writing.

Yours sincerely,

Don Rusnak
Member of Parliament
Thunder Bay—Rainy River

The Honourable Hunter Tootoo

Response received: Aug 08, 2016 – 12.58 p.m. (PT)

Thank you for your e-mail

Mr. Tootoo is indigenous. He is an Inuk

Hélène Laverdière

Response received: Aug 05, 2016 – 11.23 a.m. (PT)

Montreal, August 5, 2016

Jeremy Board

Settlers info project

www.indigenoussovereignty.info

Dear Mr. Board:

Thank you for your email about the recognition of Indigenous sovereignty.

As you may know, the NDP adheres to Canadian and international law. The Royal Proclamation recognized the legal sovereignty of Indigenous Nations in British law in 1763. Canada as a nation was founded on this principle; since that date, the Supreme Court of Canada has agreed with the recognition of the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples on this land. Furthermore, in Canadian law, sovereignty and self-determination have been defined many times. In the Haida Nation decision of 2004, the Court determined that the government must “reconcile pre‑existing Aboriginal sovereignty with assumed Crown sovereignty.” This duty is grounded in the honour of the Crown and applies even where title has not been proven. More recently, Senator Murray Sinclair, former Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, affirmed that “Tsilhqot’in is the law of the land.” This Supreme Court decision clarified that the rights conferred by Aboriginal title include the right to decide how the land will be used and the right to enjoy, occupy and possess the land, and it stipulated that governments must obtain approval from the title holder.

On the basis of these and many other legal decisions, the NDP recognizes Indigenous sovereignty over the traditional territories of this continent.

The NDP has shown its commitment to honouring Indigenous sovereignty and the agreements and obligations of Canadian society by respecting the inherent rights covered by Articles 3 and 4 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It has consistently worked with Indigenous Peoples on issues such as Jordan’s Principle, Shannen’s Dream, language revitalization, education, the national inquiry into MMIWG2S, and child welfare. In 2009, the NDP pushed for a study of the Harmonized Sales Tax, specifically regarding Ontario First Nations, which resulted in Indigenous Peoples keeping their tax exemption based on treaty obligations. And, in 2015, the NDP committed to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, according to their priorities. Of particular significance is Action 45, which focuses on the repudiation of the concepts of Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius, renewed treaty relationships based on mutual recognition, and the recognition and integration of Indigenous laws and traditions.

The NDP continues this commitment and respect in the 42nd Parliament by asking the Government of Canada to engage in true nation-to-nation relations with Indigenous Peoples across Canada. We have called on the government to suspend the approval of any further permits for Site C and to finally meet with First Nations to hear their concerns before this project goes any further.

My colleague, MP Romeo Saganash, introduced his private member’s bill, C-262, to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action 43 and 44. The bill calls for a National Action Plan created in collaboration and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples that sets out concrete measures to achieve the goals of the Declaration.

I can assure you that I will be supporting Bill C-262 when it is put to a vote in the House of Commons.

Yours sincerely,

Hélène Laverdière

MP for Laurier—Sainte-Marie

Gord Johns

Response received: Aug 05, 2016 – 10.48 a.m. (PT)

Hello Jeremy,

I am proud to recognize and support the sovereignty of thirteen Nuu chah nulth and Coast Salish nations which have thrived since time immemorial on the lands and waters of their chiefly territories within the riding of Courtenay-Alberni on Vancouver Island.

The NDP is a party that adheres to Canadian Law and to International Law.

The Royal Proclamation recognized the legal sovereignty of Indigenous Nations in British law in 1763. Canada as a nation was founded on this principle; since that date, the Supreme Court of Canada has agreed with the recognition of inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples on this land.

In Canadian law sovereignty and self-determination have been defined many times. In the Haida Nation decision of 2004, the Court determined that the government must “reconcile pre-existing Aboriginal sovereignty with assumed Crown sovereignty”. This duty is grounded in the honour of the Crown, and applies even where title has not been proven.